HOC Academy Newsletter
September 2020


Math Support Resources
Math is a universal language and the Montgomery County Public School (MCPS) system wants every child enrolled to be successful through its use. MCPS offers Math Support for students and families. Math Support was created for users to (1) gain a better understanding of the curriculum (2) develop a deeper understanding of math concepts, practices and skills and (3) provide additional support and practice opportunities for students and families. To get additional support with the math curriculum this school year, start by selecting a grade level on Math Support and sharpen your skills.
FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM

Shape a Better Future

The Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS) is a voluntary initiative for customers in the Housing Opportunities Commission's voucher program. With support from caring case managers and motivating mentors, participants are supported in creating life changing goals and establishing skills for success. If you are ready for something new in your life, learn more about the FSS program at one of the upcoming information sessions.

For more information call (240) 627-9781 or email FSSRSVP@hocmc.org.
Attend an upcoming Virtual Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Information Session. These informative one-hour sessions provide information about how FSS can support you in creating a better future for you and your family.

Register to attend at: Kim.Ervin@hocmc.org.
For more information call (240) 627-9719. A valid email address is required to participate.

Maryland Senior Call Check

During these stressful times it may be a challenge to stay connected to the elders in our lives. The state of Maryland Senior Call Check program is a free service for Maryland residents 65 years old and older. Seniors will receive a daily telephone call at their scheduled time. This daily check in can offer peace of mind for seniors who live alone. Seniors can sign up online at aging.maryland.gov or by telephone at (866) 502-0560.

Free Therapy for Seniors
During the COVID-19 pandemic it is not uncommon to feel alone, sad, anxious, or disconnected. Older adults and their Caregivers in Montgomery County can receive free individual therapy or they can join a Coping with Change group. This free mental health service is provided by the Affiliated Sante Group. For more information call (301) 572-6585 ext. 2104 or visit www.thesantegroup.org.


For a Limited Time: Access Free MedStar eVisits
(Available in multiple languages)
For a limited time MedStar's trusted medical team is offering free video visits and insurance is not required. All day, every day, you can get the medical care that you need from anywhere and at any time. You can securely connect with a medical provider from your smart phone, tablet, or computer for non-emergency medical conditions. Download the MedStar eVisit app or visit MedStarHealth.org/eVisit.
Drive-Thru Family Food Distribution in Bethesda
For Are you living in the Bethesda-Chevy Chase area and currently experiencing food insecurity? Every Friday through October 30, 2020 families can drive through the Nourishing Bethesda drive-through food distribution at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad on Battery Lane to receive fresh produce. Review the flyers below for more details.


FREE Dairy and Produce
Are you or someone you know experiencing food insecurity? Our partners at Emmanuel Brinklow SDA Church are here to help. If you are in need of dairy and produce, please attend their contact-free grab and go event. This event will be held on their beautiful campus in Ashton, Maryland on Thursday, September 17, 2020 at 3:00 pm. For more information call (301) 774-0400.
Active Duty Veterans & Military Connected Families

The District of Columbia and Montgomery County active duty veterans and military families who are experiencing food insecurity, can receive food assistance. Partners in both jurisdictions have come together to provide a free produce box with delivery for our nation's heroes and their families. Submit a food assistance request for a produce box at: Serving Together Project.

For questions or concerns call (855) 738-7176 or email:
Pet Food Pantry
During COVID-19 many in our community are experiencing shortages of all kinds. If you need help with food for your pet, the Montgomery County Humane Society pet food pantry is here for you. For more information, visit MCHumane.


Montgomery County Public Library Career Online High School


Montgomery County Public Libraries are offering a Career Online High School Program for adults. You can earn an accredited high school diploma and career certification online through Career Online High School. There are a limited number of free seat.

For more information, send all inquiries to: MCPL.COHS@montgomerycountymd.gov 



Virtual Job Search Strategies (In a pandemic market)
Montgomery County Public Libraries will host a virtual job search workshop. The workshop will cover researching, networking virtually, identifying growth sectors and utilizing social media platforms in your job search campaign. Get clarity on who you are, why you like to work, what you want to do, and where you want to do it – for a more fruitful and rewarding job search journey. This event is on Monday, September 21, 2020 (1:00pm - 3:00pm).

Use the following link to register: Virtual Job Search Strategies.



Linkedin Boot camp!

This virtual workshop offers two sessions on how to use Linkedin as a tool to conduct a successful job search. Session one will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 (5:45pm - 7:45pm) and Session two will occur on Thursday, September 17, 2020 (5:45pm - 7:45p). Don't delay, sign up today!

For more information and to register click the link below:


Do you want to work for Montgomery County Government?
Are you or someone that you know looking for a job with Montgomery County Government? Learn how to navigate the Montgomery County Government job site and how to apply for positions from a recruiter with the Office of Human Resources. This event is on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 (10:30am - 12:30pm).

For more information or to register click the link below:

Virtual Job Readiness Assistance
On Monday, September 14, 2020 (9:30am - 11:30am) and Monday, September 21, 2020 (9:30am - 11:30am) WorkSource Montgomery Career Specialists will assist job seekers with resume writing, online applications, strategic employment planning and more. These one-on-one consultations will provide you with tools and strategies to help you with your job search.

To register for this event click the following: MCPLevents/HIRE.
IEC Chesapeake’s workforce development programs are designed to promote the electrical, low voltage and renewable energy profession to individuals seeking to enter the industry.

By participating in these pre-apprenticeship programs, students discover what it takes to become an electrician or low voltage technician. These programs provide training on basic skills and improve upon skills students may already have in preparation for an apprenticeship program and working in the industry.



STILL WAITING FOR YOUR STIMULUS CHECK?
If you were not required to file a tax return in 2018 and 2019 and do not receive Social Security, YOU NEED TO TAKE ACTION in order to get the money you are owed. And there's an easy way!
 
To get started, go to the IRS' Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here site and tap the Enter your information button.
 
You must be a US citizen or resident alien with a Social Security number to receive this payment. ITIN holders are excluded.
 
To qualify, you must:
  • Have a Social Security Number (ITIN holders are excluded).
  • Not be a tax dependent of someone else.
  • Have an income less than $99,000 for single filers or $198,00 for married couples filing jointly.
¿AUN SIGUE ESPERANDO POR EL CHEQUE DE ESTIMULO?
Si no se le exigió presentar una declaración de impuestos en 2018 y 2019 y no recibe Seguro Social, Usted NECESITA TOMAR ACCIÓN para obtener el dinero que se le debe. ¡Hay una manera fácil!
 
Para comenzar, vaya al sitio Herramienta Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here y toque el botón Ingrese su información.
 
No necesita ser ciudadano estadounidense para recibir este pago. Sin embargo, debe tener un número de Seguro Social. Los que tienen un ITIN están excluidos.
 
Para calificar, usted debe:
  • Tener un número de seguro social (Los que tienen un ITIN están excluidos)
  • No ser un dependiente de impuestos de otra persona.
  • Tener un ingreso menor a cierto límite.
YOUR RIGHTS & CIVIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Vote-by-Mail
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Instead of donning a mask and standing in a long line to vote, consider voting by mail. To request a mail-in-ballot call (240) 777-8500 or use the following link to the Maryland State Board of Elections site: Mail-In-Ballot Request.

Instructions for requesting your mail-in-ballot are in the link below:

Register to Vote!
If you are at least 18 years old and a citizen of the United States, you can register to vote 24 hours a day. There are three ways to register: online registration, download and complete a paper application (English, Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Korean) or by calling the voter hotline at 240-777-VOTE. For more information visit the Board of Elections site.

Census 2020: You Matter!
You and the people you love matter. From now through Wednesday, September 30, 2020 you can make a difference in the services that you, your family and your community receive. If you live in the United States, complete the 2020 Census today! Use the following link to complete the Census in the language of your choice https://my2020census.gov/.