Identity's Alternative Spring Break + other news

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May 2021


** Identity's Alternative Spring Break
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From the top of Sugarloaf Mountain to virtual coding classes, Identity young people were able to take a break from remote schoolwork to broaden their horizons and learn new skills. In the photo above, students from the Watkins Mill High School Wellness Center celebrate together after reaching the top of Sugarloaf Mountain during a challenging hike. Other Wellness Center activities included a service-learning field trip to clean up Seneca Greenway Trail, virtual cooking classes, and outdoor art classes. Elementary students got a taste of coding and spycraft, and middle schoolers reunited outside to hike and play kickball, soccer and capture the flag. Because of generous donors, Identity's Alternative Spring Break turned a lonely and potentially high-risk time into a joyful and stimulating time for 275 students from 14 schools.

An Empathetic Ear and Tools to Cope

For almost a year, Identity Promotoras have been connecting isolated neighbors to emergency food through a partnership with Manna Food Center. Since June 2020, they have helped more than 1,200 vulnerable families, feeding nearly 6,000 Montgomery County residents. Now, we are training a growing number of parents to be Community Mental Health Workers to facilitate non-clinical trauma-informed emotional support groups. They work in pairs to help groups of friends and neighbors learn strategies for coping with stress, anxiety, grief and loss.

Vaccine Equity

Identity is helping some of our most vulnerable and isolated neighbors receive the COVID-19 vaccine in partnership with Por Nuestra Salud y Bienestar. We have directly helped 346 residents with extreme barriers get the vaccines. We also provided vaccine information and referrals to thousands more -- all part of our efforts to ensure equitable access to lifesaving vaccines.
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Identity Youth Testifies Before State Lawmakers

Gianiree never imagined her Identity internship with the Montgomery County Food Council would lead to testifying in front of the Maryland General Assembly, but there she was confidently speaking out in favor of the Hunger-free Campus Grant program. Read More. ([link removed])

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DoMore24 on May 19...
Or donate now!

Please support Identity during DoMore24, a regional day of giving. Your donations will fight learning loss by supporting summer enrichment, reading and math camps for Identity youth. Donate early at our DoMore24 page ([link removed]) .

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We send updates periodically to friends of Identity and individuals who have supported our work.

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