Maryland

Are You Aged 55 or Older and Raising a Grandchild Under 18?
We want to hear your story. Montgomery County Aging and Disability National Caregiver Support Program needs your input to improve community resources. Please complete our anonymous 4 to 5 minute survey concerning your daily caregiving needs and barriers. Your voice makes a real difference!  

After submitting this survey, you will be redirected to an optional form where you can request caregiver support information or share your interest in a focus group. Your contact information will not be linked to survey responses. 
Survey link:  Understanding the Needs of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Survey

Montgomery County Aging and Disability Services is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Please contact ADS@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov to request accommodation.

Montgomery County’s Annual Active Aging Week (Oct 5 through 11) Seeks Activities 
Active Aging Week (AAW) is an international week-long campaign celebrating the positivity of aging and active living. Senior centers, recreation centers, hospitals, libraries, and community organizations throughout the County host a variety of special events and programs that showcase opportunities to grow, learn, have fun, and stay fit. Each agency is encouraged to submit at least two activities or programs, ideally free, to be included in the County’s calendar of events. Submit activities here by August 5^th. 

Montgomery County SHIP Presents Understanding Your Medicare Choices 
Join SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) for free monthly Medicare seminars at County libraries. The Montgomery County SHIP Director presents expert, unbiased information about what you need to know before enrolling in Medicare. You will learn what coverage you need, how enrollment periods work, and how to avoid penalties.  No registration is required. For information, visit https://MedicareABCD.org/events/list/.    

Wednesday, August 5^th, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm 
Davis Library, 6400 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda   

Thursday, August 27^th, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm 
Maggie Nightingale Library, 19633 Fisher Avenue, Poolesville   

Montgomery County SHIP is a federally funded program that provides Medicare counseling and information from certified counselors to new and current Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and Caregivers.  SHIP can be contacted by phone at 301-255-4250, email SHIP@jssa.org or online at www.MedicareABCD.org. 

Get a Taste of Oasis
Tuesday, August 11^th from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm   

Kick off the new season with A Taste of Oasis, a lively free event featuring Oasis staff and instructors. Enjoy a series of short, engaging sessions that offer a sampling of the exciting courses and programs coming this fall. Light refreshments will be served. Bring a friend! Register here. 

The mission of Washington Metro Oasis (located in Macy’s Home Store, 2^nd floor, 7125 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda) is to offer a unique mix of lifelong learning, social, health, and volunteer programs. The full schedule is here, or you can call 240-800-3745 or email WashingtonMetro@OasisNet.org to request a printed catalog. Scholarships are available.  

Comments Are Needed on the Draft Montgomery County Cultural Plan
Help plan the future of culture in our community

Check out the Executive Summary and complete survey here. 
Deadline is August 22^nd.

The Career Gateway Provides Affordable Job Search Training for 50+ Job Seekers
Are you over 50 and looking for a new job?   The JSSA Career Gateway Program can help you hone your resume, polish your networking and interviewing skills, and use internet job search resources more effectively. For only $99, each session of the Career Gateway features:   

• 30 hours of small-group classroom instruction over five days 
• comprehensive take-home materials 
• practical exercises 
• and a long-term mentor 

Sessions run from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm. Optional employment-related tech classes are also available. Sessions and tech classes will be held as interactive, live Zoom experiences. Registration is limited and is on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, click here.     

Six New Session Dates for FY 2026-27: 
Session I: September 14, 16, 18, 23, 24 – 2026
Session II: November 2, 4, 6, 9, 11 – 2026 
Session III: January 11, 13, 15, 20, 21 – 2027 
Session IV: March 1, 3, 5, 8, 10 – 2027 
Session V: April 5, 7, 9, 12, 14 – 2027 
Session VI: June 7, 9, 10, 14, 16 – 2027 

As of July 1, 2026, JSSA and JCA have merged. The same exciting employment programs are now under the JSSA name. If you are interested in securing your spot for a desired session and hearing more about the Career Gateway, please get in touch with Jodie Rasch at JRasch@jssa.org, Career.Gateway@jssa.org, or 301-255-4215.     

The Career Gateway is made possible through generous funding from Montgomery County Aging and Disability Services and The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation. 

Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation Expands Access to Relief  
The State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) is expanding access to property tax relief programs by reducing language barriers for Maryland residents. SDAT has now released Spanish-language applications for Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit, Homestead Property Tax Credit, and Renters’ Tax Credit.  

Maryland’s Property Tax Credit programs help eligible homeowners and renters reduce housing-related expenses through income-based tax credits and direct financial assistance. The Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit can help reduce annual property tax bills based on household income, while the Renters’ Tax Credit provides eligible renters with a direct payment that reflects the portion of rent attributable to property taxes. Many residents qualify without realizing it. If you are unsure whether you qualify, you can quickly check your eligibility by visiting Maryland Tax Credit Eligibility Screening.

Website:  https://dat.maryland.gov/Pages/Tax-Credit-Programs.aspx  

Important Deadline: Applications for both the Homeowners’ and Renters’ Property Tax Credit must be submitted by October 1, 2026. 

Latino Health Programs Serve Older Adults
The Golden Years for Residents 65+ who Speak Spanish

This program offers Spanish-language workshops focused on health-related topics. It includes recreational, art, and Zumba activities that foster community connection and friendship, creating opportunities for personal growth and empowerment. Contact Ingrid Lizama for more information: 240-773-8293 or Ingrid.Lizama@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov.
Website:  The Golden Years – The Latino Health Initiative (LHI)

In collaboration with Identity, Inc., services are offered in Spanish to connect residents with health and social services in the County, such as:  

• SNAP (food stamp) applications 
• Referrals for health insurance 
• Assistance with utility services (electricity, water, gas) 
• Other community resources and programs 

Montgomery County Mobile Health Clinic Offers Services to Residents of All Ages 
The Mobile Health Clinic offers medical, dental, and behavioral health services to Montgomery County residents of all ages, with and without health insurance.  

Website:  Mobile Health Clinic – Department of Health and Human Services – Montgomery County, MD

For more information, please email MobileHealthClinic@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov or call 240-777-1017.   

Washington Post Access is Available through Montgomery County Libraries
Montgomery County Public Library (MCPL) offers access to The Washington Post through its website with Montgomery County Library Cards. By accessing it through their website, you will receive a 7-day access pass. Once your pass expires, return to our website to claim a new 7-day pass. 

Use the link below to get started and view the tutorial with step-by-step instructions. https://mcpl.aspendiscovery.org/WebBuilder/WebResource?id=4

Hosting an Expo or Social Event? We Can Come to You! 
Montgomery County Aging and Disability Services can staff a table at your upcoming event. Connectors set up a table with resource information wherever residents gather or walk by.    

Please email ADS@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov or call Ayanna Hawkins at 301-550-1233 or Carol Smith at 240-890-6605.  

August Episode: Katie Smith talks to Dr. Linna Zhu, Senior Research Associate at the Housing Finance Policy Center at the Urban Institute and housing and older adults. Program airs at the following times: Sun – (7:30 pm, 9:00 pm, 10:30 pm) | Mon – (11:30 pm) | Tues – (1:00 am, 11:30 pm) | Wed – (9:45 am) | Thurs – (1:30 am, 2:30 am) | Fri – (9:15 am, 10:30 am) | Sat – (11:30 am, 1:00 pm) Where to Watch:  Comcast channel 6, 996 (HD), RCN channel 6, 1056 (HD), Verizon channel 30; or On-Demand at the County’s website by clicking here.