Long Branch residents could soon find job training, childcare and health care in one building.
That plan is part of nearly $1.8 million in state grants headed to three Montgomery County communities. The money aims to fight child poverty in Long Branch, Gaithersburg and Montgomery Village.
Gov. Wes Moore announced the grants Sept. 30 as part of $32 million statewide. The money comes from the ENOUGH Initiative, a state program for neighborhoods where poverty rates run high. A local group leads each effort, and residents help decide how to spend the money.
Long Branch plans a center for families
CHEER received $1.5 million, the largest award in the county. It leads the Long Branch Thrives coalition in the Long Branch neighborhood of Silver Spring.
CHEER plans to open the Thrive Center in Long Branch. The center will offer workforce development, early childcare and education, health care and housing help. Residents will find those services in one place, according to CHEER.
“We have been able to strengthen opportunities for children and families while building on the assets and leadership that already exist in our community,” said Kent Sovine, CHEER’s executive director.
Montgomery Village starts with residents
480 Club joins the program this year as one of four new communities statewide. Founder Joseph Hooks said the award puts his hometown in a new position.
“It’s an achievement for Montgomery Village to be at the table to do this work,” Hooks said.
Hooks said 480 Club expects about $65,000 in its first year. The money pays for planning. Part of it will pay residents for their time and feedback. It also covers childcare so parents can attend meetings.
A community action board of parents and residents will help write a neighborhood action plan. Students from local schools will also take part.
“It’s a community focus,” he said.
Montgomery Village has about 40,000 residents but no recreation center or central hub for family services, Hooks said. He hopes the plan leads to one place offering free childcare, food support, job training and mental health care.
Hooks sees accountability as part of the award.
“To much is given, much is required,” he said.
He plans to open his coalition’s meetings to the public because “people want to know where their tax dollars are going.”
Gaithersburg turns resident ideas into action
Identity Inc. received $209,929, according to the City of Gaithersburg. It leads a coalition serving Central Gaithersburg and Montgomery Village.
Diego Uriburu, executive director of Identity, said residents want more support for young people, stable housing and easier access to services.
“The responsibility now is to turn those priorities into action. This funding will help residents lead that work in their own communities,” Uriburu said.
Residents can help shape what comes next
Each coalition builds its plans around resident input. Long Branch residents can learn more through Long Branch Thrives. Gaithersburg and Montgomery Village residents can visit ENOUGH GMV.
Hooks said Montgomery Village often makes headlines for the wrong reasons. He wants neighbors to know “help is on the way.”
