Clergy United for the Transformation of Sandtown
Clergy United for the Transformation of Sandtown (CUTS) works across faith-based entities to improve the conditions in Sandtown-Winchester. Areas of programmatic focus include: housing, education, job training, youth programs and economic development. This grant supports CUTS’ efforts to secure professionalized staff whose work will focus on developing a sustainable revenue model that is centered around advancing programmatic priorities.
Center for Urban Families, Inc.
The Center for Urban Families (CFUF) is working with Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) to provide STRIVE graduates with better access to non-credit occupational skills training at BCCC. With funding from the Abell Foundation and the Kresge Foundation, CFUF and BCCC will launch BOOST, an initiative where STRIVE graduates will receive intensive case management as they complete noncredit certification programs in healthcare, transportation, IT, construction and human services at BCCC.
CASA de Maryland, Inc.
The Baltimore Welcome Center provides employment placement services for day laborers and low-income workers who begin to assemble early in the morning in the hope of being selected for jobs in construction, landscaping, home improvement, sanitation, and other day-to-day, physical labor-intensive jobs. In the coming year, CASA plans to place workers in 1,700 daily jobs, 40 temporary/seasonal jobs, and 35 permanent jobs; to provide 150 people with legal consultation on immigration, employment, or housing matters; to provide 500 people with basic financial education/counseling, and 300 low-income households with free tax preparation services; to educate 200 eligible Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs) about the naturalization process, and help 75 LPRs submit their naturalization application; and to provide 60 students with Mi Espacio after-school programming.
Byte Back
Byte Back is a Washington, DC nonprofit organization that trains low-income adults with no computer experience in learning the basic fundamental skills of how to turn on a computer, use a mouse and use Microsoft Office applications. Byte Back then works step by step with students to build upon those skills, preparing students to earn industry-recognized IT credentials. Byte Back has expanded to Baltimore, and with support from the Abell Foundation, plans to serve at least 100 Baltimore residents over the next year, placing 36 program graduates into jobs requiring IT skills. Byte Back plans to offer classes at Strong City Baltimore’s Adult Learning Center, the Center for Urban Families and Open Works. Byte Back also plans to offer onsite industry-recognized certification and apprenticeship training to 20 students at Green Street Academy.
BioTechnical Institute of Maryland, Inc.
Over the past year, 49 individuals enrolled into BioSTART, with 43 students (or 88%) completing the six-week program. All 43 students enrolled in the nine-week Lab Associates program. Of these students, 14 completed training, and 20 are completing their internships. BTI estimates that 70% of the graduates will be placed into research laboratory and manufacturing technician positions at an average wage of at least $14.75/hour. In the coming year, BTI plans to train 45 Baltimore residents, maintaining high job placement and retention rates of all graduates.