May 2026

Montgomery County
Community Action Agency

Celebrating Community Action Month with CAI Graduation and Statewide Summit

2026 Community Advocacy Insitute Graduates with Councilmembers Shebra Evans, Laurie-Anne Sayles, and Kate Stewart

The month of May is celebrated as Community Action Month by Community Action Agencies across the country. Agencies and the National Community Action Partnership take time to highlight the 62-year history of Community Action, helping economically disadvantaged residents move towards stability. Community Action was created in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson as part of his “War on Poverty”. In the decades since, Community Action has expanded and there are now about 1,000 Community Action Agencies nationwide, providing services such as housing assistance, job training, financial education, elder care, and child development programs. Whether it’s financial coaching services that help families achieve stability or Whole Family Approaches that help kids and parents thrive, Community Action is helping families transform their lives and reach their
full potential. Learn more about the history of the Montgomery County Community Action Agency.

This month, the Community Action Agency team and Board celebrated Community Action Month with two very special events. First, the Community Advocacy Institute (CAI) graduation was held on May 13th at the Silver Spring Civic Building. The ceremony not only highlighted the class of 2026, which included 28 graduates, the largest cohort so far, but also celebrated the 10th anniversary of the CAI. DaVida Rowley, Chair of the Community Action Board, led the ceremony, which included remarks from County Councilmembers Shebra Evans, Laurie-Anne Sayles, and Kate Stewart, along with Lori Garibay Aquino, Chief of DHHS Children, Youth and Family Services, and Shantá Johnson, Executive Director of the Community Action Agency.  Pictured above left to right: Claudia Simmons, Community Action Board Secretary; Mary Bennett, CAI volunteer; and Candida Garcia, CAI graduate.

Timothy Robinson, Vice Chair of the Board, pictured here with Graduate Elizabeth Escobar (left) and Graduate Akanksha Sinha (right), led the presentation of graduates. Each graduate received a certificate from the Board and a certificate from County Executive Marc Elrich. This year’s graduates live in many different areas of the County, come from diverse backgrounds, and are focused on a wide variety of issues in their advocacy efforts. All graduates were required to complete an advocacy project, which included testifying before the County Council, submitting written testimony, or meeting with an elected official. Graduates are now members of the CAI alumni group, which includes 195 graduates. Learn more: English press release and Spanish press release.

The CAI was created by the Community Action Board in 2016 to provide free advocacy training to residents with lived experience so that they could become advocates for their own communities. The program, which is now completely bilingual in English and Spanish, has become a huge success, with the Board receiving far more applications each year than spots available. Graduates have gone on to serve on County advisory groups and non-profit boards, have engaged in numerous local advocacy efforts, and have spoken at state and national conferences.

The second special Community Action Month event was the 2026 Maryland Community Action Partnership Peer Summit on March 14th and 15th. The event, held at the Gaylord National Resort at National Harbor, brought together Community Action staff members, board members, and partners from across the state. Several of our agency staff members and Board leaders (pictured above) attended the event, which broke participants into peer groups so that staff who work in similar positions could learn together. A special presentation by David Bradley, CEO of the National Community Action Foundation, highlighted Community Action’s advocacy efforts at the federal level. The Community Action Celebration and Awards Luncheon featured Maryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller.

This month we say Thank You to our amazing team for their commitment to helping residents find stability and support.

Head Start Registration for 2026 - 2027 is Open

Contracts & Grants Updates: Engaging Volunteers, Employing Seniors

In spring and summer, many organizations celebrate their volunteers, including the Community Action Agency, as featured in last month’s edition of the e-news, and Interfaith Works, above pictured at the Essential Needs Center, 751 Twinbrook Parkway, in Rockville (https://www.iworksmc.org/essential-needs).

Have you been thinking about engaging volunteers in the work of your organization’s programs? The Montgomery County Volunteer Center is a great resource, including offering training on how to engage volunteers. If you haven’t visited the Volunteer Center’s website in a while, take the time to ensure your contact information and volunteer opportunities are up to date.

Does your organization have job opportunities for seniors who are seeking employment? Or, do you know seniors who are seeking ways to re-enter the workforce? Locally, the Jewish Council for the Aging of Greater Washington (JCA) coordinates the federal Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP, pronounced “C-SEP”). People who have low incomes, are ages 55 and up, and are interested in employment can apply to participate in training and employment placement with a non-profit or government agency. SCSEP requires participants to work 20 or more hours per week. For more information, please visit: https://accessjca.org/scsep/.

Thanks to the Montgomery County Food Council for recently hosting both the Volunteer Center and the JCA to share information about these programs.

Free Tax Help Available Mid-June through October

The agency’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will offer free tax help for prior year, current year, and amended returns during the post-tax season. Appointments will be available June 23 – October 28, 2026, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11 AM – 5 PM at the Community Action Agency office, 1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 320, and virtually on Thursdays from 11 AM – 5 PM. Appointments may be scheduled starting June 1^st via the CASHBACK website or by calling 240-777-1123. Appointments are for Montgomery County residents with a combined household income of $69,000 or less. The Community Action Agency’s VITA program is the County’s only year-round free tax site.

Summer Volunteer Opportunities for Students at TESS

The TESS Community Action Center is recruiting student volunteers for the summer to assist front-line staff in welcoming and checking in visitors, providing clear information, and helping to ensure smooth daily operations under the direction of TESS staff. Bilingual candidates (English and Spanish and English and Amharic) are encouraged to apply. Volunteers can receive SSL hours and hours of services are flexible. Learn more.

Cluster Projects Activities and Updates

The Cluster Projects had a very busy month as the end of the school year fast approaches. Activities included the Paint Branch-Springbrook Cluster Resource Day on May 2nd, collaboration with the Standby Guardianship program to serve Kennedy Cluster Project families with documentation needs, the Watkins Mill Cluster Partner Check-in on May 7th, and the receipt of 32 clothing bags from the Clarksburg Closet for Cluster Projects families (pictured here). The Cluster Projects team will continue to accept referrals from MCPS partners and directly from families throughout the summer. To make a referral, simply complete THIS FORM or scan the QR code below. To receive services from the Cluster Projects, families must have a child enrolled at one of the Cluster Projects schools.

Scan this QR code to make a referral to the Cluster Projects.

Did you know that the Cluster Projects issue e-newsletters in English and Spanish every week? These newsletters are packed with helpful information and resources for families within each geographic area.

Read the latest bulletins from the Cluster Projects.

Kennedy Cluster Project Newsletter - English

Boletín de Kennedy Cluster Project - Spanish

Paint Branch-Springbrook Cluster Project Newsletter - English

Boletín de Paint Branch-Springbrook Cluster Project - Spanish

Watkins Mill Cluster Project Newsletter - English

Boletín de Watkins Mill Cluster Project Newsletter - Spanish

Montgomery County 
Community Action Agency
1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 320
Rockville, MD 20852
240-777-1697 

• Website
• Facebook
• Contact 

Board of Elections Virtual Information Session on June 5th

Please join the Board of Elections for a special virtual session, conducted in English with simultaneous Spanish interpretation, on June 5th at 12 PM on Zoom. Learn about the upcoming Primary Election and develop your own voting plan. Register for the session HERE.

Apply to Serve on the Community Action Board

County Executive Elrich is now accepting applications to fill two vacancies in the low-income sector of the Community Action Board and one vacancy in the private sector of the Board. Low-income sector representatives must live in Montgomery County, have a modest household income, and must be democratically elected to serve on the Board by a group of County residents with modest incomes. Examples of such groups include tenants’ associations, neighborhood groups, and PTAs at Title I schools. Private sector representatives must live and/or work in Montgomery County and must be nominated by a private organization, such as a non-profit organization, faith-based group, fraternity or sorority, or a business association. Those interested in applying can submit an online application by June 3rd. Flyers are available in English and Spanish.

The Community Action Board is the governing body for the Community Action Agency and the County’s Head Start program, along with the Head Start Parents’ Policy Council. The Board engages in advocacy to address the needs of economically disadvantaged residents, testifying at hearings, submitting written testimony, and meeting with elected officials. The Board also oversees the Community Advocacy Institute.

Head Start Party in the Park on June 6th

The annual Head Start Party in the Park will return to Wheaton Regional Park on June 6th from 11 AM - 3 PM. This event, which will include a resource fair, Head Start/Prekindergarten registration, activities for children, food, and music, is free and open to the public. Information in English and Spanish. 

Apply to the New Navigation Academy and Learn How to Help Community Members Apply for Critical Services 

Community Action Agency is launching a new six-week training program called the Navigation Academy for providers, community members, and advocates to strengthen community-based support and expand access to vital resources for Montgomery County residents. Participants will learn about community needs and asset mapping; public programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and housing assistance; cultural competency and equitable service delivery; and leadership and community advocacy. Sessions, which will begin August 24th, will include a mix of in-person workshops and virtual sessions. 

Apply online now through July 6th. Those interested in participating are invited to attend a virtual information session on June 3rd at 5:30PM.

Apply to the Community Fellows Program

For many years, the Community Action Agency's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program has had CASH Campaign Community Fellows placed at our agency. Fellows, who are college juniors or seniors, or graduate students, receive extensive training and provide free tax help to residents during the tax season. The application for the 2026-2027 program will open on June 1st. Learn more about this opportunity. 

Resources

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

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. Non-emergency Montgomery County hate bias incident reporting tool.

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.

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

Health Care and Resources:

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 up 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.

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/

Montgomery County Minority Health Initiatives and Programs:

African American Health Program

Asian American Health Initiative

Latino Health Initiative

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.

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

Montgomery County Family Violence Awareness and Prevention.

Montgomery County Police offer free gun locks to gun owners: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/pol/howdoI/gun-lock.html. If you own a firearm, be aware of the law and the responsibilities of locking firearms, especially when there are children in the home: Maryland Laws on Locking Firearms – Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Maryland Vehicle Administration power of attorney form for a vehicle (VR-470) is an important tool if for any reason a vehicle's owner needs to designate someone else the ability to use and hold onto the vehicle. For questions, MVA contact information is at the bottom of the form. 

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.

Council Unanimously Passes Trust Act to Protect Immigrant Communities. Flyers available in: English, Spanish, French,  Amharic, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean.

Food and Household items:

Montgomery County Food Council: Food Assistance Resource Map (available in English, Spanish, Amharic, French, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean).

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.

Assistance with pet food: The Montgomery County Animal Services & Adoption Center may be able to help you with pet food so you can keep your pet at home, and out of the over-crowded shelter: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/. 

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.

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

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.

Protect yourself from SNAP benefits fraud: https://dhs.maryland.gov/prevent-ebt-theft/

Unemployment Insurance.

Resources for federal workers.

Housing – Eviction prevention, home repairs:

Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs resources for Tenants facing eviction: Landlord-Tenant Affairs > Evictions | DHCA

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

Limit on rent increases in Montgomery County.

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

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

Utilities:

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. Learn how to spot a toilet leak and reduce your water bill.

The Community Action Agency is part of Children, Youth, and Family Services in the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services.