The Source | Issue 2 | November 2019

Prince George's County Department of Social Services NOVEMBER 2019 ISSUE 2 The official newsletter of the Prince George's County Department of Social Services Prince George's County Department of Social Services receives over $3.4 million for homeless youth contiuum of care services. (Page 4)

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR Welcome to the second issue of The Source - your source of information for all things taking place within the agency and throughout the community. We have had a brisk introduction into Fall, and as the cold weather grew stronger, our outreach efforts increased. In addition to spending time with family and friends and preparing for the holidays, our agency kicks into high gear for the official “give back” season. Thousands of residents walk though our doors every year in need of services that will help stabalize their families. The amazing work that you do inside and outside of the office has allowed us to increase our engagement and access to services for the residents of Prince George's County. We hosted and participated in several major outreach events throughout the County this year, each with large turnouts. For Veterans Stand Down and Homeless Resource Day, over 600 residents received much needed free services and resources, followed by the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation Harvest Feast. More than 4,000 individuals received Thanksgiving meals. We even put on our hard hats and built a playspace during Build Day at the Shepherd's Cove Shelter for Women and Children. I invite you to read more about our efforts and much more in this issue of the agency's newsletter. Thank you for making our agency second to none. I wish you all a very heartwarming and filling Thanksgiving. Gloria Brown Burnett Director OUR JOBS ARE NOT TO JUDGE. OUR JOBS ARE NOT TO FIGURE OUT IF SOMEONE DESERVES SOMETHING. OUR JOBS ARE TO LIFT THE FALLEN, TO RESTORE THE BROKEN AND TO HEAL THE HURTING.

FREE SERVICES FOR PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY VETERANS AND HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS Each year the Prince George's County Department Through our one-stop shop model, they are of Social Services hosts an event that could easily be able to address some of the pressing needs in considered one of the largest free service and the same day.\" resource events in Prince George's County. Hundreds of residents gathered at the Wayne K. Curry Sports The 9th Annual Veterans Stand Down and and Learning Complex on November 2, 2019 for the Homeless Resource Day was made possible 9th Annual Veterans Stand Down and Homeless through several partnerships with agencies Resource Day (VSDHRD). The event targeted three such as the U.S. Department of Veterans populations: veterans, homeless individuals, and Affairs, Kaiser Permanente, the Prince George’s individuals at risk of homelessness. The goal was to County Health Department, the American Red provide one-stop, easy access to vital services. Cross, Salvation Army, the Department of Commerce, Maryland Motor Vehicle Over 100 vendors were on site and provided an array Administration, and the University of Maryland. of services to over 600 attendees. There services included but were not limited to: FEATURED STORIES Housing assistance DSS receives $3.4 million Dental assistance for homeless youth Employement services services (p.4) Motor Vehicle Administration ID services County residents receive Thanksgiving Meals (p.5) Prince George’s County has one of the largest veteran populations in the State of Maryland. There Excellence in Customer were over 170 pre-registered veteran households in Service (p.9) attendance at this year's event. Some were offered jobs on site, while others were scheduled for an 3 interview. There were also homeless individuals and veterans who received free cell phones. \"This event is designed to help stabilize and improve the outcomes of our County most vulerable residents based on their needs,\" said Department of Social Services Director, Gloria Brown Burnett. “Our Department is excited about the opportunity to remove the barriers of transportation and time faced by many in our target population.

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY DSS RECEIVES OVER $3.4 MILLION FOR HOMELESS YOUTH SERVICES On August 28, 2019, U.S. Senators Chris Van Building on the County’s current efforts, this Hollen, Ben Cardin, along with Representatives work will be implemented through our existing Steny Hoyer and Anthony Brown announced the Continuum of Care for Homeless People network award of more than $3,482,000 in federal of providers and services for individuals funding through the U.S. Department of Housing experiencing homelessness. and Urban Development (HUD) Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program for the County’s Promise Prince George’s program. This new initiative will target unaccompanied homeless youth ages 10-24 throughout Prince George’s County with three main areas of focus: housing, education and training, and system structure. Prince George’s County Department of Social Services serves as the lead agency for developing and implementing programs and services to prevent and end youth homelessness. “One homeless child in Prince George’s County, “The Promise Prince George’s initiative will is one too many,” said Prince George’s County support a comprehensive community planning Executive Angela Alsobrooks. “We have been process to meet the unique needs of homeless steadfast in our efforts to identify, provide youth in this community,” said Department of resources, and wrap around services to prevent Social Services Director, Gloria Brown Burnett. the uncontrollable circumstances that cause “The process will engage youth and young adults youth homelessness. We want our youth to with lived experiences to ensure that the services know that their welfare is our priority and they and housing solutions delivered through these are never alone. HUD’s FY2019 Youth federal funds best serve homeless youth. Homelessness Demonstration Projects grant award of over $3.4 million dollars will certainly This year, the County was also selected as one of enhance our outreach efforts as well as enable five communities around the nation to use the us to provide them with more sustainable 100-Day Challenge as a way to help catalyze options and hope for a bright future.” community action, generate urgency, and establish bold and creative ways to move the The Department of Social Services continuously needle on preventing and ending homelessness seeks innovative ways to end youth for unaccompanied homeless youth. The effort homelessness. resulted in 56 youth finding stabilized homes. 4

4,000 PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY RESIDENTS RECEIVE THANKSGIVING MEALS On Tuesday, November 12, 2019, more than 4,000 Prince George’s County residents received Thanksgiving baskets at the 17th Annual Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation Harvest Feast. More than 200 volunteers distributed whole turkeys, canned goods, and beverages provided by Safeway and PepsiCo. The Prince George’s County Department of Social Services partnered with the Washington Charitable Foundation, Ryan Homes and others to assist with the registration and eligibility process of the recipients. At this year’s Harvest Feast, the Redskins Charitable THE FIRST ANNUAL NATIONAL Foundation distributed roughly 90,000 pounds of ADOPTIONS DAY CEREMONY AND packaged food and fresh produce, 30,000 pounds of turkey to nearly 800 households.. In addition, over LUNCHEON 700 special pick-ups and special deliveries were made to senior citizens, disabled, and homebound residents. On Thursday November 14, 2019, a formal court ceremony was held to finalize finalize the “We’re here today to give back to those in need, to adoption of six children, two of whom were mitigate whatever crisis they may be going through at children of the Department of Social Services this time,” said Department of Social Services (DSS). While the ceremony took place, words of Director, Gloria Brown Burnett. “It is my hope that encouragement from past adoptees filled the room the meals that have been provided today not only leaving few dry eyes. offer a sense of relief for the Thanksgiving holiday, but that it also lets families in Prince George’s County During a luncheon sponsored by DSS, the children know that we are here for them during their time of were joined by DSS caseworkers, supervisors, need.” Leadership team members, and their adoptive families. Director, Gloria Brown Burnett added The 2019 Harvest Feast is supported by Ryan Homes, another special touch by delivering a proclamation Bank of America, Safeway, Capital Area Food Bank, declaring November 14th as National Adoptions PepsiCo, Prince George’s County Department of Day in Prince George's County. Social Services, FedEx and the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation. 5

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY ACA KICKS OFF OPEN ENROLLMENT 2020 Nine out of ten Maryland residents, who enroll, qualify for lower costs. Residents, who qualify for Medicaid, are able to enroll year-round for health plans. Prince George’s County has geared up for year The Department of Social Services (DSS) serves as seven of open enrollment for health insurance the lead agency in Prince George’s County to under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). With open provide outreach, education and enrollment enrollment ending on December 15, 2019 this year, services to residents. “We want to be able to reach there is only a 45-day turn-around for residents to people throughout the community”, says DSS enroll. Prince George’s County wants to make Director Gloria Brown Burnett. “In Prince George’s sure that everyone who is eligible gets covered. County, we are united in providing the critical Uninsured residents ages 18 to 64 may be eligible. connection services that will stabalize and While the uninsured rate in Prince George’s County strengthen families. To do this, we have had to has declined over the past six years, there are create a County network, which continues to be approximately 45,000 people who are eligible for beneficial in reducing the uninsured rate in Prince insurance, but remain uninsured. George’s County.” The network consists of partnerships that include, the Health Department, Open enrollment is the primary means for and community based-non-profits, which together individuals to enroll in health insurance. “Just provide an access network designed to break down having health care isn’t enough. Having a card isn’t some of the barriers that inhibit enrollment. enough; it is also access to services,” says County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. “Having health For a complete listing of locations and hours of insurance is critical to achieving optimal health. operation, visit www.pgchealthconnect.org or call Not having health insurance creates daunting (301) 927-4500. challenges for individuals and families that can last many years. Our goal is to encourage residents to Bi-lingual, in-person assistance is available at all of get covered now.” the Department of Social Services (DSS) sites in Hyattsville, Temple Hills and Landover; as well as The Maryland Health Connection (MHC), the two storefront locations, at La Union Mall in Langley state’s official health insurance marketplace, Park, and the newest site at the Penn Station provides private plans for health and dental Shopping Center in District Heights. insurance. Residents can benefit by getting tax credits or discounts. 6

MEET THE BOARD MEMBERS! On the morning of Tuesday, October 29, 2019, the Prince George’s County Council confirmed seven new members for the Prince George’s County Department of Social Services’ Advisory Board. These board members were selected to help bridge the gap between the department and the residents of the County. Their goal is to not only stay informed of all department activities, but also assist in communicating projects, policies, and programs to members of the community. Joining current board members Cynthia Terry and Dr. William Welch are new advisory board members: Audrey B. Chase, Dorothy E. Duppins, Delores A. Furman, Dr. Shirley R. Newton-Guest, Wanda D. Smith, and Kenneth L. White. Samuel L. Williams was reappointed to the board. For more information about the newest board members or public meetings, contact Derek Flake at 301-909-7024. BUILD DAY @ SHEPHERD'S COVE When it comes to playtime for children these Communities Against Poverty (UCAP) to build a days, we are more likely to see a child with some kid-inspired playspace at the Shepherd's Cove type of electronic device in their hand instead of Women's Shelter. The design team met with a running and jumping outside. On the other hand, group of children and parents from the shelter to there may be challeneges that prevent outside develop a concept design for their new playspace. playtime. Either way, playtime is slowly fading away at home, school, and throughout After months of preparation and hard work from communities. volunteers, the newly designed safe playspace was completed in one day. Roughly 250 children will Playtime helps children learn and improve benefit from the new playspace over the next year. behavior, develop social skills, stay active, and relieve stress – yes, children can be stressed out too. Believe it or not, a major factor in playtime is poverty. The more challeneges a family faces, the less opportunities there are allowing children to play. Challenges can range anywhere from unsafe play areas to a lack of resources in a school. On October 25, 2019, the Prince George's County Department of Social Services partnered with ACON Investments, KaBOOM, and the United 7

NEW EMPLOYEE'S WITHHOLDING ALLOWANCE CERTIFICATE FOR 2020 - IRS FORM W-4 On August 8, 2019, the IRS released an updated draft of the 2020 Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Certificate. The draft Form W-4 has been substantially revised to comply with the income tax withholding requirements of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017. What are the new Form W-4 changes? IRS Urges Taxpayers to do a Paycheck Checkup Some changes noted on the new 2020 On August 6, 2019, the IRS launched a new Form W-4 include Tax Withholding Estimator on the IRS.gov website. It replaces and expands the old IRS A new title for this form. It is now Withholding Calculator. \"Employee's Withholding Certificate.\" Allowances are no longer used. In the past, How do I prepare or what’s needed to allowances were tied to personal complete the new form? exemptions, but these exemptions are currently not available. Employees should contact their tax advisor A new status for the \"head of household.\" or use the IRS’s Tax Withholding Estimator to The form is now divided into five (5) steps. calculate their biweekly withholding (see links Employees with multiple jobs or spouses below). The Payroll office cannot answer any who work may choose one of three personal questions on taxation issues or offer options to calculate their withholding for advice on individual withholding amounts. each pay period. Employees can calculate the child and dependent credits on the face of the form and add other credits to the total. Are all employees required to submit a The new tool offers employees, a user-friendly, new Form W-4 for 2020? step-by-step way to estimate the amount of income tax withheld from their wages. The IRS Employees who have submitted Form W- urges everyone to do a Paycheck Checkup and 4 in any year before 2020 are not required review their withholding for 2019. This is to submit a new form. Employers will especially important for taxpayers who faced an continue to compute withholding based on unexpected tax bill when they filed their 2018 the information from the employee’s most tax return, and those who had a major life recently submitted Form W-4. The 2020 change in 2019 (marriage, birth of child, etc.). Form W-4 (when released) must be completed for employees hired after December 31, 2019; and for current employees, any changes to their Form W-4 after December 31, 2019. Helpful Links: FAQs on the draft 2020 Form W4: Draft of the 2020 Form W4: Tax Withholding Estimator: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/faqs- https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-dft/fw4-- https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax on-the-draft-2020-form-w-4 dft.pdf -withholding-estimator 8

EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE Every year staff members are nominated for the Department of Human Services (DHS) Customer Service Excellence Award to be recognized for their unique vision, innovation and achievement in support for the department's commitment to providing Quality Service @ Every Interaction. The recipient of this year’s award was Daphne Jefferson of the Family Investment Division. Ms. Jefferson was recognised for her willingness to step in when needed, and her promotion of excellent service when addressing the needs of both internal and external customers. Ms. Jefferson was represented the agency at the State level during the DHS award ceremony and luncheon on October 9, 2019. DSS Customer Service Excellence Award Nominees The Prince George's County Department of Social Services recognized individuals that represent a cross-section of our agency signifying our overall commitment to excellence in customer service. The Leadership Team acknowledged our shining stars at a special ceremony on Friday, November 15, 2019 at Busboys and Poets in Hyattsville, MD. Child, Adult, & Family Services Division Administrative Services Division Anne Wroblewski – Social Worker Donna Sandiford- Supervisor, Central Services Omar Wilkins – Case Work Specialist Wadzanai Karanja – Contract Monitor Community Services Division Community Schools Network (formerly TNI@School) Michael Cruz – Homeless Prevention Specialist James Blakeney – Community Schools Norman Harris – Homeless Mgt. Info System Spec. CoordinatorAngelo Otero - Community Schools Coordinator Family Investment Division Wilhelmena McField – Family Investment Specialist Quality Assurance & Compliance Twala Massenburg – FID Administrative Assistant Brittney Lewis – Administrative Assistant View more photos here. 9

BRAIN BREAK You’re standing in a hallway with three light switches on the wall, each of which turns on a different lamp inside a closed room. You can’t see inside the room, and you can’t open the door except to enter the room. You can enter the room only once, and when you do, all the lamps must be turned off. How can you tell which switch turns on which lamp? 10 ANSWER: Turn on the right switch and leave it on for two minutes. After two minutes, turn on the middle switch and leave it on for one minute. When that minute is up, turn off both switches and enter the room. One light bulb will be hot (1st switch) and one will be warm (2nd switch). The cold bulb will correspond to the switch you didn’t turn on.