Baltimore ACORN/American Institute for Social Justice
$74,450 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
Toward staffing of the Environmental Justice Initiative, a lead paint abatement initiative. The program combines grassroots outreach, education, lead testing, and legal advocacy, in targeted, high-risk neighborhoods in the Park Heights area. By designing a self-assessment checklist and action plan for parents and day care providers, ACORN inspectors (with the consent of tenants) will test the properties for lead poisoning and file court orders to have landlords clean up properties not in compliance.
Alternative Directions, Inc.
$50,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
A challenge grant for support of the Turn Around Program (TAP), a transition program providing re-entry services, intensive case management, and empowerment training for female ex-offenders. On leaving prison, they may ask to participate in TAP as a condition of their parole. Upon returning to the community, they must make a one-year commitment to the program.
AIDS Interfaith Residential Services, Inc. (AIRS)
$12,500 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
To cover closing costs for the acquisition of two, single-family homes for low-income, homeless families living with HIV/AIDS. In addition to providing service-enriched, quality housing in stable neighborhoods, AIRS counselors assist clients with medical care, job training, income, and life-skills training.
Adopt A Block, Inc.
$49,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
For the purchase of a 24-foot panel truck, and for hiring and training a formerly homeless person to become its licensed driver. “A Can Can Make a Difference,” a component of Adopt A Block, distributes food to local outreach food programs, soup kitchens, churches, and homeless shelters. The truck is considered essential for picking up and distributing donated food.
Teach For America
$180,000 / 2004 / Education
For expenses related to the cost of recruiting, selecting, training, and building a support network for Teach For America corps members teaching in Baltimore City public schools. These recent college graduates make a two-year commitment and are offered an opportunity to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching at The Johns Hopkins University.