E-Newsletter: December 2024

Montgomery County
Community Action Agency

Remembering Terence Hill

From the Family of Terence Hill

Terence Hill, affectionately known as Terry, was a shining star in our family. Even as a child, he was energetic, caring, and loved his family. He didn't speak love, he showed love. He had some mountains to climb and some of them were rough, but he never gave up and he reached the top with honor and grace. Our hearts are heavy, but we take comfort in knowing that he is in heaven probably doing the same thing advocating for everyone who crosses his path. Thank you for all of the kind words, pictures, and memories you have shared with his family. He will truly be missed.  The above message was provided by Taunya Johnson, Terence’s cousin, and VITA Program Specialist at the Community Action Agency.

Updates from the Community Action Board

New Community Action Board (CAB) members Beverly Coleman and Kemmesha Thomas participated in a board orientation session on December 4^th at the Community Action Agency’s Rockville office. The session, led by CAB Chair Dr. Jeffery Johnson, CAB Vice Chair Claudia Simmons, Community Action Agency Executive Director Shantá Johnson, and Program Manager Leah Goldfine, provided an introduction to the agency and board, and an overview of the key responsibilities of Community Action Board members. Pictured left to right in the above photo: Claudia Simmons, Kemmesha Thomas, Beverly Coleman, Dr. Jeffery Johnson, and Shantá Johnson.

On December 7^th, the Community Action Board hosted the second Community Advocacy Institute (CAI) workshop, Exploring the Issues. The workshop, led by former CAB member Lisette Orellana Engel, included presentations from five issue experts: Dr. Sonya Bruton, CCI Health Services (Cost of healthcare/access to healthcare); Valarie Davis, Black Coalition for Excellence in Education (Equity in Education/the Opportunity Gap); Ama Frimpong-Houser, CASA (Immigration legal issues); Jennifer Grinnell, EveryMind (mental health); and Matt Losak, Renters Alliance (Affordable housing). These topics were selected by the participants at their orientation session. The workshop also featured a presentation about leading a successful advocacy campaign by Melissa Rock from the Maryland Family Network and small group discussions led by CAI Ambassadors.

CAI Alumnus Inducted to Human Rights Hall of Fame

The Community Action Board congratulates Sherlene Lucas, a 2022 Community Advocacy Institute (CAI) graduate and 2024 CAI Ambassador, who was inducted to the Montgomery County Human Rights Hall of Fame on December 15th! Sherlene is a committed community advocate who volunteers her time with numerous groups, including as the state chair for the NAACP and as past chair of Women in the NAACP. Sherlene is also active member of several NAACP committees, including ACT-SO and the Youth Committee. Sherlene has dedicated her time to supporting community organizations like Gap Busters, Black Women of Distinction, and the Lincoln Park Historical Foundation. 

Pictured above, left to right: Director of the Office of Human Rights Jim Stowe; Maryland Delegate Greg Wims; Montgomery County Council President Kate Stewart; Human Rights Hall of Fame Inductee Sherlene Lucas; and County Executive Marc Elrich.

Coming Soon! VITA Appointments for Tax Year 2024

On January 6th, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will begin booking appointments to file 2024 income tax returns, beginning January 21, 2025. Check the CASHBACK website for updates. Appointments will be held in four locations across Montgomery County: Gaithersburg, Rockville, Wheaton, and eastern Silver Spring. The VITA program serves Montgomery County residents with a combined household income of $67,000 or less.

Seeking Coats for Head Start, Pre-Kindergarten Students

The Pre-kindergarten and Head Start Programs are requesting donations of new coats for students in need. Hats, gloves and boots for young children are also welcome. Donations for boys’ and girls’ coats in sizes 5, 6, 7 and 8 are most needed. Items can be dropped off at Rocking Horse Road Center, 4910 Macon Road, Room 141, Rockville, Md., 20852. You may drop off items in person from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday, or you can order online and have items delivered directly to Rocking Horse Road Center.

For questions, contact Lisa Conlon at Lisa_W_Conlon@mcpsmd.org or 240-550-2615.

Head Start: Registration Continues for School Year 2024 - 2025

For children who turned four (4) years old on or before September 1, 2024, in low-income families who qualify, registration continues for free pre-kindergarten and Head Start programs in the public schools. Go to www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org and search “Head Start” for more details. There are some spaces still available for this year! Fliers in English and Spanish direct parents and guardians to one link if they are new to MCPS, and another if they already have a child attending MCPS. Applications are accepted online via https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org and in-person at Rocking Horse Road Center, 4910 Macon Road, Rockville, Maryland, 20852, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The office phone number is 240-740-4530.  List of the documents needed to complete a Head Start application Do you have questions about Head Start? Check out the Common Questions online.

Monitoring Visits to Community Action Partners; OGM Updates

Community Action’s contract and grants team has begun this season's program and monitoring visits. The visits are opportunities to see County-supported programs in action, meet our partners face-to-face or online, address each other’s questions to ensure compliance with contracts and grants, and share resources.

The Office of Grants Management hosted its first Monthly Forum on December 5^th. Included in the forum were updates on a new grant application platform and its capabilities, plans for the new calendar year, the advantages of targeted grants vs. open grants, announcements of forthcoming programs (grant “forecasts”), time for questions and answers, and how to subscribe to the OGM newsletter. The above link provides access to the recorded forum. The slide deck will be posted on the OGM homepage. The OGM plans to hold future online forums each month.

From the Office of Consumer Protection: Package Tracking Scam Alert

From the 12/10/2024 press release from the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection.  How the Scam Works: Victims receive a text message that appears to be from USPS or another mail carrier. The message might claim there is an issue with a package and include a link to “resolve” the problem. These links direct users to fraudulent websites designed to trick recipients into providing sensitive details. Scammers often impersonate trusted organizations to exploit consumer trust and create a deceptive sense of urgency. How to Protect Yourself: OCP recommends the following steps to avoid falling victim to "smishing" scams: Avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages. If you receive a message about a delivery, verify the issue directly with the shipping company’s official website or customer service. Be cautious with personal information. Legitimate companies will never ask for personal or financial information via text or email. Check your order status independently. If you think the message might relate to something you ordered, visit the retailer’s website directly to check your order and delivery status. Report and delete. Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM) to alert your carrier. Notify the shipping company about the fraudulent message and delete the text from your phone. For photos of example "smishing" texts and more information, please read the full press release.

Updates from TESS: Toy Donations & Outreach

The Takoma-East Silver Spring (TESS) Community Action Center extends hearty thanks to the Sligo Park Hills Community and the Episcopal Church of the Ascension, whose members generously donated toys to low-income families receiving services at TESS.

As the TESS Center continues to be repaired from a neighboring business’s fire in the Fall, TESS staff picked up the donations from the donors and distributed them from Community Action’s Rockville office. Nearly 30 low-income families living in the Long Branch area of Silver Spring and Takoma Park, most with two or three children, received toys, games, Legos, science, arts & crafts sets, books, and more! 

Donors also provided new or gently used, clothing and baby items such as strollers, and portable play pens. 

Above, a family member served by the Whole Family/2-Gen program at TESS chooses from among donated toys and clothing. 

Seniors served by TESS have received donated gifts such as gloves, hats, socks, and scarves. The seniors also received holiday cards from TESS staff. Many thanks again to the “Good Samaritans” in the Long Branch community who continue to support low-income neighbors with holiday gifts. On Sunday, December 8th, TESS staff joined in the County Executive and County Council's Community Resource Fair at the Executive Office Building in Rockville.

According to Maureen Larenas, TESS Manager, "There were a lot of providers, and we were happy to see some of our dear partner colleagues." Above, Maureen is pictured with Maria Quiroga of TESS. 

At left, Kameka Henry and Debbie Craven of the Montgomery County Maryland Bar Foundation's Pro Bono program. Debbie is the Program Coordinator and Kameka serves as an interpreter.  Manna Food Center was represented by Agar Mbianda, Community Engagement Manager, who is pictured below.

Many thanks to all the community partners who participated in the Community Resource Fair!

Community Action Colleagues Share Gratitude

On December 11th, Community Action gathered in our Rockville office to share gratitude for our collaboration as a team. Handmade pins generously created by Monica Goldberg, Program Manager for the Navigation team, were available for colleagues to choose to bestow to a co-worker. We also enjoyed a wonderful potluck--featuring several types of cupcakes.

From all of us at Community Action, we wish you safe and happy holidays this season, and peace throughout 2025!

Montgomery County 
Community Action Agency
1401 Rockville Pike, 3rd Floor
Rockville, MD 20852
Phone: 240-777-1697

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Community Action Staff Working Remotely 12/23 - 12/31

Community Action Agency staff will be working remotely from December 23 - December 31.

The office will be closed on the federal holidays, December 25 and January 1. 

If you have questions for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, please call 240-777-1123 or visit https://montgomerycountymd.gov/CASHBACK/.

For all other questions, please call 240-777-1697.

VITA's Monthly Tax Tip: Required Minimum Retirement Distributions

The following is an excerpt from IR-2024-309, 12/13/2024.

The Internal Revenue Service reminds those aged 73 and older of the deadline to take required minimum distributions from individual retirement arrangements (IRAs) and other retirement plans, and highlighted updates introduced by the SECURE 2.0 Act.

Required minimum distributions (RMDs) are amounts that many retirement plan and IRA account owners must withdraw annually. These withdrawals are considered taxable income and may incur penalties if not taken on time. The IRS.gov retirement plan and IRA required minimum distributions FAQs webpage provides detailed information regarding the new provisions in the law.

For information on the types of retirement plans that require RMDs, the penalties for missed distributions, how RMDs are calculated, responsibilities for inherited IRAs, and links to forms, please read the full press release: IR-2024-309.

Green Tips: Food Scraps Recycling; Be Salt-Wise 

The following is an excerpt from the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection press release on 11/21/2024.

Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has launched its Food Scraps Recycling Drop-Offs program at three farmers markets throughout the County. The program gives residents the opportunity to recycle their food scraps through composting.

Food scraps that can be recycled at a drop-off location: bread and grains; coffee grounds and tea leaves (remove filters); cooked food; cheese and yogurt; eggshells; fruit and vegetable scraps; meat, fish, and bones. Check out a handy graphic of food scraps recycling tips. 

“Recycling food scraps is a simple step we can all take to reduce waste and make a positive impact on the environment,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. 

Food scraps can be dropped off year-round at these three farmers markets:

• Bethesda Central Farmers Market. 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sundays.  7600 Arlington Road, Bethesda. 
• Downtown Silver Spring Market. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. 1 Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring. 
• Olney Farmers and Artists Market. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays. Maryland Route 108 and Prince Phillip Drive, Olney. 

Visit the website to learn more about food scraps recycling in Montgomery County.

Be Salt-Wise!

As winter weather approaches, remember: A little road salt goes a long way to clear sidewalks. Read about the hazards of salt to infrastructure, animals, streams, and more.

Montgomery County Climate News. 

Meet Community Action Agency Staff

This month, we're thrilled to introduce Maureen Larenas-Rivas.

What is your role in the Community Action Agency, and how long have you worked here? 

I have worked at the Takoma-East Silver Spring (TESS) Community Action Center for 35 years. I started as a volunteer, then as a contractor with the Housing Opportunities Commission, going door-to-door trying to convince people who lived in overcrowded low-income apartments in the Long Branch area—especially Quebec Terrace apartments—to sign up for the Section 8 voucher program. You couldn’t give the vouchers away back then—people were wary. Now there is a waitlist of many years.

When I was in college, I became a Community Services Aide III stationed at different Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) sites, primarily at 8818 Georgia Ave. Back then, there weren’t a lot of staff who spoke Spanish, and staff would accompany and interpret for clients in the schools, courts, and medical offices. TESS was one of the sites that had direct walk-in services: a one-stop shop/”no wrong door” practice. As the community changed, our staff changed, but the problems people face are the same. At one time we had Vietnamese-speaking staff, and now we have Amharic-speaking staff.

In 2006, I became the TESS Center manager and staff was significantly reduced. I was able to make changes, enhance our service model and continue to serve the community in a smooth and equitable manner.

What do you like most about your job? 

I have the opportunity to make connections, always learning and shifting with the changes. Working with people, learning from them, their cultures, hearing their stories, and supporting them to hopefully be a part of their success. I enjoy challenges to be a better me and to have the opportunity to pass on my knowledge. I have had the privilege of working with and meeting many wonderful people who share my interest in helping support the community and County Government. 

In the community, where is your favorite place to be? 

Outside, with nature. My getaway is Brookside Gardens, where I can re-energize. They offer terrific classes and events. It’s beautiful anytime of the year and accessible.

Resources:

NEW:  For non-emergencies, Montgomery County has a new hate bias incident reporting tool. Alternatively, incidents can be reported through 311 for local phone numbers, or 240-777-0311.

NEW: Safe and Smart Holiday shopping—a podcast from the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection.

REMINDER: Sign Up for Montgomery County's Winter Weather Alerts: For the latest winter weather and travel warnings and notifications, subscribe to the County’s emergency notification system, Alert Montgomery. Alerts can be sent to one or more electronic devices, including cell phones and email accounts. In addition to weather alerts, subscribers can register to receive alerts about closures and other important notifications. The free service is available to anyone who lives or works in the County. 

Residents can also visit MCDOT’s Snow Portal for county road snow plowing status, missed street reporting and other weather-related information. 

Help Is Within Reach:

For a mental health crisis and listening support, call 988.

The Montgomery County Crisis Center is available for call in, walk in, mobile outreach, community referrals, and substance use assessment and referrals (240-777-4000).

311 provides weekday assistance, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., for health and human services, housing, transportation, and food assistance (311 for local numbers, or 240-777-0311).

For medical emergencies, fires, reporting crimes, disaster response, and life-saving situations, call 911.         

Office of Community Affairs, Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services:

Past editions of Community Action’s monthly e-newsletter.

African American Health Program

Asian American Health Initiative

Latino Health Initiative

Resource Directories:

Get Help page, Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center, Montgomery County, MD. 

WorkSource Montgomery’s Community Assets Map.

Health:

The DHHS Mobile Health Clinic provides integrated medical, dental, behavioral health, and human services to underserved and vulnerable populations and communities. Residents of Montgomery County, with and without health insurance, are eligible for services.

The Maryland Office of the Attorney General's Hate Crimes Hotline: 1-866-481-8361 and online reporting tool: https://nohomeforhate.md.gov/. Active incidents should be immediately reported to 911.

Mental health support resources, from the National Council for Mental Health Well-Being.

Access HEARS, Inc. distributes free over-the-counter hearing aids for County residents who are ages 60 (+) and have moderate to severe hearing loss and incomes below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. Find out more about how to access free hearing aids.

DHHS testing for sexually transmitted infections in Silver Spring and Germantown.

HHS Maternal and Infant Health.

Pregnant women who meet the other Medicaid enrollment requirements except for citizenship may be eligible for full Medicaid coverage, including those who are undocumented or on visas. Contact the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. 

Never Use Alone 877-696-1996, Overdose Prevention Lifeline. Overdose prevention, detection, life-saving crisis response and medical intervention services for people who use drugs while alone. Peer operators are available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. No stigma. No judgment. Just love! https://neverusealone.com/

Housing – Repairs, eviction prevention, evictions:

For low-income households, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has home repair loans that can assist with paying for radon abatement and other repairs.

Rebuilding Together Montgomery County – repairs, aging in place modifications to homes. 

Landlord-Tenant Affairs, Department of Housing and Community Affairs.

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Evictions office: 240-777-7130 

Montgomery County Renters Alliance – advocacy, education on tenants’ rights.

Limit on rent increases in Montgomery County. The above link includes how far back the 2024 law applies to rent increases, and which properties are exempt.

Safety and Emergency Preparedness:

Sign up for Alert Montgomery notifications about emergencies in Montgomery County. Alerts can be sent via text, email, or voice message. Use above link or below QR code.

Four steps for Emergency Preparedness: 1) Stay informed. 2) Make a plan. 3) Make a kit. 4) Get involved. Check out the OEMHS website for emergency preparation guides, including special considerations for people with access and functional needs.

Montgomery County flooding website:  Information on frequently flooded roads, steps residents can take to prepare for potential flooding, and the availability of Flood Insurance. The Maryland Insurance Administration also has a flood insurance information page.

The Montgomery County Family Justice Center helps people in domestic violence, child abuse, and elder abuse situations.

Montgomery County Family Violence Awareness and Prevention 

The Montgomery County Crisis Center specializes in serving people with behavioral health (mental health) crises. 

Food and Household items:

Montgomery County Food Council: Food Assistance Resource Map.

How to protect SNAP benefits from fraud: Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Fraud - Maryland Department of Human Services

Food assistance resources and programs (information available in English, Spanish, Amharic, French, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean).

Greater DC Area Diaper Bank : The Nursery Project provides strollers, car seats, and a cloth diaper service.

Diaper distribution at Montgomery County hubs and other partners.

WSSC has several programs to assist customers. All linked fliers are in bothEnglish and Spanish: QR codes to all WSSC assistance programs; Customer Assistance Program for water bill assistance; and a loan program for help with water or sewer pipe repairs or replacement.

Financial empowerment:

CASHBACK– VITA Services, tax credit information, and financial education resources.

The Montgomery County Commission for Women holds seminars on financial planning, intimate partner violence, separation and divorce, addresses human trafficking, and more.

Affordable Connectivity Program – Approx. $30/month on Internet connections. Click on the fliers in English and Spanish or call 301-908-4510 or toll-free 1-866-206-8467.

My Green Montgomery: How to lower your energy costs and much more! 

Office of Home Energy Programs: Utilities assistance.

Gaithersburg Financial Empowerment Center: http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/fec. Phone: 240-454-5199. 

WorkSource Montgomery service locations in Wheaton and Germantown.

Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection – A – Z Consumer Advice.

Ban the Box, or the Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Law, assists in the successful reintegration of people with criminal records into the workforce by removing barriers to employment and housing. Find out more from the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights.

Protecting Immigrant Families: Immigrant eligibility for public programs.

Unemployment Insurance.

The Community Action Agency is part of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Affairs.