Delegate Nicole Williams - April
Dear Neighbors and Friends,
April ushers in a multitude of beginnings and endings. It signals the start of Autism Awareness Month, the advent of Easter and Passover, and the continuation of Ramadan, a time of fasting from sunrise to sunset. This strengthens community bonds and spiritual resolve within the Islamic tradition. Additionally, it honors Earth Day, a movement initiated in 1972 to promote nationwide awareness of sustainability. For me and my colleagues at the Maryland General Assembly, April marks the conclusion of the 2024 legislative session, with just a few days remaining. Representing District 22 in the Maryland General Assembly is both a privilege and a responsibility. I am dedicated to supporting bills that reflect the values of our community as we approach the end of the session.
As the 2024 Legislative Session comes to an end, I am very proud to share what we have accomplished in the past 90 days. I have advocated for criminal justice reform, curbside voting, improved access to healthcare, and more. Although I am sad the session has come to an end, I am excited to continue serving you during the interim.
- Nicole
Autism Awareness Month
Autism Awareness Month is a time dedicated to raising understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorders. Through education and advocacy efforts, it aims to foster inclusivity and support for individuals with autism and their families. Check out this event in April within Prince George's County to stay educated about autism awareness and uplift your community.
Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Watkins Regional Park, starts at 6:30 PM
Happy Earth Month!
Earth Month is a global initiative aimed at promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. Culminating on April 22nd, Earth Day serves as a rallying point for individuals and communities worldwide to take action to preserve our planet for future generations through activities such as clean-up campaigns, tree planting, and advocating for renewable energy solutions. The Earth Day 2024 theme is Planet vs. Plastics. Check out this Earth Day 2024 Action Toolkit to find out what you can do to make an impact this Earth Day.
Community Cleanup
Prince George's County will host a countywide community cleanup program entitled "Growing Green with Pride." This event supports our Beautification Initiative to make our community cleaner by conducting individual community litter collection events, which demonstrate our shared commitment to keeping our communities appealing and attractive. Community organizations and groups are encouraged to participate.
Spring 2024 Program: Saturday, April 27, 2024, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Registration Deadline: Friday, April 19, 2024
Register here
Announcement
Delegate Williams Scholarship: Closed
The 2024 scholarship application is now closed. The application deadline was extended to April 12, 2024. Thank you to everyone who applied. We look forward to reviewing your applications!
State's Attorney's Aisha N. Braveboy Presents "The Untold Story of Justice-Involved Women & Children Conference
Please join the State's Attorney's Office, Public Safety Partners, Multi-Disciplinary Experts, and Service Providers for an inaugural conference on "The Untold Stories of Justice Involved Women and Girls" on Friday, May 17, 2024, at Zion Church, located at 8829 Greenbelt Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770, from 11 AM to 3 PM.
This one-day conference aims to explore the underlying reasons for imprisonment. It will feature testimonies from formerly incarcerated women and girls and insights from multidisciplinary experts who will address their unique concerns. Furthermore, the conference will provide a platform to discuss actionable ways in which participants and the community can get involved, facilitating the successful transition of those serving active sentences or preparing to return home.
Please share with your colleagues, family, and friends. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the event coordinator, Leslie E. Johnson, at (301) 952-2862 or at LEJohnson@co.pg.md.us.
Register Today:
National Disaster Distress Helpline
Please see the statement linked by our federal partners at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) regarding the National Disaster Distress Helpline. This service can be used by constituents who need crisis counseling related to the collapse of the Key Bridge this morning.
Surviving to Thriving Along the Purple Line
The Purple Line Corridor Coalition invites you to PLCC's upcoming event, "Surviving to Thriving Along the Purple Line", on the evening of Wednesday, April 24th. The event will bring together community members, PLCC partners, elected leaders, and others. A flyer in English and Spanish is attached here.
When: Wednesday, April 24, 5-8.45 PM
Where: Solid Rock Church, Riverdale, MD 20737
Please email Sheila Somashekhar with any questions or to RSVP at ssomashe@umd.edu.
2024 Leaders in Law Honorees
I am extremely honored to be named one of The Daily Record's and Maryland State Bar Association's 2024 Leaders in Law honorees. The 2024 Leaders in Law are innovators who stay ahead of trends. Through service and mentoring, these leaders serve businesses, clients, and individuals to strengthen our communities. My fellow nominees and I will be recognized at a celebration on April 25th from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM. I am grateful to be alongside these individuals making an impact in the field of law.
Army Reserve Minuteman Scholarship Program
The Army Reserve Minuteman Scholarship program is now open. This program offers generous college scholarships in exchange for service in the Army Reserve (not active duty). The deadline to apply is July 2024, but scholarships are based on available funding. Refer to the informational pamphlet above for more information on the Minuteman Scholarship program, and contact Jason Spiegel, Army Reserve Ambassador for Maryland, for further information: Jason_spiegel@yahoo.com.
School Crossing Guards Employment Opportunity
The Prince George's County Police Department is actively seeking applications for school crossing guard positions! Refer to the graphic above for more information.
Thrive Academy
On Tuesday, January 9, the Governor and the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) announced the launch of the Thrive Academy. The Thrive Academy is a robust new program that serves youth who are determined to be at a heightened risk for involvement in gun violence, either as victims or perpetrators. View the graphic above for more information, or contact djs.thriveacademy@maryland.gov.
MDOT
The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) has announced that qualified plug-in electric vehicle owners can apply for a new HOV (High-Occupancy Vehicle) permit. The MVA began accepting applications on June 12th through this portal or by visiting an MVA branch office. Please note that prior permit holders should remove expired vehicle permits and reapply for new ones. The new program includes a $5 application fee valid through September 30, 2025. Any further information regarding the new HOV permit program can be found using this link.
Resources
Violence Prevention Grant
The Violence Intervention and Prevention Program is currently accepting applications for grants. The program will support programs led by non-profits, universities, and local government agencies that address violence using a public health approach. The application closes on May 10. Please see here which organizations and hospitals we currently fund. Last year, the program only had one recipient based in Prince George's County, so please apply!
Please share the application and technical assistance materials widely.
Pepco Energy Assistance
Maryland customers can review eligibility requirements through the Department of Human Services website or by calling the Maryland Department of Human Services Office of Home Energy Programs at 800-332-6347. District residents can review eligibility requirements and apply for assistance online through the Department of Energy and the Environment (DOEE) website or by calling 3-1-1. As a reminder, District residents who have received LIHEAP assistance in the past must recertify their need for assistance this year. Enrollment does not roll over automatically.
If customers do not meet LIHEAP requirements and are having difficulty paying their energy bills, Pepco Customer Care is also available to help by offering:
• Flexible payment arrangements that offer tailored payment plans
• Extending payment periods for balances
• Connecting customers with energy assistance funds
• Budget Billing, which averages payments over a 12-month period and helps avoid
seasonal spikes and provides a consistent monthly bill.
Customers can contact Pepco at 202-833-7500 or visit pepco.com/EnergyAssistance for more information.
Energy Assistance for Maryland Residents
The Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) aids low-income customers with electric bills, even if without service, while the Utility Service Protection Program (USPP) protects families from utility cut-offs and allows MEAP-eligible households to enter into monthly payment programs. Apply by contacting your local Office of Home Energy Programs, calling 1-800-332-6347, or visiting dhr.maryland.gov/ohep.
Mary’s Center also provides emergency assistance to income-eligible customers in Prince George’s County. Customers can call 202-545-2024.
Health Care
St. Matthews/San Mateo Church is offering free primary care health services every first Sunday and last Tuesday of each month (Primer Domingo y ultimo martes de cada mes). These services will be held from 9 am to 3 pm.
Address:
5901 36th Avenue
Hyattsville MD, 20782
Call or Text for an Appointment:
240-258-8583
Mande Un Texto O Llame A:
240-258-8583
Housing
Prince George’s County Department of Housing Community Development 2023-2024 Affordable Housing Portfolio lists over forty upcoming and completed senior living communities and multi-family dwellings, now available to County residents. You can watch the promotional video here to access more information about the new portfolio.
If you are currently facing housing or rental concerns due to financial hardships, the organizations listed below can provide some support:
Housing Counseling Services Inc. offers a variety of MD housing and rental assistance resources, including but not limited to housing counseling, foreclosure prevention, utility assistance, and veteran support services.
211 Maryland’s database can connect you with local programs and resources; call 2-1-1 to speak with an information and referral specialist or visit their website.
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