October 2026

Montgomery County
Community Action Agency

Board Advocates for Child Tax Credit Supplement and Other Local Supports for Residents

The Community Action Board was proud to support County Council Bill 46-26, which would establish a County Child Tax Credit (CTC) Supplement. Alongside fellow advocates from the CASH Campaign of Maryland, CASA, and other organizations, Board Vice Chair Timothy Robinson (pictured above) spoke at a press conference and at the public hearing in support of this bill on October 13th.

If enacted, Bill 43-26 would provide an additional $500 supplement to families who are eligible for the Maryland CTC. Montgomery County would become one of  a small number of local jurisdictions with its own CTC supplement. The Board thanks Councilmember Kate Stewart for hosting the press conference and, for introducing this important bill with Councilmember Shebra Evans (pictured with Timothy Robinson above).

L to R: CASH Campaign of Maryland CEO Robin McKinney, CAB Vice Chair Timothy Robinson, and CAB member Pamela Luckett

Also in October, Board Chair DaVida Rowley testified at the annual County Council HHS Committee meeting for Boards, Committees, and Commissions. The Board's testimony highlighted various changes at the federal level that are negatively impacting local residents with modest incomes. including immigration enforcement, changes to SNAP and Medicaid eligibility, the exclusion of certain groups of immigrants from specific tax credits, the addition of a citizenship question for Form 1040, the U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, and proposed drastic changes to the Head Start program. The Board asked for the Council's ongoing support of local programs that can support County residents who are impacted the most by these changes. Read the Board's full testimony HERE.

Agency Celebrates 18 Graduates of First Navigation Academy

On October 1st, the agency hosted a graduation ceremony for the first Navigation Academy cohort. Led by Navigation Program Manager Monica Rivera-Goldberg and Navigator Trica Young, the six-week Academy included a two-and-a-half-hour workshop each week, along with an office hour for additional questions from the participants. The Academy teaches participants about critical services and programs available to County residents with modest incomes. Participants receive guidance on how to help community members apply for these services and also learn about key topics such as advocacy and data collection.

Board Welcomes Advocacy Program Participants

On October 24th, the Community Action Board was excited to welcome the Community Advocacy Institute (CAI) class of 2027. The new cohort will participate in monthly workshops and complete an advocacy project in the spring. This year's cohort includes 35 participants from diverse backgrounds, with numerous areas of the County represented. 

Facilitated by Board Chair DaVida Rowley, the orientation session included an overview of the CAI, opportunities for the participants to get to know each other, a presentation about cultural humility by CAA Executive Director Shantá Johnson, and a panel discussion with CAI Alumnae Antoinette Tatum, Pamela Marquez, Tatiana Pineda, and Datrina Davis (pictured left to right above).

TESS Participates in Community Outreach with Local Parents

On October 14th, TESS Community Service Aide Maria Quiroga and TESS Human Services Specialist Vicky Hall participated in an outreach event at Oak View Elementary School called Dragon Parents Time. Maria and Vicky connected with about 15 residents, providing information about Community Action Agency programs and services. Pictured above left to right: Maria Quiroga; Ricardo Estrada, Parent Community Coordinator at Oak View Elementary School; Vicky Hall; and Leopoldo Elias, Housing Education & Financial Empowerment Manager at the Latino Economic Development Corporation. 

Cluster Projects Staff Engage with Community Members

On October 22nd, the Watkins Mill Cluster Project visited Lake Seneca Elementary School to share information with parents and MCPS staff about public benefits and the potential impact of changes to Medicaid. Pictured above: Ana Schmitz, Human Services Specialist and Lucy Perasi, Community Services Aide.

Staff provided guidance on the Care for Kids program (primary care for uninsured children), including eligibility and the application process. The team distributed informational flyers, answered questions, and engaged with parents and school staff to increase awareness of the Cluster Projects support and available resources.

Cluster Projects Accept Referrals for MCPS Families Year-Round In partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools, the Cluster Projects connect children and families at 60+ Montgomery County Public Schools with critical services. To receive services from the Cluster Projects, families must have a child enrolled at one of the Cluster Project Schools. The Cluster Projects team accepts referrals from MCPS partners and directly from families. To make a referral, simply complete THIS FORM or scan the above QR code.  Cluster Projects Newsletters Did you know that the Cluster Projects send weekly newsletters in English and Spanish? These newsletters highlight numerous activities and services within the County. Please check out the latest newsletters below: Kennedy Cluster Project Newsletter (English) Boletin de Kennedy Cluster (Spanish) Paint Branch Springbrook Cluster Project Newsletter (English) Boletin de Paint Branch Springbrook Cluster (Spanish) Watkins Mill Cluster Project Newsletter English (English) Boletin de Watkins Mill Cluster Project (Spanish)

VITA Program Prepares for Upcoming Tax Season

The agency’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program has been busy preparing for the upcoming tax season, which will begin in January. The program will once again offer appointments at four sites, along with virtual appointments one day per week. Appointments will be available January 19 - April 9, 2027 at the following locations:

• Mondays, 2 - 8 p.m. at the Casey Community Center, Gaithersburg
• Tuesdays, 2 - 8 p.m. at the TESS Community Action Center, Silver Spring
• Tuesdays, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Community Action Agency, Rockville
• Wednesdays, 12 - 8 p.m. at the Community Action Agency, Rockville
• Thursdays, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. at WorkSource Montgomery, Wheaton
• Thursdays, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. at at the Community Action Agency, Rockville
• Fridays, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Virtual Appointments 

Appointment scheduling will begin on January 5, 2027. Please check the CASHBACK website for the latest information.

Donate Coats to Children in PreK/Head Start

MCPS Prekindergarten and Head Start Programs are accepting donations of new children’s coats for boys and girls, sizes 5, 6, 7 and 8. Items may be delivered to Prekindergarten/Head Start, 4910 Macon Road, Room 141, Rockville, MD 20852, Attention Lisa Conlon.

Need help finding the right coats to donate? View the Amazon Wishlist.

2026 - 2027 Head Start Registration for Infants to Four-Year-Olds 

Head Start registration for Fall 2026 is still open for families that qualify. The above flyers provide information for families with children ages three and four by September 1, 2026. The below flyers are for families with children ages 0 - 3. For information about Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Montgomery County, visit the Community Action Agency website.

List of the documents needed to complete a Head Start application.

Applications are accepted online via www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org or in-person at Rocking Horse Road Center, 4910 Macon Road, Rockville, Maryland, 20852, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. The office phone number is 240-740-4530.

Do you have questions about Head Start? Check out the Common Questions.

QR codes in the above flyers link to more information. 

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

• Website
• Facebook
• Contact 
• Past editions of Community Action’s monthly e-newsletter.

Information Sessions for Prospective VITA Volunteers on November 4th

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is seeking volunteers to serve in several roles during the upcoming tax season (Mid-January through Mid-April). Volunteers support the program as tax preparers, quality reviewers, intake screeners, appointment schedulers, and interpreters. Volunteers are needed at all VITA sites: Gaithersburg, Rockville, Silver Spring, and Wheaton. All volunteers receive free training.

The VITA program will host two information sessions on November 4th at 11 AM and 6 PM for prospective volunteers. Both sessions will be held on Zoom. Those interested in serving can complete THIS FORM. For more information about volunteer opportunities, please call 240-777-1123 or email VITA@montgomerycountymd.gov

Tax Tips: Year-round tax planning can make filing easier

The Internal Revenue Service today encouraged taxpayers to take simple steps now to make filing easier and avoid tax-time surprises next year.

Year-round tax planning can help taxpayers stay organized, understand how changes in their lives or income may affect their taxes, and prepare for filing season. Publication 5349-A, Year-Round Tax Planning is for Everyone, offers practical tips and IRS resources to help taxpayers throughout the year.

“Taxpayers should plan ahead to ensure their tax filing season goes as smoothly as possible,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano. “A few simple steps now, such as checking withholding, organizing records, using IRS online tools, and protecting personal information, will help taxpayers prepare for the 2027 filing season and know they are ready to fulfill their tax obligations.”

Check withholding and estimated tax payments

Federal income taxes are generally paid throughout the year as income is earned.  Taxpayers can use the Tax Withholding Estimator on IRS.gov to check whether they are having the right amount of federal income withheld from their pay.

Taxpayers should consider reviewing withholding after a major life or income change, including marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, or a job change. Taxpayers who need to adjust withholding should submit a new Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Certificate to their employer.

Taxpayers with income not subject to withholding, including small business owners, self-employed taxpayers, and gig economy workers, may need to make quarterly estimated tax payments.

Life events may also affect filing status, eligibility for tax credits and deductions, and the amount of tax owed or refunded. Reviewing these changes before filing season can help taxpayers understand how they may affect their federal income tax return.

Take advantage of IRS online tools

Taxpayers can securely access their tax information and complete many routine tasks through IRS Individual Online Account. Depending on their account, taxpayers can use IRS Individual Online Account to:

• View balance information
• Make and view payments
• Review payment plans
• View certain IRS notices and letters
• Access certain tax records
• Request an Identity Protection PIN

Taxpayers can visit IRS.gov/Tools for resources to check refund status, find tax records and transcripts, explore free tax preparation options, and get information about tax credits, deductions, and filing status.

Partners' Spotlight: KindWorks and the Conflict Resolution Center of Montgomery County

Last month, the Community Action Board visited KindWorks in a virtual session featuring a demonstration of the KindSoups program. With Fiscal Year 2026 Montgomery County Legacy Grant funding, KindWorks led volunteers in cooking 3,174 quarts of soup that were packaged, frozen, and transported to free food distribution sites. KindWorks’ Food Support program additionally drew 381 volunteers together over the past fiscal year to prepare a total of 4,368 meals for unhoused Montgomery County neighbors.

In the visit with the Board, KindWorks also spoke of their digital empowerment program. Donated computers, typically received from office equipment replacement projects, are refurbished by a team of 12 volunteers. In FY2026, 299 Montgomery County households received free computers. KindWorks also highlighted the Welcome Home program, which prepares apartments for people arriving in Montgomery County with very little. In FY2026, over fifteen hundred people benefited from the work of 227 volunteers who furnish apartments with basic furniture, kitchen supplies, and leave culturally familiar meals ready to eat.

The KindSoups program delivers homemade soup to a local shelter.

Earlier this month, the Conflict Resolution Center of Montgomery County celebrated accomplishments, including partnerships, at a gala hosted at VisArts in Rockville. Dr. James Bridgers, Director of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, received an award from Executive Director Christopher Page at the event (pictured below).

With FY2026 Montgomery County Community Grant funding, the Conflict Resolution Center provides mediation services resulting from referrals from the courts, State Attorney’s Office, and the police, as well as community-based sources. Three hundred thirty-two cases were mediated in FY2026, with 198 resulting in full agreements and 30 additional cases reaching partial agreements. Over 90 percent of participants recommend mediation to resolve conflicts and over 80 percent upheld agreements for more than three months.

The Conflict Resolution Center also coached twenty people in conflict resolution skills, 100 percent of whom reported that the coaching resulted in skills they can use to better manage conflicts.

Community Action congratulates both the Conflict Resolution Center of Montgomery County and KindWorks on their accomplishments.

CRCMC Executive Director Christopher Page presents an award to DHHS Director Dr. James Bridgers

Staff Participate in Maryland Community Action Partnership Retreat

Executive Director Shantá Johnson, Navigation Manager Monica Rivera-Goldberg, and Program Manager Leah Goldfine were excited to participate in the Maryland Community Action Partnership (MCAP) retreat this month in Ellicott City. The retreat brought together staff from Community Action Agencies across the state and included helpful training sessions, opportunities for collaboration, and site visits at two Community Action Council (CAC) of Howard County programs. Pictured above left to right: Monica Rivera-Goldberg, MCAP Executive Director Angela Martin, Shantá Johnson, and Leah Goldfine.

Resource Spotlight: Fire Prevention Month

October is Fire Prevention Month. Montgomery County Fire Chief Corey Smedley asks residents to test their smoke alarms and change the batteries when they change their clocks on November 1. If your smoke alarm is more than 10 years old, it's time to replace it. He also advises developing an escape plan for families and pets. On the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue website, the Public Education page includes tips for home escape planning, high-rise building safety, and keeping pets safe.

Fire Chief Smedley also suggests replenishing emergency kits. The kits should include one gallon of water for each adult for three days of drinking water, any needed medications, non-perishable foods, blankets, and flashlights.

Montgomery County Minority Health Initiatives and Programs:

African American Health Program

Asian American Health Initiative

Latino Health Initiative

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