Gilchrist Center Offers Two New Publications

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, October 26, 2016

The Charles W. Gilchrist Center, the County’s immigrant resource center released a 15th Anniversary Report to the Community that explains how the center has been a vital contributor to Montgomery County becoming one of the nation’s most welcoming communities. The report tells the personal stories of Gilchrist Center clients, volunteers, and staff.

The center also published English and Spanish versions of a Quick Start Guide for Immigrants in Montgomery County, MD, a pamphlet that includes the most requested information by newcomers to Montgomery County. The Quick Start Guide contains essential information about English, computer, and citizenship classes, legal services, health and human services, youth programs, and employment opportunities. The Quick Start Guide will be published soon in Amharic, Chinese, French, Korean, and Vietnamese. The English and Spanish versions are available now on the Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center’s website.

“Our Gilchrist Center is here to help immigrants thrive in Montgomery County,” explained County Executive Ike Leggett. “The Quick Start Guide, along with the Center’s website, staff, and volunteers, can help our new neighbors connect to the services they need to succeed.”

Funding for the 15th Anniversary Report and the Quick Start Guides was provided by private donors in honor of former County Executive Gilchrist through the Fund for Montgomery at the Community Foundation.

The Center is a gateway for County immigrants where they may obtain information and referrals to programs and services offered by government agencies and community organizations, strengthen their life skills through English and basic computer classes, and increase their knowledge to prepare for civic life and U.S. citizenship. In the last year, 8,219 residents attended English, Spanish, and computer classes at low or no cost while 9,245 residents were connected to services by phone or in person. Center sites are conveniently located in Wheaton, Gaithersburg, Germantown, and East County (Briggs Chaney area). For more information, please visit: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/gilchrist, or call 240-777-4940.

Release ID: 16-439
Media Contact: Visit website 240-777-4940