The purpose of CHANGE is to use the services of AmeriCorps members to enhance the existing collaborative partner programs enabling these programs to expand their service offerings, improve delivery of services, operate more efficiently and reach a larger segment of the target population. There are currently 14 partners in Project CHANGE. Many of them work together in helping families of southern Montgomery County.
Centro Familia: Members help to coordinate En Familia, a comprehensive certified childcare training program (in Spanish), where Latina women are trained as childcare providers. The members also provide support to Leonas, a network of professional support for childcare workers.
College Tracks: The AmeriCorps members help minority high school students navigate the college application process by providing them with college and scholarship information.
Community Bridges: Community Bridges is a mentoring and tutoring program for at risk middle school age girls. The member recruits mentors and tutors to help with the program and also works with the students who are participating.
George B. Thomas Sr. Learning Academy: GBTLA is often called Saturday School and is open to all students in Montgomery County. The AmeriCorps member is involved in parent outreach and communication with an emphasis on the Latino community which has not yet participated in large numbers in this Saturday learning opportunity.
IMPACT Silver Spring: One member helps to organize and facilitate IMPACT’s Community Empowerment and Involvement Program. Another member helps with the coordination of IMPACT In the Schools, a program to help immigrant families become more involved in the education of their children.
The Jewish Foundation for Group Homes: A nonprofit, nonsectarian organization, provides programs to enhance the independence and quality of life for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The member will provide research and writing support for promoting the agency’s services and can also work directly with individual who need additional trainingto make a successful transition from school to vocational or day habilitation programs.
Linkages to Learning: The AmeriCorps member helps to coordinate the English for Speakers of Other Languages programs for adults at the Linakges school sites. The member also teaches English to non-English speaking adults.
Mental Health Association: More information coming soon
Montgomery College: Members recruit and support non-AmeriCorps volunteers who contribute service hours at various community sites including schools, hospitals and homeless shelters.
Montgomery County Public Schools: One member serves in the Division of Family and Community Partnerships, where parent involvement in schools is the goal. Another member works directly with children and teachers at an elementary school. Several members also are involved with the Study Circles program.
Montgomery Housing Partnership: MHP provides Community Life Programs for the residents of its properties. The AmeriCorps member coordinates and supervises after school programs for students who live in these properties.
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI): More information coming
Study Circles: Study Circles bring people together to discuss issues of race and ethnicity and focus on ways to eliminate the achievement gap in Montgomery County Public Schools. Members recruit volunteers to participate in the Study Circles and help to coordinate these important meetings.
YMCA: Four members serve at community centers to work with students in after school programs.