Community Life

Montgomery Housing Partners (MHP) preserves and expands affordable housing in Montgomery County and the surrounding region. MHP has developed and owns more than 2,800 apartments, condos, and town homes. MHP’s Community Life enrichment program was launched in 1998, and currently serves more than 400 children (from preschool to teenaged) and their families at community centers at rental properties owned by MHP in Silver Spring, Wheaton, and Takoma Park. MHP partners with local organizations to provide services and resources to children and their parents. Recent partners have included Project Change, Silver Spring Judy Center, Kiwanis, Story Tapestries, Montgomery County Public Schools The Civic Circle, The Washington Conservatory of Music, Montgomery County Department of Recreation, Parent Empowerment Program, Sharp Insight, TransAct, ABC Mouse, Girl Scouts, Maryland State Department of Education, Children’s Opportunity Alliance, PNC Bank, Action Youth Media, Charity for Change, and Crittenton Services of Greater Washington.

Play & Learn Preschool Program
The purpose of Play & Learn is to prepare pre-school age children for kindergarten. We serve over 80 children 3-4 days a week for at least 1.5 hours a day from September to June. The program is set up like a classroom where children play, explore, and learn letters, words, numbers, and music. The program is available at Gilbert Highlands, 7610 Maple, Glenville Road, Amherst Square, and Great Hope Homes.
 
Elementary School Programs
Homework Clubs: The purpose of the Homework Club is to help elementary school-aged children improve their reading skills and help them with their homework while providing a safe and enriching environment to be in after school. Our goal is to have all the children complete their homework daily and to understand the importance of practice and routines. Clubs meet Monday through Thursday from 3:45 to 5:45 p.m., September to June.
 
Summer Enrichment Programs: The Summer Program provides an array of structured activities for 200-plus children, ages 3-15, during the summer. Our goal is to help children maintain their academic standing at school while having positive experiences. The Camp meets 4-6 hours a day for six weeks during the summer, with some adaptations as needed to conform to pandemic limitations.
 
FLOW Teen Program
Future Leaders of the World, or FLOW, is an afterschool and summer program for teen students in middle and high schools. Activities include field trips, art projects, and homework support. The program offers experiences in partnership with other organizations, including Story Tapestries, an arts organization that provides students with opportunities for self-expression. FLOW students also work with nonprofit Passion for Learning to attain a deeper understanding of educational options after high school, including college. Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) from the University of Maryland provides information on healthy eating.