HOC In The News: County Recognizes Community Action Agency and Volunteers for Work Assisting Low-Income Residents

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County Recognizes Community Action Agency and Volunteers for Work Assisting Low-Income Residents

Montgomery County Government
May 28, 2008

Department of Health and Human Services Director Uma Ahluwalia joined staff and volunteers at a reception to celebrate National Community Action Agency Month. At the reception, Ahluwalia also recognized the winners of the Henry L. Dixon Memorial Awards for efforts to “change people’s lives, embody the spirit of hope, improve communities, and make America a better place to live.” The awards are named in honor of the late Henry L. Dixon, a former board member and friend to low-income residents.

Ray Van Raalte, was recognized for his many years of service as a volunteer mentor with the Montgomery County Self-Sufficiency Program, part of the Housing Opportunities Commission. The program assists families in public housing in their goal to become self-sufficient. Van Raalte’s hands-on help, patience and multilingual skills helped many residents facing significant challenges to receive their GED (high school equivalency), gain certified nursing, occupational and physical therapy skills; and pass their driver’s license test. More than that, he helped them achieve their goals of independence and financial stability.

Project Reboot, a Rockville-based organization, was recognized for refurbishing more than 2,000 computers annually for the community’s low-income, disabled and displaced children, youth and adults who receive services through schools, County agencies and local non-profit organizations. Agencies refer community members with the greatest needs to receive the recycled computers, donated by local residents, businesses and Montgomery County Public Schools.

Honored finalists were Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.-Potomac Valley Alumnae Chapter; Sara R. Harris; Gretchen Hilburger; First AME Church of Gaithersburg; First Book, Montgomery County and the University of Maryland School of Nursing.

Twenty-five community volunteers were also honored for their efforts to assist nearly 500 low-income County residents in completing their 2007 income tax returns, helping them qualify for Earned Income Tax Credits and IRS Stimulus payments. Through the Community Action Agency’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), volunteers served residents at the Takoma-East Silver Spring (TESS) Center and Progress Place. The VITA program is certified by the Internal Revenue Service to work in partnership with case managers from health and social service agencies to address complex needs.

Outgoing Community Action Board Chair Tricia Young-Williams was recognized for her service to the Board. Young-Williams began her service on the Board as the Head Start representative.

The mission of the Community Action Agency, part of the Department of Health and Human Services, is to reduce, and ultimately to end, poverty in the community.