HOC Academy Newsletter | August 2020
Prekindergarten & Head Start
Invest in your child's future today by registering him/her/them for Montgomery County Public School's (MCPS) Prekindergarten and Head Start program. Take the first step to secure a space for your child by completing the MCPS Survey below.
If you are unable to complete the MCPS online survey, call 240-740-5999 and ask for Prekindergarten staff to call you to provide assistance. Click the flyers below for additional information.
FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM

Create a Better Future

The Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS) is a voluntary initiative for customers in the Housing Opportunities Commission's voucher program. With support from caring case managers and motivating mentors, participants are supported in creating life changing goals and establishing tools for success. If you are ready for something new in your life, learn more about the FSS program at one of the upcoming information sessions email [email protected] or call (240) 627-9781.
Attend an upcoming Virtual Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Information Session. These informative one-hour sessions provide information about how FSS can support you in creating a better future for you and your family.

Register to attend at: [email protected].
For more information call 240-627-9719. A valid email address is required to participate.

Maryland Senior Call Check

During these stressful times it may be a challenge to stay connected to the elders in our lives. The state of Maryland Senior Call Check program is a free service for Maryland residents 65 years old and older. Seniors will receive a daily telephone call at their scheduled time. This daily check in can offer peace of mind for seniors who live alone. Seniors can sign up online at aging.maryland.gov or by telephone at (866) 502-0560.

Free Therapy for Seniors
During the COVID-19 pandemic it is not uncommon to feel alone, sad, anxious, or disconnected. Older adults and their Caregivers in Montgomery County, can receive free individual therapy or they can join a Coping with Change group. This free mental health service is provided by the Affiliated Sante Group. For more information call 301-572-6585 ext. 2104 or visit www.thesantegroup.org.


For a Limited Time: Access Free MedStar eVisits
(Available in multiple languages)
For a limited time MedStar's trusted medical team is offering free video visits and insurance is not required. All day, every day, you can get the medical care that you need from anywhere and at anytime. You can securely connect with a medical provider from your smart phone, tablet, or computer for non-emergency medical conditions. Download the MedStar eVisit app or visit MedStarHealth.org/eVisit.


Free Dairy and Produce


Are you or someone you know experiencing food insecurity? Our partners at Emmanuel Brinklow SDA Church are here to help. If you are in need of dairy and produce, please attend one of their contact-free grab and go events in August. Events will be held on their beautiful campus in Ashton, Maryland on Sunday, August 16 or August 30, 2020 at 1pm. For more information call (301) 774-0400.
Active Duty Veterans & Military Connected Families

The District of Columbia and Montgomery County active duty veterans and military families who are experiencing food insecurity, can receive food assistance. Partners in both jurisdictions have come together to provide a free produce box with delivery for our nation's heroes and their families. Submit a food assistance request for a produce box at: Serving Together Project.

For questions or concerns call 855-738-7176 or email [email protected].
Pet Food Pantry
During COVID-19 many in our community are experiencing shortages of all kinds. If you need help with food for your pet, the Montgomery County Humane Society pet food pantry is here for you. For more information, visit MCHumane.


Virtual Career Fair

Attention all job seekers, the Maryland Department of Labor Veteran Program will host their Statewide Virtual Career and Resource Fair on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. Various agencies and organizations will be recruiting to fill several hundred positions. The event will have two sessions, the first will be held 10:00am - 1:00pm and the second 4:00pm - 6:00pm. Registration is required for this event. Register at today at https://www.premiervirtual.com/event/register/mdcareerfair-aug4


Fall 2020 Safety Institute

If you want an exciting career helping others, consider becoming a 911 Dispatcher. The 911 Dispatch Academy at Montgomery College will provide the necessary training for this rewarding career. For more information contact: [email protected]

Montgomery College Raptor Registration Days


Are you ready to make your move toward your future? Montgomery College will host several virtual enrollment events. Learn how to apply to Montgomery College, complete the financial aid process and more. Register for this event at MC Registration Event.

Certificate for Apartment Maintenance Technician


Do you want a career as an Apartment Maintenance Technician? In the Montgomery College Certificate for Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT) program you will learn to repair and maintain apartment interior and exterior, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, and appliances while enhancing your English, math, and reading skills. Register to attend one of the CAMT information sessions on August 3, 7, 18 or 29 (2pm-3pm) at: CAMT Information Session.

Certified Nursing Assistant

Do you want a career helping others? If yes, consider a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). This program offers free classroom and clinical training to prepare
you for the state certification exam. You will also gain computer skills to help you at work and enhance your English, reading, and math skills. Register to attend one of the CNA information sessions on August 3, 7, 17 or 25 (12 noon -1pm) at: CNA Information Session.
IEC Chesapeake’s workforce development programs are designed to promote the electrical, low voltage and renewable energy profession to individuals seeking to enter the industry.
By participating in our pre-apprenticeship programs, students discover what it takes to become an
electrician or low voltage technician. These programs provide training on basic skills and improve upon skills students may already have in preparation for an apprenticeship program and working in the industry. Learn more at: https://www.iecchesapeake.com/education/workforce-development/.


Local 77 Seeks Apprentices

Do you have a high school diploma or GED? Are you at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license? Are you an eager learner? If you answered yes to these questions, the Local 77 International Union of Operating Engineers may have a program of interest to you. The Local 77 Union is looking for apprentices to train to operate heavy equipment on construction projects. Applications will be accepted on August 20 and August 21, 2020. All applicants must schedule an appointment by calling (301) 283-3476. For more information email: [email protected].

Maryland Community Fellows Program
The Maryland Community Fellows Program is a partnership between the CASH Campaign of Maryland, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, and various Community Action Agencies (CAAs) statewide. They are now accepting applications for the 2020-2021 program year!
  • This prestigious 8 month fellowship offers you hands-on work experience and training that will build your resume for the future.
  • Fellows will receive training on free tax preparation, financial education and capability.
  • Fellows can qualify to receive a stipend, pending funding.
  • Placements available throughout the state of Maryland at Community Action Agencies
For more information email: 
STILL WAITING FOR YOUR STIMULUS CHECK?
If you were not required to file a tax return in 2018 and 2019 and do not receive Social Security, YOU NEED TO TAKE ACTION in order to get the money you are owed. And there's an easy way!
 
To get started, go to the IRS' Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here site and tap the Enter your information button.
 
You must be a US citizen or resident alien with a Social Security number to receive this payment. ITIN holders are excluded.
 
To qualify, you must:
  • Have a Social Security Number (ITIN holders are excluded).
  • Not be a tax dependent of someone else.
  • Have an income less than $99,000 for single filers or $198,00 for married couples filing jointly.
¿AUN SIGUE ESPERANDO POR EL CHEQUE DE ESTIMULO?
Si no se le exigió presentar una declaración de impuestos en 2018 y 2019 y no recibe Seguro Social, Usted NECESITA TOMAR ACCIÓN para obtener el dinero que se le debe. ¡Hay una manera fácil!
 
Para comenzar, vaya al sitio Herramienta Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here y toque el botón Ingrese su información.
 
No necesita ser ciudadano estadounidense para recibir este pago. Sin embargo, debe tener un número de Seguro Social. Los que tienen un ITIN están excluidos.
 
Para calificar, usted debe:
  • Tener un número de seguro social (Los que tienen un ITIN están excluidos)
  • No ser un dependiente de impuestos de otra persona.
  • Tener un ingreso menor a cierto límite.