September 2019
Monthly News and Updates
LGBTQ YOUTH OPEN HOUSE
On September 20th, we hosted an LGBTQ Youth Event to officially welcome SMYAL(Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League) as a partner in our Reengagement Initiative. SMYAL is a DC-based nonprofit that creates opportunities for LGBTQ youth to build self-confidence, develop critical life skills, and engage their peers and community through service and advocacy. We are excited to partner with them in bringing their work to Montgomery County and providing the services and resources necessary to meet the needs of our LGBTQ youth.
The event included entertainment and keynote remarks from Montgomery County Councilmember Evan Glass and Maryland State Delegate Gabriel Acevero. This was the first of many events we will be hosting to facilitate conversations with the LGBTQ youth in Montgomery County. 
Concilmember Evan Glass
Dalbin Osorio
Welcome our new CWIN Program Manager: Dalbin Osorio
We are excited to add to our staff, Dalbin Osorio, our new manager of Children With Intensive Needs. He is a graduate of Hunter College's School of Social Work. He has worked as a foster care social worker providing services to unaccompanied refugee minors, as well as a case manager working with children exploited in the commercial sex trade. Dalbin is a 2017 Organizing for Action Community Organizing Fellow, is currently a Maryland Education Policy Fellow, and is pursuing a second Masters in Education Policy and Leadership from Boston College.
Senator Van Hollen Meets with Local Nonprofits for a "Speak, Listen, and Learn Session"
On Thursday evening, September 19, our Executive Director, Terrill North, and Public Policy Coordinator, Susan Augusty, joined other nonprofit leaders for a listening session with Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen. The Senator spoke to issues that are affecting nonprofit organizations such as how the change in tax law continues to affect charitable giving, state budget cuts and the budget deal that will keep the federal government operating. He responded to questions from nonprofits that pertained to our environment, our disabled and immigrant communities, and issues affecting low-income families.The non-partisan event took place at the Hyattsville Municipal Building and was co-sponsored by the City of Hyattsville, Maryland Nonprofits, the Maryland Philanthropy Network, Nonprofit Montgomery, and Nonprofit Prince George’s County. 
Senator Chris Van Hollen (MD) with Collaboration Council staff and other local nonprofits
Community of Practice workshop:
Real Talk 4 Girls- Engaging Girls of Color
Collaboration Council "Since 1992" video series.
Since 1992 the Montgomery County Collaboration Council has worked in conjunction with community-based partners and County agencies to affect change for the children, youth, and families of Montgomery County. This video showcases an example of our investment in youth development practitioners. Click here to watch our latest video.
Bridges to the Future
The Landing is one of the partner organizations in our Inter-Agency Team, and their work helping people like Alma find new paths to success speaks for itself. Click here to read the full story in a new post on our blog.

Community of Practice
A dvancing Youth Development (AYD) certificates were awarded to 23 youth development practitioners on September 27 th . These 2019 AYD graduates join the more than 200 youth development practitioners who have completed the 28 hour AYD Training Program since the Collaboration Council launched its Youth Development Community of Practice in 2016. The Community of Practice also offers a wide range of professional development resources online. We invite you to join YouthDevelopmentNow.org  

 
 
 
Prevention
September celebrates National Recovery Month! Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), this national observance is held to increase education about the effectiveness of substance use treatment services in helping individuals with substance use disorders lead healthy and rewarding lives. This observance also celebrates individuals in recovery, serves to reduce the stigma and misconceptions of substance use disorders and promotes and supports new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices.
For additional information on National Recovery Month, please click here to visit SAMHSA’s official website.

Maryland United 4 Youth Conference
The 2019 Maryland United 4 Youth Conference is designed to support change-makers to feel unified, supported and inspired. The work of changing the status quo is challenging, making it essential to prioritize connection and personal well-being in the process.

Click here to register.
Black & Brown Forum for Educational Equity and Excellence
Did you know that Black and Brown middle school students from low-income families are 2x more likely to have a novice teacher?

Join us on October 15th at Gaithersburg High School for a discussion and exploration of evidence based solutions to create better educational outcomes for Black and Brown students in MCPS from 6-9PM.