"Helping People Changing Lives"

Early Head Start Celebrates Graduation!

August 22, 2025, was a big day at Community Action’s Early Head Start Center, located in Edgewater, when nine three-year-olds graduated from the program! The graduation activities included a grand march into the conference room, singing, and some very inspired dancing before lunch! Parents and guests beamed with pride to see their children celebrated.

We are delighted to announce that the graduates have been accepted into programs focused on three-year-olds for this school year, including Head Start, Little Scholars, Bulldog Pups Preschool, and Education Center. 

Congratulations to our graduates and their families! We are excited to see the children move on to their new adventures in learning!

Community Action’s Coordinated Community Supports Partnership Program Celebrates Year Two: Building Stronger Supports Together!

The Community Action Agency and Annapolis Middle School are proud to celebrate the second year of the Coordinated Community Supports Partnership Program - a collaboration designed to strengthen the learning community by supporting students and families both inside and outside the classroom.

With a dedicated team of four Success Coaches and a Licensed Mental Health Clinician on-site throughout the week, we were trained and provide direct support grounded in the Family Check-Up evidence-based model alongside a range of interventions and approaches that were introduced by the Local Behavioral Health Agency. Families remain at the heart of this work: through our Two-Generation Whole Family Approach, parents and caregivers are connected to vital resources that reinforce the health and stability of the entire household.

This year, we deepened our partnership with school staff and administration, aligning efforts to foster academic growth, social-emotional well-being, and a true sense of belonging. Transportation assistance expanded family access to school and community events, while our team showed up – not only as service providers, but also as volunteers, hosts, and trusted neighbors at countless activities throughout the year.

When the school year ended, our commitment continued through the Summer Therapeutic Enrichment Program, which provided students with a safe, restorative, and engaging space to learn and grow. Each morning began with affirmations, journaling, and yoga mindfulness sessions to set a positive tone for the day. Rooted in trauma-informed practices, the program emphasized resilience, self-regulation, and social-emotional development through structured sessions and hands-on experiences.

·      Yoga and Mindfulness: Latoya Neal and Steadman Short guided students in self-awareness, regulation, and calm.

·      Arts & Expressions: Jesse Raudales, Sandra St. Leger, and Dr. Omekongo Dibinga led workshops in visual art, color, storytelling, and spoken word – helping students explore emotions, build confidence, and share their stories.

·      Safety Training: Bruce Morgenstern provided Fire Safety and Stop the Bleed instruction.

·      Power SEL: Dion Bowen’s Epic Arts Universe strengthened identity, relationships, and co-hosted the Equity Youth Summit.

·      Team Building: Excursions and student vs staff kickball fostered trust, connection, and joy.

·      Final Trip: Students visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture, closing with a celebratory workshop.



As we reflect on this milestone, we are proud of the lives impacted and the momentum built for the future. Together, we are demonstrating that when schools, families, and community organizations unite, the impact reaches far beyond the classroom – building resilience, hope, and stronger communities.



Student Testimonial: “This program gave me confidence to try new things and speak up. I feel like people really listened to me, and I learned how to handle my emotions better. It made school – and myself – feel different in a good way.” 8^th Grade student 

Congratulations, Tyrinda Smith!

Tyrinda Smith, Community Action’s Front Office, Procurement, and Data Manager, was recently awarded a scholarship from the National Community Reinvestment Coalition to attend their Housing Counseling Training, held in Washington DC September 2-5, 2025. This training provided her with new tools and strategies to further enhance her housing counseling skills, ensuring that our customers receive the most up-to-date services and resources available.



The Agency is proud of Ms. Smith’s commitment to professional growth and the positive impact it will have on our community!

DARS Team Attends Raising the Bar

Community Action’s Diversion and Reentry Services (DARS) team was all hands on deck September 8-10, 2025, as they attended the Maryland Workforce Association’s annual Raise the Bar conference at Live! Casino and Hotel in Hanover.

Raising the Bar was developed by the Maryland Workforce Association to offer attendees and vendors the opportunity for in-depth conversations and networking geared for workforce and educational professionals to discuss innovative workforce development solutions for job seekers, youth, and businesses.

As a vendor, the DARS team reached over 100 attendees at the conference. Not only did they share information about the Agency’s resources to attendees from throughout the state, they also learned about other resources available that could benefit the people the Agency serves.

Roxanne McGowan, DARS Outreach and Job Developer, cited a program she learned about offered by JobWorks that offers free IT and Medical training opportunities that are offered virtually. The training is approved by the US Department of Labor’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), making the people we serve eligible for the program. 



The DARS team appreciated the opportunity to share information about the work they are doing in Anne Arundel County, while also creating new links to programs that can benefit the people the Agency serves.

Community Action’s Housing Assistance and Services recently assisted a veteran with a VA home loan, who came to the Agency after falling behind on their mortgage payments due to unexpected medical expenses. They feared foreclosure was inevitable and were unsure what their options were.



The Agency’s housing counseling team reviewed the client’s loan documents and worked with them to request forbearance through their lender. We guided the client step-by-step – helping them gather paperwork, complete the hardship application, and communicate directly with the loan servicer. As a result, the client was approved for a VA forbearance plan, which suspended payments and gave them the breathing room they needed to stabilize their finances.

And the Winners Are…

The Community Action Agency would like to thank everyone who supported our 5^th Annual Taste of Anne Arundel! The Agency was able to raise funds to support our mission while also offering our donors the opportunity to win one of three delicious prizes!

We are pleased to announce the winners of the raffle!

Grand Prize winner is John Walker

2^nd Place winner is Chera Howey

3^rd Place winner is Pat Mrozek

Thank you to the restaurants who sponsored the fundraiser by generously donating gift cards for the raffle. The fundraiser wouldn’t have been possible without them! If you visit one of the restaurants, please thank them for their support of a worthy cause. 

The sponsors of the 5^th Annual Taste of Anne Arundel are: Arturo's Trattoria, Ashling, Betty Lou's, Brian Boru, Carpaccio Tuscan Kitchen, Carrol's Creek Cafe, Cypress, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, Galway Bay, Harvest Thyme Tavern, Killarney House, Leo, Pirate's Cove, Roliolina Amore, The Farmhouse, The Grill at Quarterfield Station, The Social, Timber Pizza, Two Rivers Steak and Fish House, Vin 909 Wine Cafe, and Wharf 38.

We are already looking forward to launching our 6^th Annual Taste of Anne Arundel next summer! Stay tuned...

Just as we care for our physical health, it's equally important to pay attention to our mental and emotional well-being. This September, we're turning our focus towards Suicide Prevention Awareness Month – a time to learn, support, and spread awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. In the United States 45,900 people die by suicide each year, making it the 12th leading cause of death. Mental health matters, and here are some essential tips to promote emotional resilience:

· Connect and Communicate: It's important to encourage open conversations about feelings. If you notice changes in your own or someone else's mood, don't hesitate to talk about it. Sometimes, a simple conversation can make a big difference.

· Support System: Having a support system can greatly improve our mental health. Surround yourself with people who care about you and understand the challenges you might be facing. Studies show that individuals have reduced feelings of hopelessness and increased safety seeking behaviors when given a network of resources.

· Mindful Moments: Practice the "Mindful Minutes" rule – dedicate a few minutes each day to relax, meditate, or simply be present in the moment.

· Physical and Mental Fitness: Similar to exercising to maintain a healthy body, engaging in physical activities can also boost your mood. Remember, physical health and mental health go hand in hand.

· Stress Management: Learning stress management techniques can protect our minds from the harmful effects of stress. Breathing exercises, yoga, or engaging hobbies can all help reduce stress.

· Kindness Matters: Small acts of kindness can have a big impact on someone's day. Reach out to others, show you care, and remind them they are not alone.

· Break the Stigma: Let's talk openly about mental health like any other health topic. Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues creates a more supportive and understanding community.

· Know the Signs: It's crucial to recognize the warning signs of someone struggling with their mental health. If you notice anyone expressing thoughts of self-harm, take it seriously and offer your support.

· Professional Help: Knowing when to seek help from mental health professionals is important. There's no shame in asking for assistance. Also, when in need call or text 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

· Spread Awareness: Share information, resources, and stories to help reduce stigma and increase understanding.

Remember, our mental well-being deserves the same level of attention and care as our physical health. Let's come together to raise awareness, support each other, and work towards a world where mental health is a priority for everyone. For more information on mental health resources and suicide prevention, please visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.

In the spirit of nurturing holistic health, let's make this September a time of learning, empathy, and support for one another.

Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services Offers Case Management Services at Local Libraries

The Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services offers weekly hours at local libraries for those seeking services. The program is to allow residents who need services to be able to access assistance in their own communities. At the libraries, residents can apply for SNAP and Temporary Cash Assistance, as well as seek financial assistance for court ordered evictions, 1^st months rent, life sustaining prescriptions, burial assistance, baby supplies, and respite grants.

Library locations include:

·      Brooklyn Park Library, 1 East 11^th Avenue, Brooklyn Park. Monday and Wednesday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

·      Edgewater Library, 25 Stepneys Lane, Edgewater. Tuesday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

·      Michael E Busch Annapolis Library, 1410 West Street, Annapolis. Wednesday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

·      Deale Library, 5940 Deale Churchton Road, Deale. Thursday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

·      Riviera Beach Library, 1130 Duvall Highway, Pasadena. Thursday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.



Community Action staff members also are at the Brooklyn Park and Edgewater libraries each month to coincide with DSS schedules. A staff member is at Brooklyn Park on the 2^nd and 4^th Wednesdays of each month from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. and at the Edgewater Library on the 1^st and 3^rd Tuesdays of each month from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

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.