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Montgomery County
Community Action Agency
1401 Rockville Pike, 3rd Fl
Rockville, MD 20852
240-777-1697 (main)
240-777-3295 (fax)
Community Action Partner Spotlight: First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Gaithersburg
The First African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) of Gaithersburg has operated a grocery distribution program for 21 years. The program started with the Dolly Desselle Adams Missionary Society of First AME Church purchasing and distributing SHARE (Self Help and Resource Exchange) value packages to 11 families in the County. This year, the AME Church received County Council funding to purchase additional SHARE packages for 22 families. Each package includes $40-$45 worth of groceries, amounting to 4 - 6 pounds of frozen proteins and 8 to 12 pounds of fresh produce, with occasional seasonal grocery or dessert items.
Recipients purchase SHARE packages at a low cost and are required to contribute at least two hours of volunteer service each month. Several volunteers assist with the setup and distribution of groceries.
The AME Church partners with Linkages to Learning to provide groceries to at least four families per month and with Manna Food Center’s Food Recovery Program to provide fresh produce to as many families as possible. The Church also partners with the Pride of Montgomery Elks Lodge and the Washington Conference Branch Women’s Missionary Society during Thanksgiving to provide additional meals to families.
This fiscal year, the AME Church has served approximately 220 people representing 45 families.
VITA's Monthly Tax Tip: Keep Your Economic Impact Payment Notice with Other Tax Records
People who receive an Economic Impact Payment should keep Notice 1444, Your Economic Impact Payment, with their tax records. This notice provides information about the amount of the payment, how the payment was made, and how to report any payment that was not received. For security reasons, the IRS mails this notice to each recipient’s last known address within 15 days after the payment goes out. It is especially important for people to keep this notice if they think their payment amount is wrong. When they file their 2020 tax return, they can refer to Notice 1444 and claim additional credits if they are eligible for them.
Taxpayers should keep this notice with all their other important tax records, such as W-2s from employers,1099s from banks and other payers, other income documents, and virtual currency transaction records. All taxpayers should keep a copy of their past tax returns and supporting documents for at least three years. Key information from prior year returns may be required to file the following year. Life changes like employment or marital status and financial gains or losses can affect a tax refund or the amount of taxes a person may owe.
Please note that the tax filing deadline has been postponed to Wednesday, July 15, 2020. The IRS is processing tax returns, issuing refunds and accepting payments. Taxpayers who mailed a tax return will experience a longer wait. There is no need to mail a second tax return or call the IRS.
More information: Publication 5349, Year-round Tax Planning is for Everyone Economic Impact Payment FAQs
Apply to Serve on the Community Action Board!
Do you care about poverty? Are you interested in advocating for policies that will address the needs of lower-income members of our community? If so, please consider applying to serve on the Montgomery County Community Action Board (CAB). The current vacancy is in the low-income sector of the CAB. Per federal requirements, low-income representatives on the CAB must be democratically elected by a local group, such as a PTA, faith-based organization, or civic association, and must submit a letter from the head of the group stating the date of the applicant's election. Please click HERE to learn more and click HERE to apply. The application deadline is July 15.
Head Start/PreK Registration Continues
Registration for 2020-2021 School Year: Parents and guardians of children who may be eligible for MCPS Head Start/PreK may now start the registration process online HERE. Parents who do not have internet access may call 240-740-5999 for one-on-one guidance. Additional information in English and Spanish.
To be eligible for Head Start/PreK, children must be 4 years old by September 1 and families must meet income requirements. Please call 240-740-4530 for more information.
Minimum Wage Increases on July 1
The Montgomery County minimum wage will increase on July 1 to:
- $14 for large employers (51+ employees)
- $13.25 for mid-size employers (11 - 51 employees)
- $13 for small employers (10 or fewer employees)
Please visit the Office of Human Rights website to learn more.
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