Community Supporting Community Initiative

The GSSCC Community Supporting Community Initiative highlights the incredible work our members are doing to help fill the gaps left by reduced federal funding. Explore the directory below to learn more and discover opportunities to volunteer or contribute.

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Sankofa Foundation, INC.

Need your gifts wrapped? Starting December 10th, stop by the gift wrap booth in front of Macy's in the Mall at Prince George's. Volunteers from The Sankofa Foundation will wrap your special gifts for suggested donations.

Contact The Sankofa Foundation here to volunteer or donate gift wrapping supplies.

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​Adventist HealthCare

Adventist HealthCare, based in Gaithersburg, Md., is a faith-based, not-for-profit organization of dedicated professionals who work together each day to improve the health and well-being of people and communities through a ministry of physical, mental and spiritual healing.

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​Cornerstone Montgomery

Cornerstone has supported clients impacted by the challenges surrounding the government shutdown by mobilizing quickly to secure resources, sharing information on community banks and local food pantries with maps and interactive zip code tools, and keeping clients informed through steady communication. We provided direct financial support so individuals who were without SNAP benefits had the resources they needed, and we launched the Enduring Hope Fund to help safeguard clients moving forward. In addition, to aid our community in gaining independence our vocational program continues to support people with employment, and we have successfully placed individuals in new jobs even during these challenges.

Visit or Donate here.

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Easterseals DC MD VA

Easterseals DC MD VA works to help people overcome barriers to well-being. Our services enable children and adults to live longer, healthier, more productive lives – uplifting the entire Greater Silver Spring community. 

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Docs In Progress

Docs In Progress believes everyone has a story. 
Today we support all filmmakers --young or old, experienced or first timers -- as they put their story to a video canvas. With your support, we can help more filmmakers tell their story and  in the process, fulfill their dream.  And in the process uncover and celebrate the local stories that are hiding in plain sight.
While our community is facing major challenges and supporting the arts may not seem urgent, making sure all voices are heard is critical to our democracy.  With your support, we can help do that and more. Thank you.  
Visit Docs In Progress here.

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Emma's Torch

​​"As federal resources for workforce development and refugee empowerment face uncertainty, Emma's Torch provides opportunities for our community's newest neighbors to pursue the American Dream with dignity, stability, and purpose. And, at this moment, we are working to expand our services to meet the increased demand. With our new site in Silver Spring set to open in 2026, we're looking forward to having four times our current capacity to serve our community." 
– Kerry Brodie, Founder and Executive Director, Emma's Torch

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Maryland Youth Ballet

​​Navigating Job Loss? 
MYB is once again offering a complimentary or pay-as-you-can Virtual Stretch & Relax Class on Thursdays from 6:45-8:00pm, taught by MYB faculty member, Lisae Jordan.
Join us to take care of your mind and body with an hour of lengthening and breath. Gentle enough for beginners (or for the super stressed and tight) and challenging enough for dancers and other athletes. This class includes a focus on shoulders, necks, and hip flexors - all the places we are tightening up a little more these days! Please have a tennis-sized ball if you can and many people also like to use a strap or band. Furry friends are welcome to join class.
SIGN UP

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SEEC

​​As a nonprofit dedicated to helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live, work, and thrive, SEEC is deeply committed to filling gaps created by reduced federal funding and ensuring our neighbors have the support they need. 
''At SEEC, we believe that inclusion is not optional, it is essential. By investing in innovation and partnerships, we are ensuring that people with disabilities have the tools, opportunities, and support to thrive, even in challenging times.” 
How SEEC Is Responding to the Current Challenges 

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•  Community Partnerships: SEEC is expanding employer outreach and collaborating with local businesses to create inclusive job opportunities through programs like Community-based internship programs through Project SEARCH, and Learn to Earn. These partnerships strengthen our community and help people achieve meaningful employment. 
•  Advocacy and Resource Navigation: We are proactively connecting people we support impacted by SNAP reductions to food assistance and other basic needs resources. In addition, when the people we support faced furloughs or shutdowns , SEEC guides families and caregivers through the maze of public benefits. 

Visit www.seeconline.org/ to explore how SEEC is building inclusive communities and supporting people with disabilities to live full, connected lives. 

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​Interfaith Works

​Interfaith Works continues to be a part of the social safety net of our community during these tumultuous times through our four pillars of programming: Essential Needs, Emergency Shelter, Vocational Services, and Supportive Housing. Our Food Pantry and financial assistance programs continue to remain lifelines and are open to those in need in Montgomery County.

Visit Interfaith Works here.

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Please visit our Nonprofit Directory for a complete list of our nonprofits and to learn more about the work that they are doing.