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October 2025
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How to Help Meet the Moment
Like an extended family, Identity is there when and where the community needs us. And like family, we offer help when something extra is needed. Right now, many neighbors really need something extra. Others are asking how they can help. For starters, give to Identity’s LIFT Fund [[link removed]] that provides short-term financial assistance and the guidance of an experienced Case Manager to families facing extraordinary hardship or crises. The LIFT Fund [[link removed]] was created in 2019 in honor of Identity’s co-founder Candace Kattar to ensure her legacy of never giving up on a client in need and so children continue to learn, grow and thrive, even in the toughest and most unstable times. Looking for other ways to help?
Read More [[link removed]]
[[link removed]] Congrats GED Grads!
The BlackRock Center for the Arts was alive with joy, pride and powerful stories of perseverance on September 13th as Identity celebrated the graduation of 19 GED students. Surrounded by supportive guests, including proud parents, children and grandparents, the event marked a major milestone for young adults who refused to give up on their dreams. Read More... [[link removed]]
Thanks Neighbors Rising [[link removed]]
Thanks to the generous and warm-hearted members of Neighbors Rising, Identity’s 2nd and 3rd grade program participants have new tools to build foundational fine motor skills like finger dexterity, tool control and bilateral coordination that lay the groundwork for measuring, assembling and handling equipment used in STEM. The pandemic and increased screen use left many children struggling to master these skills. Neighbors Rising purchased all kinds of fun supplies to help them practice cutting, drawing, building, stringing and more to help them reach their highest potential!
[[link removed]] ENOUGH: Neighbors Leading Change in Gaithersburg–Montgomery Village
With support from the Governor’s Office for Children, the Central Gaithersburg-Montgomery Village ENOUGH Initiative is bringing neighbors, organizations and local leaders together to tackle poverty, starting with the voices and ideas of the community itself. Learn more about this project to drive change from the ground up. Read More... [[link removed]]
735 Backpacks for 735 Students [[link removed]]
We are so moved by the 100+ friends who donated funds, supplies and time to pack backpacks for Identity youth. Together we created 735 fully stocked backpacks (way past our goal of 500!) and distributed them to Identity youth in time for the 2025-2026 school year. We want to thank you all individually, but many of the gifts from the Amazon Wish List came without names. On behalf of Identity students, thank you! [[link removed]]
[[link removed]] Hispanic Heritage Month Music Festival
Identity celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month on social media with a tour of the unique contributions of Latino culture to cutting edge popular music and dance. On Instagram ( @Identityyouthmd [Instagram Identityincyouth] ) and Facebook ( Identityincyouth [[link removed]] ), we put the spotlight on Reggaeton, Cumbia, Bachata and others. Listen, like us and share!
Maximize Your Donations [[link removed]]
Considering opening a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)? It can be quite advantageous to open (or fund) a DAF now — before January 1, 2026 — because changes in the tax law will make charitable giving somewhat less generous (or more constrained) for many donors. Now is a good time to speak with a financial, tax or accounting advisor regarding locking in today’s more generous tax benefits before new limits take effect.
There are many DAF options from the Greater Washington Community Foundation to brokerages that provide an upfront tax deduction, avoid capital gains on appreciated assets and one tax receipt.
Identity accepts gifts via a DAF. Our EIN is 52-2120012. Questions? Email [email protected].
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Copyright © 2025 Identity, All rights reserved. We send updates periodically to friends of Identity and individuals who have supported our work.
Identity
620 E. Diamond Ave. Suite K
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
United States
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