mclogo
"A More Equitable and Inclusive Montgomery County"
County Executive Marc Elrich
April 9, 2019 - Issue 132
NEWS & EVENTS AROUND THE REGION
County Executive Receives Transition Team Recommendations

At a ceremonial briefing at the Silver Spring Civic Building, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich formally received a transition report containing 21  recommendations from his 222 member Transition Team . The report is the result of work during the transition period between November 2018's local election and the County Executive's inauguration on December 3, 2018. These recommendations address the seven priority outcomes of his vision for a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive Montgomery County. 

DiverseCity Showcase 

In partnership with Lakeforest Mall, the City of Gaithersburg and its Multicultural Affairs Committee (MAC) presents the 3rd annual DiverseCity Showcase, a community celebration of music, dance, storytelling, and fashion, representing some of the many world cultures that enrich our lives. The showcase takes place on Saturday, May 11 from noon to 4:30 p.m. at Lakeforest Mall, Center Court, 701 Russell Avenue. This event is free and is suitable for all ages. READ MORE>>>

Scholarships for Nonprofit Professionals

Leadership Montgomery has received a $10,000 grant from the  Crimsonbridge Foundation  to provide partial and full scholarships for nonprofit professionals of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds in the 2020 class of  Emerging Leaders.

Census Jobs - Apply Online


Check out flyer and webpage for application and  information.

One-Day Hiring Event

The Department of Correction and Rehabilitation will be conducting a One-Day Hiring Event on Saturday, April 27th from 8:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Montgomery College Rockville Campus - Mannakee Building, 900 Hungerford Drive, Rockville. Click  here  for more information.
 
This hiring event is targeting the Correctional Officer classification for current and future vacancies. 
As a reminder, employees can earn $1,000 if they refer an applicant who is ultimately hired by DOCR. For more information please refer to Policy and Procedure 3000-62.

Nominations Being Accepted for 2019 Governor's Service Awards

The awards recognize Marylanders who have provided significant volunteer contributions to communities around the state and have worked to change Maryland for the better. Learn more.

READY, SET, SPELL!  MCAEL GROWN UP SPELLING BEE

MCAEL hosts its Annual Grown-Up Spelling Bee fundraiser on May 8, 2019 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center in Takoma Park. More information, ticket sales and sponsorships available at www.mcael.org/mcael-spelling-bee.

Fight Acts of Hate and Bias

Communities United Against Hate (CUAH) is launching a year-long training series to engage the public around the issue of hate crimes and bias related incidents. The series is free and will feature quarterly themed modules addressing different aspects of hate and bias. Each module will culminate in a town hall, bringing together attendees, policy-makers, and other stakeholders to discuss key takeaways. For more information, click here.

Pre-K/Head Start Applications

Montgomery County Public Schools Prekindergarten/Head Start Programs are now accepting applications for next school year for low-income children who will be 4 years old by September 1. Applications are taken Monday through Friday at Rocking Horse Road Center, 4910 Macon Road, Rockville, MD 20852 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

More information is available at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org or call 240-740-4530.

Upcoming Small Business Training and Workshops 

Wherever you are with your business, taking it to the next level requires you to think differently and leverage a new set of resources. Learn more  here  about a wide variety of offerings and opportunities.


Financial Empowerment Event

Bank On Gaithersburg presents
" Road Map to Success, " a financial empowerment event highlighting employment opportunities and community resources coupled with family-friendly entertainment. Featured guest speaker is
Washington Post finance columnist Michelle Singletary. The event takes place on Saturday, April 13, 2019, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Gaithersburg High School, 101 Education Boulevard. While the event is free, registration is requested for general attendance, and is required for childcare opportunities. Register online here.

Early Childhood Education Program Open House in Maryland (In Spanish)

CentroNia will host monthly open houses throughout the summer at 1345 University Blvd E, Takoma Park, MD 20912 for families interested in learning more about CentroNía's Early Childhood Education programming. This is a great opportunity to learn more about CentroNía and the resources available to families. 

The next Open House will be held on Thursday, April 18 at 10 am. If you would like to attend please email
info@centronia.org.

Entrepreneur Training For Success Program

Empowered Women International offers sessions in Rockville every Monday and Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., from March 27 through June 26. See the details here.

Montgomery County Care for the Caregiver Event

On Saturday June 15, 2019 Montgomery County will host a major Caregiver Outreach Community Event in partnership with the County's Minority Health Initiatives and County public-private stakeholders.

This event will increase caregivers' awareness of supports available in Montgomery County. In addition, the listening session will allow caregivers opportunities to share their needs with stakeholders. 

Montgomery College Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) Spring Registration for Non-Credit Courses is Open

Montgomery College Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) offers non-credit courses in multiple disciplines for individuals 50+, but anyone is welcome to register. Some of the over 30 new, spring courses include: Roe v. Wade: Past, Present, and Future; American Artists in Paris; Triumph or Defeat: A Tale of German Reunification; The European Union: In Modern Times; Meditation Practices - Heart, Brain, Body Conne ctions; and Protecting Your Hard Earned Money. LLI offers flexibility through daytime, evening, and weekend courses at multiple Montgomery County locations. Individuals ages 60 and over pay fees only; tuition is waived. Click here
for registration information.

Volunteers Sought for Cultural Arts Advisory Committee

The City of Gaithersburg Cultural Arts Advisory Committee (CAAC)
seeks to increase the number of voting members from seven to nine. Members are appointed by the Mayor and City Council and serve as advocates for the City's cultural arts programs and facilities, advising elected officials and working with City staff to provide direction on cultural arts programming. The CAAC is accepting nominations for voting and non-voting members at this time.  READ MORE >>>

Housing and Small Business Courses
 
Want to improve or start your own business...buy a home...take control of your finances? The Latino Economic Development Corporation offers classes and workshops to help! Visit the website.
The Office of Community Partnerships is Hiring!

Want to join our team? OCP is hiring for the following positions:  
  • Community Outreach Manager (Asian Community Liaison), IRC36946
  • Community Outreach Manager (Latino Community Liaison), IRC36945
  • Senior Fellow Program Manager (Middle Eastern Community Liaison), IRC36943
Closing date is April 22. You must register through Montgomery County iRecruitment before you can apply for a position. You can visit the homepage  to register or login if you already have an account.
DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE
Nix


Montgomery County has named nine individuals and organizations as recipients of the eighth annual Montgomery Serves Awards, Montgomery County's highest honor for service and volunteerism. 
 
The awards will be presented at a gala ceremony set for Monday, April 29, 6:30 p.m. at Imagination Stage in Bethesda. The event is free and open to the public, but reservations are required as seating is limited. Reserve seats at    https://montgomeryservesawards2019.eventbrite.com.

This year's Montgomery Serves Awards winners will be recognized in several categories, including 
The Roscoe R. Nix Distinguished Community Leadership Awards,  a n award designated by the County Executive 
which honors community leaders, change agents, and role models who have made extraordinary contributions to Montgomery County over the course of their lives. This year's award will be presented by Marc Elrich to Charlotte Coffield, Ike Leggett, and David Rodich.


Charlotte Coffield

Charlotte Coffield is a long-time advocate for the Lyttonsville community, the formerly segregated neighborhood in which she has lived her whole life, and a leader in the preservation of the history of African Americans in Montgomery County.



Ike Leggett

I ke Leggett, of Burtonsville, left a large imprint on Montgomery County during the decades he served as a county council member and county executive, successfully navigating the county through the worst economic upheaval of our time while maintaining his commitment to an inclusive and growing community.

David Rodich

David Rodich, a Brookeville resident and former executive director of SEIU Local 500, has been involved in social justice for more than 40 years, advocating not only for union workers, but also for broader education needs, civil rights, and economic rights.

In addition to the Nix Awards, the Neal Potter Path of Achievement Award  and the V olunteer of the Year Award will be presented at the ceremony. Please read the Volunteer Center's announcement of winners below .

The Fund for Montgomery sponsors the Montgomery Serves Award ceremony and reception, which brings together elected officials, business leaders, community members, and volunteers to celebrate Montgomery County's volunteer spirit. Andrea Roane, long-time anchor at WUSA*9, will serve as emcee.

The Montgomery County Volunteer Center organizes these prestigious annual awards and helps individuals and groups find volunteer opportunities year-round. Learn more about the Volunteer Center and the awards at www.montgomeryserves.org . For more information, contact serviceawards@montgomerycounty.gov or 240-777-2600.
 
I hope you will join us to recognize these outstanding leaders and volunteers.

Cảm Ơn (Thank You),
signature image
Diane Vy Nguyen-Vu
Director, Office of Community Partnerships
April Workshops and Information Sessions

> Free Legal Services Provided by Pro Bono Program
The Pro Bono Program provides  FREE LEGAL SERVICES to low-income county residents in civil cases.  The Pro Bono Program provides two means for residents to receive free services: at a legal advice clinic or through the client intake line for referral to an attorney volunteer for direct representation. Information is available in  English and  Spanish.
  • The Montgomery County Maryland Bar Foundation Pro Bono Program Legal Clinics meet twice a month throughout Montgomery County (Eastern Montgomery Regional Services Center & Germantown meet only once a month). Each clinic is staffed by attorneys versed in different areas of practice including immigration. Click here for schedules.
  • Please note that the East county clinic that meets the 1st Thursday of every month has two Immigration attorneys to address inquiries regarding immigration.
The Pro Bono Program is committed to helping the residents of Montgomery County, MD.  Individual circumstances may vary and in some cases we may not be able to assist everyone.
Call the Pro Bono Program at 301-424-7651 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday for additional information.

>Free Citizenship Application Workshop hosted by APALRC
The APALRC will host a free Citizenship Application Workshop on Saturday, April 27th from
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rockville Memorial Library. At this workshop, attendees can expect to
receive free one-on-one assistance in completing the paperwork to apply for naturalization/U.S.
citizenship.
  • This workshop is free and open to all regardless of country of origin or nationality. Assistance with Fee Waiver, Reduced Fee, and Medical Exception applications will also be provided, as applicable. We encourage everyone who is interested in attending this workshop to register in advance either online at www.apalrc.org/citizenship-guide or by calling 202-706-7135.
>FREE Citizenship Classes Throughout Montgomery County
Baltimore City Community College (BCCC), a Maryland state agency, provides FREE citizenship
preparation classes throughout Montgomery County, including locations in Gaithersburg,
Germantown, Rockville, Silver Spring, and Wheaton. 
  • Citizenship classes prepare students with the ESL skills and knowledge of U.S civics and the naturalization process to complete the federal citizenship exam and successfully become U.S citizens. Classes are multi-level and are offered on various schedules to meet the needs of learners, including weekends and evenings. See the Spring 2019 schedule here.
  • Spring classes and registration will begin on April 6, 2019. To register, please, bring your green card and social security card to any class time and location. Walk-ins are welcome. Please check the BCCC website to see the full class schedule. Contact Citizenship Program Coordinator Yana Cascioffe for more information at 410-986-3201 or ycascioffe@bccc.edu.
>Citizenship Information Sessions Presented by Montgomery College and Catholic Charities
Are you a legal, permanent resident preparing for the U.S. citizenship test and interview? Come to an  information session and discover how Montgomery College and Catholic Charities may be able to help  you for free! Information sessions: April 9th at 6 p.m. or April 13th at 9a.m. See website for more  information.

>Free Citizenship Preparation Classes in Montgomery County
Montgomery College (MC) provides FREE citizenship preparation classes throughout
Montgomery County, including locations in Rockville, Silver Spring, and Wheaton. Multi-level
classes are funded through a grant from United States Citizenship & Immigration Services
(USCIS) at various schedules to meet the needs of learners.
  • Registration will begin on April 9th at 6pm or April 13th at 9am at 9am. To register, please bring your green card to Montgomery College, 11002 Veirs Mill Road, Wheaton, MD, 20902. Please check the MC Citizenship Website for more information or call 240-567-8839.
>Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) Baltimore office is hosting a two-part training in Rockville
  • Representing Children in Immigration Matters - Part 1: Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), Thursday, April 18th, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Click here for more information.
  • Representing Children in Immigration Matters - Part 2: Asylum, Thursday, May 9th, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Click here for more information.
>Free Immigration Clinic hosted by AYUDA 
Ayuda offers free consultation clinics which provide clients with brief advice and referrals. 
  • The next clinic (in English and Spanish) is April 26, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Honduran Consulate at 1990 M Street NW, Suite 104, Washington, DC 20036. Clients should bring all immigration documents, identifying documents, any police reports, and any criminal court records if they have been accused or convicted of a crime. 
>Know Yours Rights Presentation 
Washington DC-Maryland Justice for Our Neighbors will be holding a Know Your Rights presentation for community members on April 4, 2019 at 6pm at Epworth Church (9008 Rosemont Dr., Gaithersburg, MD 20877). 
  • An attorney will present information on immigrants' rights at work, home, and in public spaces. The attorney will also discuss forms of immigration relief. The presentation will be conducted in English, Spanish, and French. Free food and childcare will be provided. In these uncertain times, it is important to know how the law affects immigrants and their communities. Please join us! More information is available in English, Spanish, and French.
  • Please note our NEW Maryland office address as of 3/18/2019: 8757 Georgia Ave, Suite 800 Silver Spring, MD 20910. Main line: (240) 594-0600 Direct: (202) 243-7301. Office hours: 8:30-4:30 Monday through Friday.
>HIAS Contact Information
HIAS will be using a new phone number for their legal intake line: 301-844-7248.
HIAS offers phone intake the first Friday of the month (from 9 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.). The next intake will be on Friday, April 5th. 

Language Services and Financial Assistance

>Language Services by Ayuda 
Do you provide services to Maryland victims of crime? Do you ever need a spoken or sign interpreter to communicate with the victims whom you serve? The Language Access Program at Ayuda can provide you with professionally trained, trauma-informed interpreters at no cost (because of funding from the Maryland Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention). 

>Financial Assistance for Citizenship Application Fees offered by CASA
CASA, in partnership with Montgomery County, is offering financial assistance to those who are eligible to apply for citizenship but cannot afford to pay the application fee. Residents of Montgomery County who earn less than 300% of the federal poverty guideline may qualify for a scholarship in the amount of $150 or $300 to help pay the application filing fee. Interested applicants should call (240) 560-2272 for more information.  Flyers are available in English and Spanish .  Note: Low-income individuals seeking to apply for citizenship may also be eligible for a fee waiver or reduced fee through USCIS.
ADVISORY GROUPS MEET WITH COUNTY EXECUTIVE
Leaders from the County Executive's six ethnic advisory groups (African, African American, Asian, Caribbean, Latino, and Middle Eastern) met with County Executive Marc Elrich on March 2 at the Silver Spring Civic Building to discuss budget priorities and strategic plans for OCP. Members of the advisory groups are appointed by the CE to ensure that the county executive is well informed of and able to act effectively in responding to the needs and concerns of the county's diverse communities, and to work collaboratively with government, nonprofits, and community organizations in creating an inclusive, equitable and welcoming county. 
Check out MEAAG chair Deborah Trent's article, "Building Trust and Capacity through Community-Based Partnerships in Montgomery County, Maryland" in the American Society for Public Administration's publication, PA Times. The article focuses on the collaborative governance process of public-community-private partnership, and highlights the work of Montgomery County Advisory Groups. 
ADVISORY GROUP MEETINGS
Upcoming Meetings of County Executive's Ethnic & Faith Advisory Groups

African Affairs Advisory Group (AAAG)  will meet on Thursday, April 11, 2019 at the Silver Spring Civic Building, 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. These  monthly meetings are open to the public. For more information, please contact Josephine.Garnem@montgomerycountymd.gov To stay updated on AAAG's latest events and opportunities, please visit www.facebook.com/Africanaag , Instagram: @Africanaag, Twitter: @Africanaag.
Asian Pacific American Advisory Group  has not finalized a date for April. For additional information, contact Diane Vu at  diane.vu@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Caribbean American Advisory Group (CAAG) met on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 for a discussion on establishing a Sister City relationship with a city in the Caribbean Region. Montgomery Sister Cities Chair  William B. Nance led the discussion. For more information, please contact Joanne Antoine at Joanne.Antoine@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Latin American Advisory Group will meet on Tuesday, April 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the OCP suite at the Rockville Library. For more information, please contact Diane Vu at diane.vu@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Middle Eastern American Advisory Group (MEAAG) will meet on Monday, April 8 , 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Executive Office Building Cafeteria, 101 Monroe Street, Rockville. Youth and adults are welcome.  Please contact Debbie Trent at  dtrent@civilstrategies.net  for more information.
VCGala Honors Service to the Community
Montgomery Serves Awards logo

Celebrate the accomplishments and hear the inspiring stories of some of our county's most amazing volunteers and community leaders at the Montgomery Serves Awards ceremony, Monday, April 29, 6:30 p.m., at Imagination Stage in Bethesda. The event is free, but reservations are required as seating is limited. Register here.

Congratulations to this year's honorees, who represent just a fraction of the many ways Montgomery County residents serve the community. In addition to the County Executive's Roscoe R. Nix Community Leadership Awardees described above, the evening will also recognize:
  • Karen Bashir, Neal Potter Path of Achievement Award (for lifetime service by residents age 60 and up), a founder of the Montgomery County Project Prom/Graduation (commonly known as "Post Prom"), who has also volunteered her professional skills as a nurse with the Muslim Community Center;
  • Jacquette Frazierin recognition of her years of service to seniors, youth, and people with disabilities at Essex House, the Takoma Park affordable housing community in which she lives;
  • Amy Yontef-McGrath, Volunteer of the Year, who marked her 50th birthday by participating in 50 diverse service projects and blogged about the experience throughout the year;
  • Dhruv Pai, Youth Volunteer of the Year, a freshman at Montgomery Blair High School who volunteered at Walter Reed National Medical Center, the KID Museum, and Democracy Summer;
  • KindWorks, Volunteer Group of the Year, whose 1,600 volunteers supported 22 nonprofit organizations and government agencies to serve thousands of vulnerable community members, including new refugee families and those experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, and incarceration;
  • Hugo Salon, Business Volunteer of the Year, which partnered with Easterseals DC MD VA to provide complimentary salon services to participants in the nonprofit's adult day services on a monthly basis 
See more about their accomplishments, the event, and past honorees at montgomeryserves.org.
GILCHRIST IMMIGRANT RESOURCE CENTER
Coming Soon! Spring Classes at the Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center

Registration for English, basic computer, small business workshops, citizenship and other classes at the Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center will begin the week of April 4. Classes are held in Wheaton, East County, Gaithersburg, and Germantown.  Please check out website  f or details!

New Program Associates

Carla Ayala
Jacques Luboya
The Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center is delighted to announce that  Carla Ayala and
Jean Jacques Luboya joined the Gilchrist Center as Program Associates in March 2019. Both Carla and Jean Jacques previously worked at the Gilchrist Center as Information and Referral Specialists, and have now assumed these newly created positions. We are happy to have these committed professionals as part of the Gilchrist Center team. Click here to read more about Carla and Jean Jacques.
 
As before, they will continue to be the face of the Gilchrist Center. Carla will be stationed at the Upcounty sites, and Jean Jacques will be at the East County site. Please say hello when you see their faces at the Gilchrist Center!
AFRICAN COMMUNITY
Save the date

September 6, 2019
African Heritage Month - Proclamation Day, 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910

September 14, 2019
Cameroonian Doctors Association - Free Community Health Fair, Silver Spring Presbyterian Church (SSPC),  580 University Boulevard East, Silver Spring, MD 20901

September 21, 2019
Pan-African Festival 2019 - 10 YEAR Jubilee, 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910
ASIAN COMMUNITY
Become a Youth Mentor

Are you interested in giving  back to the Asian Pacific American community? Asian
American LEAD is a youth development organization that supports low-income and underserved Asian Pacific American youth through Youth Mentoring and Career Coaching. Mentors can open doors to new perspectives, ideas, and experiences. AALEAD Mentors connect youth with opportunities to empower their education, explore their identity, and develop leadership
skills! For more information on Youth Mentoring, please contact Vi Bui at vbui@aalead.org.
For more information on Career Coaches please contact Freidricka Camile at fcamille@aalead.org.

Asian American County Residents Among Maryland's Top 100 Women 

Congratulations to Montgomery County residents Song Hutchins and Aryani Ong who have been selected as two of Maryland's top 100 women. The award  recognizes high-achieving Maryland women who are making an impact through their leadership, community service and mentoring. 
MIDDLE EASTERN COMMUNITY
April events

MEAAG will assist with a variety of programs throughout April to mark the county's sixth annual Arab American Heritage Month. A display will be mounted at the Quince Orchard Library from
April 2d to April 30th, featuring regional authors and artists who have immigrated or descended from the broader Middle East. The Germantown Library will also house a collection of Urdu books all month.

The 20th annual Kahlil Gibran Spirit of Humanity Awards Gala will be held by the Arab American  Institute Foundation on May 2. In keeping with Gibran's legacy, this multi-ethnic, multi-faith, citizen engagement and leadership development foundation will honor individuals and organizations  for their humanitarian efforts. This year, AAIF honors the Refugee and Immigrant Center for  Education and Legal Services, May Gus Newport, Miriam Zayed, and Lyse Doucet. Attendees  will enjoy a live performance by Tunisian superstar Emel Mathlouthi, who will also receive  special recognition. Click here for ticketing and other information.

March Update


On March 10th, the fifth annual  Middle Eastern American Heritage Celebration drew more than 100 area residents at the Executive Office Building in Rockville, along with County Executive Marc Elrich, Office of Community Partnerships (OCP) Director Diane Vu, Councilmembers Gabe Albornoz and Evan Glass, and Governor Lawrence Hogan's Special Assistant Kevin Craft. The celebration featured informative country displays, live improv and music performances, art exhibits, and regional fare. The event was supported by MEAAG volunteers, OCP, and a record number of donor organizations and volunteer videographers. In his remarks, County Executive Elrich noted the value of the ethnic advisory groups in sustaining our welcoming, culturally vibrant community. MEAAG was honored to host nonprofit organizations and their resource tables, including the American Muslim Senior Society, the Gaithersburg Rotary and Toastmasters, Children of Persia, and colleagues from the African Affairs and other advisory groups.

The American Turkish Friendship Association of Maryland (ATFA-MD) held its 10th Annual Maryland Turkish American Community Reception on March 19, 2019, at the Miller Senate Building in Annapolis. Sponsored by Senator Ronald N. Young, the Turkish American Community Reception offered guests the real-time experience of live Turkish Sufi music, Turkish food, and "Beyond the Water" photo exhibition by Alex Morel of St. John`s University in New York. 

Rumi Forum of Maryland, Prince George's County Human Relations Commission, and Prince George's County Memorial Library System organized an interfaith panel discussion on "Building Justice in our Communities" on March 28, 2019, at Laurel Branch Library. Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu faiths were represented on the panel. Each panelist discussed how their particular faiths guide them in fostering justice in the community.

Arab American Heritage Month Events

April 1 --  City of Gaithersburg Mayor will present a proclamation at
City Hall at 7:15 p.m. during the Mayor and City Council meeting.

April 1 - April 30 -- Showcase exhibit at the Rockville Public Library 

March 28 - June 24 -- Exhibit of artwork by Ouafae Taame at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park, 506 South Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg. Viewing hours are Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. READ MORE>>>

April  2 --  Teachers/ Educators Workshop in partnership with Georgetown University, BOE, 850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, MD

April 9 -- Proclamation reading by the Superintendent and Board Of Education during their business meeting at 850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville. L ive on TV Channel 34 Comcast

April 19 -- Family Cultural Festival at Rockville Library from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m, with children's activities, music, storytelling and more   

April 23 -- Proclamation presented by County Council President at 9:30 a.m. Breakfast and reception start at 8:30 a.m.
100 Maryland Ave, Rockville. Live on TV channel 6 Comcast

May 11 -- City of Gaithersburg Multicultural Affairs Committee DiverseCity Showcase at Lake Forest Mall in Gaithersburg.
Palestine table and more, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m.

AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY
Youth Mentoring Program

        

On March 21st, the Silver Spring Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity (Alphas), held one of its Youth Mentoring Programs at Paint Branch High School.  These mentoring programs focus on overcoming peer pressure, being disciplined, respecting women, and creating a life/career plan.  Joining the Alphas in speaking with over fifty Paint Branch football players were Julian Norment from the Office of Community Partnerships, Officer Rich Reynolds from MCPD's Community Engagement Division, Alphas from the University of Maryland-College Park, and two current college football players. 

 Game Changer Conference for Young Males



On March 23rd, Unity Christian Fellowship hosted its annual Game Changer Conference for Young Males at the University of Shady Grove.  Each year, Game Changer presents inspirational speakers and workshops hosted by men of color to instill discipline, confidence and appropriate conduct to the young men. County Executive Marc Elrich and Councilmember Craig Rice attended the event.
CARIBBEAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY 
CAAG heads to Annapolis!

[Pictured: Del. Acevero, Sen. Nathan-Pulliam, Del. Boyce, CAAG Leaders Venice Mundle-Harvey and Yvonne Stephens, and other leaders of Caribbean heritage in Annapolis]

Caribbean American Advisory Group (CAAG) headed to Annapolis in March in support of SB 472/HB 893 which would  establish a Caribbean Day in Maryland helping to bring greater visibility to the culture and contributions of residents of Caribbean heritage throughout the state. CAAG Chair Venice Mundle-Harvey provided oral testimony in the Senate and CAAG Health and Wellness Co-Chair provided verbal testimony in the House. Since then, the bill has been passed by both the Ways and Means and Education, Health and Environmental committees. Read CAAG's written testimony.
INTERFAITH COMMUNITY 
County Awards $200,000 to Support Security Needs of Faith-based Community

County Executive Marc Elrich announced that 12 County faith-based organizations will receive grant funding from the faith-based Facilities Security Operating Grants program. The funds are provided to support faith-based institutions which have experienced, or are at high risk of experiencing, hate crimes. The funds are administered by the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Emergency Management (OEMHS). READ MORE>>>


Security in Our Worship Centers

Security in Our Worship Centers workshops have entered their sixth year with growing interest. The April 3rd session was held in the Silver Spring Civic Building and featured Faith Community Advisory Council's partners with the Montgomery County Police Department, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services, Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, and Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. Topics included how to respond to active shooters, suspicious packages and bomb threats, along with securing physical infrastructure and grants.   


Multicultural Dialogues on Racism and Bias: Seeing the Divine in the Other 

The Multicultural Dialogues on Racism and Bias entered its fourth year at the Islamic Community Center of Potomac on April 7. Participants meet in small groups with a trained facilitator using exercises to raise awareness of unconscious or learned biases, and how to be an Upstander in countering prejudice and hate. Each session begins with light refreshments. Subsequent Dialogues are scheduled for  May 21 at Shaare Tefila Congregation in Olney and June 13 at Christ Episcopal Church in Kensington. 
SHARE YOUR NEWS
Have News to Share?

To submit your news and events of interest to those in and serving Montgomery County's emerging communities and neighbors in need, email complete details and/or a press release to the OCP Newsletter.
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