Free News Articles, General Editorial, NonProfit and Charities

AARP Community Challenge Grant Program Still Accepting 2021 Applications

BALTIMORE, Md. -- AARP Maryland invites community organizations and local governments across the state to apply for the 2021 Community Challenge grant program, now through April 14. Grants fund quick-action projects that can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to several thousand or tens of thousands for larger projects.

Now in its fifth year, the grant program is part of AARP's nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for people of all ages.

"We are thrilled to bring this grant opportunity back to Maryland in 2021 and we encourage all eligible organizations to apply," said AARP Maryland State President Jim Campbell. "We've seen great results from the Community Challenge grant program in communities across Maryland, and this year we are increasing our support for projects that focus on diversity and inclusion and aid in local recovery from the coronavirus pandemic."

Since 2017, AARP has awarded 560 grants - through the Community Challenge to nonprofit organizations and government entities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The program provides direct support to all community types, with nearly 40% of past projects benefitting rural communities, 20% going to suburban locations and 40% improving urban places. Granted projects have demonstrated an ability to help garner additional funds or support from public and private funders, encourage replication and overcome local policy barriers, and receive greater overall awareness and engagement.

AARP will prioritize projects that deliver inclusive solutions that meet the needs of diverse populations, as well as those that directly engage volunteers through permanent or temporary solutions that aim to achieve one or more of the following outcomes:

* Create vibrant public places that improve open spaces, parks and access to other amenities.

* Deliver a range of transportation and mobility options that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability, wayfinding, access to transportation options and roadway improvements.

* Support a range of housing options that increase the availability of accessible and affordable options.

* Increase civic engagement and demonstrate the tangible value of "Smart Cities" with innovative and tangible projects that bring residents and local leaders together to address challenges and facilitate a greater sense of inclusion.

* Support local recovery from the coronavirus pandemic with an emphasis on economic development, improvements to public spaces, and transportation services.

* Ensure a focus on diversity and inclusion while improving the built and social environment of a community.

* Other community improvements. In addition, AARP wants to hear about local needs and new, innovative ideas for addressing them.

The Community Challenge is open to 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits and government entities. Other types of organizations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The application deadline is 8:00 p.m. ET, April 14, 2021, and all projects must be completed by November 10, 2021. To submit an application and view past grantees, visit www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.

In 2020, AARP awarded Community Challenge Grants to support three projects in Maryland:

* University of Maryland (Hyattsville): The Community Engagement, Environmental Justice and Health Laboratory (CEEJH Lab) at the University of Maryland School of Public Health used their 2020 grant to transform their My Block Counts app (a pilot program aimed to use environmental justice and urban planning as backdrops for increasing scientific and environmental health literacy in older adults of color from the Southern/Capital region of Maryland), to include integration with local municipal 3-1-1 services so that residents can report gaps in community resources to their local policymakers. Participants learned how to report on conditions through social media posts (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok), and online social communities (e.g., sub-Reddits and other forums, Meet-Ups, Facebook Groups). The CEEJH lab's goal is to increase the digital literacy of older adults.

* Bon Secours of Maryland Foundation (Baltimore): Bon Secours Community Works (Bon Secours) received a grant to make significant improvements to the Rachael Wilson Memorial Park in southwest Baltimore's Boyd-Booth neighborhood. The park will become a lively central site as well as a space for reflection for people of every age, which will promote an enhanced quality of life and bring positive activity to the neighborhood where a derelict vacant lot once stood. Current and potential residents, and potential investors, will see exciting and unique assets in the Boyd-Booth neighborhood because of this skillfully designed and maintained public space.

* Washington County Commission on Aging (Hagerstown): The Washington County Commission on Aging put grant funds toward the purchase of a vehicle and trailer to provide critical healthcare and nutrition services to older adults throughout the rural county.

AARP Maryland works in collaboration with communities across the state, bringing people together, and providing resources and expertise to help make Maryland's counties, towns and cities great places to live for people of all ages. With 860,000 members across the state, AARP Maryland offers information and resources to support family caregivers, fight for affordable and reliable utilities, protect loved ones from fraud and scams and build new tools to help working Marylanders save for retirement.

To learn more about becoming a volunteer with AARP in Maryland visit http://aarp.org/md!

About AARP

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin.

To learn more, visit http://www.aarp.org, http://www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.​

Related link: https://states.aarp.org/maryland/

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Awards and Honors, Business, Free News Articles, General Editorial, NonProfit and Charities

AARP Maryland Honors Volunteerism and Commitment to Community Service including 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award

BALTIMORE, Md. -- AARP Maryland is honoring three exceptional Marylanders aged 50-plus for their volunteerism and commitment to service. The awards were formally presented this afternoon before nearly 80 guests at a virtual ceremony.

"This year's honorees set the highest example of what can be achieved when all work together for positive social change," says AARP Maryland State Director Hank Greenberg. "AARP has long valued the spirit of volunteerism and the important contributions volunteers make to their communities, neighbors and the programs they serve."

J. Joseph Curran Lifetime Achievement Award

AARP Maryland presented its 2020 J. Joseph Curran Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding community service to Howard County advocate and civic champion, Ted Meyerson.

Named in honor of esteemed statesman J. Joseph Curran Jr., former state representative, lieutenant governor, and longtime attorney general, the Curran award recognizes exceptional individuals who have exhibited a lifetime of exemplary commitment to volunteerism and civic involvement. Meyerson is only the third person to receive this honor from AARP Maryland.

Meyerson is one of AARP Maryland's most active volunteers, as a public speaker, AARP Fraud Watch Network leader, advocate for advance care planning, a technology trainer and legislative advocate.

Meyerson has devoted much of his volunteer service to bettering the lives of older adults, as a member and vice chair of the Howard County Commission on Aging, chair of the Howard County Senior Property Tax Task Force, chair of the Howard County Commission on Aging Advocacy Committee, the state Empowerment Zones for Seniors Commission. He served on the state Committee on Oversight of Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities, was a member of the state Continuing Care Advisory Committee, Howard County Affordable Housing Commission, state Community Options Advisory Committee, Long-Term Care Payment Advisory Committee, and the Howard County Jewish Community Relations Council.

A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, Meyerson operated his own printing company and was an associate real estate broker. His past organizational affiliations include president of the Printing Industry Association, treasurer of the B'nai Israel Congregation in Rockville and member of their board of governors. Meyerson is the past president of the United Seniors of Maryland, founder and president of the Better Aging Foundation of Maryland, a former Howard Community College adjunct professor, a retired United States Coast Guard Auxiliary member, and a past chair of the State Advisory Council on Quality Care at the End of Life.

"The reason AARP Maryland bestows this award is because of people like Ted who spend a lifetime in service to others," said AARP Maryland Associate State Director for Outreach Jen Holz. "We are always so grateful to have someone who identifies a need and then jumps right in to help."

2020 Andrus Award for Community Service

Dr. Shawn Ashworth of Anne Arundel County is the winner of the 2020 AARP Maryland Andrus Award for Community Service, named for the organization's founder Ethel Percy Andrus.

"Dr. Ashworth has dedicated herself nearly full time to serving others," said Greenberg. "She has been known to dig deep below the surface of an individual to discover their untapped skills and talents. AARP selected Dr. Ashworth for her remarkable service which has greatly benefited the community, supported AARP's vision and mission, and inspired other volunteers."


Ashworth established the nonprofit, Food 4 Thought Community Outreach Services, Inc. (F4COS), with a mission of providing veterans, the homeless and struggling families with nutritional meals, housing referrals, counseling and job skill development. Through the nonprofit, she and a team of volunteers provided weekly meals to over 100 people who call Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) their home.

The COVID-19 pandemic has not stopped Ashworth's efforts. Since March 13, 2020, the day the state of Maryland shut down due to COVID-19, she has traveled daily to the Maryland Food Bank and other stores to pick up food and distribute to those in need.

As a volunteer with the Asbury Church Assistance Network, Inc. (ACAN) Food Pantry, Ashworth feeds over 300 families daily, donates toiletries, socks, hand sanitizers, and snacks and for the Pasadena and West County police stations, medical personnel at the Baltimore Washington Medical Center, and seniors at Pinewood East Senior Center.

A mother, grandmother and full-time employee of the Anne Arundel County Public School System Ashworth provides support to a local domestic violence shelter in Washington D.C., distributes food baskets during the holidays and conducts a back-to-school book bag event through the local Boys and Girls Club.

AARP Maryland State President's Award

AARP Maryland presented its inaugural State President's Award to Leonor Blum of Baltimore.

After three decades in academia as a history and political science professor at Notre Dame of Maryland University, Blum founded ¡Adelante Latina!, a nonprofit dedicated to helping low-income Latina girls to overcome the socio-cultural, economic and academic barriers they face in pursuing a college career. The program strives to improve high school performance through interaction with expert teachers and caring tutors, with an emphasis on reading comprehension, vocabulary, writing skills and SAT preparation.

The goal of Adelante Latina is for all participants to be accepted into either a 2-year community college or a 4-year college or university with adequate financial support. Today, 90% of ¡Adelante Latina! graduates go on to enroll in college.

"We are honored to present Leonor Blum our first-ever State President's Award," said AARP Maryland State President Jim Campbell. "AARP's mission is to 'empower people to choose how they live as they age,' and Leonor is doing just that. Her intergenerational work bringing retired educators together with Latina girls in Baltimore City is quite extraordinary."

ABOUT AARP

With 870,000 members in Maryland, AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. AARP works to strengthen communities and advocate for what matters most to families with a focus on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin.

To learn more, visit https://www.aarp.org/ or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

Related link: https://states.aarp.org/maryland/

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Awards and Honors, Business, Free News Articles, General Editorial, NonProfit and Charities

AARP Maryland Seeks 2020 Andrus Award for Community Service Nominees

BALTIMORE, Md. -- AARP Maryland is continuing to accept nominations for its 2020 Andrus Award for Community Service, which honor a Marylander over the age of 50, who is sharing their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their community members. The deadline for submissions is July 15, 2020.

"AARP Maryland is excited to shine a light on our fellow residents aged 50-plus, who are using what they've learned in life to make a difference in the lives around them," said AARP Maryland State President Jim Campbell.

Nominations will be evaluated by AARP Maryland based on how the volunteer's work has improved the community, supported AARP's vision and mission, and inspired other volunteers. The award recipient will be announced in early fall.

AARP Maryland Andrus Award for Community Service nominees must meet the following eligibility requirements:
* Nominee must be 50 years or older.
* The achievements, accomplishments, or service on which the nomination is based must have been performed on a volunteer basis, without pay. AmeriCorps VISTA and Senior Corps programs volunteers (Senior Companions, Foster Grandparents, RSVP and Senior Demonstration Programs) are eligible.
* The achievements, accomplishments, or service on which the nomination is based must reflect AARP's vision and purpose.
* The achievements, accomplishments, or service on which the nomination is based must be replicable and provide inspiration for others to volunteer.
* Couples or partners who perform service together are also eligible; however, teams are not eligible.
* This is not a posthumous award.

Please visit http://aarp.org/andrusaward for further information and a nomination form. The application deadline is July 15, 2020.

The AARP Andrus Award for Community Service is an annual awards program developed to honor individuals whose service is a unique and valuable contribution to society. Last year, AARP recognized 50 outstanding individuals and couples from around the country

ABOUT AARP

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With nearly 38 million members and offices in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and advocate for what matters most to families with a focus on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin.

To learn more, visit http://www.aarp.org/ or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Nancy Carr
443-787-5382
ncarr@aarp.org

Related link: https://states.aarp.org/maryland/

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Business, Free News Articles, General Editorial

Maryland Officials and Non-Profits Unite to Combat Elder Financial Abuse PROTECT Week 2020 Launches on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

BALTIMORE, Md. -- Media Advisory -- AARP Maryland announces Press Conference announcing PROTECT Week (Preventing Older Americans From Financial Exploitation) Statewide Public Education Campaign, Monday, June 15, 2020 at 10 a.m. ET.

WHO: Peter Franchot, Comptroller of Maryland

Brian Frosh, Attorney General of Maryland

Robert Hur, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland

Sean McEvoy, Asst. Commissioner of Financial Regulation (DLLR)

AARP Maryland State Director Hank Greenberg, Co-host

CCCSMD President Helene Raynaud, Co-host

WHAT: Press Conference Announcing PROTECT Week (Preventing Older Americans From Financial Exploitation) Statewide Public Education Campaign

WHEN: Monday, June 15, 2020 at 10:00 AM

WHERE: Online at https://www.facebook.com/aarpmaryland and https://www.youtube.com/aarpmaryland

CONTACT: Nancy Carr, 443-787-5382 or ncarr@aarp.org
Helene Raynaud, CCCSMD, 443-514-0600 or hraynaud@cccsmd.org

Maryland, along with states across the country, has experienced a significant increase in the number of financial exploitation cases over the last few years, particularly those involving seniors. Exploitation occurs when a person misuses or takes the assets of a vulnerable adult to benefit themselves. This frequently happens without the explicit knowledge or consent of an older or vulnerable adult, depriving the victim of vital financial resources. Many of the cases are perpetrated by professional scammers, but most exploitation is carried out by acquaintances and trusted "friends."

Project SAFE and the PROTECT Week Coalition bring together state and federal agencies, local organizations, and financial professionals who share a common goal of preventing and remedying financial exploitation of older Marylanders. PROTECT Week, held June 15-21, 2020, offers opportunities to learn about the many forms of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of older adults.

Now in its third year, PROTECT Week 2020 launches on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, observed on June 15. PROTECT Week resources, available on www.protectweek.org, will help Marylanders identify financial exploitation so that they may protect themselves and their loved ones from abuse. The week's activities include a teletown hall on June 17, and Spanish-language webinars on June 16 and 18, as well as the launch of a PSA campaign.

About the Partners
* The PROTECT Week Coalition includes the following partners:
* Maryland Department of Aging
* Maryland Office of the Attorney General
* Maryland Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation
* Maryland Office of the Comptroller
* Maryland Department of Human Services
* Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service
* Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition
* EverSafe
* ElderSAFE
* SAFE: Stop Abuse of Elders
* Baltimore County Restoring Elder Safety Today - BC REST Coalition
* AARP Maryland
* CCCSMD - Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Maryland

Visit http://www.protectweek.org for event details and registration:

Related link: https://states.aarp.org/maryland/

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Business, Free News Articles, Latino Interests, NonProfit and Charities

Bitcoin Scam is Targeting Hispanic Communities in Maryland

BALTIMORE, Md. -- AARP Maryland is warning of a new scheme targeting Maryland's Hispanic/Latino communities. A fraudulent Bitcoin website is targeting and enticing new investors with the false hope of financial gain, combined with threats to report those with undocumented status.

"This week, the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline received four reports that a fraudulent Bitcoin scheme is targeting a list of Spanish speaking people, many of whom are connected to each other through a religious or social group," said AARP State President Hank Greenberg. "Once contacted, the victims were misled to believe that their money would be invested in Bitcoin and that they would be able to conveniently track their growing returns on the web every day."

Greenberg continued that the scammers convinced the victims that Bitcoin itself was a regulated currency so that they would be more confident in their investment. "The opportunity to track continuing and increasing investment returns enticed some to invest even more of their hard-earned dollars."

Subsequently, the victims told the Fraud Watch Network, the scammers threatened to report their targets to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding their undocumented status, if they attempted to back out of the investment. Although the victims in the four reported cases are documented, they raised concern about how many people have continued to invest out of fear of deportation.

AARP Maryland and the AARP Fraud Watch Network warn that there might be hundreds of people entrapped by this scam and the number may be growing in a Ponzi-type arrangement that incentivizes people to recruit additional investors.

"Every year, thousands of Americans are affected by fraud and scams," said Greenberg. "But help is available. Sign up for biweekly Watchdog Alerts at http://www.fraudwatchnetwork.org to have news on the latest scams delivered right to your inbox. And, please report any scams you come across to the AARP Fraud Watch Network toll-free at 877-908-3360. Translators are available to assist."

Learn more about AARP Maryland at: https://states.aarp.org/maryland/aarp-maryland-contact-information

MEDIA CONTACT
Nancy Carr
443-787-5382
ncarr@aarp.org

Related link: https://states.aarp.org/maryland/

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Business, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities, Regional Events

$675 Billion Reasons to ‘Declare Your Share!’ with Upcoming 2020 Decennial Census

BURTONSVILLE, Md. -- U.S. Census Bureau, Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh, Montgomery County Councilmember Tom Hucker and AARP Maryland State President Jim Campbell Join Forces to promote senior participation in upcoming 2020 Decennial Census.

Event held at a community center in an area that is predicted to be undercounted; will highlight community programming funded by census dollars.

Who:
* Brian Frosh, Attorney General, State of Maryland
* Tom Hucker, District 5 Councilmember, Montgomery County Council
* Jim Campbell, AARP Maryland State President
* Maria Sofia, Executive Associate, Maryland Department of Planning
* Erin Smith, Montgomery County Area Agency on Aging
* Officials from the U.S. Census Bureau will also be in attendance.

What: Senior Census Awareness Event
When: Monday, February 24, 2020 at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center, Social Hall, 14906 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville, MD 20866
Why: Participation In the 2020 Census is Safe, Easy and Important!

BACKGROUND
April 1 is Census Day! The first United States (U.S.) Decennial Census was conducted in 1790. So the upcoming 2020 Census marks the 24th time that the U. S. has made a headcount of all residents in the Country as required by the constitution. Article 1, Section 2 requires that a census be carried-out every 10 years.

The results of the head count will determine allocation of $675 billion dollars of federal government funds to states, protectorates, and, the District of Columbia; as well as apportionment in state houses and the U.S. House of Representatives. Census results influence how dollars are allocated to local communities to fund specific needs, including roads, hospitals, emergency services, senior citizen centers, job training programs, and; Medicare Part B health insurance. It is estimated that Maryland lost nearly $1BN due to undercounts in hard to reach communities during the 2010 census.

Seniors are historically among the most undercounted groups during. It's important that we remind them that participation in the Census is Easy, Safe and Important! Soon, the Census Bureau will begin a process to invite people to respond to the 2020 Census. This year, respondents have the option be counted by paper questionnaire, telephone response, or online response (including smart phones).

For more information on the 2020 Census or to register for updates, go to https://www.2020census.gov/

QUOTES:

"The Census Bureau is committed to ensuring that all U.S. residents are counted once, only once and in the right place", says Fernando Gordon, Deputy Director of the U.S. Census Bureau. "We applaud all of our partners, including Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh; Montgomery County; Montgomery County District 5 Councilmember Tom Hucker; and AARP Maryland State President Jim Campbell for their outstanding commitment towards ensuring a complete count in all communities - especially those that are historically undercounted. Today, we especially encourage seniors in Montgomery County, Maryland to be counted in the upcoming Decennial Census!

"By the time of the next census in the year 2030, there will be more Americans over the age of 65 than under the age of 18. Communities are going to have to prepare infrastructure, services and supports to accommodate this historic shift in demographics and will require every federal dollar they are entitled to in order to do so," says AARP Maryland State President Jim Campbell. "That is why AARP Maryland is urging all residents to 'Declare Your Share' and participate in the 2020 census."

For More Information Contact:
Nancy Carr, AARP Maryland
443-787-5382
ncarr@aarp.org

Learn more about AARP at: https://states.aarp.org/maryland/

Related link: https://states.aarp.org/maryland/

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