West Baltimore Renaissance Foundation Quarterly Newsletter - Fall 2024
WBRF is Now on Social Media!
We’re excited to announce the West Baltimore Renaissance Foundation (WBRF) is now on Facebook and Instagram! These platforms will be used to highlight the impactful work led by our community and partners, as well as share programs, events and activities—including those hosted at The Factory.
Please help us get started by following us and sharing our accounts with your networks. Together, we can expand awareness of the initiatives shaping West Baltimore.
Follow us today to stay connected to the Renaissance.
The Factory
Long awaited and ready for opening, WBRF is pleased to report that we anticipate moving into the Factory early next year. Under construction for several years and impacted by a utility challenge, the $14.5 million redevelopment of a former gelato production facility will be home to new nonprofit programs and will help anchor further reinvestment in the historic West Baltimore Street retail corridor.
The building will host some amazing organizations to enhance services and support in the community, including Innovation Works (entrepreneurship), Baltimore’s Promise (youth programming / collective impact), VSP – Sinai (healthcare workforce training), Center for Hope (violence response and youth programming), NAMI Baltimore (mental health) and a TBD digital literacy provider. Additional organizations are planned for the next phases as capital funding is raised, including those in the construction training and food access spaces. Investment in the building to date is made possible through support from the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission, LifeBridge Health, The Bunting Family Foundation and Baltimore City MONSE. The building will be available to host events and activities in the 25-person classroom, computer lab and a large community meeting space that can host large events and activities. We look forward to a ribbon cutting in the new year! Stay tuned!
Senior Health and Addiction Strategy
WBRF Board recently approved funding to support a pilot senior health and addiction strategy focused on residents in affordable housing in West Baltimore. Three organizations are collaborating on this strategy, including LeadingAge Maryland, Grace Medical Center and Civic Works. LeadingAge Maryland will serve as project manager, coordinate a needs assessment of each building and provide direct training to property staff focused on harm reduction and overdose response. They will also coordinate an evaluation component and help introduce Grace Medical and Civic Works programming for residents that will follow. Grace Medical will lead engagement around clinical health strategies and provide links to addiction services through New Hope Treatment Center. Civic Works will focus on resident engagement and programs that will seek to improve access to public benefits as well as offer workshops on other strategic interests. This pilot strategy will focus on 4 West Baltimore senior affordable housing buildings in the first year with a goal to grow in the second year.
WBRF, LifeBridge Health, Kaboom! and Partners Collaborate on New Playground
Over 150 volunteers came together over 3 days in late October and early November to build a beautiful playground for the children of Mary Ann Winterling Elementary. The playground build, led by Kaboom, was made possible through a grant from WBRF. The playground design culminated from months of planning, reviewing playground designs and surveys from the children, teachers, parents and community members. The playground build consisted of slides, climbing areas, musical objects, visionary pieces and hand-painted artwork for the students. Many thanks to all who contributed their time and talents for the event.
Youth Entrepreneurship in Baltimore
New research from Coppin State University’s Center for Strategic Entrepreneurship, funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, examines youth entrepreneurship in Baltimore. The study, part of the EXCEL project that includes participation from WBRF, focuses on understanding entrepreneurship instruction for individuals aged 16-29. It highlights the importance of supportive infrastructure, like transportation and childcare, and partnerships with local businesses. Young entrepreneurs contributed to the research, providing insights into program effectiveness and challenges. The findings aim to improve the ecosystem for young entrepreneurs in Baltimore.
For more details, visit Annie E. Casey Foundation https://www.aecf.org/blog/new-research-sheds-light-on-youth-entrepreneurship-in-baltimore
Hollins Market Grand Opening
The reopening of Hollins Market marks a significant milestone in the revitalization of West Baltimore. As one of the oldest public markets in the city, Hollins Market has long served as a hub for local commerce and community engagement. After extensive renovations, the market now features modern facilities while preserving its historic charm, offering residents access to fresh produce, local goods and diverse dining options. WBRF funding is supporting a new small business pop-up space focused on providing opportunities for emerging businesses from West Baltimore and those led by individuals of color. In addition, operating funding from WBRF is helping make a new grocery market with fresh foods and staples possible.
The grand opening event celebrated this transformation and the market’s role in fostering economic growth and community spirit in the Hollins Market neighborhood. With expanded services and a focus on supporting local vendors, the new and improved Hollins Market is expected to become a key resource for addressing food access issues while serving as a gathering space for residents and visitors alike. The market is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. Be sure to have your next coffee or lunch meeting in the building; they can also host special events.
Community Health Needs Assessment
The Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) for Sinai Hospital and Grace Medical Center has been completed; it identifies key health and social issues impacting West Baltimore resulting from community surveys, research and interviews. Click here to read the Full Report.
WBRF By The Numbers
- $21.7 MILLION invested to support West Baltimore programs and services
- 113 ORGANIZATIONS serving West Baltimore and accessing resources to bolster programming and expand operations
- 4.4 MILLION POUNDS OF FOOD including 2.9 million meals/meal equivalents
- 10,562 YOUTH participated in mentoring programming
- 1,356 JOB PLACEMENTS for youth and adults
- 13,516 RESIDENTS benefitted from housing, financial education, health, mental health, and other services
- OVER 150 ORGANIZATIONS receiving technical assistance and capacity-building supports
Grantee Spotlight
Urban Alliance
Urban Alliance (UA) is dedicated to empowering high school seniors and recent graduates through its Baltimore High School Internship Program (HSIP), an evidence-based initiative that combines paid work experiences, skill training, mentoring and dedicated case management. The HSIP is offering a robust 100-hour training program complemented by a nine-month paid internship.
The program targets young people, aiming to connect them with equitable career opportunities across high-growth industries. In the 2023-24 program year, UA successfully engaged participants in workforce development, secured significant financial aid for its students and expanded outreach to younger students through new initiatives. With a strong focus on mentorship and professional development, the HSIP not only prepares students for immediate job placements but also provides ongoing support through its Alumni Services, ensuring a pathway to college or further career training.
Center for Urban Families
The Center for Urban Families (CFUF) was established in 1999 to address some of Baltimore's most pressing social challenges, including poverty, unemployment, father absence and family disintegration. Specializing in serving Baltimore's hardest-to-reach populations, such as formerly incarcerated individuals, those with histories of substance abuse and low-income non-custodial fathers, CFUF works to connect fathers with their children and create opportunities for economic and financial stability. The organization collaborates with policy advocates to drive changes that improve outcomes for low-income families, with a focus on helping fathers and families achieve stability and economic success.
CFUF's impact is felt through its holistic approach, offering workforce development and family stability services that reach individuals facing barriers to self-sufficiency. Over its 25-year history, CFUF has served more than 33,000 low-income residents in Baltimore, focusing on the comprehensive needs of its members. From job readiness programs like STRIVE® Baltimore to initiatives promoting responsible fatherhood and intergenerational wealth, CFUF’s programs are designed to empower individuals and families, fostering a future where communities thrive through knowledge, skills and resources.
Newly Awarded Grants
- Black Women Build, Population Health, $75,000
- Boys Hope Girls Hope, Youth Mentoring, $25,000
- Civic Works, Population Health, $167, 204
- Clay Pots, Population Health, $40,000
- Clergy United for the Transformation of Sandtown, Population Health, $310,000
- Dwyer Workforce Development, Workforce Development, $100,000
- Fayette Street Outreach, Small Neighborhood Grant, $2500
- Friendly Loving Opportunities, Workforce Development, $100,000
- Grace Medical Center, Population Health, $118,515
- Higher Achievement, Youth Mentoring, $100,000
- I am MENtality, Youth Mentoring, $70,000
- Leading Age Maryland, Population Health, $267,472
- Nehemiah Central Community Development Corporation, Small Neighborhood Grant, $2500
- NPower, Workforce Development, $75,000
- Open Works, Workforce Development, $50,000
- Parity Baltimore, Population Health, $75,000
- Pass IT On, Workforce Development, $50,000
- Paul’s Place, Workforce Development, $85,000
- Per Scholas, Workforce Development, $75,000
- Rebuilding Together Baltimore, Population Health, $250,000
- So What Else, Food Access, $100,000
- Southwest Partnership, Workforce Development, $115,000
- Southwest Sports and Fitness Alliance, Small Neighborhood Grant, $2500
- The United Way of Central Maryland, Population Health, $22,000
- Union Square Association, Small Neighborhood Grant, $2500
- Wombwork Productions, Youth Mentoring, $90,000
- 10:12 Sports, Youth Mentoring, $55,000
- 4MyCity, Food Access, $125,000
Program and Recruiting Opportunities
Baltimore Alliance for Careers in Healthcare (BACH) is now recruiting participants ready to begin or advance their healthcare careers. Free trainings lead to state or nationally recognized credentials and include job readiness and placement support. Click here to check out the current training menu and register for an upcoming info session: https://www.baltimorealliance.org/information-sessions/.
BioTechnical Institute of Maryland (BTI): Providing hands-on, tuition-free laboratory skills training to launch careers in the life sciences. Job placement assistance and effective case management are available to support you during your training. Visit our website to attend an information session for our next Laboratory Associate training cohort, which begins on April 7, 2025. For more information, contact: Nattrina Barnes at 410-752-4224 or info@btiworks.org.
Are you exhausted and ready for change? Join the Brown Girl Wellness Kintsugi Project for a transformative journey of healing and empowerment. Register now at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LFSJ5PM. Feel free to email us at info@bgwellness.org today!
Free Tax Preparation: If your household made $67,000 or less last year, you may qualify for IRS-certified free tax preparation services from the CASH Campaign. Visit www.bmorefreetaxes.org or call 410-234-2801 M-F from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to make an appointment.
Groundwork Kitchen Culinary Training Program offers 8 weeks of free training during which adults earn industry-recognized credentials and gain hands-on experience to start a career in food service. Click here to learn more about our job placement services and case management support and to apply for one of our 2025 classes.
Do you know a student who stands out as a leader or change-maker? Nominate them for Junior Achievement’s 2025 18 Under 18 class! JA 18 Under 18 celebrates extraordinary students who are defining their generation through leadership, entrepreneurial spirit and service to the community: https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/microsite/junior-achievements-18-under-18/. Nominations close December 16, 2024.
Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service: We are hosting a legal clinic in partnership with Clay Pots and Paul’s Place on Tuesday, December 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Health and Wellness room at Paul’s Place. Attendees will receive expungement services on the spot as well as support in completing intake for other civil legal issues. To learn more about the services provided and how to attend, please email Barae Hirsch at bhirsch@mvlslaw.org.
Mentoring Male Teens in the Hood will have a talent show on December 21 from 4-7 p.m. at the New Shiloh Family Life Center located at 2100 N. Monroe Street. Any child, male or female, can participate as long as they are between 8 and 18 years of age and not professionally trained. For more information, please call Mr. Miles at 410-852-8013.
Starting January 2025, No Struggle No Success, Inc. is proud to announce the launch of its Reentry Community Care program. This comprehensive initiative offers Internship Opportunities, Peer Mediation Workshops and Vocational Training for individuals aged 17 and older. For more information on how to apply or get involved, please contact Makayla Johnson, Community Coordinator, at mjohnson@nostrugglenosuccess.org. Forward your name, contact info and area of interest, and more details will follow.
Requity Initiative: Empowering high school students through work-based learning programs in construction and culinary trades. Join us for upcoming vocational training opportunities in high-performance building and sustainable culinary arts. For details, contact info@requity.org or visit requity.org/programs.
The Southwest Partnership Education Committee and the UMB Office of Community and Civic Engagement (OCCE) want to know what works in our neighborhoods and what doesn't. We've partnered to create a survey to ask what keeps you in Southwest Baltimore and what pushes you away. Your answers can help drive program and resource decisions, so please stand up and be heard NOW! Please complete the survey.
Join Thread for an orientation session on December 12 to learn how Thread volunteers make a lasting impact in the community by building supportive relationships with young people in Baltimore or invite Thread to present a Lunch & Learn for your company. Learn more at www.thread.org/get-involved or contact volunteer@thread.org.
Are you a member of the BCPSS community – a parent, teacher, staff member or principal? Bring SquashWise to your school to deliver a free PE clinic(s)! To learn more, visit baltimoresquashwise.org/programs/school-squash/.
Wide Angle Youth Media offers flexible and fun media-making workshops for middle and high school students. Courses include video, audio, photography, illustration, graphic design, and animation. To learn more about programs and apply, visit wideanglemedia.org/programs.