What We Do: Client Services
Using in-kind donations and our vast of network of volunteers, we leverage our resources to provide the following services.
On-site Services
In our drop-in center on Woodmont Avenue, we provide eviction prevention, an outreach social worker and a job-search center. Available for use by our clients are computers for resume writing and one-on-one job search training, a fax machine, telephone, and photocopy machine. We serve as a mailing address for our clients to receive mail. Our drop-in center is the hub of Bethesda Cares activities.
Barbara, the eviction prevention counselor
Eviction Prevention
One of our highest priorities is keeping people from becoming homeless in the first place. In cooperation with Montgomery County agencies and as part of the county's emergency assistance coalition, we offer eviction prevention grants and assistance with utilities to those who are on the verge of homelessness.
Call our office at 301-907-9244.
Outreach Social Worker
Meeting
Our outreach social worker offers counseling, referrals, information, stabilization, and immediate remedial services.
We provide counseling and referrals, five days a week.
Coordinated Services
Through our network, we coordinate with local churches and other community groups to provide lunch six days a week, dinner every Sunday, clothing with donated apparel, Medical Care and assistance with prescriptions, and showers plus toiletries, clean socks, and underwear.
Meal Program
Blake, the Lunch Program coordinator,
with Sue,
the Executive Director of Bethesda Cares, Inc.
Lunch is provided at three area churches: Bethesda First Baptist Church (1-15th), Christ Lutheran Church (16th-end of month) and Bethesda Presbyterian Church for Saturday Lunches.
Dinner is provided every Sunday evening at Our Lady of Lourdes Church.
Our lunch program and dinner program is powered completely by the coordination of volunteers and donated food. Every day, people work together to cook healthy meals. If you are interested in volunteering for the food program, call 301.907.9244.
The Clothing Center
The Clothing Center
New clothing is a necessity that can easily be overlooked. We provide a Clothing Center at St. John's Episcopal Church, 6701 Wisconsin Avenue. Clients can select clothes after obtaining a voucher from the Bethesda Cares Drop-in Center.
If you would like to donate clothing to the Clothing Center, please call 301.907.9244.
Medical Care and assistance with prescriptions
Doctors ready to provide treatment
The Mobile Medical Van visits the lunch program each Monday. Volunteer doctors and nurses provide routine examinations and treatment for those who need medical attention. Bethesda Cares provides limited assistance with prescriptions.