Special Programs

Special Programs

Representative Payee
A representative payee helps people manage their money. This program matches volunteers skilled in budgeting with people who are unstable financially due to their limited knowledge or abilities. The goal is, wherever possible, to teach the individuals to manage their money on their own.

The client's income is deposited into his or her own checking account in the Little Sisters' name. The payee uses these checks to pay the client's bills. The Little Sisters sign every check and receive the bank statements.

Payees visit their clients often to ensure their well-being. In most cases, the payee informally assumes the role of advocate for the client, interfacing with business and professional people for them. Almost 20 clients now receive direct one-on-one help with managing their finances. This program helps to keep people from falling into crisis situations.

Good Neighbor
Good Neighbor volunteers help people who are homebound. Many of the homebound receive help with bathing and performing exercises prescribed by the doctor. For others, the volunteers do household tasks or errands outside the home, such as getting prescriptions and supplies.

Village of Hope
1001 Lake St. Salisbury, Maryland
The Village of Hope provides shelter and life training for homeless women and their children. The original name of the facility was Joseph House Village. It was renamed the Village of Hope in April, 2000. The new name helps to distinguish it from the Joseph House Center.

The Little Sisters of Jesus and Mary established the Village in 1991. Its demanding mission required the Village to pursue its own fund raising and apply for government grants.

The Little Sisters allowed the Village to become autonomous so that it could benefit from state money and participation in United Way, neither of which are used by Joseph House itself. The Sisters still serve on the Board of Directors of the Village.

Residing in the Village allows women to learn parenting and family relation skills while they strengthen their employment skills and self-esteem. The Village can house up to 14 small family units at a time, and provides them with day care, laundry, and clinic facilities. Through the staff's coaching and guidance, women learn to avoid damaging relationships and manage well on their own.

For more information, please call the Village at 410-860-5981.

A dental clinic for children opened at the Village in 2005. The clinic is sponsored by the Wicomico County Department of Health.

A framed picture in the waiting room honors the memory of Sr. Mary Elizabeth Gintling.