E-Newsletter: May 2025

Montgomery County
Community Action Agency

Register for the Saturday, June 7, Head Start Party in the Park!

The Head Start program and the Fatherhood Initiative of the Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) are collaborating once again to host the Party in the Park at Wheaton Regional Park, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 7.

Register for Head Start and Prekindergarten on site. Head Start and pre-kindergarten program information. 

In addition to the wealth of partners with information and family activities as noted in the fliers, also on-site will be the WorkSource Montgomery mobile jobs center and HOC's human resources department. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services will also be offering recruitment activities. Please share this information with job seekers!

Party in the Park registration link use the QR code in the fliers.

Head Start: Free Pre-kindergarten for Low-income Families Who Qualify

Registration is open for Prekindergarten/Head Start in the 2025 - 2026 school year for children who will be four (4) years old on or before September 1, 2025, in low-income families who qualify. Free pre-kindergarten and Head Start programs are held in Montgomery County Public Schools. 

Go to www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org and search “Head Start” for more details. 

Fliers direct families to one link if they are new to MCPS, and another if they already have a child attending MCPS. Fliers in English, Spanish, French, Amharic, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, and Vietnamese are posted on: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/OCA/CommunityAction/HeadStart.html.

Applications are accepted:

• Online via www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org
• 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.

Board Celebrates the Largest Class of the Community Advocacy Institute

The Community Action Board celebrated the graduation of 27 residents from its Community Advocacy Institute (CAI) on May 20th. This year’s class marks the largest cohort in the program’s nine-year history. Since its launch in 2016, 167 community members have completed the program.

The CAI is a free, eight-month, bilingual (English and Spanish) advocacy training program for Montgomery County residents with low to moderate incomes. Participants engage in workshops focused on storytelling, working with elected officials, public speaking and key policy issues impacting the community. The program is facilitated by the Community Action Board and supported by volunteers, including CAI graduates and former Board members.

The ceremony included remarks from Community Action Board  (CAB) leaders, Community Action Agency Executive Director Shantá Johnson, County Councilmember Gabe Albornoz, Joanna Bernhardt from Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles’s office, and Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Director Dr. James Bridgers. Pictured above right is CAI volunteer and former CAB member Mary Bennett with CAI graduate Brittney Davis.

Each graduate submitted a personal reflection, which was included in the graduation program and incorporated into a slideshow presented at the event. Graduate Alisha Small shared, “Participating in the CAI has been a transformative experience that deepened my understanding of policy, community engagement and using my voice for change.”

Above, CAB member Lisa Conlon congratulates CAI graduate Linda Flores.

This year’s graduation also included a special recognition of Dr. Jeffery Johnson, the Chair of the Community Action Board. Pictured above, Executive Director Shantá Johnson thanked Dr. Johnson for serving as Chair for the last three years, his advocacy on behalf of the Board, and his ongoing commitment to Community Action. Dr. Johnson was presented with a special certificate from the Agency, highlighting his service and leadership.

The CAI program runs from October through May. Recruitment for the 2025-2026 program will begin in July, with information and the application posted on the Community Action Board’s website.

Celebrating Volunteers During Community Action Month

On May 12^th, the Community Action Agency celebrated volunteers from the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, Takoma-East Silver Spring (TESS) Community Action Center, Community Action Board, and Community Advocacy Institute. This special event, held at the Silver Spring Civic Building, highlighted the support that the agency’s numerous volunteers provide, allowing all of our programs to thrive. 

The celebration included remarks from Executive Director Shantá Johnson, VITA Program Specialist Taunya Johnson, Community Action Board Chair Dr. Jeffery Johnson, and TESS Manager Maureen Larenas. Pictured above,  Community Action staff welcomed and registered participants. Standing, left to right, are Trica Young and Aizat Oladapo. Seated, left to right, are Monica Goldberg, Taunya Johnson, Maureen Larenas, and Melissa Ferguson.

TESS Seniors' Social Features Partnerships

The Takoma-East Silver Spring (TESS) Community Action Center welcomed two partners to assist in serving seniors at this month's coffee chat. On May 16, IMPACT Silver Spring partnered with TESS to engage Long Branch neighborhood seniors in a “Senior Social.” IMPACT Silver Spring is a long-term partner with Community Action in grassroots community organizing. 

The May 16 “meet and greet” style event allowed seniors to get re-acquainted with the staff and TESS Community Action Center. Walk-in hours were 9 - 11 a.m. IMPACT Silver Spring provided coffee and TESS provided a light snack. In this casual setting, seniors learned about TESS services and follow-up appointments for services were scheduled as needed.  

TESS staff also surveyed seniors, asking questions and documenting responses for TESS program reports and future program planning. As requested, seniors were provided assistance with documenting their responses on a white board or on paper. Survey information will assist TESS staff and volunteers in tailoring the Senior Social events to Long Branch area seniors' needs, such as specific information, events, or types of guest speakers seniors are seeking.

Grace Helping Hands, founded by Manuella King (pictured at right), provided free toiletry items for seniors who attended the event and other TESS clients in need. Grace Helping Hands is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of people who are unhoused,  women, and children by providing essential hygiene products. According to their website, Grace Helping Hands is dedicated to promoting health, dignity, and overall well-being through compassion and support. Many thanks to Manuella for the toiletry items for TESS clients and supporting the Community Action Agency's ongoing outreach through the Navigation team! The TESS Community Action Center serves Montgomery County residents from 8703 Flower Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20901, in the Long Branch area of Silver Spring and Takoma Park. On-site services include: Walk-in Pro Bono Legal Advice Clinic by the Montgomery County Maryland Bar Foundation on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, registration 6 - 6:30 p.m. Standby Guardianship services. Call TESS, 240-773-8260, for an appointment or visit www.standbyguardian.org Standby Guardianship allows parents and guardians to designate a temporary guardian for their children in emergency situations. This designation allows for children to stay with someone they know and trust in the interim until a formal court hearing can be held.  For more information on TESS services and hours, please see this flier.

Free Tax Help Available During the Post-Tax Season

The Agency’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program will offer free tax help June 24 – October 29, 2025 for prior year, amended, and current year state and federal returns. Appointments for County residents with household incomes of $67,000 or less will be available in-person on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 320, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Virtual appointments will be available on Thursdays from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Appointment scheduling will begin on June 2^nd online or by calling 240-777-1123. Please check the CASHBACK website for the latest information.

Tax Tip: Payment Plans

The following is an excerpt from: https://www.irs.gov/payments/simple-payment-plans-for-individual-taxpayers.   The IRS Simple Payment Plans are offered online, or when working with an IRS employee, and is available for individuals. More than 90% of individual taxpayers with a balance due will qualify for a Simple Payment Plan. If you qualify, no collection information statement or lien determination is required.  How to qualify: If you owe the IRS no more than $50,000 in assessed taxes, penalties, and interest, and are up-to-date on filing your tax returns. If you do not qualify for a Simple Payment Plan, see Tax Topic 202 for other payment plan options. How to pay: The most convenient and least expensive way to pay is to set up automatic monthly payments from your bank account. This direct debit process offers: A reduced user fee to set up the plan No need for checks, envelopes or stamps No trips to the post office Other options include scheduling monthly payments in your online account, or paying one payment at a time through IRS Direct Pay. Payment period: Most taxpayers have up to 10 years to pay off their balance, but the longer you stretch out the payments, the more interest and penalties you will owe. Pay as much as you can, as fast as you can, to reduce your costs. How to arrange a payment plan: With an IRS Online Account, you can apply for a Simple Payment Plan and set up a direct debit or other payment methods, without needing to call, mail, or visit the IRS. If you owe a tax debt and can't pay all or part of it, the IRS can help. You have options to resolve your tax bill. Can you pay your balance now? Pay in full.

Community Action Staff Retreat

When the County's Fiscal Year 2026 begins on July 1, it will bring new opportunities for Community Action to establish economic justice and stability as a public health priority, one of the pillars of the Department of Health and Human Services Strategic Plan for FY2026 - FY2028. On May 28th, many Community Action staff members gathered to celebrate Community Action Month, refresh, and reset for the new year. Above are snapshots from the event.

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

• Website
• Facebook
• Contact 

AAHP Community Day, Saturday, May 31

Montgomery County’s African American Health Program (AAHP), in partnership with local organizations and sponsors, will host its 11th Annual AAHP Community Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, at the Bioscience Education Center of the Montgomery College—Germantown Campus, located at 20200 Observation Dr. in Germantown.

Themed “Take Control of Your Health and Wellness–Prioritize You and Be Empowered,” this free, family-friendly event will address chronic illnesses that disproportionately affect African American communities. Open to all Montgomery County residents, it will offer vital health screenings, educational workshops, youth-focused activities, a health and employment resource fair and access to mental health and wellness resources in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month.

Advance registration is required for all attendees, including children and youth. To register, visit the AAHP Community Day 2025 website or go directly to the Eventbrite website.

A pre-event walk begins at 8 a.m. in collaboration with GirlTREK, a national movement focused on healing intergenerational trauma, combating systemic racism and transforming Black lives through walking and community building.

“The African American Health Program Community Day allows us to address health disparities by bringing services directly to the people who need them,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Events like this help connect residents to screenings, mental health resources and trusted information, in a space that’s welcoming and built for the community. I appreciate the African American Health Program and all the partners who make this possible. Their work reflects our shared commitment to health equity and to making sure every resident has the opportunity to live a healthier life.”

Event highlights will include:

• Health and wellness exhibits
• Free health screenings
• Mobile blood drive
• Cooking demonstrations
• Live DJ, giveaways and line dancing jam
• Youth zone with interactive programming for ages 5–17
• LIVING WELL Lounge—a dedicated space for mental health wellness
• Workforce development and employment support services
• Complimentary food and beverages

Free on-site parking will be available. The venue is also accessible via bus and Metro rail (Red Line, Shady Grove Station). Visit the Montgomery College website for driving directions, public transportation and parking information.

AAHP is committed to eliminating health disparities and improving the quality of life for African American residents of Montgomery County through health education, advocacy and free access to health care services. Events hosted by AAHP are inclusive and open to the public. For more information, visit the AAHP Community website or call 240-777-1833.

AAHP is a program of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services.

Full press release.

Green Tip: How to Be a Stream Steward!

Here in Montgomery County, our streams and rivers feed into the Chesapeake Bay, an intricate waterway that provides transit for shipping; sustains diverse fish, seafood, and waterfowl; and provides recreation opportunities for locals and travelers from near and far. 

How we care for our streams directly impacts the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. There are many ways to get involved in local stream clean-up and sustainable maintenance, including Student Service Learning opportunities. From the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection, learn how to organize a stream clean-up and about other stewardship programs: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DEP/water/volunteer.html. 

For more tips on how to live more sustainably, check out My Green Montgomery. 

Staff Profile: Aizat Oladapo

Question: What is your role in the Community Action Agency (CAA), and how long have you worked here?

Answer: For 19 years, I have been the Program Manager for contracts and grants the Community Action Agency monitors.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Two things: The colleagues I work with—they make it worthwhile; and second, the opportunities to grow, learn, share, coach, and improve on an on-going basis. As Board secretary of the Montgomery Council Food Council from 2019 – 2021, I was exposed to the different aspects of a robust Food System. Participating in the Leadership Montgomery’s Diversity and Equity eight-month training opened doors to be on the Food Council’s Diversity and Equity committee, which led to conversations on racial disparities within food systems.

Being part of the CAA has provided me with the opportunity for travel to annual national and local conferences to learn and meet with others that do Community Action’s work: Helping others help themselves. In 2019, The National Community Action Partnership’s Pathway to Excellence program gave me the opportunity to visit New Orleans and evaluate our CAA’s leadership and customer service standards. This seven-month training and evaluation commitment could not have been possible without the collective support of CAA staff and Board colleagues. Likewise, training in Results-Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) to become a ROMA implementer enhanced my knowledge for measuring impact and the critical need for outcome measures to grow and sustain programs and agencies. The annual Community Services Block Grant reports are joint efforts with colleagues.

As Program Manager, I’ve learnt resourcefulness, adaptability and how to advocate for myself and the agency. With these strengths I lead by example and empower others.

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

A: Any group setting that helps others (agencies or/and individuals) reach their full potential, including fundraisers, resource fairs, and mentoring and coaching different communities.

Resources

NEW: On May 30th, Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will launch its new mobile app, providing convenient, on-the-go access to a broad range of library resources and services for residents of all ages. The app can be downloaded on the Apple and Google Play podcast platforms.

REMINDER: Resources for federal workers and United in Service and Support Online Informational Series.

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 website, Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center, Montgomery County, MD.

WorkSource Montgomery’s Community Assets Map.

Help Is Within Reach:
For a mental health crisis and listening support, call 988.

The Montgomery County Crisis Center: Call in, walk in, mobile outreach, community referrals, and substance use assessment and referrals (240-777-4000).

311: Weekday assistance, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., for health and human services, housing, transportation, and food assistance. Dial 311 from local phone numbers, or 240-777-0311.

Medical emergencies, fires, reporting crimes, disaster response, and life-saving situations: Call 911.

For non-emergencies, Montgomery County has a hate bias incident reporting tool. Or incidents can be called to 311 from local phone numbers, or 240-777-0311.

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

Health:

DHHS Mobile Health Clinic: 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.

Access HEARS, Inc.  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. 

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

Pregnant women who meet the other Medicaid enrollment requirements except for citizenship may be eligible for full Medicaid coverage. Contact the Healthy Babies: Pregnancy and Postpartum Care program of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Never Use Alone, Overdose Prevention Lifeline: 877-696-1996. Peer operators are available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. https://neverusealone.com/

Housing – Repairs, eviction prevention, evictions:

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development  home repair loans for assistance with paying for radon abatement and other repairs.

Rebuilding Together Montgomery County: Repairs and modifications to homes for aging in place.

Landlord-Tenant Affairs - Evictions information from the 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.

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.

Standby Guardianship: https://www.peoples-law.org/standby-guardianship. Children’s guardianship protection, in case a parent/guardian is unable to care for their children.

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

Montgomery County Family Violence Awareness and Prevention.

Food and Household items:

Department of Health and Human Services Food Resources website (available in English, Spanish, Amharic, French, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean).

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

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

Diaper distribution at Montgomery County hubs and other partners.

Financial empowerment:

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

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

WorkSource Montgomery locations in Wheaton, Germantown, and a Mobile Jobs Center.

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

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

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

Office of Home Energy Programs: Utilities assistance.

WSSC fliers in English and Spanish: Customer Assistance Program for water bill assistance, and a loan program for help with water or sewer pipe repairs or replacement. Toilet leaks are the most common cause of unexpected water bill increases. Learn how to spot a leak and reduce your water bill!

Ban the Box: The Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Law assists in reintegration of people with criminal records into the workforce.

Unemployment Insurance.

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