Lead for Impact Leadership Development Program

Every day in Montgomery County, dedicated professionals like you are doing some of the most important work in our community -- helping people find safety, stability, and home.

You're doing this work amid record-high homelessness, uncertain funding, understaffed teams, and too little time to breathe -- let alone strategize or innovate.

And yet -- you're still here, still committed, and still believing that change is possible in Montgomery County.  

Lead for Impact was built for exactly this moment -- to give you the skills, support, and community needed to meet the challenges we face with more clarity, influence, and resilience.  And to remind you that your sustainability matters too.

This program was created with you in mind:

  • Are you deeply committed to ending homelessness in Montgomery County -- and looking for ways to have greater impact, event when the path forward feels uncertain?
  • Are you craving dedicated space to breathe, reflect, and invest in yourself as a leader -- not just keep up with the daily grind?
  • Are you ready to stop constantly putting our fires and start building the confidence and tools to influence decisions and shape change?
  • Are you longing for a community of peers who understand the unique weight of this work -- and can offer real support and partnership?
 If this resonates with you, we invite you to apply for Lead for Impact (LFI) -- an interactive peer leadersip experience designed to sustain and grow leaders like you who are committed to ending homelessness in our community.
  • Are you deeply committed to ending homelessnes in Montgomery County?
  • Do you feel frustrated by the challenges and setbacks we're facing and motivated to find solutions that will get more people housed?
  • Are you ready to step more fully into your leadership?  Do you want a more confident voice and greater influence on decisions made within your organization and our county?
  • Do you dream of having dedicated time and space to strengthen your leadership?  And, better yet, alongside a trusted council of peers?
Over the course of six months, you gain invaluable leadership insights and immediately put them into action to expand your leadership effectiveness and shape change in the County.  You will do this work in community with a group of peers who share your vision of ending homelessness and are committed to supporting and challenging one another to up-level their leadership.

In 2025, 100% of LFI participants feel they strengthened their leadership skills, became more confident in their leadersip, and feel more connected to a supportive community of peers thanks to the Lead for Impact Progra

What's Involved:

  • Virtual Orientation Session: Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 12 p.m
  • Six group workshops to engage in interactive learning, skill-building, community-building and practice.
    • In-person sessions
      • Thursday, May 21 - 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. ET
      • Thursday, June 18 - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. ET
      • Thursday, September 17 - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. ET
      • Thursday, October 15 - 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. ET
    • Virtual Meetings, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET
      • Thursday, July 16
      • Thursday, August 13
  • Three one-on-one virtual coaching sessions (per-person) to offer personalized learning and application (one hour each; to be scheduled).
  • Monthly small group meetings to receive the wisdom, support, and feedback of 2-3 peers (1 hour each, to be scheduled).
  • Monthly pre-work in the form of recorded video lessons and personal reflection and exercises, estimated 1 hours per month.
  • Completion of a 360-degree leadership profile to illuminate your skills and assets, as well as growth areas
  • Development and advancement of a Leadership Project that will translate your vision for the County into action and stretch you to practice new leadership skills.

We estimate the total time commitment for LFI is somewhere between 2 to 4 hours a week, including the time spent live (in our monthly group workshops, small group circles, and individual coaching sessions) and advancing your Leadership Project.

To end homelessness in Montgomery County, we need effective leadership throughout the Continuum of Care -- from our direct service providers to our executive officers, and across the private sector and County government.  This program is for anyone who is hearing the call to leadership and is ready to do their part to create impactful and sustained change for our community.

If this sounds like you, please apply now! Your first step is to review these instructions (PDF) on how to apply. Once you have prepared your application, submit this form.

Space is limited, and a selection process will be used to choose individuals who demonstrate a good fit for the program and will contribute to a generous and diverse program cohort.  Applications must be received by Wednesday, April 8nd at 5 p.m. If you are selected to join the program, we will confirm your participation by Thursday, April 30th.

In the meantime, please place a hold on your calendar for the session dates and times listed above. Having your full participation throughout the program is essential, and your ability to attend all of the sessions will be considered in your acceptance to the program.

If you have any questions, please email Program Coordinator Liz Rich at [email protected].

Resources

LFI Info Session Recording (Link will be provided after info session)

Register for LFI Information Session, Wednesday, March 20 at 12 p.m.

  1. Instructions on how to apply (PDF)
  2. Apply Now
  3. Video Application
  4. Nomination Form