To Special Points of Interest

CURRENT EVENTS

      Update June 25, 2008

Many classes and support groups wil be cancelled July 1, 2, 3, and 4. Check before attending.

Metro is making it easier for senior citizens age 65 and older to get their discount when riding Metrobus and Metrorail. New senior SmarTrip® cards will be available beginning Tuesday, July 1. See the press release.

County Job Applications To Go Entirely Online
Beginning in July, all applicants wanting to work for Montgomery County must apply online.
First-time users of the online system must create a free account before applying. After submitting an application, job seekers may check their status, save their résumés for future use and sign up for e-mail notification of job postings. To see a list of job openings, visit http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/careers. Public computers are available in the Office of Human Resources at 101 Monroe St. in Rockville and at all county public libraries. Agency staff members are available to help anyone who needs computer assistance. For information, call 240-777-5000. This change, however, is another reason to have your own computer, as described here.

SUMMER PROGRAMS
SUMMER READING PROGRAM: Encourages kids to “catch the reading bug” and to participate in the Summer Reading Clubs in public libraries. See description.

BUILDING SCHOLARS FOR THE FUTURE-Summer Enrichment Program –
Located at Gap Buster Learning Ctr., 8216 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring. Encourage all children in grades 1-9 to attend. This program promotes higher levels of achievement and reinforces math and language art skills. Partial scholarships are available. Parents call 301-588-5500.

FREE YOUTH SPORTS: 1-week clinics in July. See description.

FREE CONCERTS

Bethesda has begun its series of free summer concerts. Drop in Wednesday afternoon or Thursday evening through July 24.

Silver Spring started its free summer concerts June 15. The events are presented Thursday evenings through August 14.

Gaithersburg stages free concerts through July. Times vary. The website gives the schedule.

SCHOOL/CLOTHING: Interfaith Clothing Serv. (ICS) 301-424-3796, 751 Twinbrook Pkwy, Rkv., near tennis courts. Parents bring ID and ICS referral form: Mon.& Thurs. 12-3pm, Sat. 10:30- 12:30; and -for disabled only— Wed. 11:30-1pm.

MORE ENERGY ASSISTANCE: The state is offering additional funds to help low-income people. Families call 1-800-332-6347 to apply.

HEAD START: Open now - 301-230-0676 for info and app.

MVA ON WHEELS – The MVA bus is available from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Friendship Heights Village Council, 4433 South Park Avenue, Chevy Chase: June 30, July 21, August 18, September 22, October 27, November 24, and December 22.

JOB RECRUITMENT FAIRS: Wheaton Montgomery Works One Stop has 15 recruitment fairs every month with employers looking to hire! Call 301-946-1806; see www.montgomeryworks.com.

ONGOING CLASSES AND MEETINGS

ARBOR WORKSHOP SCHEDULE: Participants with TCA or food stamps are eligible for classes. Monday classes are at the Germantown office, 438 N Frederick Ave, #240, 301-740-7700; Tuesday classes are in Silver Spring, 1300 Spring St. #300, 301-562-8180. Participants call for schedules—goal setting, leadership, how to succeed, etc.

FREE PARENT and FAMILY SUPPORT GROUPS: Jewish Social Service Agency in Rockville:
- Family Support Group, Tues. June 17, July 15, Aug. 19, 7:30-8:45pm. Call 301- 610-8371 to register.
- Support Group for Bereaved Parents, meets monthly. Call 301-816-2634 for more info and to register.

YWCA in Damascus: Every Tues. 9:30-11:30am at 1st Baptist Church, 8850 Damascus Rd.; on-site nursery; different topics; email info@damascusywomen.com; or visit www.damascusywomen.com.

PARENT RESOURCE CENTERS (open January—June):
Children’s Resource Ctr. 301-279-8497, 332 W. Edmonston Dr. Rm. D-4, Rockville, Tues. thru Fri. 10-2:30
Millian Memorial Un. Methodist Church 301-933-3646, 13016 Parkland Dr., Rockville, Tues. and Thur. 9:30-2; Wed. 9:30-5.
Emory Grove Family Resource Ctr. 301-990-6438, 8107 Morningview Dr., Gaithersburg, Tues. thru Thurs. 9:30-2.

FSS PARTNERS
YMCA PARENTING PROGRAMS 301-229-1347:
FREE CITIZENSHIP CLASSES/JOBS @ Rec. Dept. 240-777-6804.
FREE ESOL CLASSES: 240-403-3600.
CONVERSATION CLUB FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS at Davis Library 10:15-11:30am every Thurs., 240-777-0922.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE CLASSES and CLUBS: Free ongoing classes are held at the Gilchrist Center in Wheaton (240-777-4940), at Community Ministry (301-762-8682), and Eastern Montgomery Service Center (240-777-8400). Call the place most convenient and ask for times. Participants also can ask at libraries about free English conversation clubs.

The Counseling and Career Center of the Commission for Women offers many classes, workshops, and seminars. Check here for descriptions and schedule.

MontgomeryWorks offers short courses in computing and in business both at Wheaton Plaza and at Lakeforest Mall.
Check here for description and schedule.

The Charles Gilchrist Center for Cultural Diversity (11319 Elkin St., Wheaton; phone 240-777-4940) provides classes on computing and other topics.

The Parents' Academy of the Montgomery County Public Schools offers workshops, many with free child care. Get current information here [or call 301-517-5940 or 301-279-3100.] Then register by clicking here. (This requires the Acrobat Reader, probably already on your computer.) Please return to this page with your "Back" button.

HOC's EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVE PROGRAM (EIP): Director Terri Morris 962-5503. ROSS Program trains public housing residents (Donna Robinson 301-962-5536) EIP helps with cover letters, resumes, free classes, volunteer work placements.

SUPPORT GROUPS for those unemployed or underemployed.
Call to register and check times:
WEDNESDAY MORNINGS, 10:30-12
(240-773-9363)
@ Jean A. Smith/
Washington Sq.
Gaithersburg 		WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS, 1:00-2:30 pm
(240-773-9363)
2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month
Town Center Place
Olney 		1st and 3rd WEDNESDAY EVENINGS, 6:30-8 pm
(240-773-9308
ROPES (Removing Obstacles Preventing Employment Success)
@ HOC, Kensington 		THURSDAY MORNINGS, 10-12
@ HOC, Kensington

See Locations

If Public Housing residents believe they might benefit from other training, they should contact the ROSS Program Coordinator, 301-962-5514. The ROSS program may be able to remove barriers such as the need for child care or transportation.

[INTRODUCTION] [CONTACT] [SPECIAL] [WORKSHOPS/EVENTS] [TERMINOLOGY]

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SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST

      listed June 25, 2008

HOC HAS EVENING and WEEKEND HOURS!
HOC’s new Gaithersburg Customer Service Ctr.’s hours:
9-5 Mon., Wed., & Fri.;
9-8 Tues. & Thurs.; & 9-1 Sat.,
101 Lake Forest Blvd., 2nd floor.

SUMMER CAMP: Do families need discounts? They call Rec. Dept. at 240-777-6840.

MARY’S CENTER (for Women and Children): 202-483-8196, 8:30am-5:00pm Mon.-Fri. and teen health serv. open 9-4 on two Saturdays/month. They offer child development services, teen pregnancy prevention, ed. and mentoring to prevent school drop-out and child care provider training/licensing. This center is for those with limited or no health insurance and offers bilingual services. See www.maryscenter.org.

      listed May 29, 2008

Montgomery College is trying to create a special fund for Latinos. Encourage ALL 2008 MCPS high school grads to apply for the Guaranteed Access Grant (GAG) through their high school counselor or MD Dept. of Ed. at www.mhec.state.md.us, 1-800-974-0203 x1. Undocumented MCPS high schoolers who graduate within the prior 3 years can get $500/semester for MC tuition/books.
MC Access is a new program at MC for spring 2008 MCPS high school graduates to get a $$ gap award for tuition/books, after they apply for FAFSA $$. See www.montgomerycollege.edu/finaid

GAITHERSBURG CUSTOMER SERVICE CTR. IS OPEN!
Beginning in June hours will be 9-5 Mon.,Wed., and Fri.; 8-8 Tues. and Thurs.; and 9-1 Sat.,
101 Lake Forest Blvd., 2nd floor.

COMMUTER CONNECTIONS: For help coping with the high gas prices, a regional network helps residents by providing transportation alternatives, including carpool ridematching services and info on other ways to get to work. See www.mwcog.org/commuter2/index.html.
See also autos.msn.com/everyday/gasstations.aspx?zip=&src=Netx.

      listed May 1, 2008

COMPARE CELL-PHONE SERVICE PLANS: See www.Letstalk.com; click on “Service Plans” and enter your zip code. Click on the features desired and select the plans to view side by side in order to compare different companies.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES: Has unveiled its new Teensite, redesigned by members of the Teensite Advisory Group (TAG). See www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/News/press/PR_details.asp?PrID=4455.

      listed March 24, 2008

HOC’S NEW CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTERS: HOC’s first Customer Service Ctr. will open May 1st! It’ll be at 101 Lakeforest Blvd, #200 (across from Lakeforest Mall) 240-773-9009 in Gaithersburg for Up-County residents’ services and recertifications. Down-county residents after August will go to the Silver Spring Customer Service Ctr., 8241 Georgia Ave., 2nd floor—details will be in the May FSS newsletter.

REFERENCE TOOLS: See www.k12academics.com for many issues in education, job tips and salaries info.

Ag-DISCOVERY PROGRAM: Youth 12-17 learn about careers in animal science, veterinary medicine and plant pathology. Call 301-734-6312 or see www.aphis.usda.gov/agdiscovery/about_agdiscovery.shtml.

YWCA-WOMEN IN TRADES: Employment training for low-income women. Call 202-626-0700 ext 18 or see http://www.ywcanca.org.

      listed February 15, 2008

MONTGOMERY WORKS (301-946-1806) has extended hours - open until 7pm Tues. and Thurs. Workshops and services for job seekers will be offered at the Sales and Service Learning Ctr. (240-403-3600), Wheaton Westfield Shopping Ctr. (between Penney's and IFL Furniture next to H and R Block and the shopping center’s Management Office.)

WEIGHT WATCHERS: Encourage participants to BEGIN or RENEW their sessions (240-773-9393). They CAN lose weight! It costs $50 for 10 weeks (they may use a Repayment Agreement).

Check here for hours and locations of the Interfaith Clothing Centers.

VOUCHER FAMILIES’ FSS HOUSING SPECIALISTS-:
All HCV specialists handle FSS families. For the list of specialists with their phone numbers and assignments, click here.

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS)       listed February 5, 2008

EARLY HEAD START: Open enrollment for 0-2 year-olds! Excellent program; staff make home visits and facilitate child care & transportation. Call 301-984-4444 or 301-840-3270.

COUNSELOR TRAINING PROGRAM: The Rec. Dept.’s Summer 2008 program for teens has begun registration. Call 240-777-8277

COMPUTERS.
on how to get a computer and connect to the Internet.


      listed December 21, 2007

SERVICE ACCESS INFORMATION LINK (SAIL): 1-800-492-0618. For online help with cash assistance, food assistance, medical assistance, see www.MarylandSAIL.org.

      listed November 29, 2007

Montgomery County's Office of Consumer Protection offers tips and receives complaints.

The Federal Trade Commission has a web site addressing fiscal fitness.

FAMILY PLANNING and PHYSICAL EXAMS: The Teen and Young Adult Connection in downtown Silver Spring provides very low-cost services to those 12-35 years of age for family planning, counseling, free STD testing, free condoms, and physical exams for work/school. 301-565- 0914 (x106 for Molly Love).

LITERACY COUNCIL is now co-located with the Rockville Library, 21 Maryland Ave., 301-610-0030.

      listed October 30, 2007

SAVE ENERGY:
  MEAP 240-777-4450, www.pepco.com or 202-833-7500. Keep thermostat settings in winter at 50-68 degrees max. to save on utility bills. They also have kits for homeowners who apply for MEAP which will be distributed by HHS.
  Kill-A-Watt meter Loan Program — Now on loan through the Rockville Library. This will help you to understand how much energy appliances and electronics use. 240-777-0140.

TAKOMA PARK LIBRARY: Although it is not part of the Montgomery County Library System, you can get a free card; bring mail with address and driver’s license. More at 301-891-7259.

      listed September 18, 2007

FREE ITEMS: See www.throwplace.com for free items that have been donated. See the Up for Grabs section and follow directions.

GEORGE B. THOMAS, SR. LEARNING ACADEMY: A tutoring and mentoring program that accelerates students’ mastery of reading, language, arts, and math. 301-320-6545/6546 or www.gbtlearningacademy.org.

      listed August 29, 2007

An EMPLOYMENT GUIDE FOR DOMESTIC WORKERS is available in English, French and Spanish, 240-777-8330 or email paula.rodgers@montgomerycountymd.gov.

The website, Maryland TransPort, gives all you need to facilitate a smooth transfer into a Maryland college or university, either public or private. This is a valuable resource on Maryland institutions whether you are transferring from a Maryland Community College or an out-of-state institution. Among other aids, there are links to all colleges and universities in Maryland, on this page.

Kids eat free at Denny's and Lone Star Steakhouse every Tuesday night (and some Saturdays) with a paying adult. IHOP, American Cafe, Hooters, Red Robin and Roadhouse Grill restaurants offer kids-eat-free deals at select locations. You can search for eateries in your area at KidsEatFree.com.

      listed July 26, 2007

CAREER SKILLS ASSESSMENT: Go through this exercise to get matched to possible careers, http://online.onetcenter.org/skills/

The right place to go for HOC Emergency Services or the Security Deposit Program is shown in this table.

      listed June 25, 2007

HHS EXTENDED HOURS: HHS offers evening hours every Tues., 5-7 pm. Call 240-777-1245 or see the press release. This flyer gives details on the available services.

MPDU HOMEBUYING: Applications are accepted 2 times a year, January and July. HOC residents must earn a minimum of $35,000 to qualify. Applicants call 240-777-3600 or see www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dhctmpl.asp?url=/Content/DHCA/housing/housing_P/mpdu.asp.

HOME BUYING GUIDES: See www.homebuyingguide.com (in different languages) and www.freddiemac.com and call HOC’s program 301-933-HOME.

      listed May 29, 2007

CROSSROADS YOUTH OPPORTUNITY CENTER: 7676 New Hampshire Ave. 301-422-1270 Mon.-Fri. 11am-9pm and Sat. 11-3pm. Confidential services: Youth development; family strengthening; mentoring; group support for imprisoned youth; relocation and safety planning; individual, group/family therapy; case management/referral; job training/placement; legal help; GED, ESOL and tutoring.

      listed February 14, 2007

CONFLICT RESOLUTION CENTER: CRCMC offers help with conflicts in the workplace, family, neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and organizations. 301-942-7700 or www.crcmc.org.

FREE 411 INFO CALLS: Call 1-888-373-3411 or 1-800-373-3411.

      listed January 25, 2007

LITERACY COUNCIL HAS OPENINGS! Call 301-610-0030; located at the new Rockville Library, 21 Maryland Ave. or e-mail info@literacycouncilmcmd.org.

GapBuster Learning Center, Inc is offering FREE Tutoring in Math and Language Arts Monday – Thursday, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm, to ALL qualified students.
8-week SAT classes are also available on Saturdays.
All tutoring will be held at the NEW location in Downtown Silver Spring – 8216 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910.
For more information and to sign-up, please call the office at (301) 588-5501.
[corrected number 2/9/07]

      listed November 30, 2006

CITIZENSHIP CLASSES — Participants bring their Permanent Residency card (green card) and Social Security card. FREE NUTRITION HOTLINE FOR THE ELDERLY: Elderly call 240-777-1100 Wednesday mornings 9 - 11am. See www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/News/press/PR_details.asp?PrID=2311 for more info.

      listed June 24, 2006

LOSING WEIGHT AFTER PREGNANCY: www.sparkpeople.com gives tips regarding losing pregnancy weight.

      listed March 29, 2006

HOUSING SEARCH ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: For HOC Choice Voucher Program participants only! Call Ronald Clarkson 301-962-5416.

EAST COUNTY NEWS: For info see http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgtmpl.asp?url=/content/RSC/EASTCO/welcome.asp

POSSIBLE WOMAN FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL: Their mission is to change the lives of women and girls globally through inclusive and collaborative leadership, integrity, and lifelong learning. If interested in furthering the goals of the PWFI, email Linda@possiblewomanfoundation.org and give your contact information to be placed on their mailing list.

      listed February 23, 2006

The HHS Information Line
The Department of Health and Human Services has a service called The HHS Information Line. It is an information and referral service to assist the public in understanding and accessing HHS programs and services and to have a live voice for people to communicate with right from the start.
The HHS information line answers questions about public assistance benefits, health care, day care, housing concerns, public health issues and the like. We welcome calls from potential customers, current customers who need assistance in negotiating our system, and our own HHS staff and private partners who need information and referral. Please call us at 240-777-1245.

      listed January 10, 2006

RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS: See www.familywelfare.umaryland.edu (Family Welfare Research and Training Group)

      listed December 5, 2005

EAST COUNTY NEWSLETTER: Check out the website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgtmpl.asp?url=/Content/RSC/EASTCO/newsletter.asp

      listed November 1, 2005

PORTING OUT FROM HOC:
Families who want to move out of Montgomery County with their Section 8 voucher and want to continue in the FSS Program should:
- inform FSS Coordinator Nancy Scull of the receiving housing agency’s name and phone #, so she can inquire if they have an FSS Program and will accept an incoming portable
- complete HOC’s Relocation Request form
- get re-issued a voucher
- complete HOC’s Request to Transfer to Another Housing Authority, so HOC can inquire if they will accept an incoming Section 8 voucher family.
HOC’s portability staff are Ida Koram, Amy Justice and Lisa Takounakis.

Earlier listings of "points" might be valid, and they are kept on this separate page. Check on their status before trying to use a service.

[INTRODUCTION] [CONTACT] [SPECIAL] [WORKSHOPS/EVENTS] [TERMINOLOGY]

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