HOC Academy Newsletter October 2020
REGISTER TO VOTE
Register to Vote!
If you are at least 18 years old and a citizen of the United States, you can register to vote 24 hours a day. There are three ways to register: online registration, download and complete a paper application (English, Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Korean) or by calling the voter hotline at 240-777-VOTE.

For more information visit the Board of Elections site.

To learn more about accessible voting in Maryland, click here.
Vote-by-Mail
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Instead of donning a mask and standing in a long line to vote, consider voting by mail. To request a mail-in-ballot call (240) 777-8500 or use the following link to the Maryland State Board of Elections site: Mail-In-Ballot Request.

Instructions for requesting your mail-in-ballot are in the link below:
As you know, COVID-19 has affected all of our lives—how we live, work, and play have been changed. In spite of these sudden changes, we are committed to our mission of service to the community and this includes offering programs. We humbly ask for your input as we create the upcoming programs. By completing a short survey regarding children and youth programs, you will help us better serve your needs.  This survey is only for HOC customers who are parents or guardians of children in elementary, middle, or high school. Please complete this survey by Wednesday, October 7, 2020. Thank you for your help.
School-Age Subsidy Program
On October 5, 2020, Montgomery County announced the School-Age Subsidy Program, which will provide tuition assistance to parents and caregivers of children in Montgomery County for full-day, qualified school-age child care services within Montgomery County.

To qualify as an applicant for the School-Age Subsidy Program, your child must live in Montgomery County, be enrolled in Montgomery County Public Schools, and actively attend a full-day childcare program. Your family must also have income levels at or below 400 percent of the federal poverty level and have applied for state and local childcare subsidies.

You must apply by November 30 to be considered. Apply here. 

Free Mobile Market
The Mobile Food Market Place is offering contactless free food pick-up to Montgomery College students, faculty/staff and the community. Fresh produce and other foods will be available at no cost. Food will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. No proof of eligibility is required, however, all participants must wear a mask. For more information visit:


Math Support Resources
Math is a universal language and the Montgomery County Public School (MCPS) system wants every child enrolled to be successful through its use. MCPS offers Math Support for students and families. Math Support was created for users to (1) gain a better understanding of the curriculum (2) develop a deeper understanding of math concepts, practices and skills and (3) provide additional support and practice opportunities for students and families. To get additional support with the math curriculum this school year, start by selecting a grade level on Math Support and sharpen your skills.
FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM

Shape a Better Future

The Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS) is a voluntary initiative for customers in the Housing Opportunities Commission's voucher program. With support from caring case managers and motivating mentors, participants are supported in creating life changing goals and establishing skills for success. If you are ready for something new in your life, learn more about the FSS program at one of the upcoming information sessions.

For more information call (240) 627-9781 or email FSSRSVP@hocmc.org.
Attend an upcoming Virtual Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Information Session. These informative one-hour sessions provide information about how FSS can support you in creating a better future for you and your family.

Register to attend at: Kim.Ervin@hocmc.org.
For more information call (240) 627-9719. A valid email address is required to participate.

Maryland Senior Call Check

During these stressful times it may be a challenge to stay connected to the elders in our lives. The state of Maryland Senior Call Check program is a free service for Maryland residents 65 years old and older. Seniors will receive a daily telephone call at their scheduled time. This daily check in can offer peace of mind for seniors who live alone. Seniors can sign up online at aging.maryland.gov or by telephone at (866) 502-0560.

Free Therapy for Seniors
During the COVID-19 pandemic it is not uncommon to feel alone, sad, anxious, or disconnected. Older adults and their Caregivers in Montgomery County can receive free individual therapy or they can join a Coping with Change group. This free mental health service is provided by the Affiliated Sante Group. For more information call (301) 572-6585 ext. 2104 or visit www.thesantegroup.org.




Elder Safe Wellness Group
The ElderSAFE Center is offering a weekly wellness group meeting for seniors. This supportive group will discuss various topics such as mental and physical health, avoiding financial scams, current events and more. Group meetings will be held every Wednesday at 1pm; the meeting information is as follows:

Meeting ID #: 956-4095-8098
You can join by phone: Call 301-715-8592
You can join by computer at: https://zoom.us/j/95640958098
For a Limited Time: Access Free MedStar eVisits
(Available in multiple languages)
For a limited time MedStar's trusted medical team is offering free video visits and insurance is not required. All day, every day, you can get the medical care that you need from anywhere and at any time. You can securely connect with a medical provider from your smart phone, tablet, or computer for non-emergency medical conditions. Download the MedStar eVisit app or visit MedStarHealth.org/eVisit.
Drive-Thru Family Food Distribution in Bethesda
For Are you living in the Bethesda-Chevy Chase area and currently experiencing food insecurity? Every Friday through October 30, 2020 families can drive through the Nourishing Bethesda drive-through food distribution at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad on Battery Lane to receive fresh produce. Review the flyers below for more details.


Chicken, Dairy, Produce,
and More!
Are you or someone you know experiencing food insecurity? Our partners at Emmanuel Brinklow SDA Church are here to help. If you are in need of dairy and produce, please attend their contact-free grab and go event. This event will be held on their beautiful campus in Ashton, Maryland on Sunday, October 4th and Sunday, October 18, 2020 at 12:00 pm. For more information call (301) 774-0400.
SHARE
Food Assistance
SHARE continues to assist families in need with their low-cost "Grab and Go" food boxes. The October grocery boxes are as follows:

  • Value Package (Chicken leg quarters, ground beef, tilapia, pork chops, fruits and veggies) $22
  • Oven Roasted Chicken $22
  • Mixed Beef Box $34
  • Breaded Shrimp Box $22.
Orders and Payments are due by NOON, Monday, October 12.

Orders can be placed by email at minnjuan@gmail.com, or by texting or calling (757) 652-8872. Payments can be made by credit/debit card, check, EBT, Zelle, or Paypal. Orders that are not paid in full by October 12 will not be fulfilled. There will be no exceptions. When placing your order, please indicate in your intended method of payment, and additional instructions/information will follow. 

October distribution will be Saturday, October 24, 10AM - 12PM. Please note: we cannot store your food if it is not picked up at the designated time.
Active Duty Veterans & Military Connected Families

The District of Columbia and Montgomery County active duty veterans and military families who are experiencing food insecurity, can receive food assistance. Partners in both jurisdictions have come together to provide a free produce box with delivery for our nation's heroes and their families. Submit a food assistance request for a produce box at: Serving Together Project.

For questions or concerns call (855) 738-7176 or email:
Pet Food Pantry
During COVID-19 many in our community are experiencing shortages of all kinds. If you need help with food for your pet, the Montgomery County Humane Society pet food pantry is here for you. For more information, visit MCHumane.


Montgomery County Public Library Career Online High School


Montgomery County Public Libraries are offering a Career Online High School Program for adults. You can earn an accredited high school diploma and career certification online through Career Online High School. There are a limited number of free seat.

For more information, send all inquiries to: MCPL.COHS@montgomerycountymd.gov 



TPSS Community Kitchen
If you have a passion for food and helping the community, consider applying to work at the TPSS Community Kitchen. The TPSS Community Kitchen is taking applications for Community Kitchen Program Manager. For more information on this delicious and rewarding position go to TPSS CK Manager.

Identity is Hiring!

A leading organization in youth development, Identity works to empower Latino youth to reach their highest potential and work towards a successful transition into adulthood. Identity is looking for caring people to to join their team. Case Managers, Caseworkers, Youth Development Specialist and other positions are available. To get learn more about available jobs go to https://identity-youth.org/who-we-are/careers/.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Are you or someone that you know planning on attending college? Take the first step in securing funds for school by completing the FAFSA. Our partners at Montgomery College will offer several free events to help you complete your FAFSA. Registration is required to attend a Virtual FAFSA Fever event. To attend this event click the following link: FAFSA Fever.
IEC Chesapeake’s workforce development programs are designed to promote the electrical, low voltage and renewable energy profession to individuals seeking to enter the industry.

By participating in these pre-apprenticeship programs, students discover what it takes to become an electrician or low voltage technician. These programs provide training on basic skills and improve upon skills students may already have in preparation for an apprenticeship program and working in the industry.



STILL WAITING FOR YOUR STIMULUS CHECK?
If you were not required to file a tax return in 2018 and 2019 and do not receive Social Security, YOU NEED TO TAKE ACTION in order to get the money you are owed. And there's an easy way!
 
To get started, go to the IRS' Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here site and tap the Enter your information button.
 
You must be a US citizen or resident alien with a Social Security number to receive this payment. ITIN holders are excluded.
 
To qualify, you must:
  • Have a Social Security Number (ITIN holders are excluded).
  • Not be a tax dependent of someone else.
  • Have an income less than $99,000 for single filers or $198,00 for married couples filing jointly.
¿AUN SIGUE ESPERANDO POR EL CHEQUE DE ESTIMULO?
Si no se le exigió presentar una declaración de impuestos en 2018 y 2019 y no recibe Seguro Social, Usted NECESITA TOMAR ACCIÓN para obtener el dinero que se le debe. ¡Hay una manera fácil!
 
Para comenzar, vaya al sitio Herramienta Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here y toque el botón Ingrese su información.
 
No necesita ser ciudadano estadounidense para recibir este pago. Sin embargo, debe tener un número de Seguro Social. Los que tienen un ITIN están excluidos.
 
Para calificar, usted debe:
  • Tener un número de seguro social (Los que tienen un ITIN están excluidos)
  • No ser un dependiente de impuestos de otra persona.
  • Tener un ingreso menor a cierto límite.