Maryland Food Bank
$25,000 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
For continued support and expansion of the School Pantry Program to 84 Baltimore City public schools. In exchange for volunteering in the schools, needy parents receive free bags of food when their monthly food stamps run out. Over the course of the school year, counselors connect participating parents to other community resources and soup kitchens, food pantries, and shelters in the immediate area. The parents are encouraged to attend nutrition education classes.
Baltimore Stars Coalition/AAU
$40,000 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the volunteer-operated Baltimore Stars Basketball Program for 120 inner-city boys, ages 8 to 17. The program provides opportunities to compete in AAU state and national basketball tournaments. In addition to teaching basketball skills, teamwork, and good sportsmanship, the Stars program provides educational support for players, including mentoring, tutoring, and SAT preparation.
Mission Possible Ministries, Inc.
$15,000 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
For electrical upgrades, fencing, and backyard concrete for three existing transitional houses that provide housing for 27 homeless men in West Baltimore. Residents are encouraged to develop life and job skills and work toward self-sufficiency.
Catholic Charities
$500,000 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
In support of the Project to Transform Lives program at My Sister’s Place Women’s Center (MSPWC) and for the Pathways to Hope Project at Our Daily Bread Employment Center (ODBEC). The programs are designed to expand basic services with on-site medical services and mental health treatment. MSPWC clients are encouraged to participate in budgeting, financial literacy, and adult education classes; ODBEC clients have the opportunity to participate in a variety of job training programs, including building maintenance, environmental services, commercial driver’s licenses, and weatherization tech training.
Northeast Youth Association
$5,000 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
Toward operating costs of a football league for youth ages five to 15 in the Mid-Govans community. The season starts in August with a two-hour practice five days a week during the summer, and three days per week during the school year, in addition to six Saturday games.