Prince George's Proud:
An Update From County Executive Alsobrooks
Dear Prince Georgians:
I am Prince George’s Proud to welcome our 6,000 Summer Youth Enrichment Program (SYEP) participants to their first week of work as fellow employees. The Prince George’s County Government, along with our non-profit and private sector partners, are pleased to have each and every participant on our collective teams.
I know the importance of programs like this, as I participated in a summer youth work program as a student, meeting one of my lifetime best friends that summer. It is my sincere hope that each of our SYEP participants will learn and grow, make new friends, and most importantly, have a gratifying summer employment experience.
This year we expanded the capacity of SYEP, increasing the enrollment from 3,000 to 6,000 youth, expanding the age range for participants to ages 14 to 22, and removing a two-year cap on youth who have participated in the program in previous years.
In addition, SYEP collaborated with Employ Prince George’s to nearly double the number of employers participating in the program, from 126 to 250.
Thank you to teams in my office, the Office of Human Resources Management, Employ Prince George’s, and the Office of Community Relations for meeting and exceeding our vision for expanding SYEP.
Unfortunately, due to the number of applications that were received in comparison to the number of actual positions we had available, some youth who applied were not able to be placed this year. We now understand the high demand for youth development and summer work programs in our County, and will do our best to provide greater opportunities for SYEP in future years.
As some of our young people begin work and this month comes to an end, next month welcomes the celebration of Independence Day on July 4th. Let us remember during our parades, celebrations, and cookouts that we are commemorating the independence of our nation. However, let us also remember that more than 240 years later, there is still work to be done to ensure all people are truly free and equal in this great nation.
Also, as summer temperatures continue to rise, keep in mind some heat advisory tips we have below, and remember to check on your elderly neighbors. Whether you are travelling out of town for July 4th, or staying right here in Prince George’s County, I hope you enjoy the holiday and stay safe.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive
Making Our County Cleaner & Greener
 We are Prince George's Proud, and we are working hard to make you proud by making Prince George’s County cleaner and greener! Take a look at some of the highlights from the launch of our beautification initiative and our first countywide community clean-up day. You can view our latest video by clicking the graphic above or clicking here.
Signs & Symptoms of Heat-Related Illnesses
 As temperatures continue to rise this summer, we want to be sure our residents are safe. The above graphic shows some of the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses, as well as what to do if you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms. For more information about heat-related illnesses, please visit the CDC website.
100 Events of Summer
 Our Office of Community Relations (OCR) is excited to present “100 Events of Summer!” You will be able to find them at various community events occurring throughout the County this summer. To see the most up-to-date list of events they will be attending, visit the OCR website. If you have an upcoming event that you would like OCR to attend, please call 301-952-4729.
Human Relations Commission to Host Community Conversation in Response to Murders of Transgender Women
In response to the recent murders of two young transgender women of color in our County, the Prince George’s County Human Relations Commission is hosting a Community Conversation the evening of July 8th, and we invite residents to join us in solidarity. The conversation will provide space for people to learn, to share experiences, and ultimately to consider our shared responsibility to be kind, supportive, and empathetic to each other.
This opportunity will allow residents to come together to learn, share, and grow regarding the concerns, challenges, struggles, and triumphs of our LGBTQ community, with a particular emphasis on our transgender community. The goal is to open up dialogue, with the hope that by understanding each other, we can reduce incidents of hate, bias, and violence. All are welcome to attend.
Due to space limitations, we ask that those wishing to attend register in advance at our Eventbrite page. For more information, please call the Human Relations Commission at 301-883-6170.
|
Free Summer Meals Program
While school is out for the summer, meals will still be available for children in our community. Now through mid-August, youth under age 18 can receive free summer meals at select schools, apartment communities and libraries throughout the County! Visit the PGCPS website for more information and to find a location near you.
|
July 4th Waste Collection Schedule
 Due to the July 4th holiday, our Department of the Environment is changing some pickup days for waste collection next week. If your collection day is normally Thursday, it will be collected on Friday, July 5th. If your collection day is normally Friday, it will be collected on Saturday, July 6th. For more information on holiday waste collection schedules, please contact CountyClick 3-1-1.
Spotlight On Prince George's
VIDEO: Maryland Market Money Program
 We were proud to announce the expansion of the Maryland Market Money Program in Prince George’s County, a program that allows residents who receive federal nutrition assistance benefits to get matching dollars when they shop at local farmers markets. The goal of the program is to eliminate economic barriers by making fresh fruits and vegetables more accessible, while also helping to eliminate food deserts in the county.
To view a recap of the announcement, see our video here. For more information about the program and participating farmers markets in Prince George's County, please visit the Maryland Farmers Market Association website.
IN THE NEWS: Summer Youth Enrichment Program Kickoff Event
 On Monday, June 17th, the Summer Youth Enrichment Program (SYEP) hosted a kickoff event to celebrate SYEP participants. County Executive Alsobrooks was joined by Little Bacon Bear of WKYS and NFL players from Prince George's County. Check out a great recap of the event from ABC7 here.
County News For You
Redevelopment Authority Gets a New Board Member
Leon Bailey, Jr., taking the oath of office to become a Member of the Redevelopment Authority Board.
On Tuesday, June 18th, the County Council unanimously confirmed Leon Bailey, Jr., to the Redevelopment Authority Board. Mr. Bailey took his oath of office that same day, officially becoming a Board Member.
Mr. Bailey is an accomplished business development leader that brings real estate and revenue development skills to the Redevelopment Authority. He was recognized in 2007 as the Prince George’s County Association of Realtor’s Rookie of the Year, having reached $10 million in sales. Mr. Bailey is known for connecting small business owners with resources to help grow their businesses and contribute to our economic base in the County.
The knowledge and expertise that Mr. Bailey brings to the Redevelopment Authority will help us accomplish many of our economic development priorities for Prince George's County, such as revitalizing shopping centers and attracting quality retail to the County.
The Veterans Affairs Office is Marching Forward
Since opening its doors in February, the Veterans Affairs Office (VAO) has been working hard to service veterans and their family members in need.
We are happy to announce the VAO is a “One-Stop Center” with decentralized services. That means we work with government agencies, non-profits, businesses, and a myriad of community-based organizations to offer benefit assistance, counseling, community familiarization, and other matters in accordance with our 5 Pillars: Housing, Homelessness, Employment, Education, and Additional Services that impact our veterans’ quality of life.
To ensure veterans are familiar with the new Mission Act, the VAO and Serving Together recently hosted a presentation given by Mr. Xavier Teasley, a Program Analyst with the Washington DC Medical Center, highlighting new healthcare initiatives affecting veterans. The next joint meeting will be held on July 16th at 1:00pm in the VAO Conference Room, located at the County Administration Building in Upper Marlboro.
If you would like more information about the VAO or upcoming meetings, please call 301-780-8260 or 301-952-3904.
|
Redevelopment Authority Awards Nearly $600,000 in Community Impact Grants
 Last month, the Redevelopment Authority of Prince George’s County awarded nearly $600,000 in Community Impact Grants (CIG) to 501(c)3 civic/neighborhood associations and community-based organizations. These grants help implement innovative community projects within the County’s inner beltway. All organizations receiving grants are based in Prince George's County.
This year, a total of $591,849 was awarded to nine organizations, funding a total of 11 projects. Below are the projects that received CIG funding.
- CASA de Maryland – Langley Park Beautification - $53,524
- Community Outreach and Development – Green Hill Plaza renovations - $43,325
- Friends of Greenbelt Museum – Greenbelt Museum expansion - $50,000
- Gateway CDC – Media Arts Lab enhancement - $50,000
- Gethsemane United Methodist Church – Placemaking/Wayfinding system - $50,000
- Housing Initiative Partnership – Sawa’s Hope Circle - $75,000
- Little Friends for Peace – Peace Park in Mt. Rainier - $50,000
- Northern Gateway CDC – Strategic Placemaking - $100,000
- Northern Gateway CDC – Gateway Migration - $50,000
- Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council – Public art at 4550 Rhode Island Avenue - $32,500
- Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council – Public Art at Green Meadows Shopping Center - $32,500
Department of Family Services Hosts First Father's Day Pledge Initiative
The Department of Family Services secured more than 1,500 signatures through the Father's Day Pledge Initiative.
Father's Day is a celebration honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society. On Friday, June 14th, 2019, the Prince George’s County Department of Family Services, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Division, sponsored a Father’s Day Pledge Initiative at the Sanctuary at Kingdom Square in Capitol Heights, Maryland.
The purpose of the event was to help break the silence of domestic violence and invite men and women from across the County to pledge a commitment to preventing violence. The Department successfully secured more than 1,500 signatures through the Father’s Day Pledge grassroots initiative. The signed Father’s Day Pledge boards demonstrated the partnership that fathers, uncles, youth, coaches and male mentors have with women and survivors to prevent domestic violence.
U.S. Supreme Court Rules in Favor of the Bladensburg Peace Cross Memorial
The Bladensburg World War I Memorial, also known as the "Peace Cross."
On Thursday, June 20th, 2019, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled 7-2 that the Bladensburg Peace Cross Memorial will continue to stand on public land. In a landmark case, The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) challenged the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruling that the Peace Cross violates the Establishment Clause of the Constitution of the United States. The Justices concluded the nearly 100-year-old memorial does not violate the Constitution, but serves as a war memorial to those who sacrificed their lives.
The 40-foot cross was created as a memorial to honor the 49 Prince George’s County residents who lost their lives during World War I. Dedicated in 1925, the memorial was funded by a group of local residents, including the families of the fallen and the Snyder-Farmer Post of the American Legion.
This monument is now not only a memorial for the sacrifices made by our military members in World War I, but is also a symbol to honor our veterans and all those who have given their lives in service to our County, State, and Nation. We are Prince George’s Proud to have the largest population of military veterans in the state of Maryland, and we are proud that this monument will continue to be a symbol to honor the men and women who have served our Nation.
|
