January 7 - January 13, 2021
EARLY DEADLINE!
Please be aware of our early deadline for the 1-21-2021 edition of the Prince George’s Post. Deadline is NOON on Friday, 1-15-2021.
Photograph Courtesy Wanda’s Hope Klozet
Crossland High School Dance Company, Students, Staff, and Wanda’s Hope Klozet Organization Hosted a “Pull-up and Pop the Trunk Turkey Giveaway” to Feed Local Residents in Temple Hills
By PRESS OFFICER
Wanda’s Hope Klozet
TEMPLE HILLS, Md. (Dec. 30, 2020)—Prince George’s County Public School’s Crossland High School Dance Company, students, staff, and Wanda’s Hope Klozet organization hosted a “Pull-up and Pop The Trunk Turkey Giveaway” on Monday, December 21, 2020, at Crossland High School in Temple Hills, Maryland. Wanda’s Hope Klozet members and community partners, Mr. Kenneth Brown of Ebenezer AME Church, Ms. Charlita Proctor of G.S. Proctor and Associates, Inc., and Mr. Walter James from Prince George’s County Community Relations office assisted with resources and support for this successful community service event. So many local families have been significantly impacted by the school and government closures related to COVID-19 and Wanda’s Hope Klozet and partners were able to give away over 100 turkeys and PPE packages to the public as they drove through the parking lot. Principal Michael Gilchrist, Wanda J. Knotts, students, and staff helped children and families as they navigate through today’s life challenges and hardships during this holiday season. Here are some highlights from the community service event that you can share with family and friends!
Having experienced the loss of my home and business due to hurricane Katrina, I truly understand the challenges of rebuilding one’s entire life after a devastation. I have a strong desire to connect communities to proper resources to restore Hope so families can thrive. This is why this event was so important to me, says Wanda J. Knotts.
“We aim to become the global organization providing goods and services to people in need, within an environment of respect and dignity. We are of the belief that together, we have a responsibility to care for those who are suffering because of disparities and inequities so that everyone can benefit from basic life needs,” says Danielle Manning-Halsey, Board Chair of Wanda’s Hope Klozet.
Wanda’s Hope Klozet is a leading organization that addresses the basic clothing and shoe needs of underrepresented families around the USA. We support children, women, and families as they navigate through life challenges and hardships. We assist the community in developing a positive power that aids them along in life while offering them some of the luxuries that we frequently take for granted. Wanda’s Hope Klozet believes in a society that offers all humans irrespective of their status, race, and circumstances, equivalent opportunities to live a normal and happy life. Lack of access to clothes and shoes are some of the factors that are marginalizing our nation’s neediest citizens. We provide coats and shoes to help people fight freezing winters in the USA and around the world. For more information about Wanda’s Hope Klozet, visit their website at https://www.wandashopeklozet.com
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New “Reach Out Prince George’s” Campaign and PSA Encourages Self-Care and Identifying Signs of Risky Coping Behavior During COVID-19
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. (Dec. 30, 2020)—An alliance of community leaders and other stakeholders, including the Prince George’s County Council, Renaissance Treatment Center, Dementia Friendly America – Prince George’s County, and several residents who served as the primary talent for the “Better Choices PSA” have launched a new campaign called Reach Out Prince George’s. The campaign is committed to helping residents better understand the warning signs and risks of unhealthy alcohol and other drug use. The campaign seeks to reach all segments of our community and underscore the importance of daily self-care, seeking help if necessary and utilizing available resources during these challenging times.
Recent research published by industry leaders reports that in Prince George’s County, since the start of the pandemic, alcohol and other substance use has increased. Overdose rates have increased significantly in proportion to many other jurisdictions in the state of Maryland; certain populations, including Older Adults, are at increased risks of complications because of unhealthy alcohol and other drug use. In addition, many of the usual resources and support that at-risk residents would normally seek out have been disrupted due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements.
Through a multi-channel outreach approach that plans to incorporate print, social media, digital, and radio, the Reach Out Prince George’s campaign will:
• inspire Prince Georgians to take better control of their health to navigate the pandemic more effectively as well as inform them of available resources for crisis, support and education;
• offer relevant evidence-based free CME/CEU training opportunities for professionals and human service organizations that serve Prince George’s County residents;
• feature messages of hope and encouragement from local leaders.
Reach Out Prince George’s activities during this month’s launch included the “Older Adults and Substance Use Disorder” CME/CEU Training Hosted by Maryland Addiction Consultation Service (MASC) and Prince George’s County District 8. As well as, the release of the “Better Choices” Public Service Announcement video which was shared on a “Moving Forward: Be Intentional About Your Self-Care” webinar on December 21, hosted by Prince George’s County Councilwoman (District 8) Monique Anderson-Walker. Moving Forward series was launched in May 2020 to provide mental health support as we navigate through this pandemic.
To learn more, visit ReachOutPGC.org. The “Better Choices” Public Service Announcement video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/15ByOK4li3
—Via Prince George’s County Council District 8
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TheBus Reinstates Fare Collection at Reduced Rate of $1.00
By PAULETTE L. JONES
Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation
LARGO, Md. (Dec. 29, 2020)—Beginning Monday, January 4, 2021, Prince George’s County’s “TheBus” will join the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and several regional partners in reinstatement of front-door bus boarding and fare collection. Providers, including “TheBus”, are joining WMATA in this step towards normalcy. These changes come after extensive safety and cleaning protocols were introduced into the system, including the installation of protective barriers on all vehicles.
The standard one-way fare for “TheBus” during COVID-19 operations will be reduced from the regular fare of $1.25 to $1.00. Seniors (65+ and older) and persons with disabilities will continue to ride for free, with government-issued photo identification. Children two years old and under ride for free with an adult.
“TheBus” routes will continue to operate with recently improved 30-minute frequencies on most routes, along with newly implemented Saturday service and the “PGC Link”, a microtransit service being piloted for $2 per ride. Daily service on “TheBus” will continue to operate Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The “PGC Link” provides on-demand service Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., serving the Fort Washington/Oxon Hill Zone. Additionally, “Call-A-Bus” is operating trips requiring reservations made seven days in advance.
To promote social distancing, decrease boarding time, and reduce line queuing, riders are encouraged to use SmarTrip cards with preloaded value or use the SmarTrip app available in the Apple iOS store. Fare can also be purchased at the WMATA website (https://www.wmata.com/fares/smartrip/) and at all Metrorail stations. Riders without pre-paid fares should have exact fare readily accessible for swift payment and to mitigate exposure to transit operators.
All passengers must wear a mask or face covering that covers the mouth and nose when using public transit. This requirement does not apply to children five years old or younger, or individuals who are unable to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical condition. Customers who feel ill or are experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms should not ride public transportation.
“TheBus” urges the community to continue practicing social distancing when using transit and to exit from the rear door of the vehicle to create a one-way flow of traffic aboard the coach. Those utilizing mobility assistance devices may still use the front door to exit. These practices will help to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
For more information regarding fare, visit https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/1121/Fares-Rules.
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Catholic Charities DC Releases 2020 Impact Data
Agency served more than 34 percent more people in need than previous year
By ALEXANDRA SCHAUFFLER
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington
WASHINGTON (Dec. 29, 2020)—Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington today released figures that reflect its significant impact across the D.C. region through the publication of the agency’s 2019-2020 Annual Report. In the past fiscal year, Catholic Charities DC served nearly 193,000 people in the District and five surrounding counties in Maryland—a more than 34 percent increase over the previous year.
The agency has been a vital lifeline for struggling families during this unprecedented crisis, many of whom sought assistance for the first Diagram Description automatically generated time. The organization’s 55 programs quickly adapted to meet the rapidly increasing and changing needs of the area’s most vulnerable people, regardless of belief or circumstance. Catholic Charities DC’s staff have been on the front line of the pandemic since the beginning, providing essential wraparound support services in five areas: Enterprise, Education and Employment; Adult and Children Clinical Services; Housing and Homeless Services; Family, Parish and Community Outreach; and Developmental Disabilities Services. Impact highlights include:
• 3.5 million meals were served to the hungry and food insecure—1 million more than last year.
• Nearly $25 million in pro bono services (medical, dental, legal and financial) were provided to clients.
• 1,451 clients received employment support and job training.
• The Southern Maryland Food Bank distributed 980,584 pounds of food—the equivalent of 1.2 million meals.
• 18,417 people received food, diapers, financial assistance and referral services from the Montgomery County Family Center.
• More than 7,800 patients received medical and dental assistance.
• 7,110 people received civil and immigration legal services.
• 1,954 adults and children received behavioral health support.
• The Welcome Home Reentry Program helped 1,915 returning citizens transition to life after incarceration.
• More than 33,600 warm meals were served through the weekly St. Maria’s Meals program.
“This year has been so difficult. But it’s been especially challenging for people in need,” said Msgr. John Enzler, president and CEO of Catholic Charities DC. “Our message is one of solidarity. We stand with each and every person and family in crisis. We walk with them, we support them, and we do our best to help them.”
Catholic Charities DC is committed to promoting basic human rights, dignity, and empowerment of all people and serves anyone in need. To view the agency’s full annual report, please visit https://www.catholiccharitiesdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/2020-Annual-Report-Web-Version.pdf.
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