Our Work

Education and Outreach

Our work to educate the community is done in partnership with a variety of organizations whose missions and goals align with ours. This allows us to not only amplify our message, but it helps maintain and improve communication and cooperation among local women’s advocacy organizations. We educate the community through the actions described below.

Seminars

We provide residents with free or low-cost seminars on a variety of topics.  The Commission generally offers seminars on the following topics:
1.         Understanding Separation and Divorce in Maryland
2.         Financial Health and Wellness
3.         Comeback Careers: Re-Entering the Workforce
4.         Self-Defense Classes
Interested in attending a seminar?  Learn more about our offerings  HERE  .  Or, sign up for our newsletter!  Our newsletter is generally sent out weekly and includes information about our programs and other Montgomery County events.

Publications

Our publications cover a variety of topics and are in multiple languages.  We work to update them on a yearly or bi-yearly basis.
Annual Reports 
Informational Brochures
Special Reports 

Montgomery County Women's Archives Project

In 2002, to commemorate its 30th anniversary, we created an archive of the biographies of 30 women whose lives were of historical significance to Montgomery County. In July of 2012, to commemorate its 40th anniversary, the Commission added another 10 biographies, and has added five more since then.

Montgomery County’s Quilt Project

To commemorate its 30 years of service, advocacy and progress, in 2002 a quilt was created for the Montgomery County Commission for Women, featuring 30 women of historical significance to the county. The quilt is composed of 33 squares. Surrounding the central square, a composition commemorating the 30 years of the Commission, thirty two squares are placed. One square commemorates each of the thirty women. In the bottom corners, two squares name the members of the Ad Hoc Committee that recommended the establishment of the Commission for Women in 1972, and the presidents of the Commission from 1972 to 2002.  In 2012, to mark the 40th anniversary of the Commission, another quilt was created featuring 10 more women of historical significance to the county. 

STEM Scholarships

The Commission, in conjunction with the Montgomery College Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of the STEM Scholarship to support students pursuing careers in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

The $10,500 endowment, funded by individual gifts, will support current Montgomery College students now and in the future. Beginning in the Fall of 2015, eligible students may apply for a $500 scholarship. As the endowment matures, future students will receive scholarship awards through the interest earned on the endowment.

Students interested in the scholarship may learn more at:  https://montgomerycollege.academicworks.com/users/sign_in






Sharon




Quilt image

 

Advocacy

Advocacy is at the heart of everything that we do.  Our founding legislation charges us with the responsibility of advising the public, county executive, county council, and the agencies of the county, state and federal governments on the issues of concern to women. Advocacy projects vary based on the needs of the community, resources, and skills/abilities of the Commissioners.

Our priorities for the 2019/2020 year are:
  • Safety & Security
    • Domestic Violence
    • Sexual harassment, Sexual assault
    • Human Trafficking
  • Economic Empowerment
  • Women in Leadership

Direct Service

The Commission no longer provides individual or group counseling as it once did.  Instead, we are pleased to partner with the   Department of Correction and Rehabilitation  to provide specialized services to women who are re-entering the community after serving prison time.

Women leaving prison face a multitude of challenges, including: finding and sustaining employment, family reunification, sustaining healthy relationships, and improving self-esteem.

Our women’s support group aims to be a   safe environment for women to gather and feel supported as they navigate the hurdles faced after being incarcerated. Topics and speakers relevant to women with re-entry needs including the following:
  • Mending Relationships
  • Motivation: Staying on Track
  • Self-Esteem and Personal Power
  • How to Reach my Goals
  • Job Readiness
  • Communication and Assertiveness
Program Details:

If you or someone you know is interested in participating please fill out this   form .

Please note : The group is not currently running because of COVID-19.
Need more information?
Call (240) 777-8300 or e-mail:  cfwinfo@montgomerycountymd.gov