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Delegate Shaneka Henson - Newsletter

In 2019, Annapolis native Shaneka Henson joined Maryland's House of Delegates succeeding the late former Speaker Michael E. Busch. Learn more about the trial attorney and former Alderwoman whose family values make her a passionate and bright leader.


Read bio HERE


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Delegate Shaneka Henson Returned to Her Alma Mater Coppin State University to Share Empowering Remarks with

the Freshman Class of 2028

Baltimore, MD – September 6, 2024 – Delegate Shaneka Henson returned to her alma mater, Coppin State University, to deliver the keynote speech at the annual convocation. In her inspiring address, she reflected on Coppin's rich legacy—from their pioneering founder Fanny Jackson Coppin to the future of the 'Eagles Amplified' cohort. Drawing on her own journey from a Coppin Criminal Justice student to Maryland State Delegate, she encouraged the next generation of Eagles to rise above adversity and embrace their potential to lead and create lasting change.


Watch the full speech HERE

Upcoming Events

Join Delegate Henson in Our Community


Delegate Henson is looking forward to connecting with the community at several upcoming events. Here's where she'll be in the coming weeks:


Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival, Saturday, September 14, 2024

The 34th Annual Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival will be hosted at the Navy-Marine Corp Stadium Blue Lot, on Saturday, September 14, 2024, 10AM-7PM. Join over 10,000 attendees for a day filled with amazing music, dance, crafts, food and children's activities.


Voter-Q - Sunday, September 15, 2024

Join us on Sunday, September 15th, from 1-5 PM at the American Legion, 1707 Forest Drive, for the Voter-Q. It's a great opportunity to gather important details for the upcoming election. Get info on candidates, register to vote, grab a yard sign, and learn all about early voting, voting by mail, and everything you need for Election Day.


4th Annual Elijah M. Wilson College Tour - Saturday, October 5, 2024

Join Delegate Henson on Saturday, October 5, 2024, for the 4th Annual District 30 - Elijah M. Wilson College Tour, where students from underserved communities can explore Maryland universities, meet admissions staff, and gain valuable exposure to college life.


Delegate Henson's Power in the Park 2024 - Saturday, October 19, 2024

This year's Power in the Park, an event dedicated to helping you reduce energy bills, access assistance programs, and get free efficiency upgrades for your home will be on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Heritage Baptist Church.


Resources | News | Updates

Grants for Kid Kindness


Kid Kindness Grants is accepting grant applications until November 1st directly from kids between the ages of 5-18 who have ideas for spreading kindness. Applications may be submitted by individuals or groups. Groups can include a group of friends, a school club, a classroom, a scout troop, a sports team, etc.


Find more info HERE

Kickstart Your Career as a School Bus Driver


Receive a contingent job offer and free CDL-B training to begin your career in school bus transportation. Qualified candidates can receive a $2,000 hiring and retention bonus along with an opportunity to secure a job with an AAWDC partner.


Find more info HERE

New COVID Vaccines Available


Amid an unexpectedly large surge of summer COVID infections in the U.S., and with the fall/winter virus season around the corner, updated COVID vaccines have arrived. Get the updated COVID vaccine around mid-October to boost protection in time for the rise of cases that typically occur around November through January.



Find vaccines HERE

Youth Day in the General Assembly


Senator Nathaniel Exum Legislative Youth Day in Annapolis is designed to provide an opportunity for students to engage and participate in the legislative process, experience the power of civic engagement, and participate in practical exercises regarding how the Maryland General Assembly operates. This year's program will take place on Saturday, October 12 from 8 AM to 2 PM and will exclusively cater to high school students. 



Find more info HERE

New Income Guidelines Make More Families Eligible for Free/Reduced Priced Meals


The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) recently announced updates to the Income Eligibility Guidelines (IEGs) for free and reduced-price school meals. The guidelines, updated annually by the federal government, were adopted by MSDE through June 30, 2025. 


Find more info HERE

Anne Arundel County Fair


Come on out for the family fun with Carnival rides, shows, animals, exhibits and much more at the Anne Arundel County Fair September 11-15, 2024.



Find more info HERE

Deer Hunting Season


The end of the summer season marks the beginning of another–deer hunting season in Maryland. Outdoors enthusiasts and hunters alike set their sights on the first Friday after Labor Day – the official kick-off of deer archery season




Find more info HERE

Senior Call Check In


Make sure our seniors stay safe and supported. It’s easy to enroll. You can register online, download and mail in a paper application, or call the toll-free number at (866) 502-0560 to have an application mailed to your home.


Find more info HERE

Student Loan Relief


DEADLINE September 15th: Maryland taxpayers who have incurred at least $20,000 in undergraduate and/or graduate student loan debt and have at least $5,000 in outstanding student loan debt may apply for the Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit Program.


Find more info HERE

Get a Ride for Only $2


Get from point A to point B a little faster for $2 a ride, $1 for seniors using the new TRANSIGO app on Apple or Android - or you can call dispatch to get picked up: 410-263-7964.


Find more info HERE

Get Your High School Diploma



OIC offers free adult education and job readiness classes, including GED Preparation, Introduction to Computers, Microsoft Office Essentials, and English as a Second Language.


OIC ofrece clases gratuitas de educación para adultos y preparación para el trabajo, incluyendo preparación para el GED, introducción a la computadora, Microsoft Office Essentials e inglés como segundo idioma.


Find more info HERE

Tax Savings for Homeowners and Renters


Maryland's Department of Assessment and Taxation is now accepting applications for tax credit certificates for Maryland homeowners and renters. The application window for both renters and homeowners is open from February 5, 2024 to October 1, 2024. Don't miss out – apply now to see if you qualify.


Find more info HERE

Avoid Utility Shut-Offs


The PSC Medical Certification Program helps individuals with serious illness or medical equipment avoid utility shut-offs.


For more information HERE

Keeping Our Commuter Bus Service


The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration has announced the preservation of Commuter Bus service on all 36 routes. While frequencies will be reduced, the service will continue to connect suburban riders to job centers in the metropolitan Baltimore and Washington region. The new schedules will take effect on July 1.


For more information HERE

Maryland's Coastal Future


Explore the latest mapping project from Maryland DNR, predicting future wetlands due to sea level rise. This crucial data helps protect our communities and wildlife. Learn more and view the map on the Maryland Coastal Atlas.


For more information HERE

Free Chromebook Giveaway


AACPL is offering free Chromebooks to eligible Anne Arundel County residents through a grant from the county and the State of Maryland. Distribution events start in January 2024. Check eligibility, register for a timeslot, and bring required documentation. For details, visit our Digital Equity page.


For more information HERE

Support for Caregivers


Secure your spot in the 2024 free virtual caregiver workshops by the Living Well Center of Excellence. Participate in courses like Powerful Tools for Caregivers, Building Better Caregivers, and SAVVY Caregiver®. Enhance your self-care and caregiving skills, fostering confidence and competence.


For more information HERE

Free Cervical Cancer Screenings


The Anne Arundel County Department of Health is offers no-cost clinical breast exams, mammograms, Pap and HPV tests, and follow-up testing for eligible individuals, the department emphasizes the importance of early detection.


For more information HERE

Support for Kinship Caregivers


The Maryland Department of Human Services offers support for Kinship Caregivers to fill in the gap and care for children and vulnerable adults.


For more information HERE

Get Help With Weatherization


The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development invites you to seize the benefits of their Weatherization Assistance Program. Combat air infiltration, install insulation, and enhance your home's comfort.


Apply today through your Local Weatherization Agency by visiting the provided link HERE

Flu Vaccines Are Available


Flu season is here. Anne Arundel County residents age 6 mother and older, can get free flu vaccines at walk-in flu clinic in Annapolis, Glen Burnie or Shady Side, while supplies last.


For more information HERE

Gun Safety Lock Giveaway 


Residents 18 years and older can receive up to two gun safety locks at the Busch Annapolis, Eastport-Annapolis Neckand Glen Burnie libraries. No library card is needed to participate, and no proof of residency is required.


Find more info HERE



Low Income Household Water Assistance Program


The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is available statewide and provides Maryland households with financial relief toward water and/or wastewater bills. Eligible households may receive up to $2,000. More info HERE 



Military Career Connections


Are you a transitioning military service member, veteran, or military spouse wanting to connect with Anne Arundel Workforce Development career services? Visit HERE to learn about the eligibility requirements.


Affordable Connectivity Program


Maxsip Telecom, the provider for the Federal Government's Affordable Connectivity Program, is providing FREE internet and tablets to anyone on government assistance programs like Medicaid.


Find mor info HERE 

Call or Text 988 for Free Support


The 988 Suicide and Crisis Prevention Lifeline is available nationwide. Anyone in the United States can call or text 988 to talk to mental health counselors and receive confidential and free support 24/7/365. 


Anne Arundel County residents can still access the Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency, Inc. Community Warmline at 410-768-5522.

Virtual Office Hours to meet with Delegate Henson 


Every First Wednesday, Delegate Henson will be hosting Virtual Office Hours. If you have an issue you would like to discuss, sign up for your 15 minute meeting HERE.


COVID-19 Testing, Eviction Prevention, Help Finding Jobs, and Job Training


Energy Assistance


COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics


ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY COVID TESTING SITES


Arundel Community Development Services Eviction Prevention Program


Maryland State Police Open Positions


Boys & Girls Clubs of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Hiring


ANNE ARUNDEL AMERICAN JOB CENTERS


ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY'S NEW WEBSITE FOR JOB SEEKERS


AACWD Bus Driving Free Training

UPDATES TO UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS


The Department of Labor has guaranteed that they will get to all applicants; however, due to the overwhelming number of applicants, they cannot provide a time estimate. To troubleshoot, go to https://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/unemployment.shtml.


If you are unable to determine your issue through the FAQs featured on the website, please send my office an email explaining the issues you're facing as well as the following information so that we may present that to our Legislative Liaison:

  • Full legal name
  • Phone number
  • Claim/Claimant ID (if applicable)


Please note that Senator Elfreth, Delegate Jones and I submit the same claims.


Community Food and Necessity Distributions


Below are some food giveaways scheduled for this week:


  • City of Annapolis, Office of Emergency Management, Every Friday 12:00pm-2:00pm, Pip Moyer Recreation center, Every Friday-12-2pm, To be placed on the list, call/e-mail Office of Emergency Management: (410) 216 - 9167; kltisch@annapolis.gov


  • St. Luke’s Food, Baby & Senior Pantry at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 1101 Bay Ridge Ave., every Tuesday 11:00am-12:00pm, (food, infant formula, diapers and wipes, adult formula supplement and adult incontinence protection items), bring ID.


  • Mills Parole Elementary School, 1 George & Marion Phelps Lane Annapolis, MD, every 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month 10:00am-12:00pm.


  • Asbury United Methodist Church, 87 West St Annapolis MD, has a food pantry available ever Wed. and Fri. from 9AM - 11AM.


  • Heritage Baptist Church, 1740 Forest Drive Annapolis MD, has food giveaway every Tuesday 9:30am-11am (must provide ID and proof of residency)


  • First Baptist Church of Annapolis, 31 W. Washington Street, gives away pantry bags and prepared meals every Saturday, 11 am - 1 pm


  • Discoveries: the Library at the Mall in Westfield Annapolis Mall, gives away baby/infant supplies and menstrual products every Saturday from 10 am - 12 pm.


  • Cornerstone Church: Rotating HACA communities on the second Saturday of each month (May - Bloomsbury, June - Eastport, July - Morris Blum, August - Robinwood). Each giveaway will be 12:30pm 2:30pm.


Call 410-260-2211 to Schedule a Fresh Food Delivery Option


Information on regularly scheduled pantries can be found at the top of my newsletter by clicking on the link next to "Food Resources in District 30A." Please send an email to Shaneka.Henson@house.state.md.us if you know of a food resource that should be included in this newsletter.



 If you can spare $5, $20, $50 or more it helps me reach my goal. Thanks for your continued support as I work for you.

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By Authority of Friends of Shaneka Henson, Sherry Galloway Treasurer