Greetings Partners,

We have been consistent in our efforts to partner with great agencies to provide a constructive stream of power resources to service the Prince Georges County community.

Our passion used in innovative processes propel us forward into the next stage in growing our economy. 

Our value for the cause is continuously strengthened by the development of best practices, the execution of service delivery, and the attainment of effective support for the needs of businesses and the job seeker.

Your initiatives along with the belief in the mission to support the vision of our perpetual guidance towards workforce development greatness is appreciated.

Please continue to share updates, upcoming workshops, scheduled events, and planned activities, please submit by the 12^th of the month to manderson@eckerd.org.

Thank you for your partnership, teamwork, support, and input.

Keep up the great work!

Sincerely,

Angela Smith



One Stop Manager

National Autism Awareness Month began in 1972 as National Autistic Children’s Week. The Autism Society founded the event to increase awareness, advocate awareness, and spark change in schools, communities, medical facilities, and businesses.

National Autism Awareness Month raises awareness for autism and Asperger’s syndrome during April. Autism is a complex brain disorder that often inhibits a person’s ability to communicate, respond to surroundings, and form relationships with others.

According to WHO, about one in 270 people in the world has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD is a group of developmental disabilities that causes challenges in many areas of one’s life. Some of the profoundly affected areas include social, communication, and behavior. Children with ASD are usually nonverbal or they have restricted or repetitive behaviors. ASD also affects people of all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

The month-long observance takes place during World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), celebrated each year on April 2nd. WAAD was adopted by the United Nations in 2007 to shine a bright light on autism as a growing global health crisis. WAAD activities increase world knowledge of autism and impart information about the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention. Additionally, WAAD celebrates the unique talents and skills of persons with autism around the world.

To learn more about autism and find ways to spread awareness please visit The Autism Society website.

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

This month our Partner Spotlight shines on our DHS/DSS Department of Human Services/Department of Social Services Partner.

We thank you for all you do to ensure our Prince George's county residents, who are in crisis, get all the assistance and resources they need.

The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) is the state’s primary social service provider, serving over one million people annually. The Department, through its 24 local departments of social services, aggressively pursues opportunities to assist people in economic need, provide preventive services, and protect vulnerable children and adults in each of Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City.

Prince George's County Department of Social Services (PGCDSS) is in the business of providing opportunities for residents of the County to become independent, responsible, and stable members of the community. We do this by providing intervention services that strengthen families, protect children and vulnerable adults, encourage self-sufficiency, and promote personal responsibility.

Please see below the DHS/DSS Programs and descriptions

Temporary Cash Assistance Program Description:

Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Maryland’s Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program, provides cash assistance to families with dependent children when available resources do not fully address the family’s needs and while preparing program participants for independence through work.

Food Supplement Program

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), called the Food Supplement Program (FSP) in Maryland, formerly known as Food Stamps, helps low-income households buy the food they need for good health. Everyone has the right to apply for FSP.

Transportation Assistance Program

Transportation Assistance Program provides vehicles and related services to eligible former and current Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) recipients, foster care youth between the ages of 18-21, and TCA-connected, non-custodial parents to obtain and maintain employment.

Please refer any customers to the contact information listed below:

Phone Number: 301-909-7000

Address: 805 Brightseat Road Landover, MD 20706

website:  https://dhs.maryland.gov/

10 Tips for a Cheerful Work Day

Here are a few tips to assist in making your work day less stressful. In our line of work, it can be easy to become overwhelmed and worn out. In those moments, the best thing to do, is to step away and take a breather, to clear your mind and start over.

Click Here! to read an article with quite a few suggestions on how to have a healthy and

happy work day.

CNA/GNA Training Program

Do you know someone who is bilingual and learning English as a second language ? Are they interested in working as a Certified Nursing Assistant / Geriatric Nursing Assistant?

They can start the process to become a Geriatric/Certified Nursing Assistant today!

Please refer them to Ariana Lindo at Alindo@co.pg.md.us for more information and to learn how to register!

Let's Raise Awareness about Child Abuse Prevention!

There are too many instances where children are put in harms way and have no outlet or

adult to assist them. The month of April gives us a chance to shed light on these situations and learn more ways to discern when a child may be in a difficult circumstance. We can also learn different ways to help.

Self-report data suggest that at least 1 in 7 children have experienced child abuse and/or neglect in the last year (CDC). Not all children, however, experience abuse and neglect at the same rates. Younger children are more likely to experience fatal abuse and neglect while 14 to 17 year olds are more likely to experience non-fatal abuse and neglect.

More important than awareness is prevention when it comes to keeping children safe. Everyone can help prevent child abuse and promote positive childhood experiences by:

• Recognizing the challenges that families face and offer support and encouragement to reduce stress.
• Promote social norms that discourage violence and help ensure the safety of everyone
• Encourage people to stand up and speak up, if they can safely do so, when a person is being harassed or hurt or needs support.
• Support community programs and policies that provide safe and healthy conditions for all children and families.

As workforce development professionals we get the opportunity to assist our community directly and offer a variety of resources to our customers, especially if we see a child in need.

Here are a few resources you can refer to for child abuse prevention:

Children's Bureau

Parenting Tools & Tips

Protective Factors to Promote Well-Being and Prevent Child Abuse & Neglect

Webinars & Podcasts - Prevent Child Abuse

WIOA Policy Update!

PLEASE INFORM YOUR STAFF!

There has been an update to the WIOA DWDAL Workforce Program's Enrollment and Exit policy.

Please click on the link below to view the full updated policy.

PI 2022-03 DWDAL Workforce Program's Enrollment and Exit Policy

April is Second Chance Month! It is a time to raise awareness regarding the difficulties returning citizens face when trying to acclimate themselves back into society. It is geared towards creating more opportunities for those who have completed their sentences and are ready to become contributing citizens.

The Solid Foundation Inc is NOW ENROLLING for their Entrepreneur Training Program for returning citizens. Through grants and the support of EPG this program is FREE to all returning citizens. This program ensures that returning citizens have the tools, skills, and support structure to pursue healthy, fulfilling and productive entrepreneurial pursuits.

Please spread the word to your clients !

If you have any referrals, please have them email wsd@co.pg.md.us or

call 301-618-8445

The Together Program is promoting FREE couples workshops on relationship and financial education.

Couples will learn :

Communication Skills

Stress Management

Problem Solving

Money Management Skills

There will also be GIFT CARD GIVEAWAYS totaling over $160!

If you know anyone who might be interested, please have them call 1-877-432-1669 or email info@togetherprogram.org

For more information, please visit togetherprogram.org