Community Action Board Kicks-Off its Advocacy Training Program

On Oct. 12, the Community Action Board (CAB) held the orientation session for the 2017-2018 Community Advocacy Institute (formerly called the Leadership Development Institute). This year's program includes 23 participants - all Montgomery County residents who meet income guidelines and are interested in learning advocacy skills to help their communities. The program will include workshops focused on different advocacy topics; guest speakers, including elected officials; and opportunities for participants to participate in the advocacy process. 

VITA Partnering with WorkSource Mongtomery to Offer Free Workshops

CAA's VITA Program is partnering with WorkSource Montgomery to offer free workshops to program participants. Workshops will focus on financial literacy, including tax preparation. Upcoming workshops:

• Dec. 1 - Taxes for Self-Employed Filers (Wheaton)
• Dec. 4 - Taxes for Self-Employed Filers (Germantown)
• Dec. 8 - Understanding Your Taxes (Wheaton)
• Dec. 11 - Understanding Your Taxes (Germantown) 

All workshops are held 11 am - 1 pm. To register, please call 240-283-4959.

TESS Community Action Center Working with Seniors to Develop Advocacy Agenda

TESS is continuing its collaboration with the National Hispanic Council on Aging and DHHS Aging and Disability Services to learn about key issues impacting older Hispanic adults in the County and to develop an advocacy agenda. The next planning meeting is scheduled for Nov. 1, 5:30 - 7 pm, at the TESS Center. Please call 240-773-8260 to RSVP. All are welcome.

CAB Shares Priorities with County Council and DHHS Leadership

Community Action Board (CAB) Chair Pamela Luckett testified at the County Council's HHS Committee Worksession for Boards, Committees, and Commissions about CAB priorities for FY18.  Board member and Head Start Policy Council Representative Tiffany Jones also shared the Board's key priorities at the DHHS Budget Forum. CAB priorities include expanding Head Start/Pre-K, increasing the County minimum wage to $15/hour, and addressing the TESS Center's needs during Purple Line construction.

CAA Participates in Office of Community Affairs Retreat

Community Action joined colleagues from the Office of Community Affairs for a retreat at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park in Sandy Spring. The day included a special presentation about Harriet Tubman, a tour of Woodlawn Manor, a guided hike along the Underground Railroad Experience Trail, and team-building activities.

Montgomery County 
Community Action Agency
1401 Rockville Pike, 3rd Fl

Rockville, MD 20852
240-777-1697 (main)

240-777-3295 (fax)

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Community Action Partner Spotlight: Colesville Council of Community Congregations, Inc. (C-4)

Colesville Council of Community Congregations Inc. (C-4 Clothes Closet), located in the former Colesville Elementary School, has about 20 interfaith member agencies that unite to provide services for low-income County residents. Services include the Clothes Closet, Baby Closet, Holiday Toy Program and the Schools Supplies Program. The Clothes Closet and the Baby Closet operate Tuesday and Friday from 9 – 11 am. On Thursdays, the Closet is open for seniors and residents with disabilities from 9 – 11 am. The School Supplies Program is held in June and July and the Holiday Toy Program is held in December. In addition to congregations, C-4 partners with MCPS, HOC, COMPASS, Dress for Success in DC, Colesville Day Care Center, CASA Montessori School, Community for Creative Non-Violence, Boys Scouts, Shepherd’s Table and the African American Health Program.    

In 2016, the Clothes Closet served 1,107 families and the Baby Closet served 303 families. The School Supplies Program served 750 students (K-12) and the Holiday Toy Program served 778 children (ages 1-12). Also in 2016, 113 volunteers donated approximately 3,000 volunteer hours to C-4. Please click HERE to learn more.  

VITA Program Seeks Volunteers for Tax Season

Interested in connecting community members with tax preparation and other resources? Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the County with the CAA VITA Program! VITA is seeking volunteers to serve as Greeters, Tax Preparers, Interpreters, and more. Orientation sessions are scheduled for Nov. 2 and 8, at 11 am and 2 pm, in Rockville. VITA training sessions will be held Nov. 14 - Jan. 10. Please email vita@montgomerycountymd.gov or call 240-777-1123 to sign-up. Please click HERE to learn more about the VITA program.

TESS Hosts Final Senior Social for 2017

TESS recently hosted its final senior social for the year. Participants viewed a slideshow, completed a crafts project, and enjoyed some fun activities together. Senior socials will begin again on the last Friday of the month in the spring.

Community Action Participates in ECHO Workshop

On Oct. 17, Community Action Board Vice Chair Ron Jennings presented to participants at the Asian American Health Initiative's ECHO Workshop about financial planning and security for seniors. Community Action also participated in the resource session prior to the workshop, sharing information about CAA programs.

VITA Continues to Offer Free Tax Preparation Services During Off-Season

CAA VITA offers free services for amended, prior year and current year taxes. Appointments available on an as-needed basis. Please call 240-777-1123 to schedule.

Announcements:

• Nov. 1, 5:30 pm, TESS Center Planning Meeting for Seniors, 8513 Piney Branch Road, Silver Spring
• Nov. 1, 15, & 29, 1 - 2 pm, Judy Center Jump Bunch at TESS
• Nov. 2, 3 - 7 pm, East County Job Fair, 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring 
• Nov. 2 & 8, 11 am - 2 pm, VITA Volunteer Orientation, 1401 Rockville Pike
• Tuesdays through Nov. 21, 6:30 - 8:30 pm, English Language Classes at TESS
• Nov. 28, 7 pm, CAB Meeting, 1401 Rockville Pike