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"A More Equitable and Inclusive Montgomery County"
County Executive Marc Elrich
January 4, 2020 - Issue 151
NEWS & EVENTS AROUND THE REGION
Lifelong Learning Event

The Lifelong Learning Institute and Montgomery County Volunteer Center are presenting Thrive by Volunteering During COVID and Beyond on January 14 from 10 a.m. to noon. The free program will offer resources and opportunities to help enrich your life during 2021. Register here and the link will be sent to you.
Job Openings 

Montgomery County is recruiting program managers for the
Silver Spring Urban District and the Wheaton Urban District. Click here for position descriptions.
Free COVID Tests

Do you need a COVID-19 test? Visit the County's website for information about upcoming testing clinics and to make an appointment. Click here.

Travel the World Through
Food

Miss getting your passport stamped and enjoying delicious international cuisine? Enhance your culinary skills and explore the world through food with Let's Cook@Casey's International One Pot Meal series, which kicks off on January 14. READ MORE>>>
Donate Food

Want to organize a food drive for Manna in your neighborhood? Manna is accepting food donations in large blue bins outside their warehouse at 9311 Gaither Rd in Gaithersburg. Check the  Most Needed Foods list and drop it off 24/7 without needing to come inside. Click here.
Mobile Markets at MC Campuses

The Mobile Food Market offers fresh produce and other foods at no cost to Montgomery College students, faculty/staff, and the community. READ MORE>>>

Rockville Earns Top Score for LGBTQ Support

Rockville has scored perfect marks on the  Human Rights Campaign's
Municipal Equality Index for 
the city's commitment to the health, welfare, safety and equality of its lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community. READ MORE>>>
Project Management
Training

Free/low-cost training for ages 18 to 27 to jump-start their careers through Maryland State Young Adult Project Management Training & Career Coaching, presented by Mr. Ayman Nassar, founder and former chair of the Islamic Leadership Institute of America. Dates: 
January 9 - 11
ESOL Classes for Adults

Find an online ESOL class from MCAEL here.

Vietnamese American Services

Senior club, job development, English classes, and more. Click here.

Let's Play America

The Takoma Park based nonprofit Let's Play America (LPA) offers a Play Day Handbook that provides a step by step guide to organize a safe play day for your community. To order the handbook, visit the LPA website.
Literacy Lab

Literacy Lab is a community initiative promoting free multilingual literacy for students in grades K-8. See early bird sign up for spring sessions.
LEDC Small Business Directory

It's now easier than ever to shop from LEDC-supported small, minority-owned businesses in DC, MD, and NoVA. Check it out here. 

Maryland Community Needs Survey

Ensure your local community needs are included in the Maryland State Service Plan by taking this 11-minute survey. Click here.

Senior Planet Montgomery 

Senior Planet Montgomery offers virtual programs to help seniors learn new skills, save money, get in shape and make new friends. Visit their website or call 240-753-0676.

Stay Home and Learn

Nonprofit Learning Lab is offering daily online trainings as a resource for nonprofits who are responding to the evolving changes and needs in their community and within their organizations as a result of COVID. Click here for more information.

Empowered Women International and LEDC present free webinars in English and Spanish. Click here for information.

Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center Welcomes New Staff Member 

Andra Liliana Lachovizer joined the Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center on December 7, 2020 as a full-time Program Associate based in the Center's Wheaton location.  
We asked Andra to introduce herself!  
Andra LachovizerT

Born in Colombia, I came to the United States 12 years ago with two of my most important treasures: my daughter and my passion for journalism, a career that I chose because I wanted to advocate for social justice in my country.  My path as a journalist took me through many different work experiences, including as a freelancer, press advisor, a Press and Communication Coordinator of a non-profit organization called Fundación Hogares Juveniles de Colombia, and as a broadcaster for RCN Radio, one of the main radio networks in Colombia. READ MORE>>>

January Workshops and Info Sessions  

> Free Citizenship Application Consultations by APALRC
 
Due to concerns about the coronavirus, the Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center is not scheduling any citizenship application workshops currently. However, APALRC has access to a safe and secure web platform, CitizenshipWorks, that applicants can use and get free help from an experienced attorney at the APALRC in reviewing and drafting their citizenship application. 

CitizenshipWorks is secure and private, and it allows attorneys to remotely review, edit, ask questions, and provide feedback on the draft N-400 form. The website exists in three languages: English, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese. The website allows applicants to start and stop their application at any time and saves their work each step of the way. 

Please note, CitizenshipWorks is not connected to USCIS or the US government, it is a private website. This is not the same as filing online through the USCIS website. To start drafting your application today, please go to http://www.citizenshipworks.org/Portal/APALRC
.
Even though the APALRC office is closed to in-person meetings, they can still answer questions about the 2020 Census (immigration law related or otherwise) by phone and email. They can also assist persons with limited English to obtain Census information in the language of their choice. For more information, please contact APALRC at info@apalrc.org or 202-393-3572.
 
> Free Legal Service provided by the 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 a referral to an attorney volunteer for direct representation. See the brochures in English or Spanish.
   
The Pro Bono Program is committed to helping the residents of Montgomery County, MD. Individual circumstances may vary and in some cases they may not be able to assist everyone. For further information please make sure to read the brochure or call the Pro Bono Program at 301-424-7651 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday.
> Free immigration consultations by HIAS by phone

HIAS works with a generous network of pro bono attorneys - both locally through their headquarters in NY and Silver Spring, MD, and across the country - to provide legal services to asylum seekers, asylees, and others who are seeking humanitarian relief. 

Due to COVID-19, HIAS has suspended all in-person client meetings and all non-essential travel, including pro bono legal delegations to the border. However, they are now providing free telephonic immigration consultations for Montgomery County residents. If interested, please email generallaw@hias.org or call 240-668-4053 and leave a message. To receive a call back, you must note in your email or your voicemail that you are a Montgomery County resident.
 
For all other Maryland residents, please call HIAS's intake line the first Friday of every month at 301-844-7248 to receive a free immigration consultation. 
> Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) Baltimore offers a variety of virtual webinars and training sessions:

Introductory Training - Representing Children in Immigration Matters
Thursday, January 21, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

(CLINIC) Comprehensive Overview of Immigration Law
January 25 - February 8, 2021, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.  

Click here for additional details and registration.
> FIRN

FIRN Inc. a Department of Justice (DOJ) accredited non-profit organization located in Columbia, Maryland, is currently accepting intakes for Montgomery County residents who need representation in their removal proceedings. FIRN is seeking to add at least 2 removal cases of Montgomery County residents. FIRN has been accredited by the DOJ since 2000 and currently has 1 full-time immigration attorney on staff, along with 2 fully accredited DOJ representatives. All immigration services are provided either low-cost or pro bono. FIRN's staff speak both English and Spanish. Montgomery County residents interested in completing an intake application should contact Alexis Downs De Colocho, adowns@firnonline.org or call 410-9921923. For more information about FIRN please visit www.firnonline.org.
Language Services and Financial Assistance

> Language Access 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). Please email interpreterbank@ayuda.com with "Maryland Victims" in the subject heading to learn more and to add your organization to the list of those that will receive services.
> 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 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 GROUP MEETINGS
Upcoming Meetings of County Executive's Ethnic & Faith Advisory Groups
All ethnic advisory groups are currently meeting virtually. For more information or concerns, please feel free to reach out to the liaisons listed below:

The African Affairs Advisory Group
will meet on Thursday, January 14, 2021, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The conversation will take place virtually and will focus on Community Safety and Policing.  Please feel free to reach out for more information and access. Contact the AAAG liaison, harrieta.shangarai@montgomerycountymd.gov

Asian Pacific American Advisory Group will meet on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. The link to the meeting is https://zoom.us/j/98856492776. If you would like to be added to the agenda, please email Mr. Yi Shen, yi.shen@montgomerycountymd.gov 

Caribbean American Advisory Group will meet on Zoom on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Mr. Shawn Ellis of the Office of Community Partnerships (OCP) will join the meeting to share updates about Montgomery County's efforts to provide services and resources relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and specifically about the vaccine. Contact yvonne.stephens@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Latin American Advisory Group -- For more information, contact jessy.mejiaterry@montgomerycountymd.gov
 
Middle Eastern American Advisory Group
will meet virtually on January 17, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. - noon for its Annual Retreat . Guest speaker will be Ms. Ellen Hartranft, Visitor Services Supervisor, Montgomery Parks. All are welcome to participate. 
To receive the Zoom link, please email Arwa.ElBoraei@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Celebrate Dr. King by Serving Our Community (Virtually)

Honor the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by participating in the Montgomery County Volunteer Center's annual MLK Day of Service eventthis year held virtually at http://bit.ly/MoCoMLKDay and for the entire week surrounding the holiday, January 16-24 
 
Volunteers will be able to help with a variety of service projects suitable for residents of all ages. Activitieinclude creating toys for service dogs, making blankets for hospice patients, sending well wishes to COVID patients, and donating books on diversity for students. MCPS students can earn student service learning (SSL) hours for most projects except donations.   
 
This event is free, but space is limited for some activities and registration is required. 
 
In addition to the Volunteer Center's virtual MLK service activities, several partner agencies are coordinating service projects for MLK Day 2021. Residents can find links to them all at the virtual event page at http://bit.ly/MoCoMLKDay. 
AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday and Tribute - Livestream

Join a live stream performing arts program on January 18, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. The program will feature previously recorded and live performing arts, spoken "Dear Martin" letters, interactive expression student artwork, and special guest appearances. Students can earn 1 SSL hour for viewing the live program. Click here for flyer.

Virtual Breakfast Honoring Dr. King

The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., IOTA Upsilon Lambda Chapter, and the Alpha Scholarship and Charitable Foundation will present the Martin Luther King, Jr. Virtual Breakfast on Monday, January 18, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. Click here for flyer.
ASIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY
Korean American Day

Korean American Day is on January 13, commemorating the first 102 Korean immigrants who arrived in the United States in 1903. Since then, Korean Americans have contributed to every facet of American society from serving in World Wars I and II, to scientific discoveries, to winning Olympic gold medals and countless other endeavors. To learn more about Korean American Day, please visit https://nationaldaycalendar.com/korean-american-day-january-13/
CARIBBEAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY
Save the Date

On Sunday, February 28, 2021 at 4:00 p.m., four Caribbean organizations will join together virtually to celebrate Black History Month. The Jamaican Nationals Association, Caribbean Political Action Committee (C-PAC), Jamaican Association of Maryland (JAM), and the Montgomery County Executive's Caribbean American Advisory Group (CAAG) are partnering for this event. Dr. Julius Garvey, son of Hon. Marcus Mosiah Garvey, will be the keynote speaker. More information will be provided later. The public and elected officials will be invited.

U.S. State Department Meeting

The Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs and the Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) initiated a meeting with diplomatic stakeholders to discuss the U.S. and Jamaica's relations. Twenty representatives from various Caribbean organizations in five states were invited to participate. READ MORE>>>

In Memoriam

Marcus Garvey, Jr., a civil rights leader who worked for the advancement of Black people throughout the world, died on December 8, 2020. To read more about Mr. Garvey, Jr. click here.

Eric Leopold Edwards (Leo) was a pillar of the Caribbean-American Diaspora who dedicated his academic and professional life to the promotion of cultural relations between the United States and the countries of the Caribbean. Click here to view a tribute to Mr. Edwards.

Caribbean Reading Corner

The Ward Post: CARICOM's Shame! https://thewardpost.com/caricoms-shame/

For more information about the Group's activities, please email Yvonne.Stephens@montgomerycountymd.gov.

CAAG: Working to Serve the Caribbean Community in Montgomery County. 
Mrs. Venice Mundle-Harvey, Chair
Mrs. Derrice Deane, Co-Chair
Mrs. Yvonne Stephens, Liaison
LATIN AMERICAN COMMUNITY
Latin American Advisory Group Appointments

The County Executive will be appointing new and reappointing some current members of the Latin American Advisory Group. The Group will also prepare to vote for its new leadership. The incoming Group will focus its 2021 work on COVID relief and recovery in the community in collaboration with the administration, and in building the infrastructure to implement recommendations in the Latino Agenda for Action Report 2020-2024.

COVID Vaccine Attitudes in the Latino Community

A comprehensive approach to gathering subjective data in the community will begin in January to survey Latino attitudes toward the vaccine. This data will be gathered in collaboration with trusted community organizations and will help the county in its roll-out when the vaccine is available for the general population. We encourage everyone to participate and provide us with their perspective.
MIDDLE EASTERN AMERICAN COMMUNITY
Updates

At MEAAG's December 8th meeting, guest speaker Clotilde Puertolas, Program Specialist, Programs & Outreach, Montgomery County Public Libraries, reviewed MCPL's virtual offerings and "books on hold," all available with a digital library card. The group also previewed its next joint meet-the-author series.

During December, like many community volunteers, MEAAG members pitched in at various local nonprofits. Sahar Fahmy participated in  American Diversity Group's December 20th food bank, organized by Mayur Mody, ADG president, and others. Debbie Trent contributed groceries to Manna Food Center in Gaithersburg.

Save the Date

February 16 - July 20 -- The second MCPL-MEAAG series, Conversations with Middle Eastern American Authors. Click here for the dates, times, and which authors and books will be featured. 

March 1 - April 25 -- MEAAG and the Brookside Gardens Visitor Center are co-sponsoring the exhibition "Middle Eastern American Artists in the Garden and Beyond."  The exhibition bridges Middle Eastern Americans and other ethnic cultures in the county and will include an online gallery and meet-the-artists event, a celebration of Earth Day in April, and art sales. Details will follow in this space and Facebook.

March is Middle Eastern American Heritage Month! We'll celebrate on Zoom on Sunday, March 14th, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with the theme of "Spread the Joy." Details will follow in this space, Facebook or by emailing MEAAG's liaison at Arwa.ElBoraei@montgomerycountymd.gov.
INTERFAITH COMMUNITY
The Rev. Mansfield "Kasey" Kaseman Retires 

The Rev. Mansfield "Kasey" Kaseman is stepping down after eight years as Montgomery County's Interfaith Community Liaison in the Office of Community Partnerships. His retirement became effective on December 31, 2020.

Kasey came to Rockville in 1979 and revitalized Rockville United Church, incorporated Community Ministries of Rockville, and engaged the political, civic, religious, and business sectors in meeting common interests.

As the Montgomery County Interfaith Community Liaison, and with the Faith Community Advisory Council, Kasey strengthened relationships between county government and the residents it served, focusing on the underserved, emerging communities, and neighbors in need.

Together with the Faith Community Advisory Council and its committees, Kasey endeavored to ensure that Montgomery County is a place where every basic human need is met, and every human right is respected.  

Kasey's vision and leadership will leave a lasting mark on Montgomery County. County Executive Marc Elrich and the Office of Community Partnerships thank him for his dedicated service, and wish him well in his retirement.
While the Interfaith Community Liaison position is vacant, please direct all correspondence to interfaith@montgomerycountymd.gov.  Happy New Year!
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