Public Justice Center
$40,000 / 2019 / Workforce Development
In 2015, with support from the Abell Foundation, the Public Justice Center launched its Home Care Worker Initiative to address wage theft. Through this initiative, PJC works to enforce a new federal regulation that, for the first time, granted HCWs (who are mostly women and people of color) federal minimum wage and overtime protections. With this grant from Abell, PJC will educate 400 HCWs concerning workers’ rights and advancement opportunties, represent at least 20 HCWs and and other workers to recover at least $100,000 in lost wages, and advocate for state-level legislation that will benefit HCWs.
SquashWise, Inc.
$30,000 / 2019 / Health and Human Services
SquashWise, founded in 2007 and a member of the Squash + Education Alliance, is a year-round after-school athletic and academic program serving 75 Baltimore City public middle and high school students. Program activities include squash and fitness instruction, tutoring, academic enrichment, college preparation, mentoring, service learning, counseling, career development, and travel. As a long-term program that engages youth up to age 25, SquashWise supports an additional 20 alumni participants in college and in the workforce.
Teach for America – Baltimore
$175,000 / 2019 / Education
Teach for America: Baltimore has been recruiting and developing teachers and leaders to expand educational opportunities for Baltimore’s children growing up in poverty since 1992. Today, there are 1,200 Teach for America alumni and teachers in Baltimore–80% continue to engage in work impacting low-income communities.This grant will continue TFA’s work in 1. recruiting top talent ( 90 new and diverse teachers–over 57% people of color); 2. building leaders in the classroom, schools and City (a total of 20 TFA principals and 3rd year teacher retention rate of 66%) and 3. Connecting TFA network to accelerate educational outcomes in Baltimore (launching a new network strategy).
The Annie E. Casey Foundation
$250,000 / 2019 / Community Development
The Annie E. Casey Foundation created a three-year strategy of pooled resources from multiple foundations to strengthen and support inclusive small business development technical assistance providers and Community Development Finance Institution small business lenders in Baltimore City. An annual cohort of six providers will receive staff and consultant support, technology improvements, marketing and fundraising assistance, and reporting system integration to strengthen the pipeline of small businesses qualified for loans in the $50,000 to $250,000 range, particularly focused on entrepreneurs of color.
The Community School
$20,000 / 2019 / Education
Certified in 2014 as a small non-public diploma-awarding high school, The Community School in Remington has successfully served students who have failed in Baltimore City Public Schools for over 30 years. This storefront school provides up to 24 14-19 year olds with an accelerated academic and mentoring high school program that reinforces basic skills, while individualized instruction builds knowledge and skills for college, competitive employment, and community contribution. Over 40 volunteers work individually with students, and The Community School boasts a daily attendance above 95% and a college enrollment rate of 65%.
