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Delegate Shaneka Henson - Newsletter

In 2019, Annapolis native Shaneka Henson joined Maryland's House of Delegates succeeding the late former Speaker Michael E. Busch. Learn more about the trial attorney and former Alderwoman whose family values make her a passionate and bright leader.


Read bio HERE


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Delegate Shaneka Henson Discusses LGBTQIA+

Community Support

Annapolis, MD – October 8, 2024 – Delegate Shaneka Henson addressed the Caucus of African American Leaders, in a meeting focused on LGBTQIA+ causes reflecting on her ongoing commitment to ensuring the LGBTQIA+ community feels safe and welcomed in our state. She highlights the policies she has proudly supported, including eliminating the "gay/trans panic" defense, restoring benefits for service members discharged due to sexual orientation, and securing resources for LGBTQIA+ youth facing homelessness. Delegate Henson also underscores her vote to establish the Maryland Commission on LGBTQIA+ Affairs, reaffirming her dedication to advocating for an inclusive Maryland.

Upcoming Events

Join Delegate Henson in Our Community


Delegate Henson is looking forward to connecting with the community at several upcoming events. Here's where she'll be in the coming weeks:


Delegate Henson's Power in the Park 2024 - Saturday, October 19, 2024

This year's Power in the Park, an event dedicated to helping you reduce energy bills, access assistance programs, and get free efficiency upgrades for your home will be on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 10:00AM at Heritage Baptist Church. RSVP HERE


All In for Angela Alsobrooks - Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 6:00 PM

Let’s rally together to support Angela Alsobrooks, Prince George’s County Executive and candidate for U.S. Senate! This is a crucial moment for Maryland’s future, and your presence can make a difference. Let’s show up strong for Angela’s leadership!

RSVP for location details HERE


Delegate Henson's Prayer Breakfast: Prayers for Our Nation - Saturday, October 26, 2024

Start your Saturday with a powerful morning of prayer at Heritage Baptist Church at 8:30AM. Join us as we lift up our nation and community with special guest Senator Anthony Muse and local spiritual leaders. Let’s come together in faith, unity, and hope. RSVP: HERE





Resources | News | Updates

Free Health Screenings


Join Luminis Health for Free Health Screenings at First Baptist Church, located at 31 West Washington Street, Annapolis, MD 21401, on Saturday, November 2, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. They will offer free screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol. Services will be available in both English and Spanish.

Grants for Small Business Owners


The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development is currently accepting applications for the Business Boost microgrant program, offering $20,000 to $50,000 to support growth and expansion for minority and women-owned businesses. Applications close October 14, 2024.


Find more info HERE

Get Ready for Presidential Election


Get ready for the 2024 Presidential Election Early voting will be available from October 24 to October 31, and Election Day is November 5. Marylanders can vote by mail or in person at their assigned polling place. Don’t forget to check your voter registration status and request your mail-in ballot by the deadlines. For more information and resources, visit the Maryland State Board of Elections website.


Find more info HERE

Tree Planting Grants


The Keep Maryland Beautiful Tree Planting Grant Program is now accepting applications for grants up to $50K to enhance green spaces.


Apply by November 15, 2024, at 4:00 PM for your chance to receive funding.


Find more info HERE

Grants for Kid Kindness


Kid Kindness Grants is accepting grant applications until November 1st directly from kids between the ages of 5-18 who have ideas for spreading kindness. Applications may be submitted by individuals or groups. Groups can include a group of friends, a school club, a classroom, a scout troop, a sports team, etc.


Find more info HERE

Kickstart Your Career as a School Bus Driver


Receive a contingent job offer and free CDL-B training to begin your career in school bus transportation. Qualified candidates can receive a $2,000 hiring and retention bonus along with an opportunity to secure a job with an AAWDC partner.


Find more info HERE

New COVID Vaccines Available


Amid an unexpectedly large surge of summer COVID infections in the U.S., and with the fall/winter virus season around the corner, updated COVID vaccines have arrived. Get the updated COVID vaccine around mid-October to boost protection in time for the rise of cases that typically occur around November through January.



Find vaccines HERE

Youth Day in the General Assembly


Senator Nathaniel Exum Legislative Youth Day in Annapolis is designed to provide an opportunity for students to engage and participate in the legislative process, experience the power of civic engagement, and participate in practical exercises regarding how the Maryland General Assembly operates. This year's program will take place on Saturday, October 12 from 8 AM to 2 PM and will exclusively cater to high school students. 



Find more info HERE

New Income Guidelines Make More Families Eligible for Free/Reduced Priced Meals


The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) recently announced updates to the Income Eligibility Guidelines (IEGs) for free and reduced-price school meals. The guidelines, updated annually by the federal government, were adopted by MSDE through June 30, 2025. 


Find more info HERE

Deer Hunting Season


The end of the summer season marks the beginning of another–deer hunting season in Maryland. Outdoors enthusiasts and hunters alike set their sights on the first Friday after Labor Day – the official kick-off of deer archery season




Find more info HERE

Senior Call Check In


Make sure our seniors stay safe and supported. It’s easy to enroll. You can register online, download and mail in a paper application, or call the toll-free number at (866) 502-0560 to have an application mailed to your home.


Find more info HERE

Get a Ride for Only $2


Get from point A to point B a little faster for $2 a ride, $1 for seniors using the new TRANSIGO app on Apple or Android - or you can call dispatch to get picked up: 410-263-7964.


Find more info HERE

Get Your High School Diploma



OIC offers free adult education and job readiness classes, including GED Preparation, Introduction to Computers, Microsoft Office Essentials, and English as a Second Language.


OIC ofrece clases gratuitas de educación para adultos y preparación para el trabajo, incluyendo preparación para el GED, introducción a la computadora, Microsoft Office Essentials e inglés como segundo idioma.


Find more info HERE

Tax Savings for Homeowners and Renters


Maryland's Department of Assessment and Taxation is now accepting applications for tax credit certificates for Maryland homeowners and renters. The application window for both renters and homeowners is open from February 5, 2024 to October 1, 2024. Don't miss out – apply now to see if you qualify.


Find more info HERE

Avoid Utility Shut-Offs


The PSC Medical Certification Program helps individuals with serious illness or medical equipment avoid utility shut-offs.


For more information HERE

Keeping Our Commuter Bus Service


The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration has announced the preservation of Commuter Bus service on all 36 routes. While frequencies will be reduced, the service will continue to connect suburban riders to job centers in the metropolitan Baltimore and Washington region. The new schedules will take effect on July 1.


For more information HERE

Maryland's Coastal Future


Explore the latest mapping project from Maryland DNR, predicting future wetlands due to sea level rise. This crucial data helps protect our communities and wildlife. Learn more and view the map on the Maryland Coastal Atlas.


For more information HERE

Free Chromebook Giveaway


AACPL is offering free Chromebooks to eligible Anne Arundel County residents through a grant from the county and the State of Maryland. Distribution events start in January 2024. Check eligibility, register for a timeslot, and bring required documentation. For details, visit our Digital Equity page.


For more information HERE

Support for Caregivers


Secure your spot in the 2024 free virtual caregiver workshops by the Living Well Center of Excellence. Participate in courses like Powerful Tools for Caregivers, Building Better Caregivers, and SAVVY Caregiver®. Enhance your self-care and caregiving skills, fostering confidence and competence.


For more information HERE

Free Cervical Cancer Screenings


The Anne Arundel County Department of Health is offers no-cost clinical breast exams, mammograms, Pap and HPV tests, and follow-up testing for eligible individuals, the department emphasizes the importance of early detection.


For more information HERE

Support for Kinship Caregivers


The Maryland Department of Human Services offers support for Kinship Caregivers to fill in the gap and care for children and vulnerable adults.


For more information HERE

Get Help With Weatherization


The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development invites you to seize the benefits of their Weatherization Assistance Program. Combat air infiltration, install insulation, and enhance your home's comfort.


Apply today through your Local Weatherization Agency by visiting the provided link HERE

Flu Vaccines Are Available


Flu season is here. Anne Arundel County residents age 6 mother and older, can get free flu vaccines at walk-in flu clinic in Annapolis, Glen Burnie or Shady Side, while supplies last.


For more information HERE

Gun Safety Lock Giveaway 


Residents 18 years and older can receive up to two gun safety locks at the Busch Annapolis, Eastport-Annapolis Neckand Glen Burnie libraries. No library card is needed to participate, and no proof of residency is required.


Find more info HERE



Low Income Household Water Assistance Program


The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is available statewide and provides Maryland households with financial relief toward water and/or wastewater bills. Eligible households may receive up to $2,000. More info HERE 



Military Career Connections


Are you a transitioning military service member, veteran, or military spouse wanting to connect with Anne Arundel Workforce Development career services? Visit HERE to learn about the eligibility requirements.


Affordable Connectivity Program


Maxsip Telecom, the provider for the Federal Government's Affordable Connectivity Program, is providing FREE internet and tablets to anyone on government assistance programs like Medicaid.


Find mor info HERE 

Call or Text 988 for Free Support


The 988 Suicide and Crisis Prevention Lifeline is available nationwide. Anyone in the United States can call or text 988 to talk to mental health counselors and receive confidential and free support 24/7/365. 


Anne Arundel County residents can still access the Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency, Inc. Community Warmline at 410-768-5522.

Virtual Office Hours to meet with Delegate Henson 


Every First Wednesday, Delegate Henson will be hosting Virtual Office Hours. If you have an issue you would like to discuss, sign up for your 15 minute meeting HERE.


COVID-19 Testing, Eviction Prevention, Help Finding Jobs, and Job Training


Energy Assistance


COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics


ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY COVID TESTING SITES


Arundel Community Development Services Eviction Prevention Program


Maryland State Police Open Positions


Boys & Girls Clubs of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Hiring


ANNE ARUNDEL AMERICAN JOB CENTERS


ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY'S NEW WEBSITE FOR JOB SEEKERS


AACWD Bus Driving Free Training

UPDATES TO UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS


The Department of Labor has guaranteed that they will get to all applicants; however, due to the overwhelming number of applicants, they cannot provide a time estimate. To troubleshoot, go to https://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/unemployment.shtml.


If you are unable to determine your issue through the FAQs featured on the website, please send my office an email explaining the issues you're facing as well as the following information so that we may present that to our Legislative Liaison:

  • Full legal name
  • Phone number
  • Claim/Claimant ID (if applicable)


Please note that Senator Elfreth, Delegate Jones and I submit the same claims.


Community Food and Necessity Distributions


Below are some food giveaways scheduled for this week:


  • City of Annapolis, Office of Emergency Management, Every Friday 12:00pm-2:00pm, Pip Moyer Recreation center, Every Friday-12-2pm, To be placed on the list, call/e-mail Office of Emergency Management: (410) 216 - 9167; kltisch@annapolis.gov


  • St. Luke’s Food, Baby & Senior Pantry at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 1101 Bay Ridge Ave., every Tuesday 11:00am-12:00pm, (food, infant formula, diapers and wipes, adult formula supplement and adult incontinence protection items), bring ID.


  • Mills Parole Elementary School, 1 George & Marion Phelps Lane Annapolis, MD, every 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month 10:00am-12:00pm.


  • Asbury United Methodist Church, 87 West St Annapolis MD, has a food pantry available ever Wed. and Fri. from 9AM - 11AM.


  • Heritage Baptist Church, 1740 Forest Drive Annapolis MD, has food giveaway every Tuesday 9:30am-11am (must provide ID and proof of residency)


  • First Baptist Church of Annapolis, 31 W. Washington Street, gives away pantry bags and prepared meals every Saturday, 11 am - 1 pm


  • Discoveries: the Library at the Mall in Westfield Annapolis Mall, gives away baby/infant supplies and menstrual products every Saturday from 10 am - 12 pm.


  • Cornerstone Church: Rotating HACA communities on the second Saturday of each month (May - Bloomsbury, June - Eastport, July - Morris Blum, August - Robinwood). Each giveaway will be 12:30pm 2:30pm.


Call 410-260-2211 to Schedule a Fresh Food Delivery Option


Information on regularly scheduled pantries can be found at the top of my newsletter by clicking on the link next to "Food Resources in District 30A." Please send an email to Shaneka.Henson@house.state.md.us if you know of a food resource that should be included in this newsletter.



 If you can spare $5, $20, $50 or more it helps me reach my goal. Thanks for your continued support as I work for you.

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By Authority of Friends of Shaneka Henson, Sherry Galloway Treasurer