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to the main page of HOC| This table is intended for newcomers, part-timers, and others who hear or see acronyms and other terms they do not understand. Participants, managers, or mentors are urged to seek additional information before expecting benefits from any programs. Please inform the webmaster [leaving the subject as it appears after you click] of anything wrong and suggest additional terms that should be included or terms that should be clarified. |
| AFDC | Aid to Families with Dependent Children was replaced in 1997 by TANF (see below). |
| APP | The Abused Persons Program operates from the MidCounty Health and Human Services Building, 1301 Piccard Drive, Rockville. Phone 240-777-4210. |
| ASAP | "As soon as possible" - an indication in applications and other instructions not to wait. |
| ARC | Association of Retarded Citizens. The "Arc of Montgomery County" supports people who have mental retardation and related developmental disabilities and their families. WEBSITE |
| CCC | Consumer Credit Counseling gives help with budgeting and credit. Phone 301-231-5833. |
| CCR&R | Every community in Maryland is served by a regional Child-Care Resource and Referral Center. See the Maryland Child-Care Resource Network. |
| CFK | Care for Kids provides primary health care services to uninsured children in low-income families. Most clients are undocumented aliens. (301-628-3439) |
| CHIP | Children's Health Insurance Program. See MCHP. |
|
CHAD or CHADD |
Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (306-7070) WEBSITE |
| CPDC | The COMMUNITY PRESERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION offers career and skill enhancement, youth development, and community empowerment. |
| CPO | A Civil Protective Order is an order made by a civil court to protect a person from physical pain or injury or the threat of such. As a means of dealing with abuse, it is also known as a "Domestic Violence Protective Order" or "DVPO". See the WomensLaw website. |
| CTC | Career Transition Center, 11160 Viers Mill Rd, Suite 407A, Wheaton Plaza South. Provides a self-help area, workshops and seminars, computer skills training, and other career support. 301-929-6880 WEBSITE |
| DHCA | Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Montgomery County WEBSITE |
| DDA | Developmental Disabilities Administration, under the State of Maryland WEBSITE |
| DHHS | See HHS |
| DHS | The Department of Homeland Security (of the federal government) reviews certain applications and is otherwise involved in some actions concerning residents not born in the United States. See, for example, eligibility for Pell Grants. |
| DORS | Division of Rehabilitation Services, part of the Maryland Department of Education (301 949-3750) WEBSITE |
| EIP | Employment Initiative Program, one program of HOC, offers free classes and other support. (301-962-5536) |
| EITC | Earned Income Tax Credit; a means of reducing federal income tax or, possibly, receiving a payment from the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). Get more information at 1-800-829-1040 or www.irs.gov Read IRS Publication 596 to avoid mistakes in filing. |
| Escrow | An escrow account holds money that cannot be withdrawn by any individual or organization until specified conditions are met. In the FSS program the escrow savings account, earning interest for the participant, provides a major incentive for completion. An FSS participant's escrow account accrues only when the participant's rent payment increases due to employment during the 5-year enrollment term. |
| ESOL/ESL | English for Speakers of Other Languages/English as a Second Language; classes offered by the County Public Schools (Department of Alternative Programs) may be free or -- for advanced courses -- given for a fee. (301-517-5845) |
| EUSP | Electric Universal Service Program, an energy assistance program. Administered by the Maryland Department of Human Resources. There is one application for both EUSP and MEAP (240-777-4450 or WEBSITE) |
| FAFSA | The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is used not only by the Federal government but also by many colleges. The website allows you to complete a standard application for financial aid online. |
| FPL | Federal Poverty Limit (or Federal Poverty Level). A particular income level depending on family size, the FPL determines eligibility for various programs. For example, if a program is open only to families with income less than 200% FLP, the maximum income allowed for participation would be twice (200%) the annual income specified by the FPL. This website of the federal HHS gives the "federal guidelines." |
| FRC | Family Resource Center. HOC location supporting activities such as Homework Clubs, Girl Scouts, and Computer Labs. Check here for addresses and phone numbers. |
| FSS | This Family Self-Sufficiency Program, part of the Resident Services division of HOC. MORE |
| GED | General Equivalency Diploma. Passing the GED exam is equivalent to earning a high school diploma. Individuals who were unable to finish high school should work for the GED. Classes are offered by Montgomery College. (301-962-8905) |
| GUIDE | GUIDE offers an array of mental health, substance abuse, juvenile justice, and social services to children, youth, adults, and families throughout the region. WEBSITE |
| HA | Housing Authority |
| HCV | The Housing Choice Voucher Program, formerly known as “Section 8,” provides assistance for very-low-income households, the elderly, and the disabled to afford housing in the private market. WEBSITE |
| HHS | Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services. Among the services and programs offered by HHS are health care services for the uninsured, mental health services, child care subsidy programs, financial assistance, services for seniors and persons with disabilities, immunizations, child protective services and addiction services. Referral line is 240-777-1245. WEBSITE |
| HOC | The Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County. Its mission is "to make housing available to eligible families of low and moderate income and to provide necessary support services to encourage resident self-sufficiency." WEBSITE |
| HUD | The US Department of Housing and Urban Development, determines guidelines and regulations for the operation of FFS. WEBSITE |
| HQS | Housing Quality Standards -- participants' living units must pass these guidelines for housing inspectors |
| ITSP | Individual Training and Service Plan, part of the FSS Contract of Participation |
| JSSA | The Jewish Social Service Agency offers non-sectarian services including counseling and therapy services, hospice care, older adult services, special needs services, career services, adoption services. Telephone: 301-881-3700. WEBSITE |
| LDSS | Used by the State of Maryland for Local Department(s) of Social Services. See the state-wide list at www.dhmh.state.md.us/mma/dss/index.html. |
| MAMSI | Mid-Atlantic Medical Services, Inc. provides access to prescription medication for low-income uninsured residents of Montgomery County. (301-628-3422) |
| MAHRA | Maryland Association of Housing & Redevelopment Agencies, group of MD's housing agencies, sponsors a scholarship. WEBSITE |
| MCDHHS | See HHS |
| MCHP | Maryland Children's Health Program is a free or low-cost insurance program for children (up to age 19) and pregnant women. If income is too high to qualify for the free coverage, families might still be eligible for "MCHP Premium" which requires a monthly payment. [Previously CHIP.] Hotline: 1-800-456-8900 or WEBSITE (of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene) |
| MEAP | Maryland Energy Assistance Program, money for electric bills. See also EUSP. |
| MIRECS | Migrant and Refugee Cultural Support 301-460-6264 or email mirecs@aol.com Victims of domestic violence can be referred to 301-495-3733. |
| MPDU | Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit. The MPDU Program provides an affordable route for first-time home buyers. (240-777-3600) |
| MPP | The Maryland Pharmacy Program assures eligible Maryland residents access to maintenance drugs to treat chronic conditions. (800-226-2142) |
| NAMI | National Association for the Mentally Ill. The phone for the local office is 301-949-5852. |
| PH | Public Housing |
| POC | Purchase of [Child] Care, a State subsidy program. See also WPA. |
| QMB | Qualified Medicare Beneficiary. QMB recipients are automatically enrolled in the MPP. |
| RAP | Rental Assistance Program, Emergency services for rent (county-administered program is for low-income familes) |
| ROSS | Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency. A HUD program with funds for public housing residents. It provides employment-related training/education and supportive services. WEBSITE (FSS participants may use these funds without identifying the source if they receive training through HOC. Call 301-962-5536 for courses.) |
| RFTA | Request for Tenancy Approval, form that residents take to a new landlord for approval |
| Section 8 | See HCV |
| SEU | Service Eligibility Unit, entry point for the Regional Health Centers, the initial contact for many health services. See the Resource page. |
| SHARP | SHARP suspension programs are partnerships in seven locations that offer support to suspended students. Email the SHARP director at IsaacK@guideprogram.org. |
| SHIP | Senior Health Insurance (assistance) Program. Free information and counseling for seniors, the disabled, and their families. Phone 301-590-2819. WEBSITE |
| SSDI |
Social Security Disability Insurance WEBSITE (of the Social Security Administration) |
| SSI | Supplemental Social Security, Program for persons with disabilities (See also SSDI.) |
| TABE | Test for Adult Basic Education, a test to measure current skills in math, reading, and English at the high school level. The FSS Office has it. Call 240-773-9393. |
| TCA/TANF | Temporary Cash Assistance/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, welfare cash assistance provided in emergencies. WEBSITE |
| TEMHA | Transitional Emergency, Medical and Housing Assistance, a financial eligibility program under HHS. Serves clients who have physical and/or emotional impairments which impede their ability to access and negotiate self-care needs, and unable to work due to disability. |
| TTP | Total Tenant Payment, portion of rent and utilities that is the responsibility of the tenant |
| VFC | Vehicles for Change, refers to the discount car-purchase program. More information. A subsidiary, ECDC, provides loans up to $8000; WEBSITE |
| WATS | Washington Assessment & Therapy Services is now VESTA. It offers mental health testing and therapy. Phone Silver Spring, 301-588-8881; Gaithersburg, 990-0085; or Germantown, 528-2521. |
| WDC | Workforce Development Corporation provides career testing & workshops and individual counseling on communication skills and other job-related abilities. Also has GED testing. See the One-Stop Employment Centers. |
| WIC | Women, Infants, and Children -- Federally-funded, State-administered program provides pre- and post-natal care for women and children up to age five. 1-800-242-4WIC or WEBSITE |
| WPA | Working Parents' Assistance, County program providing child care subsidy (for higher income families). Application for both WPA and POC is made through Montgomery County Child Care Subsidy Programs (240-777-1155). |
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