October 16, 2025
WHEATON, Md. — In a moment that underscored both urgency and hope, Montgomery County officials joined WorkSource Montgomery and community partners to cut the ribbon on the Mobilize Montgomery Federal Workforce Career Center (FWCC)—a first-of-its-kind resource dedicated solely to supporting displaced federal employees and contractors.
The opening, held on October 9, 2025, came just nine days into a federal government shutdown—an unmistakable reminder of why this initiative matters. “Who would have imagined that we would be cutting this ribbon just nine days into a federal government shutdown?” said Michael Covin, Director of the FWCC. “That really underscores exactly why this center matters.”
In the weeks since its soft launch in mid-September, the center—located within the Wheaton American Job Center—has already begun changing lives. Former federal workers and contractors have sought assistance with everything from résumé writing and interview preparation to financial counseling and skills training. Some, like Morgan Mitchell-Brintley, have already landed new positions.
After 13 years with an unnamed federal agency, Mitchell-Brintley was laid off in July. She turned to the FWCC for guidance and stability. “This support led me to land a new career that actually pays an increase over my last position,” she shared. “I feel more confident and equipped to tackle this next chapter.”
A Center Built for a Community in Transition
Montgomery County is home to more than 77,000 federal employees—many of whom have faced unexpected job loss following nationwide reductions in force. The FWCC was created to meet this moment head-on, serving as both a lifeline and a launchpad for those navigating career transitions.
“This support will come in many forms—from career coaching and professional development to direct connections to new employment opportunities,” said Anthony Featherstone, Executive Director of WorkSource Montgomery. “We’re here to help people not just find their next job but regain a sense of purpose and momentum.”
The center is part of Mobilize Montgomery, a larger partnership that includes the Montgomery County Government, Maryland Department of Labor, the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation, and the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. Together, these organizations are working to strengthen the county’s economic ecosystem while keeping local talent rooted in the community.
As County Executive Marc Elrich emphasized, “Every employee and federal contractor impacted by these cuts—your work has always mattered, and your community stands with you. The Federal Workforce Career Center is here to respond to that damage. We are damage control.”
Meeting People Where They Are
From the start, empathy has been central to the FWCC’s mission. Director Michael Covin intentionally built a team that understands firsthand what it means to start over. “You needed to be a Montgomery County resident. You needed to have sat in front of HR, got the gut punch, the whole nine,” Covin said. “The empathy is necessary.”
That shared understanding has shaped the center’s approach—one grounded in compassion, innovation, and community. As Council President Kate Stewart noted, the FWCC represents the “three C’s” that define the county’s response: community, collaboration, and compassion.
A Glimpse of What’s Ahead
What began as a trickle of jobseekers visiting the Wheaton center each day is expected to grow dramatically as more federal workers receive their final paychecks and search for new opportunities. Staff members anticipate serving dozens more clients daily in the coming weeks.
While the need is great, the message coming out of the FWCC is one of resilience and hope. “We’re not just connecting jobseekers to employers,” Covin said. “We’re connecting people with hope, care, and opportunity—and we’ll do so with unwavering commitment.”
Click here to read the full press release.
Learn More and Get Connected
For Montgomery County residents affected by federal workforce reductions, the Mobilize Montgomery Federal Workforce Career Center is now open and ready to help.
Here’s how to get started:
- Register at mwejobs.maryland.gov
- Upload proof of Montgomery County residency, work eligibility, and separation documents
- Complete the FWCC Intake Form
NOTE: All documents must be unexpired and uploaded to MWE before your appointment.
Parking at the FWCC is free and the Center is approximately an 11-minute walk from the Wheaton Metro Station. While walk-ins are accepted, the FWCC recommends making an appointment.
Location: 11510 Georgia Ave, Suite 101, Wheaton, MD, 20902
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
For support or assistance, email fwcc@worksourcemontgomery.com or call 240-283-1509.
For more information, please visit mobilize-montgomery.com/fwcc
About Mobilize Montgomery
Mobilize Montgomery is a collaboration that brings together state and local governments and private sector partners in Montgomery County, Maryland, including: The Montgomery County Government, the Maryland Department of Labor, WorkSource Montgomery, the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation, the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, Rockville Economic Development Incorporated, City of Rockville, City of Gaithersburg, the City of Gaithersburg’s Office of Economic Development, the Maryland Women’s Business Center, Montgomery County African American Chamber of Commerce, the Montgomery County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and local chambers of commerce for Rockville, Olney, Greater Silver Spring, Greater Bethesda, and Gaithersburg-Germantown. Launched in March 2025, Mobilize Montgomery was created to provide streamlined support, connecting employers and employees to financial assistance, workforce programs, and business continuity resources.