Agency launches partnership with Social Services for financial literacy and GED Prep

SHORE UP!  Inc. has launched a partnership with Queen Anne’s, Wicomico, Worcester and Somerset Departments of Social Services (DSS) to aid county residents in financial literacy and GED attainment. The effort is a part of the agency’s Two Generation (2Gen) Whole Family Approach program. According to Kaleel Neal, program coordinator, 2Gen helps individuals and families to combat intergenerational poverty.

“The 2Gen program is focused on helping families to move towards achieving self-sufficiency,” says Neal. “The three priorities for achieving this sufficiency is through education and work, building family wealth through financial literacy, and supporting children’ success through early learning.”

Financial literacy, one of the three priorities, is a focus of this latest partnership. Neal says the DSS will serve as a referral source for the agency’s financial literacy classes, sending their clients to SHORE UP! Participants will be engaged in a brief overview of budgeting, including tracking income and expenses, creating a budget, understanding credit, as well as developing goals and savings. Classes are free for eligible applicants and will be held via Zoom. Eligible applicants for the financial literacy or GED course must be receiving assistance from Social Services or the Christian Shelter. All qualified applicants must meet the income guidelines at 200% of the poverty level.

Potential participants of the Financial Literacy classes may choose a morning, evening or weekend class. Classes will be held Dec. 7 to Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Dec. 7 to Dec. 10 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. or Dec. 12 and 13 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Once DSS participants who meet the agency’s income guidelines complete Financial Literacy classes, they are also eligible for other services SHORE UP! offers, like the 2Gen and GED programs.

Additionally, Financial Literacy attendees will have the opportunity to take advantage of SHORE UP!’S GED (General Educational Development) Preparation course. GED classes may take place at the home and are self-paced.

“Software provides the necessary educational supplements, as well as various assignments, to prepare individuals to take the GED test,” says Neal. “However, the test, which contains a Math, Reading and Career component, will be administered by Wor-Wic Community College or the Board of Education.”

There is also an added incentive available in Wicomico County. SHORE UP! will send its clients to the Wicomico County Job Readiness program. According to Neal, Job Readiness will help individuals with resume building, interviewing skills and other types of training that will assist them in obtaining employment.

“These are great opportunities for individuals or families who need a little assistance in acquiring the education they need to become more economically secure,” says Neal.

For specific income guidelines, additional class dates and times, contact Neal at 410-749-1142 ext. 360, or via e-mail at ktneal@shoreup.org.

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