ACLU Foundation of Maryland, Inc.
On going support for ACLU’s criminal justice project to include efforts around ending the misuse of solitary confinement, expanding parole opportunities for individuals sentenced to life sentences, and encouraging meaningful family and community connections for iincarcerated individuals.
Job Opportunities Task Force
The Job Opportunities Task Force (JOTF) is an independent nonprofit organization that works to develop and advocate policies and programs to increase the skills, job opportunities, and incomes of low-skill, low-income Maryland workers and job seekers. In partnership with Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), JOTF operates Project JumpStart, a pre-apprenticeship construction program that provides low-income Baltimore City residents with 14 weeks of pre-apprenticeship training in plumbing, electrical and carpentry. With funding from the Abell Foundation, Project Jumpstart plans to serve 125 residents over six classes in two locations in Baltimore City. Approximately 80% of those who are enrolled will complete; 75% of those who complete will be placed into employment with wages averaging over $12/hr. For the past two years, 28% of those who are placed into employment have enrolled into the four-year ABC apprenticeship program. First-year apprentices earn between $12 and $16 per hour; with annual increases, by the time an apprentice graduates in four years and obtains journeymen status, he or she is earning $24 to $36 per hour.
CASH Campaign of Maryland
The CASH Campaign of Maryland (CASH) promotes economic advancement for low-to-moderate income individuals and families in Baltimore and across Maryland. Since 2001, CASH has worked to increase access to the Earned Income Tax Credit, a powerful work incentive and poverty-alleviation tool, lifting more families out of poverty than any other federal aid program. With funding from the Abell Foundation and others, CASH provides 10,000 Baltimore City households with free tax preparation, supporting 18 to 20 free tax preparation sites throughout Baltimore. CASH also works to build the assets of low-wage tax filers by providing financial education and coaching. CASH is also working to establish an Office of Financial Empowerment within Baltimore City government.
United Way of Central Maryland, Inc.
When wage earners in low-income families experience an increase in income, they often lose eligibility for certain benefits, resulting in a decrease in the gross resources available for the family; this is known as the “benefits cliff.” This grant supports research by the United Way and the Schaefer Center for Public Policy on the impact of the benefits cliff on Maryland working families.
South Baltimore Learning Center
The South Baltimore Learning Center (SBLC) has provided adult education services to Baltimore City residents for nearly three decades, serving more than 600 adult students each year. With funding from the Abell Foundation, SBLC plans to offer 12 classes at the Regional Skills Training Center (RSTC) located on Park Heights Avenue in West Baltimore. Classes will include three low literacy/low math classes designed for applicants that did not qualify for sector skills training programs located at the RSTC, three traditional pre-GED classes for eligible training participants, and three GED fast-track classes. SBLC’s goal is to provide effective instruction that will result in the grade level gains needed to access one of the sector training programs in the RSTC.