The REAL Program

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2018

The REAL (Reading and Educating to Advance Lives) Program is an innovative partnership between the Montgomery County, MD, Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Office of Eligibility and Support Services (OESS); the Jewish Council for the Aging’s Heyman Interages® Center (JCA Interages); and Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL). The REAL Program brings together staff and volunteers from these organizations with the goal of transforming the time children spend waiting at DHHS service centers into a fun and educational experience. JCA Interages senior volunteers read and engage children and their families in literacy and healthy living activities as they wait for services at four DHHS offices. Permanent “Community Collections” of MCPL owned children’s books are regularly refreshed and are available to be read while waiting or the books can be taken home. MCPL Outreach team members visit the sites and assist visitors by issuing free library cards and providing information about library programs, services and resources. DHHS staff ensure that the Program runs efficiently through active coordination efforts among the partners and by maintaining the offices’ lobbies to appeal to clients. Through the REAL Program, DHHS, JCA Interages, and MCPL make a difference by providing an innovative and unique service to the community.