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Free Tax Preparation for households with incomes of $60,000 or less

Written by Susan Augusty on . Posted in Emergency & Community Assistance, Finding Help & Information

Free Tax-Preparation The IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. The VITA program has operated for over 50 years. VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:
  • People who generally make $60,000 or less
  • Persons with disabilities; and
  • Limited English-speaking taxpayers

Community Action Agency VITA

Schedule an appointment by calling 240-777-1123 or book an appointment online
*Once you are at the Appointment Plus website, start the process by selecting the tax preparation site you would like to use from the drop-down menu on the left- side of the screen.

Community Action VITA Tax Season Schedule – January 23 – April 14, 2023

  • Mondays: 3 – 8 pm in Gaithersburg at the Casey Community Center, 810 S Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg DIRECTIONS
  • Tuesdays: 1 – 8 pm at the TESS Community Action Center, 8703 Flower Ave., Silver Spring DIRECTIONS
  • Wednesdays: 11 am – 8 pm at the Community Action Agency, 1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 320, Rockville DIRECTIONS
  • Thursdays: 11 am – 4 pm at WorkSource Montgomery, 11510 Georgia Ave., Wheaton DIRECTIONS
  • Fridays: 11 am – 5 pm VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS
In addition to VITA, the TCE program offers free tax help, particularly for those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors. Free tax preparation assistance is being offered for low-to-moderate income Montgomery County taxpayers through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program. Services are provided by trained volunteers and are by appointment only. Scheduling for tax appointments is now open! Free tax preparation assistance is being offered for low-to-moderate income Montgomery County taxpayers through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program. Services are provided by trained volunteers and are by appointment only. Scheduling for tax appointments is now open! Self-schedule at www.taxaidemc.info starting Saturday, January 28th or Call 240-777-2577 (Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm) today! For more information, please visit www.taxaidemc.info Locations Please note: Each tax preparation site is only open 1-2 days per week

February is Black History Month

Written by Susan Augusty on . Posted in infoMONTGOMERY

Our partners at Montgomery County Public Libraries invite you to celebrate the history, acheivements and futures of African Americans.  MCPL is offering many educational and engagement actvities to celebrate Black History Month during February with author talks, lectures, arts and crafts, story times and more.

 

Check out some of our curated, digital collections during Black History Month – OverDrive Collection, Hoopla Collection.

Find out ways to  learn and celebrate

February is National Heart Month

Written by Susan Augusty on . Posted in infoMONTGOMERY

In some cases, physical activity can be as beneficial to your heart as medication. As part of their Healthy Heart research and resources guide, a Johns Hopkins expert outlines six heart benefits of exercise, and  how you can make staying active part of your heart-protection plan.

AAHP Diabetes/Heart Health promotes healthy living through it’s numerous programs focused on the heart health of African Americans in Montgomery County

The goal of Healthy Montgomery, community health improvement process. It is an ongoing effort that brings together County government agencies, County hospital systems, minority health programs/initiatives, advocacy groups, academic institutions, community-based service providers and other stakeholders to achieve optimal health and well-being for all Montgomery County residents.  By promoting and supporting programs that  support Healthy Living, we can support these goals.

Visit our Resource Guide on Healthy Living to find local programs on  Health & Nutrition, Wellness and Physical Activities, and programs that support vulnerable populations.

January is National Mentoring Month

Written by infoMONTGOMERY on . Posted in Mentoring, Youth Development

January is National Mentoring Month. A mentor guarantees young people that there is someone who cares about them, assures them they are not alone in dealing with day-to-day challenges, and makes them feel like they matter. You can download the National Mentoring Partnership’s Toolkit, and view our Mentoring Resource Guide.  Our partners at MENTOR Maryland | DC and Mentor National offer these resources to support your program, learn about key topics and  find trainings. Visit our local mentoring programs to enroll directly as a mentor, or seek information on how to receiving mentoring

​​​​​​​​Need to talk? ​​Call or Text 988

Written by Susan Augusty on . Posted in Children With Intensive Needs, infoMONTGOMERY, Mental Health & Substance Abuse, Resource Guides

​​​​​​​​Need to talk? ​​
There is hope. If you or a loved one is struggling with thoughts of suicide, anxiety, depression or problems with drugs or alcohol, reach out to the 988 Lifeline. You can call, text or chat with a caring call specialist​  who can assist in directing you to information and resources in your area. you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately.  In Maryland, you can also call 211 press 1 or text 898-211 to be connected to crisis services. Or chat online: 988Lifeline.org
Call or text 988
  • ​Thoughts of suicide
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Problems with drugs and alcohol
   
 

988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. While some areas may be currently able to connect to the Lifeline by dialing 988, this dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States starting on July 16, 2022.

  • EveryMind Crisis Prevention and Intervention specialists are available by phone, text and chat every hour of every day, and knowing that will save lives. The community can also look to EveryMind for mental health professionals who are prepared to talk about warning signs and ways that we all can help to prevent suicide from ending lives far too soon. Every suicide is a tragic loss, but when a public figure takes their own life, the ripples are felt by so many. Kate Spade’s passing earlier this week and Anthony Bourdain’s passing today are only two of the more than 7301 people who die by suicide each week and nearly 105 each day in America alone. Suicide can be prevented and YOU can help. You do not need to be a mental health professional, you can simply be a caring friend, neighbor and fellow human being. If you think someone may be considering suicide you can: ASK, KEEP THEM SAFE, BE THERE, HELP THEM CONNECT and FOLLOW UP.Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (SPAM) resources from NAMI
  • Call or Text Montgomery County Hotline: 301.738.2255 or chat 
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  • American Association of Suicidology

FREE Recreation Center Membership Passes in 2023

Written by Susan Augusty on . Posted in Finding Help & Information, infoMONTGOMERY, SummerPrograms, Youth Development

Montgomery County Recreation fitness passes for exercise enthusiasts will be free for County residents in 2023. The free pass provides access to fully-equipped fitness rooms, open gym (drop-in) activities, and game rooms at any Community Recreation Center during regularly scheduled hours.

To apply for a fitness pass, visit a center location. Proof of residency (a photo ID with an address or a photo ID and a current utility bill) must be provided to qualify for the free pass. Please note, youth ages 14-15 with a valid resident youth pass are able to use a fitness room only when accompanied by a parent/guardian with a valid fitness pass. The fitness pass does not include access to aquatic centers.

Montgomery County Residents

Ages Pass Fee
Ages 16 and older Fall-A-Days | Through the end of 2022 $20
Ages 16 and older 2023 Fitness Pass FREE

Non-Residents

Ages Pass Fee
Ages 16 and older One month $20
Ages 16 and older Six months $80
Ages 16 and older One year $150
mNon-County residents can purchase a pass for $20 for one month, $80 for six months and $150 for one year. Visit the website for more information.
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Montgomery County Food Council’s Online Food Assistance Resource Directory

Written by Susan Augusty on . Posted in Covid-19 Response, Emergency & Community Assistance, Finding Help & Information, Healthy Living

The Montgomery County Food Council’s Online Food Assistance Resource Directory lists more than 100 food assistance sites in the County. This directory is searchable by location, food assistance type, accessibility and many other special features. Mapa de Recursos de Comida El Directorio de recursos de asistencia alimentaria en línea del Consejo de alimentos del condado de Montgomery enumera más de 100 sitios de asistencia alimentaria en el condado y se puede buscar por ubicación, tipo de asistencia alimentaria, accesibilidad y muchas otras características especiales. Seniors looking for meal sites can search for them here Visit infoMONTGOMERY’s Community Support page to access other useful information for those in need of immediate  and on-going assistance.  

November is National Family Caregivers Month

Written by Susan Augusty on . Posted in infoMONTGOMERY, Mental Health & Substance Abuse, Older Adults, Persons with Disabilities

November is National Family Caregivers Month – a time to celebrate the contributions of caregivers, provide them with tools that they need, and continue to advocate for individuals with mental illness. Mental Health Amercia provides these tools and supports for family members that provide round-the-clock care to their loved ones In Montgomery County, these providers offer support and resources for Caregivers

Under 21 Substance Use Prevention Mini Grant Application for FY 2023

Written by Susan Augusty on . Posted in Mental Health & Substance Abuse, Substance Abuse Prevention In Youth, Youth Development

The Collaboration Council announces the availability of FY23 Under 21 Mini-Grant funding to help community-based organizations deliver activities to middle and high school youth and those under age 21 that address the illegal and underage use, misuse and overuse of substances that include, but are not limited to, alcohol, opioids and other prescription drugs. Applications are due November 14, 2022 by midnight.

Funding comes from the Montgomery County Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services.


For complete details and to download the Mini-Grant Application Announcement please click here.
Please direct all questions to info@collaborationcouncil.org.

Deadline for submitting questions is November 14, 2022, 4:00 p.m. Include FY23 Under 21-Mini-Grant in the subject line. No phone calls please.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is On Saturday, October 29

Written by Susan Augusty on . Posted in infoMONTGOMERY, Substance Abuse Prevention In Youth

Saturday, October 29th from 10am – 2pm is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day! This event is sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and encourages communities to safely dispose of unwanted, unused or expired prescription opioids to prevent misuse, overdose and overdose fatalities. There are several locations in Montgomery County, such a police departments and pharmacies, that are serving as collection sites during this event. or a full list of take back sites in Montgomery County, users can visit here:

knowtherisksmc.org

Here are a few reminders on how to properly dispose of prescription opioids:

  1. Participate in local take back programs. There are several pharmacies and police departments that are registered as permanent location sites for the “take back” program. They will take back your prescription opioids with no questions asked. Remember, the goal is to prevent the diversion of prescription opioids so they are willing and ready to accept your returns.
  1. Do NOT flush prescription opioids. Sewage treatment systems cannot remove all the medications from the water released into lakes, rivers or oceans. Please protect the habitats of Nemo, Dory and their fishy friends, and let’s not make opioid infused water a trend! Bottled water and home filtration systems don’t necessarily avoid exposure.

Brought to you by
Collaboration Council
Montgomery County, MD