Takoma East Silver Spring (TESS)
Community Action Center
Mission: The mission of the Montgomery County Community Action Agency is to advance social and economic mobility among communities and neighbors through services, partnerships, and advocacy using an equity lens.
TESS has moved!
New address: 8703 Flower Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20901
Directions to TESS
Main phone number (no change): 240-773-8260, TTY users, call 711
All staff telephone numbers remain the same.
TESS Hours
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed for lunch: 12 – 1 p.m.
Walk-In Hours: 9 – 11:30 a.m.
Appointments available Tuesday - Thursday: 1 – 4 p.m.
*Staff teleworking Monday and Friday afternoons
*Staff teleworking Monday and Friday afternoons
New! Opportunity Coaching at TESS
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The Community Action Agency's TESS Center is a walk-in site serving Montgomery County residents. Its information and referrals, social service assistance, interpretation and translation, education, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and legal services are delivered in partnership with nonprofits, public agencies and community groups. |
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1. Does the TESS Center provide translation services?
We interpret and translate some documents (like notes and letters for employers, Department of Health and Human Services, landlord, and school) in Spanish or Amharic, and provide referrals. We will translate/interpret to support services worked on at TESS. Limits: No translation for medical, legal or Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) documents. Employment assistance limited to applications and resumes, or referrals.
2. Can the TESS Center help me with an immigration problem?
We may interpret a document so you know what it says, and provide referrals to other organizations specializing in immigration matters. Click here for immigration resources.
3. I am low-income and in need health care services, but I am not eligible for most public services. Can you tell me where I can go?
We can help you apply for Medical Assistance and charity funding if eligible, and provide referrals to public and nonprofit clinics. Click here for medical resources.
4. I am worried about my child or teen. Can the TESS Center help my family?
For an urgent issue, please call the County’s 24-hour Crisis Center, 240-777-4000. Depending on the concern, we can help you connect with a doctor, school or community counselor, or Montgomery County Crisis Center. We provide referrals to groups such as the Street Outreach Network, Identity, Amen Group, teen hotlines, suicide hotlines and other partners.
5. Can the TESS Center help me with a legal problem?
We offer a free legal service twice a month. Legal services are offered on the first and third Wednesday of each month starting at 6:00 PM. Clients are seen on a first come, first served basis. Click here for information on the Bar Association's Pro Bono (free) Program.
6. My partner is abusing me, but I do not want to create a legal problem for our family. Can the TESS Center help me?
For an urgent issue, please call the County’s 24-hour Crisis Center, 240-777-4000. We will review the situation, explain how the system works, and discuss rights, options and resources, such as the Crisis Center, the Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program (VASAP) or the Family Justice Center.
7. Can the TESS Center help me with food, housing, clothing or utility bills?
We help with applications for public resources like “SNAP” (Food Stamp Program), WIC and “Free and Reduced Meals” (MCPS). We provide referrals for food banks and local pantries like Manna, Adventist Community Services, Clifton Park Baptist Church, “SHARE” and St. Luke’s. Click here for resources.
For housing, following an eviction notice, we can help with applications for DHHS Emergency Services. We may refer you to emergency help groups, help you work out a plan with your landlord, or connect you with another agency. We also provide referrals for emergency utility assistance and for clothing. Click here for housing resources.
8. I need to file taxes, but I do not have a social security card. What should I do?
We can help you obtain an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) when you are ready to file taxes, and tell you what records and documents you will need for your tax appointment. Our office is a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site from January to April, and you can make an appointment from June to November at the Wheaton Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) office, 240-777-1123.
9. I need to learn English. Where do I go?
We can refer you to classes through local organizations such as the Montgomery Coalition for Adult English Literacy, the Literacy Council of Montgomery County, IMPACT Silver Spring, and the Gilchrist Center for Cultural Diversity.
The Summer Meals Program is designed to provide nutritious meals at no cost to children 18 years of age and younger.
For over 30 years, the Holiday Giving Project (HGP) of Montgomery County, Maryland, has provided Thanksgiving and December holiday assistance to low-income households.
For over 30 years, the Holiday Giving Project (HGP) of Montgomery County, Maryland, has provided Thanksgiving and December holiday assistance to low-income households.
