April 2026

April is Fair Housing Month!

April is nationally recognized as Fair Housing Month, a time to honor the protections established under the Fair Housing Act and to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that everyone has equal access to safe, affordable, and discrimination‑free housing. Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing resources, workshops, and community engagement opportunities that empower individuals to understand their rights and advocate for fair, inclusive housing practices.

During Fair Housing Month, Community Action invites you to join us for an informative session designed to help renters understand their rights and responsibilities under federal and state fair housing laws. This one-hour, Live Zoom webinar breaks down the protections tenants are entitled to, the obligations landlords must meet, and the practical steps renters can take to maintain a safe, fair, and successful tenancy.

The sessions will cover:

• Fair Housing Act protections and prohibited practices
• Tenant rights during applications, leasing, repairs, and eviction
• Reasonable accommodations and modifications
• Landlord responsibilities for safety, communication, and maintenance
• How to document concerns and seek help
  

Who should attend: renters, housing counselors, community partners, property managers, and anyone interested in understanding fair housing protections

Three sessions will be offered, taking place on April 7, 14, and 21 from 1-2 p.m. The sessions will be facilitated by Denise Crews, the Agency's Director of Housing Assistance and Services. To register, click here.

For more information, please contact Ms. Crews at dcrews@aaccaa.info.

Fair Housing Tip: Know Your Rights

Everyone has the right to be free from discrimination when renting, buying, or securing financing for housing. If something doesn’t feel right—such as different terms, delayed responses, or discouragement based on your background—trust your instincts and seek guidance. Understanding your rights is the first step toward protecting them.

It is illegal under Anne Arundel County law to discriminate in housing based on age, ancestry, citizenship, color, creed, disability, familial status, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, occupation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or source of income. To learn more, click here.

For more information about Fair Housing Month, click here.

Program Updates

Community Action Offers Financial Literacy Program



Financial Literacy programming has officially kicked off, with growing interest from participants. The objective of this outreach is to equip community members with practical financial knowledge and tools to support informed decision‑making and long‑term stability. Early engagement has been positive, demonstrating a clear need for and interest in this service. Due to the encouraging response, Financial Literacy services will continue through April. The dates for the April sessions have not been set - we will send out that information as soon as the dates are confirmed.

For more information, please contact Ms. Crews at dcrews@aaccaa.info.

Financial Literacy Tip: Pay Yourself First

One of the simplest ways to build financial stability is to “pay yourself first.” This means setting aside a portion of your income for savings as soon as you get paid—before covering other expenses. Even small, regular contributions can add up over time and help create a safety net for emergencies and future goals.

Early Head Start Hosts Plant & Paint Day: Welcoming Spring

Community Action’s Early Head Start Center was thrilled to welcome families into the classroom for Plant and Paint Day! Families and children enjoyed a firsthand activity in which they decorated mini-flowerpots and planted marigold seeds together. It was a joyful opportunity for families to connect with their child’s learning, express creativity, and celebrate the arrival of spring. The classroom was filled with bright colors, big smiles, and wonderful family engagement moments!

For more information about Early Head Start, please contact Ms. Brown at fbrown@aaccaa.info or earlyheadstart@aaccaa.info.

The Annapolis Middle School Program with the Coordinated Community Supports Partnership Offer Lunch and Learn Initiative

Annapolis Middle School continues to strengthen its commitment to supporting the whole student through the Coordinated Community Supports Partnership (CCSP). We are excited to introduce a new initiative designed to support students during the school day: Lunch & Learn.

The Lunch & Learn Program provides a welcoming space during lunch periods where students can connect with their Success Coaches and a Mental Health Counselor, receive academic support, and participate in brief, engaging conversations focused on positive decision-making, goal setting, team activities and building strong daily habits. These sessions encourage students to reflect on their goals, strengthen study strategies, and develop the social-emotional skills needed to succeed both in and out of the classroom.

Through Lunch & Learn, students are encouraged to:

·      Build positive daily routines and strong attendance habits

·      Set personal and academic goals

·      Strengthen organization and study skills

·      Develop healthy peer relationships

·      Connect with caring adults who support their success

At Annapolis Middle, we believe that small daily habits create big futures. Programs like Lunch & Learn provide students with the encouragement, guidance, and practical tools they need to stay engaged, come to school ready to learn, and continue growing as proud AMS Dragons.



Together—with families, educators, and community partners—we are helping students turn attendance into opportunity, goals into action, and support into success.

For more information about Community Action's program at Annapolis Middle School, please contact Mr. Johnson at ijohnson@aaccaa.info.

Turnaround Thursday Trades Event Leads to Training Opportunities

During February, the Community Action Agency’s Diversion and Reentry Services (DARS)/Turnaround Thursday program held an event in Partnership with Eastern Atlantic States Carpenter’s Union. During the event, participants were given the opportunity to register for several different training programs, including carpentry/construction, auto mechanics, CDL, HVAC, and painting. 

Six of the attendees registered and participated in painting training provided by Sherwin Williams, receiving their certificates on March 6, 2026.

Congratulations on achieving new skills!

For more information about Turnaround Thursday and other Diversion and Reentry Services programming, click here.

Community Action Partners with Vehicles for Change

The Community Action Agency is pleased to assist eligible County residents through the application process to receive a car from Vehicles for Change.

Vehicles for Change’s mission is to award cars to families, a key effort that transforms lives by ensuring essential transportation. This opens doors for families, creating new opportunities for both personal and professional growth.

To learn more about Vehicles for Change, please contact Ms. McGowan at rmcgowan@aaccaa.info.

Community Action Offers Mental Health First Aid Classes

The Agency’s Community Health Ambassadors team will be hosting two upcoming Mental Health First Aid certification workshops – one focused on adults, and the other for youth. These workshops are all-day training sessions and are provided at no cost for attendees. The dates are yet to be determined and attendance is limited. For more information about Mental Health First Aid training, please click here.



If you are interested in attending or have staff and/or volunteers who could benefit, please contact Ms. Snyder at jsnyder@aaccaa.info. 

April is Stress Awareness Month. The observance has been held since 1992 and is aimed at increasing public understanding of stress, its causes, effects, and management strategies. The theme for 2026 is Be the Change, inspired by Mahatma Ghandi’s famous quote. It emphasizes personal agency, encouraging individuals to take ownership of their well-being, strengthen social connections, and actively implement stress-reduction strategies in daily life.

Individuals can engage in Stress Awareness Month through various activities:

·    Daily Stress Reduction Habits: Incorporate simple actions such as short walks, mindful pauses, or setting boundaries around emails consistently for 30 days.

·      Reframe Limiting Thoughts: Identify one negative though each day and transform it into a positive, actionable statement to improve focus and resilience.

·      Wellbeing Micro Habits: Practice quick mindfulness or breathing exercises during the workday to enhance energy and reduce stress.

·      Meaningful Connections: Engage in weekly acts of collaboration or support to strengthen social bonds and reduce stress.

·      Promote Open Conversations: Encourage discussions about stress and mental health to reduce stigma and foster community support.

Stress Awareness Month highlights the serious impact of chronic stress on mental and physical health, including anxiety, depression, heart disease, and weakened immunity. People can learn effective coping strategies, normalize conversations about stress, and create supportive environments that enhance overall wellbeing.



For more information, click here.

Upcoming Events

Agency Hosts Free Diaper Distribution Event

Community Action is hosting a free diaper distribution event on Friday, April 17, 2026 from 4-7 pm at the Stanton Center, which is located at 92 West Washington Street, Annapolis.

Attendees can pick up diapers, pull-ups, wipes, and diaper cream. Agency staff will also be on hand to offer information and applications for the full-range of programs and resources we offer to Anne Arundel County residents, including energy assistance, housing support, and more.

To register, please click here. You can also scan the QR code on the flyer in below. Registration closes on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Limited walk-ins will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.

For more information, contact Ms. Brown at cbrown@aaccaa.info.

Agency to Participant in Anne Arundel County Homeowner Resource Fair

The Community Action Agency is pleased to announce our participation at the Anne Arundel County Homeownership Resource Fair, which is taking place at the Severn Center, on Saturday April 11, 2026, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Severn Center is located at 1160 Reece Road in Severn.

The event includes a Homebuyer Workshop (call 410.222.7600 or email info@acdsmd.org to register), Mortgage 101: Beginners Guide for New Buyers, and Navigating the Market: Secrets to Buying Your First Home. Real estate agents, lenders, and housing counselors will be available to discuss current real estate market and climate, government: financing programs for first-time home buyers, and credit, saving, and budgeting techniques.

This event is an initiative of Arundel Community Development Services. For more information, please call 410.222.7600 or email info@acdsinc.org.

Maryland Department of Labor and Club 164 Hosts Second Chance Career Fair

The Maryland Department of Labor and Club 164 are hosting a Second Chance Career Fair on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 10 am – 1 p.m. The event is taking place at Club 164, which is located at 2016 Industrial Drive, Annapolis.

The Career Fair will offer a resume clinic, on-site expungement information, and community resources for attendees. To register in advance or on the day of the event, please scan the QR code on the flyer below.



This event is an initiative of the Department of Labor and Club 164. Community Action is sharing the information to members of the community.

Volunteer With Us

For more information, please call (410) 626-1900 x1024.