Family League of Baltimore

This week, at Buck Lodge Middle School, Maryland took a bold step toward dismantling child poverty. Gov. Wes Moore, flanked by Maryland Governor's Office for Children, Special Secretary Carmel Martin, Harlem Children's Zone Founder Geoffrey Canada, and State Senator Malcolm Augustine announced its inaugural ENOUGH grant awardees. The groundbreaking effort represents $13.1 million in grants targeting systemic barriers faced by children in Maryland.   Family League of Baltimore President and CEO Demaune Millard captured the initiative's significance: "This isn't just funding—it's a blueprint for transformation. We're moving beyond isolated interventions to a holistic approach that amplifies community voices and local expertise."   As Baltimore's Local Management Board, Family League is supporting 11 local awardees, including Cherry Hill Strong, Inc, Park Heights Renaissance, Child First Authority Inc, and Elev8 Baltimore. These organizations embody Baltimore's resilience, each strategically positioned to reimagine opportunity in our most challenged neighborhoods.   "We're building more than programs," Millard emphasized. "We're constructing pathways to economic stability, educational access, and community renewal."   Family League congratulates all ENOUGH Initiative awardees and looks forward to, as Governor Moore shared, "directly partnering in the work to create safe and thriving communities; support healthy and economically secure families; and ensure access to high-quality education. Because partnership produces progress – and nothing else does." Learn more here-> https://bit.ly/3DrxweP MAKING CONNECTIONS. IMPROVING LIVES.

Last week, Family League of Baltimore convened its Out-of-School Time (OST) Community Schools Bi-Monthly Meeting #2 at the City Schools Professional Development Center. The second in a series of convenings exemplified Family League’s commitment to front-line practitioner professional development, with participants engaging in workshops designed to enhance core competencies, including: Advocacy and Policy Change, Communications, Community Engagement and Coordination, Data-Driven Decision Making, Leadership and Capacity, Resource Development and Coordination. Special thanks to Baltimore City Councilwoman Phylicia Porter and Ellie Mitchell of the Maryland Out of School Time Network (MOST) for their impactful workshop, "Engaging Elected Officials in a Community School". Additionally, gratitude to Felecia Veale-Buckson M.A. of Helping Hands Training & Consulting Services for leading "Compassion Fatigue for Us"—a session that truly resonated with attendees. Kudos to Jenee Tucker, PMP, Senior Director of Community Impact, the Community Schools PD planning team, and the Community Schools lead agencies for putting together this programming event. The day also featured festive moments, with participants showcasing school spirit in anticipation of the Baltimore City Public Schools Choice Fair on December 14. Learn more-> https://bit.ly/3ZYtNi1 Together, we are empowering practitioners and strengthening Baltimore’s community school ecosystem! MAKING CONNECTIONS. IMPROVING LIVES. 📸 Photo credits: EscArtVibes & Felecia Veale-Buckson

As the holiday season unfolds, we are reminded of the deeper meaning behind our work: lifting communities, one family at a time. This week, we were fortunate to witness this spirit in action through moments that reflect the heart of Family League of Baltimore’s mission—envisioning a Baltimore where every child grows up in a thriving family. At Morgan State University, Jenee Tucker, PMP, our Senior Director of Community Impact, sat down for a special interview commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the School of Community Health and Policy (SCHP). During her conversation with Pinecone Creative Media, Jenee reflected on her nine-year journey with Family League, growing from grassroots work to leadership, and the meaningful partnership we share with Morgan (and she is a Morgan Bear). Highlighting initiatives like the Adaptive Village Small Grant Program and collaborative assessments that address urban health needs, this moment captured the shared vision of advancing health equity and empowering communities. This sense of purpose was equally evident in other efforts this week. Through Mayor Brandon M. Scott’s Thanksgiving Dinner Deliveries, our President and CEO, Demaune Millard, joined partners across Baltimore to distribute meals to families in need. That day he also visited The Y at Druid Hill, where Margo Nicolson and her team were providing healthy food access through the Y Fresh Mart, demonstrating the power of partnerships to meet immediate needs while fostering long-term community resilience. To given or volunteer, visit https://bit.ly/3AZ8u65   From The Y in Central Maryland to Morgan State University—and through countless other efforts across the organization—we are reminded of the impact that comes when we align with purpose. To our incredible staff—thank you. Each of our more than 40 team members embodies the spirit of this season, bringing passion, resilience, and heart to our shared mission. This holiday, we celebrate you and the impact of your work, which ripples out to families and communities across Baltimore. Together, we are building brighter futures. Happy holidays, and let’s continue to give, grow, and uplift. MAKING CONNECTIONS. IMPROVING LIVES.

New Funding Opportunity: FY25 Out-of-School Time Programming in Community Schools Family League of Baltimore is excited to announce a new Request for Applications (RFA) to partner with community-based organizations committed to advancing racial equity and delivering high-quality Out-of-School Time (OST) programming. This opportunity focuses on supporting youth in two of Baltimore’s community schools: -Booker T. Washington Middle School -Windsor Hills Elementary/Middle School At the heart of this initiative is a shared mission to ensure that Baltimore’s children and youth are healthy, ready to learn, and able to thrive in safe and supportive environments. Partners will design programs that: -Prevent negative outcomes while fostering youth and family strengths -Expand access to recreation and after-school services -Target the highest-need populations for maximum impact Application Deadline: December 17, 2024, by 4:00 PM EST Contribute to building stronger communities and creating a brighter future for Baltimore’s youth. For full details and to submit your application, click https://bit.ly/3OjIPIu MAKING CONNECTIONS. IMPROVING LIVES.

Doing What Matters: Honoring the Work Transforming Baltimore Last Thursday, Family League of Baltimore’s 33rd Annual Meeting brought together partners, supporters, and changemakers to celebrate progress and renew our collective commitment to the city we call home. With poignant remarks from Maryland Department of Human Services Secretary Rafael López (he/him/él), we reflected on the power of collaboration to address Baltimore’s most urgent challenges and chart a path toward equity and opportunity for all. At the heart of the evening were the seven honorees whose work exemplifies Family League’s core values: President’s Award: Dr. Yvonne Bronner, School of Community Health and Policy, Morgan State University, Stewardship Award: Learning How! Child Development Center, Performance Award: HealthCare Access Maryland, Respect Award: Arts for Learning Maryland, Innovation Award: The Family Recovery Program, Trust Award: Civic Works, Inc., Equity Award: Soccer Without Borders Maryland. Reflecting on the evening, Family League President and CEO Demaune Millard remarked, “Each honoree, each partner, and each supporter represents a thread in the fabric of Baltimore’s resilience. Together, we are weaving a brighter future—one where every child, every family, and every neighborhood has the opportunity to thrive. The work isn’t easy, but it’s necessary, and it’s possible when we come together with purpose and resolve.” This incredible evening would not have been possible without the support of sponsors— CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Enterprise Mobility Foundation, PNC Bank, Enterprise Community Partners, and Computer Services Unlimited (CSU)— whose commitment fuels Baltimore’s transformation. As we turn our eyes to 2025, we carry forward the momentum of this gathering, inspired by the voices, stories, and shared vision that define our work. MAKING CONNECTIONS. IMPROVING LIVES.

We are excited and honored to share that SWB Maryland received an award at the Family League of Baltimore’s 33rd Annual Meeting! This recognition celebrates SWB's invaluable contributions to Baltimore’s communities, reflecting our collective commitment to strengthening the lives of children and families across the city. The honor recognizes our efforts in exemplifying the Family League core value of Equity, for "applying a Racial Equity Lens to our policies, practices, and organizational culture; developing new practices; and rebuilding relationships that are based on a commitment to Justice and the Dismantling of Institutional Racism." Join us in extending a HUGE shout-out and congratulations to the staff, coach-mentors, participants, volunteers, donors, parents, and partners whose dedication and hard work make SWB Maryland an inspiration to all!

Doing What Matters! Lifting up the Work that is leading Baltimore’s Transformation, One Community at a Time! In the tapestry of Baltimore’s social landscape, there are moments when the threads of our collective efforts converge, creating a vibrant picture of progress and possibility. Family League of Baltimore’s 33rd Annual Meeting is one such moment—a beacon of hope on our ongoing journey to uplift our city’s most vulnerable. Every day, in classrooms, community centers, and homes across Baltimore, our grantees and funded partners engage in the hard-won battles of social change and community impact. These are our front-line heroes—social workers, educators, and community leaders—and on Thursday, November 14th we honor them.  Counting down the days. Congrats to this year's awardees-Yvonne Bronner, Learning How! Childcare Development Center, HealthCare Access Maryland, Arts for Learning Maryland, Civic Works, Inc., Soccer Without Borders Maryland! Read more about them here ->https://bit.ly/3YY8fBr

Doing What Matters! Lifting up the Work that is leading Baltimore’s Transformation, One Community at a Time! In the tapestry of Baltimore’s social landscape, there are moments when the threads of our collective efforts converge, creating a vibrant picture of progress and possibility. Family League of Baltimore’s 33rd Annual Meeting is one such moment—a beacon of hope on our ongoing journey to uplift our city’s most vulnerable. Every day, in classrooms, community centers, and homes across Baltimore, our grantees and funded partners engage in the hard-won battles of social change and community impact. These are our front-line heroes—social workers, educators, and community leaders—and on Thursday, November 14th we honor them.  Counting down the days. Congrats to this year's awardees-Yvonne Bronner, Learning How! Childcare Development Center, HealthCare Access Maryland, Arts for Learning Maryland, Civic Works, Inc., Soccer Without Borders Maryland! Read more about them here ->https://bit.ly/3YY8fBr

Back-to-school efforts in the Northeast have wrapped up and WOW, what an exciting ride it’s been. Access to high-quality professional learning is key for transformative change, and the efforts of local leaders to prepare/support their colleagues, partners, and communities to make schools as centers for creating communities where everyone belongs, works together, and thrives are worth celebrating. CT: Althea Brooks & Akia S. Callum, M.Ed organized an incredible FSCS Principal Retreat. As a team, the assistant superintendent, CS principals, CS Coord., & partners aligned goals, resources, & data to ensure impact.  MA: Congratulations to MA for launching its statewide Community Schools Coalition! They are officially “on the map” and are working hard to co-create and solidify its vision and values to guide future work. I expect great things from them. No pressure. 😊 MD: Special shout out to Paige Coressel and Howard County Public Schools on their CS 101 pd. Through intentional planning they covered national-state-and local landscapes and resources to support high quality implementation. Congrats to Jenee Tucker, PMP & Sheila Camm Drummond from City Schools on supporting Baltimore CS Coordinators. With over 150 Community Schools in Baltimore City, your ability to organize high-quality PD at scale and consistently is impressive. Lastly, thanks to Sue Fothergill from Attendance Works for inviting me to co-present at the MD Association Boards of Education Annual Conference. I look forward to Moving the Mark on Attendance via Community Schools! ME: In honor of #CoordinatorsRock, Maine organized a Hall of Flags event showcasing their local Community Schools. Dr. Helen Janc Malone & I co-facilitated a Think Tank meeting to explore “How might we design a state-wide collaborative leadership structure to advance and strengthen Community Schools?” NH: I presented at the Northern New England Rural Summit on Cultivating Authentic #FamilyEngagement in Community Schools; moving family engagement from transactional to transformational via #CommunitySchools. NY: CONGRATULATIONS to the Community School Coalition of Monroe County!  Joe and Kelly Sperduto are incredible leaders & an example of what it means to build local capacity. In addition to organizing their county, they help neighboring communities do the same. For those wondering what it would look like to build a collaborative system where Community Schools connect to a CS district-CS county-CS Region-CS State Coalition; look in NY!! PA is on the move! Pittsburgh Area Community Schools (PACS) encouraged friendly competition amongst its CS to utilize site-based leadership teams to address attendance issues. Pittsburgh Public School hosted its first district-wide CS Summit to reinforce what CS are & to improve alignment. Lastly, United Way of Erie County hosted an assembly celebrating Erie High as a Community School and thus having a full k-12 continuum of Community Schools in the city of Erie.  

Family League of Baltimore proudly joined the nationwide Lights on Afterschool initiative by the Afterschool Alliance to highlight the vital role Out-of-School Time (OST) programs play in empowering Baltimore’s youth! In our recent bi-monthly meeting, Family League's Community Impact team and OST Site Managers gathered to celebrate afterschool programs that ignite curiosity, build essential skills, and provide safe spaces for students across Baltimore. To honor the event, our staff and partners posed with arms raised in the shape of a light bulb 💡—a powerful symbol of the positive "light" afterschool programs bring to young lives. For over more than two decades, the Afterschool Alliance’s Lights on Afterschool has celebrated afterschool programs across the U.S. that support nearly 1 million students annually. These programs offer more than a safe space; they provide access to hands-on learning in STEM, arts, sports, career exploration, and much more, all contributing to a brighter future. Family League is committed to investing in quality OST programs across the City of Baltimore, partnering with Baltimore City Public Schools and local organizations. These OST initiatives address the unique needs of youth, from college readiness to social-emotional growth, serving diverse groups, including neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, and Opportunity Youth. Thank you to the Afterschool Alliance for 25 years of uplifting afterschool programs and to all our partners for championing this critical work. Together, we’re turning the lights on for a brighter tomorrow in Baltimore and beyond. #LightsOnAfterschool MAKING CONNECTIONS. IMPROVING LIVES.