On a sunny October Sunday, a large group of community members gathered outside New Hope Community Outreach Services to participate in a ribbon-cutting for their new program to address food insecurity. New Hope COS has offered fantastic community-based services since their inception by Pastor Dr. Aaron Jones in 2011, but this event marks the start of something new. Now rather than getting a premade bag of assorted food, individuals and families in need in can come to New Hope and “shop” for themselves as part of their “Choice Program.”
When you enter New Hope COS’s building, located next to New Hope Church at the corner of Old Washington Rd. and Billingsley Rd. in Waldorf, you are met by friendly volunteers and nearly any type of necessities one could need. Rows of neatly organized dry goods, such as cereal, canned and boxed food items line long shelves resembling grocery store isles. Along the right wall are massive walk-in refrigerators and freezers holding milk, juice and frozen meats. Another section of shelving holds baby food, formula, diapers, and wipes. Heading towards the back hallway, you’ll find 2 rooms full of men’s and women’s clothing and shoes, all available for those who come by to “shop” for free.
The new “Choice Program” builds on Executive Director Dr. Aaron Jones’s mission to “provide free resources with dignity.” Before cutting the ribbon, he addressed the crowd, inviting everyone to tour the facility and experience the initiative firsthand. Dr. Jones also celebrated the many community partnerships that allow this program to be possible. End Hunger Charles County, Maryland Food Bank, the Charles County branch of the NAACP, Charles County Council on Aging, Southern Maryland Diaper Bank, the New Hope Church congregation, and various other churches in Charles County, as well as our staff and Board at the Charitable Trust were all acknowledged in a heartfelt ribbon cutting ceremony that was live streamed to NHCOS’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NHCommunityOutreachServices
In addition to food and clothes shopping at New Hope Community Outreach Services, visitors toured storage rooms filled with diapers and baby items, as well as household goods such as cleaning products and paper goods – necessities for every family that some cannot afford to purchase regularly. Volunteers also showed off a computer lab and a training room where they assist citizens with services like resume writing and interview skills. Plus, outside the back door of the building, there are several well-kept garden beds growing produce that will be cultivated and then available for those visiting the site to shop.
How to access services: Please call ahead and make an appointment to shop the Choice Program or to ask questions. Also, look out for New Hope’s “Community Days” where locals can drive through to get a free bag of groceries. Call (301)843-3887 ext.802 or fill out an application for assistance at www.nhcos.org
How to Help: NHCOS accepts clothing donations (all items must be on hangers) Mon-Fri 11am-3pm. You can also make donations and learn more on their website: www.nhcos.org