January 24, 2019

Dear Friends,

 

As the partial federal government shutdown enters its second month, I know many of our County residents are suffering. Prince George's County government has created a website to share information about resources available to federal employees and contractors here. I will also continue to share resources on social media as I learn about them.

On Tuesday, the County Council welcomed Senator Chris Van Hollen for a discussion. As you can imagine, much of the conversation centered around the shutdown. Senator Van Hollen emphasized that anyone who needs assistance working with their mortgage company should contact his office at 301-545-1500 or email his State Director, Joan Kleinman, at  Joan_Kleinman@vanhollen.senate.gov.

Prince George's County employees are partnering with WHUR on a food drive to support federal employees and contractors. County Executive Alsobrooks and County Council Members will collect food at the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building, 1301 McCormick Drive, Largo, on Friday, January 25, from 8am - 10am. All are welcome and invited to donate food.

Items collected at the Curry building and other local government buildings across the region will be distributed by the Capital Area Food Bank at their special Saturday distribution sites. Community Ministry of Prince George's County is also hosting special food distributions for federal workers.

Community Legal Services of Prince George's County is available to provide pro bono legal services to federal employees and contractors. Community Forklift is offering a Pop Up Pet Pantry, and Route One Fun blog has collated a list of resources and a list of local  food and drink deals. I'm sharing resources on my Facebook page as I learn of them, so please check there frequently.  

Maryland State Senators and Delegates have scholarship funds for residents attending or planning to attend a Maryland college or university next year. Many offices are accepting applications now. Contact your State Senator and State Delegate(s) for more information. Find contact information here. Special note for District 47 residents: I understand that Senator Malcolm Augustine has limited funds for current students which must be applied for by February 1 and used by March 1. Contact  Malcolm.Augustine@senate.state.md.us for details.

Click for more details

I'm excited to partner with Employ Prince George's and the Latin American Youth Center to host a Bi-lingual Job Fair on January 31. Click here for additional details, to view the flyer in Spanish, and to register.

Please encourage Prince George's County youth between the ages of 15 and 19 to apply today for the Job Readiness Training program through the Prince George's County Youth@Work/Summer Youth Employment Program. Apply today! 

Local business owners, local governments and non-profit organizations, please consider employing one or more youth through the Prince George's County Youth@Work/Summer Youth Enrichment Program this summer! Non-profit organizations and municipal governments may be able to hire students at no cost to your organization. I've hired youth through this program for the past three summers to great success. Learn more.

Winter weather is here. In case of snow, please be sure to park on the EVEN numbered side of the street. Parking on the even side will ensure the snow plows can access your street. Additional information, including helpful tips can be found online here.

Do you know a Prince George's County resident who was under age 40 by December 31, 2018, and is making a difference in our community? Nominate them for the Prince George's County Social Innovation Fund's Forty Under 40! This is a flagship initiative of the Prince George's County Social Innovation Fund which recognizes top talent in the County according to six achievement areas and then seeks to engage them more actively in civic and socially oriented ventures through advisory, board service, and advocacy opportunities. I'm incredibly proud to have two staff members who were honored as "40s" -- Aimee Olivo is a member of the 2012 cohort and Alesha Wilson was honored in 2018. Nominate someone you know -- or yourself! -- by February 1 to be considered.

The District 3 team is pulling together items for my annual special edition email newsletter on summer campus, summer employment, and scholarships. If you have a program or information we can include, please email CouncilDistrict3@co.pg.md.us by February 11. 

As always, please reach out to my office at 301-952-3060 or via email if a member of my team or I can assist you in any way.

Together Strengthening our Community,

P.S. I'm active on social media! If you are, too, please engage with me on Facebook or Twitter.