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November 2, 2020 - Issue 149
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NEWS & EVENTS AROUND THE REGION
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Voting in Maryland
Learn more about voter registration, mail in ballots, polling sites, and all things election related here.
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General Election Voter's Guide
The League of Women Voters of Montgomery County's Voter's Guide is here. For information on how to access the Guide in English and Spanish, click here.
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Job Openings
The Montgomery County Council is seeking candidates for three positions:
Click each link above for job descriptions and application details. Closing date for these positions is November 16.
The Office of Community Partnerships is hiring for the following positions:
Community Outreach Manager, Caribbean Community Liaison IRC46093
Community Outreach Manager, LGBTQ Liaison IRC46094
Community Outreach Manager, Middle Eastern Community Liaison
Program Manager II, Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center
Closing date for these positions is November 4.
Candidates must register through Montgomery County iRecruitment before applying for a position. Visit the homepage to register or login if you already have an account.
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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.
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Renters: Avoid Eviction
Concerned renters are encouraged to take advantage of financial, legal, and counseling supports to take actions to stay in their homes. Apply now for rent payment assistance.
Renters also can get help in avoiding eviction here.
Renters who receive a court notice are encouraged to contact Maryland Legal Aid (240-314-0373) and be sure to attend court, as lawyers are scheduled to be available to support renters.
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ESOL Classes for Adults
Find an online ESOL class on this flyer from MCAEL. A full list also can be found here.
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Vietnamese American Services
Senior club, job development, English classes, and more. Click here.
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College Access
CDI is a college access program that provides college counseling, test preparation, and ongoing support for low-income, primarily first-generation-to-college students, starting in 10th grade and continuing through successful college graduation.
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Free Tutoring
BioMonkey is a 501(c)(3) certified organization that assists K-8 students with free virtual tutoring by qualified student tutors. Click here for more information.
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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.
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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.
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Institute for Race, Justice and Civic Engagement
Register here for "Activism 101," free non-credit courses offered by Montgomery College.
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Maryland Nonprofit Recovery Initiative (NORI)
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is administering up to $40 million of the Governor's $50 million Nonprofit Recovery Initiative (NORI). The remaining nonprofit funding will be administered by the Maryland Department of Commerce.
For more information, click here.
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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.
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Zoom Registration for Lifelong Learning Institute Non-Credit Courses
Virtual Face-to-Face in Real-Time! Montgomery College Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI)Â is offering all fall courses online via Zoom. Zoom allows students to hear and see the instructor as they present their class using videos, powerpoints, and lectures. Zoom also offers students the opportunity to interact with the instructor and other students - asking questions and joining in discussions.
READ MORE>>>
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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.
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After 22 months of census activity and outreach, a roller coaster of deadlines and legal battles, Montgomery County had a tremendous response rate. Congratulations Montgomery County and thank you to everyone who was involved!
 Click here to see rankings dashboard.
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Here to Serve You During COVID-19
The Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center is here to serve you during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are taking phone calls to answer your questions, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please feel free to distribute this multilingual flyer to your colleagues, clients, family and friends.
Reflections from the Frontline
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Carla Ayala
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By Carla Ayala, Program Associate with the Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives in many ways. The Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center has seen firsthand how this pandemic has affected our most vulnerable residents. Since the pandemic started, our phone lines have remained open to connect county residents with the programs and resources they desperately need. We have had calls that range from: I don't have health insurance and lost my job but I think I have COVID, what can I do? I don't have enough food to feed my family, and don't have a car. Where can I get help and how can I get there safely? We've gotten heartbreaking calls from survivors of domestic violence, and callers who tell us that they lost their jobs, have a family, and are facing eviction. They have never sought help from the government before, and want to know what to do to get help.
Those words, "PLEASE HELP," stick with you. You see what is happening in the news, but when you are on the frontline and witness it firsthand, the dire needs of the community hit close to home and you feel the pain, the desperation of uncertainty. With the support of our team, we do all we can to connect people with the resources they need that will help their current situation. Most importantly, we try to make them feel heard and let them know that they are not alone.
It is an honor for me to be a public servant, to work in a county with abundant resources for assisting my fellow neighbors. Many in our community are experiencing the most difficult times in their lives, and as a community, we must continue to come together to help our neighbors in need. "You never know how strong you are until strong is the only choice you have." Though the pandemic has brought tremendous challenges, I have been truly inspired by the strength of our residents, the County employees that serve them, and our community as a whole, as we continue to navigate this unprecedented time together.
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November 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.
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> 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. Given the evolving situation regarding COVID-19, for the safety of staff and volunteers, 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 in receiving a consultation, please email generallaw@hias.org or call 240-668-4053 and leave a message. You must note in your email or your voicemail that you are a Montgomery County resident to get a callback. 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.
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> Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) Baltimore offers a variety of virtual webinars and training sessions:
Quick Topics Training - Crafting Gender-Based Asylum Claims for UACs
Wednesday, November 18, 2020, 12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m. Click here for registration and more information.
Introductory Training - Representing Children in Immigration Matters
Overview of Asylum Law and Procedure, presented by Immigration Advocates Network - click here for recording.
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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. |
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> 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. |
Upcoming Meetings of County Executive's Ethnic & Faith Advisory Groups
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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, November 12, 2020 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information and the virtual link, contact the AAAG liaison, harrieta.shangarai@montgomerycountymd.gov. For updates please visit Facebook: www.facebook.com/Africanaag.
Caribbean American Advisory Group has moved the date of its regular monthly meeting to Tuesday, November 10, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. because of the general election. The meeting will be held virtually via Zoom. Guest speaker: Ambassador Curtis Ward. Contact yvonne.stephens@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Latin American Advisory Group will meet virtually in November for logistical and year-in-review purposes. The Group will be updated on Census efforts, COVID-19 priorities and resources, and will review information regarding future appointments by the County Executive. Date TBD. Contact jessy.mejiaterry@montgomerycountymd.gov
Middle Eastern American Advisory Group will meet virtually on Wednesday, November 11, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Guest speaker is Ms. Alaa Sharaf, a Magruder High School graduate and the first student member of the board of the Montgomery College Foundation. All are welcome to join the meeting. To receive the Zoom link, please email Arwa.ElBoraei@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Interfaith Community Advisory Group
Thursday, November 5, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. -- Executive Committee Meeting Monday, November 16, 6:00 p.m - 7:30 p.m. -- Education Committee Meeting
Liaison: mansfield.kaseman@montgomerycountymd.gov |
Montgomery Serves Awards Goes Virtual
Meet the 2020 winners of the Montgomery Serves Awards!
The virtual program premiered on October 15, but if you missed the big event, you can still view the awards ceremony on the Volunteer Center website. If you prefer to watch on the big screen, tune into County Cable Montgomery on these dates:
- Tuesday, November 3, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 5, 10:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
- Saturday, November 7, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
- Sunday, November 8, 10 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The Montgomery Serves Awards are the County's highest honor for volunteers and community leaders who have served a lifetime, as well as individuals and groups who are being recognized as the top volunteers of the year.
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Support Small Businesses: Mansa Kunda Restaurant 
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AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY
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Chamber Champions 2020
The Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) is pleased to host a virtual gathering of Black-owned businesses for an evening of connection, encouragement, and recognition. The event serves as MBCC's annual meeting as well as an opportunity to present "Chamber Champion" awards to community and business leaders who are making an impact within Maryland's Black community. Click here for flyer.
The evening will include a special keynote message from the phenomenal force for change and one of this year's award recipients, Dr. DeRionne Pollard, President of Montgomery College.
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This year, Diwali will be celebrated on Saturday, November 14. Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is the celebration of victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It is one of the most important holidays in India and is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs. We wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous Diwali!
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CARIBBEAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY
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Caribbean Reading Corner
The Ward Post, a publication that provides analyses of regional and global geopolitical and security issues, including issues with special impact on the Caribbean region, celebrated its 4th year of publication in October 2020. The Publisher/Editor, Curtis A. Ward, is a former Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the United Nations. To read more about Ambassador Ward and for links to recent publications, click here.
CAAG: Working to Serve the Caribbean Community in Montgomery County.
Mrs. Venice Mundle-Harvey, Chair
Mrs. Derrice Deane, Co-Chair
Mrs. Yvonne Stephens, Liaison
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Hispanic Heritage Month 2020
County Executive Marc Elrich recognized Hispanic Heritage Month, emphasizing two important civic duties this year: collaboration to protect the county's health during COVID and the importance of voting. On October 3, Mr. Elrich co-sponsored the
hosted by the Black Rock Center for the Arts in collaboration with The Germantown Hub. The Hispanic Heritage Family Day included an outdoor chalk art activity, tropical flavored ice cream, music, and free COVID-19 testing. The County Executive presented certificates to The Black Rock Center for the Arts and The Germantown Hub for their exceptional work to rise to the needs of the Germantown community during the COVID-19 health crisis. The County Executive also promoted testing by getting a COVID test himself at the event.
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County Executive Marc Elrich at Hispanic Heritage Family Day
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County Executive Marc Elrich receives a COVID test
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On October 9, the County Executive co-hosted a virtual Hispanic Heritage Month "Convivio" (gathering) with Telemundo 44. The Convivio highlighted everything residents need to know to cast their ballot safely. To view flyer, click here. The event was moderated by Alban Zamora, newscast host of Noticiero Telemundo 44, and featured Dr. Gilberto Zelaya, Director of the Montgomery County Board of Elections. Dr. Zelaya gave a thorough presentation on all aspects of the voting process. The presentation in Spanish included an opportunity for questions from the audience to ensure that Latino residents had all of the information needed to make their voices heard. The event also recognized the work of several volunteers and the nonprofit organization Identity, who received the Todos Contamos Award for their exceptional efforts helping count all Latinos in the County for the 2020 Census. A musical presentation by Alicia Deeny, Principal of Takoma Park Middle School, capped the event.
Census 2020 Ends
The "Everyone Counts in Montgomery/Todos Contamos en Montgomery" Census campaign, conducted for more than a year, concluded in October. The Office of Community Partnerships, along with the County's Complete Count Committee, its numerous partners, and volunteers were "all hands-on-deck" during this final stretch. In the Mid County region, the Wheaton Westfield Mall and Costco were major supporters enabling volunteers to host a tent and table with materials, and help customers complete their Census on-the-spot. Several food distribution events in the region by our nonprofit partners also helped us reach the most vulnerable among our residents and ensure we could count everyone. These outreach activities were complimented by an all-Spanish local and regional mainstream media campaign over radio, TV, newspaper and social media. Supporting Families Food and housing insecurity continue to be major issues during the economic crisis brought about by COVID-19. To support families most in need, we have begun to provide rental assistance information with Census materials in Spanish at food distribution sites and through our WhatsApp line, as well as sharing information on COVID-19 resources. We are also collaborating closely with the efforts and activities of the Por Nuestra Salud y Bienestar Initiative to promote free testing events, food distribution sites, free flu vaccine clinics, and other relevant information for our most impacted residents.
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MIDDLE EASTERN AMERICAN COMMUNITY
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Updates
- On October 4th, MEAAG members helped out at the Complete the Census drive at City of Light Church in Silver Spring. 2020 Census Manager Shawn Ellis (left photo) signals "thumbs-up" to car passengers who responded that they completed their household survey as they proceed to the co-located food bank.
- On October 8th, MEAAG hosted Councilmember-at-Large Will Jawando for a community conversation (middle photo). Discussion focused on the difficulties families face with hunger, health and housing during the pandemic, the rising response to the 2020 census, the need for more representation and participation of broader Middle Eastern ethnicities in local government and civil society, a second author talk series in the spring, and the November 3 ballot questions.
There was also some community news to celebrate, with two more seats added by the County Council to the Racial Equity and Social Justice Commission, opening the possibility of nominating a county resident of Middle Eastern heritage. Mr. Jawando supported MEAAG efforts to strengthen connections with the Muslim Voices Coalition and welcomed the opportunity to host a Middle Eastern American children's author at one of his virtual story times produced by Montgomery County Public Libraries.
- On Saturday, October 17th, the Rotary Club of Washington Global-MoCo Satellite, chaired by MEAAG member Sahar Fahmy, conducted a food drive and walked in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
- On October 25th, MEAAG delivered more than $100 in non-perishable groceries to the Pepper Tree Farms Apartments, where Mid-County United Ministries conducted its weekly food bank (far right photo).
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Religious Land Use Working Group Forum: Imagining New Possibilities Through Development
A Free Virtual Forum for Faith Communities -- Thursday, November 12, 2020, 6:00 p.m - 7:30 p.m.
Faith Community leaders will learn about the future of their neighborhoods and meet developers who will explain the redevelopment potential of their properties. Faith communities with excess land or underutilized structures or dreams without necessary resources will have the opportunity to imagine new possibilities while continuing to serve their members and neighbors. Click here for flyer.
Help Neighbors in Need During the Holiday Season
Faith communities have been helping neighbors in need for 30 years as partners in the Holiday Giving Coalition of Montgomery County. Food insecurity has risen over 50% since March, making this program especially important this year. Click here to learn how to help.
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A Plan for Strengthening the Montgomery Sister Cities Program
In the first decade of Montgomery Sister Cities (MSC), the community organization established to partner with Montgomery County to develop a Sister Cities program, the county established Sister City relationships in the five countries of origin with the county's largest immigrant populations:
- Morazán, El Salvador (2011);
- Gondar, Ethiopia (2012);
- Xi'an, China (2014);
- Hyderabad, India (2014); and
- Daejeon, South Korea (2017).
County Executive Marc Elrich and Office of Community Partnerships director Diane Vu are committed to strengthening and deepening each of Montgomery County's five Sister Cities relationships as a means of advancing community engagement, global education, cultural understanding, and economic development. This spring, they asked former OCP director Bruce Adams to study what is working and what needs to be improved and to provide an implementation plan for strengthening each of our five Sister City relationships.
Bruce's final report, results of the surveys, and interview notes can be viewed at
https://montgomerysistercities.org/news/.
The MSC Board is reviewing the report. A top priority is to broaden representation of the board and reinvigorate the five Sister City committees. If you are interested in participating, please email Bruce at bruce@greaterwash.org.
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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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During October, the Asian community increased outreach efforts in the community to encourage everyone to complete the census. Pictured from left to right, volunteers at H-Mart, Silver Spring Farmers Market, and Rockville Aldi.
