Past Grants

Seedco, Inc.

For the development of a customized EarnBenefits Baltimore, a web-based initiative to help low-wage workers in Baltimore City determine what federal and state benefits they qualify for, and how to apply for them. EarnBenefits Online is designed to streamline eligibility screening, application submission, and tracking of submitted applications. Low-wage workers will be encouraged to apply for under-utilized benefits such as tax credits, health insurance, Food Stamps, Maryland Energy Assistance Program Tel-life, child care, and the school lunch programs.

Second Chance Project, Inc.

To provide housing, employment, mental health services, and transportation to 300 ex-offenders released from Maryland State Correctional facilities. Second Chance will help ex-offenders obtain needed identification, including Social Security cards, Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) identification cards, and birth certificates. Second Chance will work with the Social Security Administration, the Department of Vital Records, the MVA, the Division of Corrections, and MOED to systematize the process by which ex-offenders obtain identification documents.

Rose Street Community Center

For continued support of rehabilitation services for ex-offenders, both adult residents recovering from substance abuse and youth residents at risk. The center provides transitional housing and case management to as many as 30 men per week, linking them to employment opportunities, providing stipends for living expenses, and opportunities for after-school and community activities.

Moveable Feast

For continued support of the Culinary Arts and Life Skills Training Program for unemployed and underemployed Baltimore City residents. Successful participants of the 12-week program, offered three times a year, receive certificates of completion of courses in culinary arts, CPR, first aid, and food handling. Graduates are placed in entry-level food service positions that pay at least $8.50 an hour, plus benefits.

Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED)

For support of the Ex-Offender Re-Entry Center in the Northwest Career Center. The Center, located at Mondawmin Mall in the Park Heights section of Baltimore City, will offer transitional support and employment-related services to ex-offenders in an effort to reduce recidivism. The Center will ensure that those served have identification documents, receive job procurement services and case management, and referrals to housing, substance abuse, health care, and legal services.