"Helping People Changing Lives"

Community Action Agency Pays Tribute to Late Christine Davenport

The Community Action Agency Board of Directors and staff wish to pay tribute to Board member Christine Davenport, who passed away on November 10, 2025.

Christine started her journey with the Agency as a valued volunteer and was thereafter invited to serve as a member of the Board of Directors. An active member of the Board, she participated as a member of the Finance Committee.

Christine’s unwavering commitment, leadership, and dedication to the mission of the Agency made a lasting impact on our organization and the community we serve. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of working alongside her.

The Community Action Agency Receives Citation from City of Annapolis

On Monday, October 27, 2025, the Agency received a citation from Alderwoman Sheila Finlayson during the Annapolis City Council Special Meeting held in the Mayor John T. Chambers, Jr. Council Chambers at Annapolis City Hall. The citation recognized the Agency’s ongoing commitment to empowering families, reducing poverty, and strengthening communities through its comprehensive programs and services. This acknowledgment underscores the Agency’s vital role in advancing equity and opportunity for residents of the City of Annapolis and across Anne Arundel County.

The Agency has served City and County residents as the designated anti-poverty agency since 1965. During Community Action’s last program year (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025), 1,194 Annapolis households received services through the Agency’s six program areas. These households encompass 2,396 residents. The Agency facilitates a program at Annapolis Middle School which serves 70 students and members of their households. This program received and expended $670,000 to benefit the students and their families in the program.

The Community Action Agency appreciates the recognition from the City of Annapolis of the support we give city residents through our programming.

Community Action Agency Welcomes New Director of Early Head Start



The Agency's Early Head Start program welcomed Ms. Fatima Brown as its new director on October 20, 2025. Ms. Brown brings to the Agency a wealth of experience in Head Start program leadership, child development, and community partnership building, further strengthening the Agency’s commitment to high-quality early childhood education and family support.

Welcome, Ms. Brown!

Annapolis Middle School Therapeutic Program Students Enjoy College Tours

It’s hard to believe we are already in year two of the Coordinated Community Supports Program (CCSP) grant at Annapolis Middle School (AMS). The partnership between the Community Action Agency and AMS continues to serve as a powerful model of what meaningful, school-community collaboration looks like. Through our shared commitment to providing wrap-around behavioral health support for students and families, we are seeing measurable improvements in academic engagement, emotional wellness, and overall student achievement. This joint effort ensures that young people have access to the social, emotional, and mental health supports they need—right in the school building—helping reduce barriers and strengthen outcomes for our entire school community.

One of the highlights this year was our students’ participation in the 5th Annual Senator Henson Elijah M. Wilson College Tour 2025, and it was truly an outstanding experience. More than 20 students had the opportunity to visit Coppin State University and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) for a full day of guided campus tours, information sessions, and conversations with admissions teams and current students. For many of our scholars, this was their first time stepping onto a college campus, and the exposure was transformative.

College tours like this are essential because they expand students’ vision for their future and help them see themselves as college-ready leaders. These experiences demystify the college process, build motivation, and inspire students to set higher academic and personal goals. They also encourage students to understand the connection between their current habits—attendance, behavior, coursework—and future opportunities. By showing them what is possible, we equip them with the confidence and curiosity needed to pursue higher education with intention.

We are excited to continue supporting our students through CCSP initiatives and to create more moments that open doors, spark ambition, and change lives.

Director of Annapolis Middle School Therapeutic Program Featured on Community Schools Impact Show



Dr. Eric Elston, Director of the Agency’s Annapolis Middle School Therapeutic Program, was nominated by Community School staff to be featured on the Community Schools Impact Show. During his interview, Dr. Elston highlighted the Agency’s impact on delivering family and community support through collaborative program and outreach initiatives.

Project IGNITE Welcomes Three New Middle Schools

Project IGNITE welcomed new middle schools as part of efforts to align programming with the equity-focused vision of Anne Arundel County Public Schools: Lindale Middle School, MacArthur Middle School and Southern Middle School. Project IGNITE is a mentor-based enrichment and tutoring program co-created with Anne Arundel County Public Schools.  The program provides grants up to $16,000 to provide innovative programming that addresses the academic, behavioral, and social emotional needs and gaps that exist within schools.

For more information about Project IGNITE, please contact Dr. Brodell McNeil at McSpiredLLC@gmail.com.

Early Head Start Celebrates Fall

During the month of October, the Community Action Agency's Early Head Start program celebrated “Pink Out”. Children and teachers made t-shirts, designing them with the color pink. Everyone was excited to wear their new shirts and posed with a sign “EHS Wears Pink” to show their solidarity for breast cancer.

The week of October 27, 2025, the Center celebrated Spirit Week, culminating with a Fall Festival. The children dressed in their pajamas, sports gear, and crazy socks to celebrate the special days during the week. On the final day, children dressed as their favorite characters, painted pumpkins and leaves, and celebrated with fun and games.



The Early Head Start program is currently enrolling children aged 6 weeks through 3 years of age throughout Anne Arundel County. The no-cost program for income eligible families is housed in Edgewater. If you are interested in enrolling or obtaining information, please call 443.951.5553.

Community Action Agency Staff Attend Bridges Out of Poverty Workshop

Community Action sent several staff members to attend Bridges Out of Poverty, a comprehensive workshop offered by Maryland Workforce Association on November 5, 2025. The transformative training session was developed to equip attendees with knowledge and actionable tools to strengthen communities and reduce poverty.



The Agency is committed to offering training opportunities to our staff members to enable them to benefit the people we serve.  

Register for Operation Warm!

For the third year, Annapolis Subaru has selected the Community Action Agency as their non-profit partner for Operation Warm! This year, the event is taking place on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Annapolis Middle School from 6 – 8 p.m. We will be distributing over 500 coats for children aged 2-18 at the event, and children must be present to select a coat to take home.



Please register prior to the event. Registration information (and a QR code) are in the flyer below. For more information, please contact Ms. Snyder at jsnyder@aaccaa.info or Mr. Johnson at ijohnson@aaccaa.info.

Mr. Green atttended his first Turnaround Thursday (TAT) Session in November of 2024, after his wife began coming six months prior. Mr. Green enjoyed the session so much he vowed to continue coming, although he was not interested in employment initially because he didn’t think he could get a job due to his history. 

Mr. Green was hesitant because of his prior involvement with the justice system, including incarceration. He also struggled with alcohol abuse, which suppressed the pain of his life experiences. Though he was dealing with several issues, he continued to show up at TAT sessions every week and if he could not attend, he would contact our staff with an explanation. As time went on, he became more engaged, interacting, speaking, and even role playing, which we do each week at TAT sessions.  

The Turnaround Thursday staff observed a change in Mr. Green. His wife continually thanked us for caring and supporting him. He became more confident, talking about his future, and things he wanted to accomplish. Eventually, he spoke about pursuing employment with Luminis Health, TAT’s leading employer.

Over time, Mr. Green stopped smoking and minimized his alcohol intake. He attended Turnaround Thursday’s Essential Skills Training, receiving a Certificate of Completion. Although his life has been challenging, he possesses a variety of occupational skills as owner/operator of a landscape company, painter, carpentry and maintenance, floor technician, and volunteer landscaper on a public housing contract. Mr. Green felt ready to apply to Luminis and in January 2025, he started a job at Luminis as a Floor Technician. 

After a few months at Luminis, Mr. Green vowed to improve his life, including achieving sobriety. He went to his employer for help, and they supported him. He was given the opportunity to work on his goal, which he accomplished. 

Today, according to Mr. Green, he is substance free. He stops by our TAT meetings and visits the Agency from time to time. He recently started his first class of a 10-week computer training program. In January 2026, he will celebrate being on the job for one year and is planning to apply for a new position with the maintenance department.  

The TAT Team is proud of all he has accomplished on turning his life around! 

In the photo above, Mr. Green is at the far right, Ms. McGowan (TAT staff member) is in the middle

Saving a Home by Resolving a Second Mortgage

When Ms. A reached out to the Agency, she was on the brink of losing her home—not because of her primary mortgage, but due to a second mortgage that had become unmanageable after a series of financial hardships. She had lost her job, was later diagnosed with a disability, and her fixed income could no longer sustain her monthly obligations. The lender for her second mortgage had initiated foreclosure proceedings, placing her home—and her sense of stability—at risk.

Over several weeks, a US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Counselor worked closely with Ms. A to gather the necessary documentation, draft a detailed hardship letter, and explain her financial circumstances in a way that was both honest and compelling. Together, they reviewed her income sources, medical expenses, and household budget to present a complete and accurate picture of her situation.

With the counselor’s guidance, Ms. A prepared for mediation. During the session, the HUD Housing Counselor provided support and advocacy, helping Ms. A clearly communicate her desire to resolve the debt while maintaining her housing stability. Through persistence, collaboration, and careful financial analysis, they were able to persuade the mortgage company to reduce the balance owed on the second mortgage and create a repayment plan that was realistic and sustainable.

This resolution not only prevented foreclosure but also restored Ms. A’s peace of mind. She was able to remain in her home and rebuild her financial footing, knowing she had an achievable plan in place.

This case illustrates the vital role our agency’s HUD-Certified Housing Counselors play in helping homeowners navigate complex mortgage challenges. Through expert counseling, advocacy, and compassionate problem-solving, families can protect their homes, preserve their dignity, and move forward with hope.

Agency Seeks Support for the 29th Annual Harriett Pratt Gifts of Love

Continuing a cherished tradition, the Anne Arundel County Community Action Agency will host the 29th Annual Harriett Pratt Gifts of Love on December 15, 2025, at the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel. The program, an initiative of the Agency’s Youth Development Services, invites homeless, fostered, and low-income children to participate each year to enjoy a delicious dinner, gifts, and festivities in celebration of the holiday season.

Each year, the gifts are made possible through the generosity of individuals, community organizations, and local businesses. This season, Community Action invites you to help make the holidays brighter for a local child by donating in one of two ways:

· Make a Donation: Contribute a tax-deductible donation to help Agency staff purchase gifts for participating children. Checks may be sent to the attention of Julie Snyder at 251 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401.

 · Adopt a Child: Sign up to adopt a child and receive a personalized wish list! Shop and drop off gifts or arrange pickup by December 1, 2025 — and Agency staff will even wrap them! To adopt, contact Ms. Julie Snyder at jsnyder@aaccaa.info.

The Agency partners with Anne Arundel County Public Schools, the Coordinated Community Supports Partnership (Annapolis Middle School), Stanton Center, and Early Head Start to identify local children most in need. This year, we look forward to serving over 100 children.

For more information about donating to Gifts of Love, contact Ms. Snyder at jsnyder@aaccaa.info or call 410.626.1900 x1026. Make a donation and bring joy to a child over the holiday season!

The 29th Annual Harriett Pratt Gifts of Love is proudly sponsored by Atlas Restaurant Group and Rotary Club of Annapolis.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and is responsible for more deaths than any other cancer across all populations. However, when caught early the chances of successful treatment dramatically increase. It is essential to understand the risks and symptoms of lung cancer to aid in early detection.

In some cases, Lung Cancer can be asymptomatic until the later stages, which can make treatment more challenging. There are some class symptoms that should prompt a conversation with your doctor. Remember, these symptoms alone do not necessarily indicate lung cancer, but they do warrant discussion with a health care provider. Symptoms to be aware of include:

· Persistent cough, especially accompanied by rust-colored sputum

· Shortness of breath

· Hoarseness

· Chronic/recurrent bronchitis

· Chest pain

· Unexplained weight loss

· Bone pain

If you experience any of above symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult your health care provider. Health providers may suggest one of several evaluation options, which could include a low dose CT scan, nasal swab samples, or blood tests.

As a general precaution, decrease modifiable risk factors for lung cancer, such as quitting smoking, and avoiding exposure to second-hand smoke, asbestos, carcinogens, and air pollution.

For more information, please click here.

The Community Action Agency is seeking volunteers who are ready to come help and make a difference in our community! Volunteers are needed to assist with a variety of tasks.

For more information, please call 410.626.1900 x1024.