February 2026

The Reverend Jesse Jackson
1941 - 2026

The Community Action Agency joins millions of Americans and others worldwide in mourning the loss of the Reverend Jesse Jackson, who passed away on February 17, 2026.



“I am Somebody”

Rev. Jackson stood as a towering figure in the ongoing struggle for civil rights, as he dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice and equality for all. His unwavering commitment to transformation within American society inspired countless individuals to join in the fight for human dignity. From his earliest days as a young activist, Rev. Jackson recognized the power of collective action, working tirelessly to dismantle barriers and create opportunities for marginalized communities.

One of the most pivotal moments in Rev. Jackson’s journey was his participation in the historic Selma to Montgomery marches. Marching alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he confronted brutality and intimidation, yet remained steadfast in his determination to secure the right to vote for every American. These demonstrations not only galvanized public opinion but also resulted in the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a cornerstone achievement in the civil rights movement.

Decades later, Rev. Jackson stood in Grant Park in his hometown of Chicago as Barack Obama addressed the nation after his historic victory. He was visibly overcome with emotion as history unfolded before him. It reflected his lifetime of sacrifice, organizing, and moral courage recognized on the national stage.

Rev. Jackson continually emphasized the importance of transformation—not just through legislation, but in hearts and minds. His work with organizations like Operation PUSH and the Rainbow Coalition empowered generations to advocate for social change, economic justice, and political representation. Through his leadership, communities have learned that true progress requires both courage and compassion.

As we honor the legacy of Rev. Jackson, we celebrate his lifelong dedication to equality and his vision for a nation where every voice is heard. His commitment to justice has shaped the course of history. The work of Rev. Jackson reminds us that transformation is possible when we stand together, united in our resolve to create a more just and inclusive society.

“Keep Hope Alive”

Community Action Participates in MCAP’s Advocacy Day

Advocacy matters – and on February 5, 2026, our team made sure our community’s voice was heard in Annapolis. Seven Agency staff members attended the Maryland Community Action Partnership’s (MCAP) annual Advocacy Day at the State House. Our staff members met with members of the Anne Arundel County Delegation and their staff members to discuss the impact of the work we do and to solicit their support on state-wide and local initiatives.

MCAP is a non-profit, multi-regional association that strengthens the capacity of Community Action Agencies (CAAs) supporting hardworking families. Maryland’s 17 CAAs alone connect with more than 207,000 residents each year. As the locally rooted agencies advancing opportunity and economic mobility in Maryland CAAs play a vital role in helping families build stability, grow financial independence, and contribute to safe and thriving communities.

Advocacy Day wrapped up with a luncheon at Aqua Al 2 bringing together elected officials, State of Maryland officials, and staff members from CAAs statewide. Jake Day, Secretary of the Department of Housing and Community Development, was the keynote speaker. Attendees also heard testimonials from people who have benefited from CAA programs, including two from our Agency.

Community Action appreciates the opportunity to meet with our elected officials to share the benefits our work offers to struggling households in Anne Arundel County.

The photos below feature our customers who provided testimony at Advocacy Day, as well as Agency Vice-President Josh Hatch

Did You Know You May Qualify for a Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit?

By simply filing your state tax return this year, you could qualify for up to $4,000 through the Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Many Marylanders, even part-time, seasonal, or workers who file with an Individual Tax Payer Identification Number (ITIN) qualify without realizing it.

The EITC is a refundable tax credit for workers with low to moderate incomes. The amount you may qualify for will depend on your income and family size. The EITC can either increase your refund or reduce the amount you owe – sometimes even to zero.

To qualify, you must have earned income in the past year. Many people qualify without realizing it, including: young adults, first-time workers, part-time employees, and caregivers. You must file your tax return, using either a Social Security number or ITIN to receive the credit.

Everyone who qualifies for the federal EITC qualifies for the State of Maryland EITC. Additionally, ITIN filers and childless adults aged 18-24 may qualify for the Maryland credit even though they are not eligible for the federal credit.

To learn more about the EITC program, and whether you qualify, click here or visit MarylandComproller.gov/EarnedIt.

Program Updates

BGE to Resume Issuing Turn-Off Notices on February 28

After discontinuing energy disconnects during the cold weather the region has been experiencing, BGE will begin issuing turn-off notices on February 28, 2026.. If you are behind on your energy bill or have received a disconnect notice, the Agency strongly encourages you to submit an energy assistance application if you haven’t already since July 1, 2025.

Required documents must be submitted with an application in order to be processed. Documents include: Government-issued photo ID of applicant, Social Security cards for all household members, proof-of-income for the past 30 days of all household members 18 years of age and older, proof of residency (if your current address is not the same as photo ID), and a copy of your energy bill.

Energy applications can be submitted with supporting documentation online at https://benefits.maryland.gov. Customers can also visit our offices to fill out an application and submit documents. Our offices include:

·      Main Office, 251 West Street, Annapolis; Telephone: 410.626.1900; Hours: 8:30-4:30, Monday – Friday.

·      North County Office at Career Center, 613 Global Way, Linthicum Heights; Telephone: 410.626.1900; Hours 8:30-4:30, Monday and Thursday

·      South County Office, 5408 Southern MD Blvd, Lothian (Co-located in Bay Community Health); Telephone: 410.980.5613; Hours: 9-3, Monday, Tuesday, and Friday



For more information, please call 410.626.1900.

Community Action Holds Professional Development for Teachers

The Anne Arundel County Community Action Agency (AACCAA), through funding from the Coordinated Community Supports Partnership (CCSP) Grant, recently supported professional development for teachers at Annapolis Middle School. This learning opportunity was intentionally requested by school leadership to strengthen staff capacity in behavioral and mental health—an important focus of the CCSP initiative. We were honored to welcome Dr. Shaun Woodly, who introduced educators to The Behavioral Operating System, a research-informed framework that helps teachers better understand the underlying drivers of student behavior rather than simply responding to what appears on the surface.

During the session, Dr. Woodly explained how student behavior is connected to five fundamental psychological needs—belonging, autonomy, mastery, safety, and meaning—and how unmet needs can quickly impact engagement in the classroom. He also explored how students’ brains continuously scan for reward, threat, connection, and coherence, often shaping behavior before conscious thought occurs. This professional learning reinforces a powerful shift in perspective: moving from asking, “What is this student doing?” to “What problem is this behavior trying to solve?”

Principal Herrera shared, “This was an amazing professional development experience for our staff. Partnerships like this truly make a difference in our learning community by strengthening the support we provide to teachers, students, and the overall learning environment.” We are grateful to AACCAA and the CCSP Grant for investing in training that advances positive behavioral and mental health outcomes across our school community.

Turnaround Thursday Holds Trades Event

Earlier this month, Community Action’s Turnaround Thursday held an event in partnership with Eastern Atlantic States Union at Downtown Hope in Annapolis. The partnership offers participants apprenticeship opportunities in carpentry, pile driving, flooring, millwork installation, and trade shows – allowing them to earn as they learn. Eastern Atlantic States Union’s training program is highly desired for its quality training, superior benefits, and zero cost.

The event also showcased opportunities in HVAC, auto mechanics, and CDL training. An IT professional shared information about training and careers in that field. In addition, a representative promoted upcoming training being offered in the community by Sherwin Williams.

For more information about Turnaround Thursday and training program, please call 410.626.1900.

I am incredibly appreciative of the Foreclosure Prevention Counseling Services provided by Anne Arundel County Community Action. 

Last year, I experienced increased living costs and significant medical expenses which caused me to find myself in a financial hardship and facing foreclosure. I was so overwhelmed by all the official documentation and I needed help. I was able to find AACCAA foreclosure prevention services where I met Housing Consultant, Denise Crews.

Ms. Crews listened attentively and provided me one-on-one sessions that allowed me to develop a clear, personalized action plan providing immense peace of mind during an overwhelming time. She took the time to understand my situation, quick responses to my questions, directly attended lender calls all through positive encouragement and dedicated counseling. My lender and I were able to negotiate a more affordable payment with a loan modification that I truly couldn't have achieved on my own.

I am so grateful for Ms. Crews’ expertise and support in helping me keep my home. 

Ms. Ashburn

Homeless Woman Found Dead in the Cold

By Thomas Ferraro

Portia Latrice Jones was homeless for 16 years, the final six in Annapolis. She enjoyed long walks between daily visits to the city’s Eastport and West Street Libraries, where she sat with her belongings in front of a computer, reading and watching videos.

“She was always polite,” said Eastport Branch Manager Michele Noble. “She knew her way around a library and knew what she wanted. We considered her what we call a ‘self service customer.’”

On Jan. 28, Jones, 44, fondly known as “The Petite Woman with a Hoodie and Dreadlocks,” was found unresponsive in the city’s Truxtun Park and pronounced dead. Police suspect she slipped on the ice and fell, the victim of the subfreezing temperatures and the nation’s mounting homelessness.

“She was very intelligent, independent, and always wanted to learn,” said Delores Bullock, executive director of Blessed In Tech Industries, a local charity that helps the homeless.

Bullock said Jones told her she was from California, where she graduated from college, and later, after falling into homelessness, moved to Annapolis from Baltimore, where she had been a victim of street crime, resulting in what Bullock saw as trauma.

“She was fragile, broken in spirit, and needed help when she came to Annapolis,” Bullock said. “I encouraged her to go into a shelter and Social Services. I thought she was doing better. But it was upsetting that after all these years, she was still on the street.”

Jones’ story is still reflective of many of the 771,480 people identified as homeless on a single night nationwide in January 2024, up 18 percent from the year before, federal figures show. Numbers for 2025 are not yet available, but they are expected to rise again.

The increase has been attributed largely to a critical shortage of affordable housing, stagnant wages, a rising gap between the rich and poor, a lack of mental health services, and cuts in the federal social safety net.

“When extreme weather hits our area, our homeless population is very vulnerable,” said Mario Berninzoni, head of the Anne Arundel County Coalition to End Homelessness. “I hope people will hear about this case and help make changes.”

The number of men and women who died homeless in 2025 in Anne Arundel County, one of the wealthiest jurisdictions in Maryland, was 28, up seven from 2024, up nine from 2023. The number is expected to rise again this year.

In December, the names of Jones and others who died homeless in Anne Arundel County in 2026 will be read aloud and remembered at the annual Longest Night Homeless Persons’ Memorial Service in Annapolis’ People’s Park.

“I will always remember Portia’s beautiful smile and smart comebacks,” Bullock said. “She was loved in the homeless community.”

Heart Health Awareness Month: Protect Your Heart, Prioritize Your Health

As we observe Heart Health Awareness Month, let's empower ourselves with knowledge and take proactive steps to safeguard our most vital organs. Heart disease remains a leading cause of death in the United States, affecting both men and women. However, we can significantly reduce our risk and promote heart wellness with awareness and healthy lifestyle choices. Here are some essential tips for heart-healthy living:

Understand Your Risk: Know your family history and personal risk factors for heart disease. Our family history doesn’t necessarily have to be our fate. Understanding what we could be at greater risk for is a tool.

Fuel Your Heart: What we eat plays a significant role in decreasing our risk for heart-damaging conditions. Opt for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit intake of saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, sodium, and added sugars.

Stay Active: Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly. Be creative in finding activities you enjoy, such as walking, swimming, cycling, or dancing. You are more likely to be consistent if you do something enjoyable.

Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night to support heart health and overall well-being. Try to establish a sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine.

Avoid Tobacco: Smoking is one of the leading causes of heart disease. Quit smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, which can increase your risk of heart disease and other health complications.

Manage Stress: Practice stress-reducing techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or spending time in nature. Try using a meditation app at the start or end of your day. Prioritize this self-care time to maintain emotional well-being.

Be An Active Participant in Your Health: Learn about your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, body weight, and blood sugar levels. Understand how these factors impact your risk for heart disease and work with your healthcare provider to maintain optimal levels.

Lead by Example: Sometimes, your life can be the testimony to inspire those around you to do the same. Encourage friends, family members, and colleagues to adopt heart-healthy habits and support one another on the journey to wellness.

Remember, your heart matters. Take care of it today for a healthier tomorrow.

For more information, click here.

Upcoming Events

Join us for a brief Lunch & Learn virtual session featuring practical tips and proven strategies to help you manage your finances with confidence. If you are interested in attending this event, please complete the Interest Form. Registered participants will receive the virtual meeting access information via email prior to the event.

Volunteer With Us

For more information, please call (410) 626-1900 x1024.