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A Call to Action: Moving Beyond Survival

Written By: Reginald Davis Interim Chief Executive Officer The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted every aspect of our lives and dramatically impacted the nonprofit organizations that play […]

Community Perspectives on Crime and Policing at Third Neighborhood Conversations Series

Please join us for “Community Perspectives on Crime and Policing,” our third and final Strong City Neighborhood Conversation of 2020! The event will take place Thursday, November […]

It’s Not Only About the President

President of the United States and Mayor of Baltimore are not the only important decisions facing Baltimore voters this year. There are also many ballot questions, […]

Neighborhood Conversations explore pandemic response, election challenges

After the COVID-19 pandemic forced cancellation of our annual Neighborhood Institute, Strong City launched a new program: Neighborhood Conversations. The first two Conversations were a big success, reaching a combined audience of well over […]

Strong City, Healthy Neighborhoods partner to support homeowners

Strong City Baltimore’s mission is to “build and strengthen neighborhoods and people,” and for the past 15 years one way we have done that is through our […]

Staff Member Adrian Phillips Voted Freshman Class President at Morgan

Strong City is excited to congratulate part-time staff member Adrian Phillips on winning the role of Freshman Class President at Morgan State University this fall! Adrian’s […]

Fall Festival Sun, Fun, and Community

This year’s Fall Festival, hosted by The Club at Collington Square, brought together families from the neighborhood and Strong City to celebrate community. Guests enjoyed food, […]

“The 2020 Election: Community Views and Challenges,” the second in our series of Strong City Neighborhood Conversations

Please join us for “The 2020 Election: Community Views and Challenges,” the second in our series of Strong City Neighborhood Conversations! Last month we kicked off the series […]

Readers Respond: Strong City Baltimore deserves our support

Published by The Baltimore Sun on September 25, 2020 As a longtime donor to Strong City Baltimore, I’d like to add some balance to Justin Fenton’s […]

As Census Winds Down, Strong City Makes Final Push for a Complete Count

For more than a year, Strong City has been proud to be a part of Baltimore’s official campaign to create awareness and encourage participation in Census […]

Focused on the Future

Statement of Interim CEO, Reginald Davis on 9/21/2020 Strong City’s Board of Directors, leaders and I carry with us daily the weight of knowing that our […]

Clubs Starts School Year With New Bus, Renovations, and Fall Festival

The Club at Collington Square started the school year with some excitement in the form a of a new bus. Club supporter Will Zerhouni donated the funds for the bus. […]

Community Schools Draw on Partnership and Preparation for a Strong Start to the Year

Strong City Baltimore employs three Community School Coordinators, at Guilford and Margaret Brent Elementary/Middle schools and Govans Elementary School. Each coordinator has been highly involved in […]

Census Ensures Sufficient Education Funding in Baltimore (and Across the Country)

Did you know that 42 separate federal programs rely on an accurate census count? Or that Baltimore stands to lose $18,000 for every resident not counted […]

Join Us for the First in Our Virtual Community Connection Series

Join us for the first in a series of Strong City Neighborhood Conversations! In the coming weeks, we will convene some of the most committed, innovative community leaders […]

Partnership with Department of Labor Ensures Adults in Baltimore Have the Technology They Need to Learn During the Pandemic

Thanks to the Maryland Department of Labor, and our elected leaders, the Strong City Baltimore’s Adult Learning Center (ALC) has received 68 new Dell Inspiron 2-in-1 […]

Club at Collington Summer Camp Brings Joy to Kids Struggling Through Pandemic

The Club at Collington has been open throughout the pandemic, connecting families with resources, providing academic enrichment and meals to scholars, and serving as a meal […]

The Club at Collington Square Community Remembers a Legend

Strong City Baltimore staff, scholars, neighbors, and family gathered on June 24, 2020 in the Hoen Lithograph Building parking lot to remember a pillar of The […]

Students Reconnect Safely at 29th Street Community Center Partial Opening

As the number of positive Coronavirus tests and severe COVID-19 cases dwindle in Maryland, The 29th Street Community Center (The Center) is doing some testing of […]

Kirk Gaddy, black Catholic educator and father figure to many, dies suddenly at 55

One of the final works of mercy of Dr. Kirk P. Gaddy’s life as a Catholic educator occurred June 13, when he helped transform St. Frances […]

ALC Joins Fight for Digital Equity

As schools, businesses, libraries and community centers have closed due to COVID-19, access to public computers has been completely cut off. This has left close to 60,000 […]

ALC Hosts Successful Virtual 2020 Achievement Night

A typical summer at Strong City’s Adult Learning Center would start off with the annual Achievement Night (ALC). Learners, some for the first time, would receive […]

A Message of Solidarity from Strong City Baltimore

Early last week, Baltimore and the nation were shaken by the tragic murder of George Floyd. His family remain in our thoughts and prayers at this […]

Club at Collington Serves as COVID-19 Food Distribution Site

The Club at Collington Square is an after-school program of Strong City that serves K through 12th grade students in the Collington Square neighborhood of East […]

Virtual Silent Auction for ALC Achievement Night

Every spring, Strong City Baltimore’s Adult Learning Center (ALC) celebrates learners’ graduation at Achievement Night. During this special event, family and friends watch as the learners […]

Voting — It’s All It’s Chalked Up To Be!

Guest post by Arianna Koudounas I am a firm believer in the power of sidewalk chalk. It’s accessible and whimsical; nimble and poetic. In recent weeks, […]

Celebrating Democracy Without Leaving Home

Guest post by Sam Novey and Tasmin Swanson at Baltimore Votes Baltimore Votes has a simple mission. We want every voter, in every precinct, to vote […]

Democracy Doesn’t Stop: Black Girls Vote’s Work Continues During COVID-19 Crisis

“You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.” – Shirley Chisholm The words of historic trailblazer […]

Civic Engagement Week Brings Attention to Elections, Census

Welcome to Strong City’s Civic Engagement Week!  The COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting our lives in countless ways. And yet, the work of building democracy and strengthening Baltimore continues. […]

Karen Stokes Retires After Almost 14 Years of Leadership

After overseeing Strong City Baltimore’s move to the Hoen Building in East Baltimore and its yearlong 50th anniversary celebration, Karen D. Stokes  is stepping down as CEO […]

New Book From Strong City Describes ‘Stories of Neighborhood Transformation’

As part of Strong City’s yearlong 50th anniversary celebration, we are releasing a book describing how our organizing strategies have supported community-led visions for neighborhood change. The volume, titled Building Blocks: Stories of Neighborhood Transformation, will be available soon […]

Strong City Baltimore Adjusts Operations to Limit Spread of COVID-19

Media Inquiries: Samantha Solomon, ssolomon@strongcitybaltimore.org Strong City Baltimore is adjusting its operations to follow the restrictions and best practices laid out by Maryland officials in response […]

PRESS RELEASE: Neighborhood Institute 2020 Postponed due to Concerns Over Spread of COVID-19

Media Inquiries: Samantha Solomon, ssolomon@strongcitybaltimore.org Strong City Baltimore is postponing Neighborhood Institute 2020 (NI2020), originally scheduled for March 28th at Baltimore City Community College (BCCC), in […]

PRESS RELEASE: Adult Learning Center Cancels Classes Due to COVID-19

Media Inquires: Samantha Solomon ssolomon@strongcitybaltimore.org Digital Media and Communications Manager This post was updated on March 19, 2020. As a result of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 […]

New Chief of Staff Reggie Davis Connects Inner Workings to Mission Achievement

Strong City Baltimore helps people and organizations to be more effective and efficient – through human development at the Adult Learning Center, skill sharing at Neighborhood […]

Full List of Tracks and Workshops Announced for Neighborhood Institute 2020

Neighborhood Institute, Strong City Baltimore’s annual skill-building conference for neighborhood leaders, activists, and nonprofit professionals, is just five weeks away! This year we have a new venue, new partners, and a […]

As veteran staffers Tyson Garith and Karen DeCamp depart, each leaves a powerful legacy

Even as Strong City celebrates moving into our beautiful new space, it is a bittersweet time as we say farewell to two of our longest-tenured staff […]

After more than four years of planning, staff move into the Hoen Lithograph Building

We made it!   More than four years of preparation and partnership paid off two weeks ago when Strong City officially reopened in our new space. It’s hard to believe that less than […]

January News Bites and Events from the Strong City Community

Have You Read Our 2019 Impact Report?  Take a look back at the impact of our work over fiscal year 2019, and get a preview of our […]

Strong City Baltimore is getting a new home, but its mission is the same

Originally published in The Baltimore Sun on 12/27/19. More than 50 years ago, a group of anchor institutions and residents in north-central Baltimore organized with the […]

Press Release: Strong City Baltimore Relocates to Historic Hoen Lithograph Building on East Side

For Immediate Release  Media Inquiries: Samantha Solomon, ssolomon@strongcitybaltimore.org, 301-706-0445  After 50 years in Charles Village, the grassroots nonprofit Strong City Baltimore is opening a new chapter in its […]

Executive Director Jesse Schneiderman Brings New Vision for ALC’s Future in East Baltimore

As the new Executive Director of Strong City Baltimore’s Adult Learning Center, Jesse Schneiderman isn’t going “back to school.” The fact is, he never left.  Jesse, who […]

NNFS Annual Gathering Reflects Growth and Depth in the Fiscal Sponsorship Industry

Fiscal sponsors from across the country convened in Philadelphia at the end of October for the National Network of Fiscal Sponsors (NNFS) National Gathering. In this […]

Karen Stokes on Strong City’s Future at the Hoen Building in East Baltimore

With Strong City’s much-anticipated move to the Hoen Lithograph Building just weeks away, we sat down with CEO Karen D. Stokes to hear from her why […]

November News Bites from the Strong City Community

Last Chance to Apply for City Census Grant Strong City is partnering with Baltimore City’s Complete Count Committee to ensure maximum awareness of and participation in […]

October News Bites from the Strong City Community

Dance and Bmore Director To Be Honored CJay Philip, Artistic Director of Dance & Bmore, will be honored as an Arts Advocate at ArtsCentric’s Annual Gala […]

Strong City Presents Discussion Panel on Neighborhood Change

Neighborhoods are constantly changing. How does Baltimore’s history of redlining and segregation continue to affect housing patterns today? Is gentrification inevitable? And what are people doing […]

Strong City’s 15 Millionth Dollar Creates Sensory Thrills at Charm City Night Market

The second annual Charm City Night Market on Saturday, September 21, was a feast for the senses: Colorful lanterns and costumed dancers. Mochi-stuffed waffles and steamed-bun […]

Neighborhood Institute Coming to BCCC in March 2020 With Theme of ‘Building Civic Power’

Neighborhood Institute is back! Strong City Baltimore’s signature annual event is returning in spring 2020 with a new venue, new partners, and a special focus on […]

We don’t need legislation to crack down on anonymous owners of Baltimore’s vacant property

By Peter Duvall Originally published in The Baltimore Sun on September 3, 2019 A well-intentioned bill introduced by Baltimore City Councilman Kristerfer Burnett would require owners of […]

Effect on Strong City of Ransomware Attack and Proactive Audit of Associated Black Charities

This post was updated on October 18, 2019. Baltimore City and its nonprofit and philanthropic sectors have been challenged by several chaotic events between May and September. The most […]

Reflections from our summer Student Leaders

This summer Strong City is hosting four Bank of America Student Leaders. Our leaders are from local high schools and join 220 other students around the […]

‘Strong Voices, Strong City’ concert honors a legacy of faith-based work in Greater Homewood

Strong City Baltimore CEO Karen D. Stokes likes to say that great things often start in church basements. The first Strong City Neighborhood Institute, back in […]

New Relationships, Expanded Services for City’s Judy Centers

Strong City recently expanded on its already strong relationships with Baltimore’s Judy Centers – early childhood programs housed in a number of Baltimore City Public Schools. […]

Strong City Welcomes 8 New Fiscally Sponsored Projects as Part of First ‘Start Up Track’

Strong City recently welcomed eight new fiscally sponsored projects as part of our first-ever “Start Up Track.” The new projects in our 2019 Spring Start Up […]

Completion of Hoen Project Gets a Boost With $1.6 Million Federal Infrastructure Grant

Monday, June 10 was an exciting day at the Hoen Lithograph Building in East Baltimore. The former industrial complex that will serve as Strong City’s future home was […]

Monumental Achievement: FORCE Brings Monument Quilt to D.C. for First-Ever Display of All 3,000 Survival Stories

Years of work, hundreds of volunteers, and thousands of stories of trauma and survival came together from May 31 to June 2 on the National Mall […]

Maryland Daily Record: Trump administration chips in $1.6M for Hoen & Co. Lithograph Building

By: Adam Bednar Daily Record Business Writer June 10, 2019 John C. Fleming, U.S. assistant secretary of commerce for economic development, says the Hoen & Co. project could […]

Maryland Odyssey Project Brings Classic Text to Life, Inspires Creative Responses by Baltimore Students

It took almost 3,000 years for a female scholar to translate one of Western literature’s most famous stories into English, but it hasn’t taken long for […]

Middle-School Students From Guilford and Walter P. Carter Get a Taste of College Life at Loyola University Maryland

Last month, students from Guilford Elementary/Middle School and Walter P. Carter Elementary/Middle School visited nearby Loyola University Maryland. Annie Weber, Strong City’s Community School Site Coordinator […]

Outta Sight! Good Time Is Had By All as Strong City Celebrates 50 Years, Kicks Off Capital Campaign

Strong City launched its 50th anniversary year in style on May 4th, as hundreds of guests enjoyed Get On Up!, a 1969-themed party in the unique space […]

As Baltimore Corps goes independent, looking back on an extraordinary partnership

Many in this city are familiar with the remarkable success of Baltimore Corps, which in just five years has established itself as a powerful force for […]

Get On Up! With Strong City, May 4 at the Hoen Building

It’s not every day that a nonprofit turns 50, and it’s not every day that it moves from its longtime home to an exciting, new location […]

New “Start Up Track” Provides More Resources, Greater Efficiency for Fiscally Sponsored Projects

Serving as a fiscal sponsor to more than 130 community-led initiatives is a primary way Strong City carries out its mission of building and strengthening neighborhoods […]

NEWFit Brings Wellness, Athletics, Structured Recess To Students in 75 Baltimore City Schools

Kevin Anderson didn’t begin with the goal of starting a nonprofit to bring afterschool athletics, structured recess, and wellness programs to Baltimore City schools that were lacking those programs.

Strong City’s New ‘Cohort Track’ Better Serves Beginning Fiscally Sponsored Projects

We are about to introduce significant changes to how we integrate new fiscally sponsored projects, which will benefit both the projects and Strong City as a whole.

Govans Elementary Team Wins Regional LEGO Robotics Competition

The Govans Elementary School Robotics Team won top honors in the FIRST LEGO League regional competition on January 26, taking both First Place in Robot Performance and the Champions Award – the highest award at the competition, recognizing the team’s commitment to core values, excellence, and innovation.

Progress Report on Strong City’s Anti-Racism Collective Work With the Rev. Eric P. Lee

Strong City Baltimore is engaged in a long-term process toward becoming an organization that is not only non-discriminatory but is actively anti-racist. The Strong City Anti-Racist […]

Strong City-backed Greenmount Ave. LINCS plan moves forward

Greenmount Avenue is one of Baltimore’s most important north-south corridors. It once was a thriving hub of commercial activity and civic life – and could be […]

Hoen Deal Closes — Strong City Is Moving to East Baltimore

Efforts to revitalize once-thriving East Baltimore took a big step forward this week with the completion of financial arrangements to renovate the Hoen Lithograph Building in the Collington Square neighborhood.

Q&A with Danielle Torain of the Baltimore Children and Youth Fund

Strong City: How did the idea for the Baltimore Children and Youth Fund come about? Danielle Torain: In 2015, the Youth Fund was proposed following the […]

With Baltimore Children and Youth Fund Award, Moving History Moves Toward Making a Bigger Impact

Year after year, Breai Mason-Campbell taught African dance to first-graders in Sandtown-Winchester. Year after year, on the first day of school, she would begin by asking […]

Youth Fund Award Allows YES to Expand Services

Blair Franklin envisions a day when there is little need for homeless services for Baltimore City youth. As Executive Director of the Youth Empowered Society (YES) […]

Project Spotlight: Young Poets of Dew More Baltimore Combine Art With Activism — and Bring Home the Prizes

By Mike Cross-Barnet Is poetry dead? When you think about poets, do you imagine pale young men in 19th century England, bemoaning unrequited love and slowly […]

White Boy Magic

Ive written an ode To the wondrous world Of White Boy Magic……. So much fantasy It might as well be fiction in the first place But […]

Project Spotlight: ‘Charm City’ Documentary Finds Hope in Harsh Reality of Violence and Policing in Baltimore

By Mike Cross-Barnet Before Freddie Gray’s death, before the Baltimore Uprising, before the consent decree and the Gun Trace Task Force scandal and 300 homicides a […]

Gee Gee Spreads Her Wings: From Mentee to Mentor to Leader

Gee Gee Burnside’s day often starts at 4 or 5 a.m. She spends the morning working as a certified nursing assistant, taking care of a roster […]

Sharing a Service Adventure, From Baltimore to Peru

By Maggie Switzer (with Erin Thomas) Upon graduating from college in 2016, I knew I wanted to do a year or two of service. I turned […]

With a New Principal in the Office and a New Building on the Horizon, Fast-Improving Govans Elementary Moves into the Future

Imagine you’re a principal trying to get ready for the new school year. It’s a big challenge – a thousand different tasks to get done, a […]

Making her Mark: Community artist Tamara Payne helps lead Harwood’s revival

By Mike Cross-Barnet Tamara Payne says that before 2007, “I didn’t even know there was a ‘Harwood.’” That seems amazing now, considering the strong influence her […]

Summer brings longer days, more kids, nonstop activity at The Club

Vanessa Williams can spare a moment – but just a moment – to let you know how things are going at The Club at Collington Square, […]

School’s out — but not for Guilford Community School Coordinator Annie Weber

What does a community school coordinator do when school’s out for the summer? Plenty. Just ask Annie Weber, CSC at Guilford Elementary/Middle School and one of […]

“Surrounded by peace” — a summer camp focused on building a conflict-free world

It’s Monday morning on a warm July day, and the A/C is out of commission. You might expect a group of several dozen kids – ages […]

ALC achiever Joyce Bates an inspiration to her kids — and her mom

When Strong City’s Adult Learning Center holds its annual Achievement Night on Tuesday, June 12th, you can count on Joyce Bates being there. She passed all […]

Strong City Staff Spotlight: Barclay Community Builder Farajii Muhammad

By Mike Cross-Barnet Baltimore native Farajii Muhammad has founded a youth-run, youth-serving nonprofit; become a local media personality, first with a weekly and now with a […]

Fiscally sponsored project spotlight: AZIZA/PE&CE

By Mike Cross-Barnet When AZIZA/PE&CE received the award for “Project to Watch” at Strong City Baltimore’s 11th annual Neighborhood Institute on April 14th, a lot of […]

Keeping it positive and inclusive at Remington’s sweet spot

By Robyn Githui Sweet 27 has been a staple in the Remington neighborhood for over eight years. When I arrived at the café on West 27th […]

Progress Report on Strong City’s Anti-Racism Collective Work With the Rev. Eric P. Lee

Strong City Baltimore is engaged in a long-term process toward becoming an organization that is not only non-discriminatory but is actively anti-racist. The Strong City Anti-Racist […]

Strong City-backed Greenmount Ave. LINCS plan moves forward

Greenmount Avenue is one of Baltimore’s most important north-south corridors. It once was a thriving hub of commercial activity and civic life – and could be so again, thanks to investments the city is making and the advocacy work of community members and Strong City Baltimore.

Strong City Baltimore supports immigrants and refugees

Encouraging fear and hatred of immigrants goes against everything Strong City Baltimore stands for. Our mission is building and strengthening neighborhoods and people in Baltimore. Immigrants […]

Impact Taskforce: What Was Learned, What Comes Next

In July 2015, three months after the Baltimore Uprising that drew national attention to our city, the Corporation for National and Community Service approached Strong City […]

Coffee, creativity, and community

Andre Mazelin’s goal in life was not to own a coffeehouse. He was happy enough in his job as Operations Director for the Creative Alliance. But when […]

Overseas flavor, home-grown opportunity

After the unrest that tore through Baltimore in April 2015, Mohammed Agbodjogbe knew he had to do something to help his adopted home city. Since arriving […]

Fighting racism is part of our work

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. All of us at Strong City Baltimore are distressed by how violence pervades our society. We are angered […]

Community Wealth Building In Action

Florist committed to local sourcing branches out by joining Foodify Gertrude Stein declared that “a rose is a rose is a rose.” Ellen Frost might have something […]

Greenmount LINCS

In 2015, Strong City Baltimore asked the City to pull together an effort to plan improvements for the Greenmount corridor 29th Street south to Johnston Square. Greenmount […]

Sponsor Spotlight: Seawall Development Company

The GHCC Blog Team recently checked in with Thibault Manekin of Seawall Development Company to talk about the importance of community-driven development and how Seawall is making […]

The ALC’s Catherine Mahan awarded Volunteer of the Year by M.A.A.C.C.E.

The GHCC Blog Team recently caught up with the Adult Learning Center’s Catherine Mahan, who was recently awarded the 2015 Volunteer Award from the Maryland Association […]

GHCC Staff Spotlight: Teddy Edouard

The GHCC Blog Team recently caught up with Gusman “Teddy” Edouard , Assistant Director of GHCC’s Adult Learning Center. Teddy was recently awarded a COABE Scholarship Award […]

Neighborhood Institute Workshop Preview: “Making the Most of Your Higher Eds” – A Panel Discussion

If your community is looking to ensure successful partnerships with local higher education anchor institutions, “Making the Most of Your Higher Eds”, a panel discussion led […]

Hands-On STEM Education at the 29th Street Community Center

Over the past several months, a group of dedicated students at the 29th Street Community Center have been participating in Maryland Science Olympiad (MSO). MSO is an […]

Neighborhood Institute Workshop Preview: “Oh Captain, My Captain” by Lottie Sneed

If your neighborhood is looking to start or grow a block captain network, “Oh Captain, My Captain” led by GHCC’s own Lottie Sneed is the workshop […]

Neighborhood Institute Workshop Preview: “So Many Liquor Stores, So Little Space” by Cassie Greisen

If your neighborhood is looking to address problems of alcohol outlet density and nuisance, “So Many Liquor Stores, So Little Space” led by Cassie Greisen, will […]

AmeriCorps VISTA Spotlight: Laquesha Wright

Laquesha Wright is a GHCC sponsored AmeriCorps VISTA serving at Maryland New Directions (MND) in Baltimore City to improve client relationships through a client focus program […]

Neighborhood Institute Workshop Preview: “It’s More Than Just a Newsletter” by Kathy Nelson

If you are trying to improve your community’s communication methods, “It’s More Than Just a Newsletter” led by Kathy Nelson, is for you. To participate in this […]

Neighborhood Institute Workshop Preview: “Orchards and Food Forests” by Ben Howard

If you are looking for a new and creative use for vacant space in your neighborhood, “Orchards and Food Forests: the Whats, Hows, and Whys” led […]

Neighborhood Institute Workshop Preview: “Internet for All” by Philip Spevak

If you are interested in bringing high-speed, low-cost internet to all Baltimore residents, “Internet for All” led by Philip Spevak, this workshop is for you! To […]

Neighborhood Institute Workshop Preview: “Design in Detail” by Laura Wheaton

If you are looking to plan a long-term community project of any size, the “Design in Detail” workshop led by Laura Wheaton, Program Manager at the […]

AmeriCorps*VISTA Spotlight: Dominiece Johnson

GHCC-sponsored VISTA Dominiece, serving with My Sister’s Circle in Baltimore, shares about what led her to service and what she’s learned since. My name is Dominiece and […]

Neighborhood Institute Workshop Preview: “Beautify Your Block” with Kari Snyder

If you and your neighbors are looking to improve your block, ‘Beautify Your Block’ by Kari Snyder of Southeast CDC will give you some creative ideas for […]

Neighborhood Institute Workshop Preview: “Bringing Families to Baltimore” by Steven Gondol and Annie Milli

If your neighborhood is looking to better attract young families and new homeowners, ‘Bringing Families to Baltimore’ by Steve Gondol and Annie Milli of Live Baltimore […]

Neighborhood Institute Workshop Preview: “Come Love a Forest Patch” by Katie Lautar

If you are looking to protect the natural beauty and biodiversity of your neighborhood, ‘Come Love a Forest Patch’ would be perfect for you! To participate in […]

Neighborhood Institute Workshop Preview: “Baltimore by the Numbers” by Seema Iyer

“Baltimore by the Numbers” led by Seema Iyer is always one of the most popular offerings at the Neighborhood Institute – if you are looking for […]

Neighborhood Institute Workshop Preview: “Community Organizing for Change” by Kristerfer Burnett

If you and your neighbors are looking for ways to tackle tough community issues, this workshop will better equip you to implement a powerful collective action […]

Neighborhood Institute Workshop Preview: “It Starts with Story” by Peter Davis Branding

If you are looking to expand the reach and tighten the message of your organization, this workshop will be critical for expanding your branding toolkit. To attend […]

Neighborhood Institute Workshop Preview: “Know and Grow Your Volunteers” by Elisha Hawk, Jaclyn Range, and Annie Kaplan

Are you struggling to attract attendees to your general meetings? Is it difficult to get participants to volunteer for your organization’s events? If so, “Know and […]

Neighborhood Institute Workshop Preview: “Writing for Community Advocacy” by Claudia Diamond

If you are a local resident or nonprofit professional looking to improve the quality of your persuasive emails and letters, “Effective Writing for Community Leaders” by […]

Neighborhood Institute Workshop Preview: “Combating Blight in Your Neighborhood” by Peter Duvall

If your neighborhood is looking to address problem and vacant properties, this workshop will help you understand your options. Register for the Neighborhood Institute and help improve […]

Sponsor Spotlight: Pessin Katz Law

The GHCC blog team recently checked in with Pessin Katz Law (PK Law) about giving back to the community and the 29th Street Community Center.  Can […]

Sponsor Spotlight: UPD Consulting

The GHCC Blog Team recently caught up with Douglass Austin of UPD Consulting to talk about the benefits of city living, understanding community needs, and the […]

AmeriCorpsVISTA Spotlight: Christophe Valcourt

Christophe Valcourt is a GHCC sponsored AmeriCorps VISTA serving at The St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center in Baltimore City to expand the scope of the financial education program to […]

AmeriCorps VISTA Spotlight: Tina Olayimika

Tina Olayimika is a GHCC sponsored AmeriCorps VISTA serving at The Intersection in Baltimore City through the development and implementation of a college and career preparation program. My name is Tina […]

Sponsor Spotlight: MedStar Union Memorial Hospital

The GHCC Blog Team caught up with MedStar Union Memorial Hospital to talk about community health, the 29th Street Community Center, and hand and heart care.  […]

Sponsor Spotlight: The Beliveau Group

The GHCC Blog Team caught up with Tina Beliveau, owner and team leader of The Beliveau Group (and one of our preferred realtors) to discuss city living, […]

Sponsor Spotlight: Urban Teacher Center

Our blog team caught up with Kathleen Richardson, Executive Director of Urban Teacher Center, Baltimore (UTC) to discuss the role of quality teachers and quality schools in […]

Community Center awarded for innovation

Each year, the Community Development Network of Maryland (CDN) honors organizations around the state engaging in extraordinary community development work. CDN Awards of Excellence highlight organizations […]

Planting Seeds of Progress

By Lottie Sneed I took a family – mother and daughter to apply for a housing programs that assists with stabilizing structures, addressing heating issues.  They […]

This is what community building looks like

When local leaders and elected officials gathered to kick-off Community Development Week at GHCC’s 29th Street Community Center on October 20, what they witnessed was community […]

NARSAAH Conference: Informing and Empowering Resident Leadership

The National Alliance of Resident Services in Affordable and Assisted Housing (NARSAAH) held its annual conference this year in Atlanta.  Thanks to the generosity of the […]

Homewood Gardners Celebrate a Great Year

Started in 2011, Homewood Gardens is a collaborative effort led by community members, GHCC staff, and local stakeholders. This year, the group decided on a new […]

A fond farewell to Allison Wilhite

In this week’s VISTA spotlight blog, we want to highlight Allison Wilhite who recently exited service after three years as a GHCC VISTA, including two years […]

Women’s Empowerment Conference comes to Barclay

On July 24, GHCC and AHC Baltimore held the first Women’s Empowerment Conference.  While the targeted audience was young adult women between the ages of 18 […]

AmeriCorps*VISTA Spotlight: Tom Pfeifer

GHCC thanks Tom Pfeifer, VISTA Leader, for his year of service to our program. Read below for his recap of what brought him to serve and […]

AmeriCorps*VISTA Spotlight: Toney Dixon

As the Affordable Care Act Outreach Coordinator for Charm City Clinic, Toney Dixon is helping connect underserved and low-income Baltimore city residents with healthcare options and […]

Sponsor Spotlight: Joe’s Bike Shop

Our blog team caught up with Joe Traill, owner of Joe’s Bike Shop, to hear a bit about what he loves about North Baltimore, and cycling […]

AmeriCorps*VISTA Spotlight: Angela Mack

Angela Mack is a GHCC sponsored AmeriCorps*VISTA serving at The Magic Johnson Community Empowerment Center in Bladensburg, MD. I was born and raised in Washington, DC […]

Waverly Elementary/Middle Arts Program is a Huge Success!

On June 8th, students from Waverly Elementary/Middle School gathered with their families, community members, and local artists at the Episcopal Cathedral of the Incarnation for a […]

Neighborhood Institute Sponsor Spotlight: Healthy Neighborhoods

Barbara Aylesworth is the Senior Programs Officer at Healthy Neighborhoods  Tell us a bit about Healthy Neighborhoods, how long has the program been around and when […]

AmeriCorps*VISTA Spotlight: Boi-Baindu Robin

From West Africa to West Baltimore, GHCC-sponsored VISTA Boi-Baindu Robin shares about why VISTA service is a challenge worth pursuing. My name is Boi-Baindu Robin, and […]

Sponsor Spotlight: Miss Shirley’s Cafe

Noted for beautiful presentation, exceptional service, and award-winning dishes, Miss Shirley’s Café has grown into a Baltimore landmark sought out by both locals and visitors alike.  […]

24th Annual Adult Learning Center Achievement Event

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” – William Arthur Ward. Intake and Assessment specialist JoAnn McKinney […]

AmeriCorps*VISTA Sponsor Spotlight: Lily Ross

Lily Ross is a GHCC sponsored AmeriCorps*VISTA serving at Arts on the Block.  About a year ago, I was graduating college and trying to figure out […]

Sponsor Spotlight: Evergreen Health Center

Evergreen Health Care is a non-profit that operates a number of health centers in he Baltimore area. Dr. Manisha Sharma, who shared Evergreen’s story with us, is […]

Sponsor Spotlight: The Villages of Homeland West

GHCC Blog team caught up with the Villages of Homeland West community Association President, Helene Breazeale, to learn a bit more about their “oasis” of a […]

Neighborhood Institute Sponsor Spotlight: Black Male Engagement

Rodney Foxworth is the Baltimore Manager at BMe. He helps make Baltimore a more caring and prosperous city by identifying and funding dozens of inspired black men, […]

Barclay is on the Move!

With the support and dedication of Lottie Sneed, GHCC’s Barclay Community Builder, residents in the Barclay neighborhood continue to make strides in building and stronger, and […]

Sponsor Spotlight: Davey Tree

Tell us a bit about your business and the services that you offer? Davey Tree is a tree and lawn care service established in 1880, featuring […]

AmeriCorps*VISTA Spotlight: Tyler Block

The Center for Educational Outreach wants all kids to have a love of science, technology, engineering and math, also known as STEM.  We believe STEM education […]

Margaret Brent Music Program

Marion Jackson, Charles Village resident, and grandmother to Margaret Brent Elementary/Middle School 4th grader Maliyah Jackson, was ecstatic when she received news that the instrumental music […]

Neighborhood Institute Sponsor Spotlight: Herman’s Discount

Tell us a bit about your store, how long you’ve been on Greenmount Ave, and how you came to be there? Herman’s Discount is small family […]

Sponsorship Spotlight: Tuscany Canterbury Neighborhood Association

  Sue Talbott is the Co-President of the Tuscany Caterbury Neighborhood Association, a member of the GHCC Advisory board, and long time involved community member. We […]

Community Design Lab comes to the Neighborhood Institute

The Community Design Lab (CDL) brings together diverse groups of leaders and social entrepreneurs to facilitate conversation aimed at generating ideas that create change and help […]

Sponsor Spotlight: Eddie’s Market of Charles Village

  Eddie’s Market Charles Village located on the 3100 block of St. Paul street has been serving the Charles Village community for decades. Owner Jerry Gordon […]

Neighborhood Institute Sponsor Spotlight: The Inn at the Colonnade

For the third year in a row The Inn at the Colonnade generously donated their beautiful space to host Greater Homewood’s Neighborhood Institute. We continue to […]

AmeriCorps*VISTA Spotlight: Kate McGrain

Inspired to serve Baltimore during her years at Loyola University Maryland, GHCC-Sponsored VISTA Kate McGrain is the Volunteer Coordinator at Soccer Without Borders (SWB) Baltimore. Founded […]

Goucher Mentoring

Each week throughout the school year, 12-15 students from Barclay join in a mentoring partnership with Goucher students and spend a day together in enrichment activities.  […]

Community Schools Program Spotlight: Read-A-Story/Write-A-Story

Through our Community Schools program, GHCC collaborates with over 80 partners to bring  innovative learning opportunities into local public schools. Goucher College is one of those many […]

Neighborhood Institute Sponsor Spotlight: Roland Park Driving School

Patrick Francis is the founder of the Roland Park Driving School, which offers a  full complement of driver education services — from classroom and on road […]

AmeriCorps*VISTA Spotlight: Rebecca Seel

Rebecca Seel relocated from New York to serve as the GHCC-Sponsored VISTA at GapBuster, Inc. in Prince George’s County. Read about how opportunities she received as […]

Neighborhood Institute Sponsor: City Church

Patrick Donohue is the leader of City Church Presbyterian, a church planting initiative focused on building community in North Baltimore. A life long Baltimorean with a […]

Neighborhood Institute Sponsor Spotlight: Mahan Rykiel and Associates

Mahan Rykiel Associates is an award-winning landscape architecture, urban design and planning firm with offices in Baltimore, Maryland and Hong Kong. We recently caught up with […]

Neighborhood Institute Sponsor Spotlight: Falkenhan’s Hardware

Deb Falkenhan has owned and operated Falkenhan’s Hardware in Hamden for nearly 16 years. We caught up with her to learn a little more about what […]

Life After VISTA

GHCC AmeriCorps*VISTA leaders Tom Pfeifer and Allison Wilhite  took some time to reflect on the recent Life After VISTA event that took place at City Hall […]

Neighborhood Institute Sponsor Spotlight: CVCA

  Sandy Sparks is the president of the Charles Village Civic Association. A long time resident of the area and advocate for the community, we were […]

UM Urban Studies and Planning Students visit GHCC

This is a guest post from community resident Howie Baum. A professor of Urban Studies and Planning at the University of Maryland College Park, Howie took […]

AmeriCorps*VISTA Spotlight: Michael Jefferson

Michael Jefferson is an AmeriCorps*VISTA member serving with the Youth Empowered Society (YES) in Baltimore, MD. Founded and run by formerly homeless youth and their allies, […]

Jump for Joy at the 29th Street Community Center

The 29th Street Community Center is incredibly privileged to have Charles Village resident Kim Landes as a program provider and leader of Jump for Joy. She […]

Barclay Greening Efforts in Full Gear

If you didn’t know before, hear us now – Barclay has a green team! A green team is a group of committed residents who are working […]

Neighborhood Institute Sponsor Spotlight: Telesis Corp.

Catherine Stokes is the Senior Project Manager and Director of Telesis’ Baltimore Office. We caught up with her to talk about her work and the Redevelopment […]

Neighborhood Institute Sponsor Spotlight: Downtown Baltimore Family Alliance

Propelled by the belief that thriving, connected families are the key to vibrant communities, the Downtown Baltimore Family Alliance fosters and promotes family life in Baltimore’s […]

AmeriCorps*VISTA Spotlight: Annette Toro

Annette Toro is GHCC-Sponsored VISTA member at Unchained Talent , which provides performing arts mentoring program for at-risk youth in Northeast Baltimore City. Here, Annette explains how […]

Neighborhood Institute Sponsor Spotlight: The Chesapeake

After being closed for nearly 25 years, the historic Chesapeake restaurant was purchased by new owners in 2010 and re-opened in June 2013. The Chesapeake generously […]

Neighborhood Institute Sponsor Spotlight – Donna’s Charles Village

Donna’s Charles Village got this year’s Neighborhood Institute off to a great start with hot coffee and an array of delicious baked goods. Thank you again […]

29CC Spotlight: Deborah Thompson Zumba

If a fusion of fitness, entertainment and culture mixed into exhilarating dance is what you’re looking for, then Zumba is for you. A new program at the […]

AmeriCorps*VISTA Spotlight: Torey Repetski

Torey Repetski, GHCC-Sponsored VISTA member at The Housing Authority of the City of Frederick, credits her family with shaping her love of service. Read below to learn […]

Neighborhood Institute Workshop Spotlight – Fundraise for Community Change

You’ve got great ideas for your neighborhood, but who’s going to pay for them? Learn how to effectively fundraise and turn those ideas into reality with […]

Neighborhood Institute Workshop Spotlight – Social Networking with Your Neighbors

Join Nextdoor Baltimore Organizer Robert Yochem to learn how to use social media to develop stronger relationships with your neighbors. In addition, join a discussion on […]

Barclay School students are science champions!

The Charm City Science League (CCSL) is on a mission to bring science and math to life. Why? Because these subjects are critical to students succeeding […]

Neighborhood Institute Workshop Spotlight – Workforce Development

In Baltimore City, employers and job seekers are creating new and innovative ways to support local hiring efforts. In this workshop, Brian and Holly Gray of […]

Neighborhood Institute Workshop Spotlight – Beautify you Neighborhood

GHCC Volunteer of the Year Amanda Ruthven and Harwood Community Association President Ryan Parnell will share the story of how their neighbors transformed Harwood through the […]

Neighborhood Institute Workshop Spotlight – Working with Children and Schools

Dr. Anne Townsend of Mariposa has developed a workshop that will help community members learn to interact with children in their local schools. If you are […]

AmeriCorps VISTA Spotlight: Sade Parham

Sade Parham, GHCC-Sponsored VISTA member at Elev8 Baltimore, brings a lot of passion and energy to all that she pursues. Read below about how her educational […]

Neighborhood Institute Workshop Spotlight – Youth Development

Nawal Rajeh of By Peaceful Means will lead an interactive workshop session that shows how neighborhood youth can be an asset for you community. The session […]

Bidding a fond farewell to Kim Bosworth

Kim Bosworth first came to GHCC’s Adult Learning Center (ALC) as an AmeriCorps*VISTA in 2003.  One year later, her commitment to Adult Education had earned her […]

Neighborhood Institute Workshop Spotlight – Ensure Equitable Development

As an active community member, it can be difficult to negotiate with large businesses and property owners. Kelly Pfeifer of the Community Law Center will share […]

Neighborhood Institute Workshop Spotlight – Baltimore by the Numbers

Seema Iyer of the Baltimore Neighborhood Indicators Alliance (BNIA) is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Baltimore City neighborhoods by creating “Community Area Profiles” […]

Building sisterhood at the 29th St. Community Center

A sense of sisterhood is something that Sabrina Bond continually tries to instill in the elementary and middle school-aged girls who participate in her afterschool program, […]

AmeriCorps*VISTA Spotlight: Christina Bodison

Christina Bodison is serving her AmeriCorps VISTA year as the Neighborhood Food Advocate with the Baltimore City Department of Health, where her efforts provide those living […]

Over 100 education activists gather to discuss budget for City schools

More than 100 seasoned and new education activists, along with teams from schools and communities all over Baltimore gathered at the Baltimore Education Coalition (BEC) 2014 […]

AmeriCorps*VISTA Spotlight: Nick Jacobsen

Tasked with engaging and empowering residents to lead revitalization efforts throughout the 20 neighborhoods along the York Road corridor, Nick Jacobsen will end his VISTA term […]

AmeriCorps*VISTA Spotlight: Daria Pugh

Daria Pugh serves as the Community Involvement Associate at Maryland New Directions (MND), where she is working to create a sustainable framework for increasing the involvement […]

AmeriCorps*VISTA Spotlight: Shareki Chaney

Shareki Chaney serves as the Project Learning Ignited by Families and Teachers Together (LIFTT)* Coordinator at the Alliance for Community, Teachers and Schools (ACTS) where she […]

A Great Evening in Barclay

As a Community Builder in the Barclay neigborhood, I’ve learned that one of the best ways to know your neighborhood is just to show up and be […]

29th Street Community Center Celebrates a Milestone!

Just six months ago, the walls inside the 29th Street Community Center were still wet with bright shades of blue, green, red, and yellow paint. After […]

Neighborhood leaders discuss conflict management

On October 17, GHCC successfully kicked off the first session of our 2013-14 Neighborhood Leaders Forums – a series of workshops for community leaders to learn […]

2700 Hampden Avenue gets a makeover

Last weekend, over 20 neighbors on the 2700 block of Hampden Avenue in Remington came together for a community work day. The objective? To enhance curb appeal […]

AmeriCorps*VISTA Spotlight: Kathleen Trocin

Kathleen is serving her VISTA year with AIDS Interfaith Residential Services (AIRS) here in Baltimore, as the G.E.A.R. (Growth, Empowerment, Advancement, and Recognition) Workforce Development Client Services […]

Fun Night Out At Orioles Park!

Through a collaboration with Telesis Corporation and the CT Group, Barclay residents received a night out at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. It was a fun night […]

Tutor Pair Spotlight: Richard and Roza

A newly released report by the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies showed that adults in the United States ranked below or near the […]

Pancakes, anyone?

Great things are happening at the 29th Street Community Center! More than 300 people have enrolled in our fall programs, which started on September 9. These […]

AmeriCorps*VISTA Spotlight: James Byun

As a valuable member of The Episcopal Refugee and Immigrant Center Alliance (ERICA), James Byun will be working to help refugees and asylees escape from poverty. […]

GHCC’s Adult Learning Center leads GED Test Training

To teach Baltimore City literacy providers, community programs, and city residents about the upcoming changes to the GED Test, state agencies chose our very own Jo […]

AmeriCorps*VISTA Spotlight: Matt Ragazzo

Matt is serving his VISTA year with the Neighborhood Design Center in west Baltimore. He will be working in GHCC target neighborhoods to educate and engage […]

What a week!

What a week! Fall programming is up and running at the 29th Street Community Center. In our first week, over 230 neighborhood residents have connected through […]

Taking schools to the next level

On August 28 – the third day of this school year – more than 50 people gathered to celebrate $1.6 million in physical upgrades that were […]

Waverly welcomes new principal

Amanda P. Rice is the new principal at Waverly Elementary/Middle School and she can’t wait to expose her students to the kinds of experiences and opportunities that will […]

17 AmeriCorps*VISTAs begin service in Maryland

“After a year of soul-searching following my graduation [from college], I decided that national service would be an excellent way to give back to communities in […]

A fond farewell

Earlier today, GHCC staff bid a fond farewell to Erin George, who for the past two years has served as the Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator at GHCC’s Adult […]

BMOG BBQ: A Great Success

The Annual Barclay/Midway/Old-Goucher (BMOG) Barbeque went off without a hitch – even the weather cooperated! Neighbors came out to enjoy the breezes and good food. There […]

Thank You, Troop 1880!

Just today, we received a lovely letter from Girl Scout Troop 1880, informing us that they have raised $25.87 in donations to support the Greater Homewood […]

Drum roll, please…

What we’ve been calling the “former Barclay Rec Center” for more than a year now has an official name! After collecting suggestions from neighborhood residents at the Center’s […]

Thank you to our volunteers!

There has been a lot of activity at the former Barclay Recreation Center recently, and for good reason! Summer programming has begun, and with the multitude […]

Business plan created for new community center

This past Wednesday, GHCC hosted a number of community members and key stakeholders at the former Barclay Recreation Center for a business plan presentation. Graduate students from […]

Former GHCC VISTA Builds Monument for Rape Survivors

While serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA for GHCC in 2008, Rebecca Nagle gained an invaluable set of skills that ultimately propelled her into becoming a community […]

Greetings from Charles North

Michael Owen, creator and lead artist of the Baltimore Love Project (BLP), has just finished a mural on the corner of St. Paul and Lafayette to […]

Computer lab at Barclay Rec thanks to Digit All Systems

This Wednesday June 5, the newly reopened former Barclay Recreation Center received a generous donation from Digit All Systems, a non-profit organization committed to bridging the […]

GHCC Launches Half Million Dollar Revitalization Effort in Harwood

Half a million dollars has been designated for housing renovations that will revitalize the neighborhood of Harwood in north central Baltimore City. Comprised of 14 blocks […]

Food, Fun, and Community at Charles Village Festival 2013

This past weekend, residents and friends of the Greater Charles Village community came together at the annual Charles Village Festival, which took place at the corner […]

Community Schools in Action – Partnering with ACSB

We recently sat down with GHCC’s Director of Neighborhood Programs, Karen DeCamp, and the Director of Advancing Community Schools in Baltimore (ACSB), David Hornbeck, to talk about the […]

We did it!

On May 18, 2013, more than 100 community members gathered in celebration of the grand opening of the former Barclay Recreation Center. In fall 2011, GHCC […]

Race to win a Charm City Cake!

Saturday, May 11 –2nd Annual Day to Play featuring Race Thru Remington – 2pm-5pm – $15 – Held at Wyman Park. Amazing Race-style contest with great […]

Students from Barclay picnic and play

This past Saturday, 8 students from the Barclay Youth Safe Haven, the after school program at Dallas Nicholas Elementary, took an outing with their mentors to […]

Neighborhood leaders see value in social media

At the Neighborhood Institute in March, one of our most popular workshops was Samantha Armacost’s ‘Social Networking with Your Neighbors.’ Sam shared tips on how to effectively […]

Harwood residents “Spring into Action”

As part of the 2013 Mayor’s Annual Spring Cleanup on Saturday, April 20, Community Artist-Organizer and Harwood resident, Tamara Payne, led 15 kids through a cleanup […]

Legal Tools for Your Community with Robin Jacobs

As an active community member, it can be difficult to negotiate with nuisance property owners. At tomorrow’s 6th Annual Neighborhood Institute: Love Where You Live, Robin […]

B’More Green with Janet Felsten

Can the choices you make in daily life – how to get from place to place, where to shop, learn, relax and have fun, what to […]

Engaging Volunteers with Erin George

Erin George is a master volunteer recruiter and coordinator. That’s why she works as the Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator for GHCC’s Adult Learning Center (we are […]

Community momentum picks up in Harwood

Since purchasing a home in Harwood almost two years ago, Amanda Ruthven has made a significant effort to strengthen her block and community. “I want to […]

Social media savvy with Sam Armacost

Self-described “Baltimore fanatic” Sam Armacost, (who is also a web developer by profession), uses social media to keep her neighbors in Medfield connected to relevant information […]

Healthy Neighborhoods Featured Home–606 East 35th Street

Check out this light, airy 3 bed, 1 bath home just down the street from the brand-new Waverly School! 606 E. 35th St. in Waverly features original hardwood […]

Adult Learning Center instructor wins grant to help students

Greater Homewood Adult Learning Center instructor, Sandy Love, went above and beyond the call of duty to secure the funding necessary for two of her students […]

Painted purple in Charles Village

Tara Tosti was one of 13 winners in this year’s Painted Ladies of Charles Village House Painting Contest. Sponsored by the Charles Village Community Foundation, the […]

Garland Thomas to become new Director of Adult Learning Center

GHCC is thrilled to bring on a new Director of our Adult Learning Center, Garland Thomas. He starts his new duties Monday, February 4. Garland comes […]

Findings from an Art Teacher – Community Partnerships

AmeriCorps volunteer Alder Keene has been working closely with GHCC’s Kelly Oglesbee to implement community art programming at the Barclay School in Charles Village. As a […]

Neighborhood leaders share what they know

Eighteen community leaders from across central Baltimore joined forces at GHCC offices on January 9 for our first Neighborhood Leaders Forum of 2013. They shared their […]

What matters most to you?

It is often said that the most successful New Year’s resolutions – the ones that really stick – always begin with the question, “Why?” In other […]

I can see far now

Amoni is an 8th grader at Barclay Elementary/Middle School. He’s the kind of student who prefers to sit at the front of the classroom, not only […]

Mural brings new life to Adult Learning Center

GHCC recently had the privilege of hosting MICA student Kasey Jones, who worked with our staff to paint a mural in the stairwell of the Greater […]

Healthy Neighborhoods Featured Home – 606 East 35th Street

Check out this light, airy 3 bed, 1 bath home just down the street from the brand-new Waverly School! 606 E. 35th St. features original hardwood […]

Mark Your Calendars!

October 23: GHCC Open House, 5-7 p.m. Come talk with us! If you’re interested in learning more about what GHCC does, swing by our office at […]

Healthy Neighborhoods Featured Home – 314 E. 22nd Street

Check out this HUGE house at 314 E 22nd Street in the up-and-coming Barclay neighborhood, just around the corner from the hot-selling North Calvert Green development. 5 bedrooms, […]

What Works in Education: A Speaker Series

Brain Targeted Teaching: Linking Research to Learning, presented by Dr. Mariale Hardiman and Barclay School Principal Jenny Heinbaugh. Thursday, September 27 from 6-8pm at the Barclay […]

The “Best” in Greater Homewood

Upon opening this week’s Baltimore City Paper, we were thrilled to see how many people, places, organizations, businesses, and neighborhoods located in Greater Homewood received a 2012 […]

Join the Healthy Harbor movement!

Join the fight for a Healthy Harbor! Everybody knows that Baltimore Harbor is polluted, but did you know that there’s a movement underway to make it […]

Business Spotlight: American Communities Trust

American Communities Trust (ACT) is dedicated to improving social and economic conditions in low-income communities by partnering with neighborhood organizations, residents, businesses, institutional stakeholders, and funders […]

GHCC Digest – August 2012

GHCC Welcomes AmeriCorps*VISTA Volunteers GHCC is very proud to sponsor a team of ten AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTAs) who have been placed at […]

Business Spotlight: Crazy Man Restaurant Group

Never underestimate the power of pancakes. While breakfast is a weekend-only affair for many fine dining restaurants, Miss Shirley’s, (named after beloved employee Shirley McDowell), is […]

Good Neighbor Walk in Barclay

The Barclay Youth Safe Haven hosted its third Good Neighbor Walk in Barclay last Friday evening. These walks show solidarity between the police and community members […]

A Win for Waverly School

Waverly, Oakenshawe, and Ednor Gardens-Lakeside families are one step closer to getting the new Waverly Elementary/Middle School building they have been waiting for since 1998. On […]

Photo of the Week

Jes Raschella from Baltimore Hoop Love was hooping it up in the Wyman Park Dell at this year’s Charles Village Festival. To see more images from […]

GHCC takes part in Harwood demolition

Karen Stokes is applauded after riding an excavator and demolishing a building. On Monday, May 14, GHCC Executive Director Karen Stokes and Community Revitalization Coordinator Peter […]

A big T-H-A-N-K-S to Conveyor Handling Company!

Conveyor Handling Company was the lead sponsor of the recent 11th Annual Scrabble Fundraiser for Literacy.  A leading material handling distributor located on the southwest side […]

Photo of the Week: Music in Abell

Abell resident Julie Depner listens to Dario Alvarez play his clarinet last Saturday morning. With the Waverly Farmer’s Market in full swing, almost everyone was out in the […]

Business Spotlight: Mille Fleurs

314 Wyndhurst Avenue is a virtual paradise in the middle of North Baltimore. For over 15 years at this same location, the florist Mille Fleurs has […]

Business Spotlight: Thornhill Properties

Day to Play sponsor Thornhill Properties, Inc., has provided property management and brokerage services to Baltimore for more than 20 years. We caught up with Louis […]

Play to win!

Here is another sampling of the amazing prizes that will be available at GHCC’s 11th Annual Scrabble Fundraiser for Literacy. Join us on Saturday, April 14 from […]

Celebrate achievement

Intake and Assessment Specialist, JoAnn McKinney with Obed Dominguez. Obed Dominguez, a 2008 graduate of the Greater Homewood Adult Learning Center and External Diploma programs, recently came back to visit. […]

S-U-C-C-E-S-S-!

Last November, we interviewed Greater Homewood learner Hector Rosado, who had just passed the two assessments required for admission into the Biotech training program at the […]

Play to win!

Here is just a sampling of the amazing prizes and silent auction items that will be available at GHCC’s 11th Annual Scrabble Fundraiser for Literacy. Join […]

What do Scrabble and cannoli have in common?

For us here at GHCC, one of the most exciting things about our annual Scrabble Fundraiser for Literacy is seeing the event grow as new faces join the […]

Photo of the Week

Paul Piner cleans the awnings at Pete’s Grille on 32nd and Greenmount. According to Paul, Pete’s is “quite particular” about having a good-looking restaurant.

Transforming Schools with Jennifer DiFrancesco and Debra Mathews

For many Baltimore residents, especially parents, learning how to effectively engage their neighborhood schools is an important part of creating overall change, both in terms of children’s […]

Advocating for your Neighborhood with Sharon Guida

How do we, as residents, engage the city’s bureaucracy to make democracy work for us? Local attorney Sharon Guida, who has been assisting Charles Village residents in […]

Building a Legal Foundation in Your Community with Robin Jacobs and Christina Schoppert

Attend this year’s 5th Annual Neighborhood Institute and join Robin Jacobs, Esq. (right) and Christina Schoppert, Esq. (left) of the Community Law Center to learn about the basic […]

Engaging City Government with Rob Mara & Odette Ramos

Join Charles Village resident Odette Ramos and Harwood resident Rob Mara at the 5th Annual Neighborhood Institute: Love Where You Live for their interactive workshop on engaging and […]

Using Social Media with Adam Bednar

Adam Bednar has been a journalist for eight years – four of them here in Baltimore. As Editor of the North Baltimore Patch, Adam uses social […]

AmeriCorps seeks motivated young people to work as Summer Associates

The City of Baltimore, Office of the Mayor will be conducting a Summer Reading Initiative during the Summer of 2012 to provide programming to prevent summer […]

Energy Efficiency with Ben Jakubowski

At this year’s 5th Annual Neighborhood Institute: Love Where You Live, Ben Jakubowski of the Neighborhood Design Center will share some simple tips and tricks on […]

Organizing in Schools with Jimmy Stuart

Led by some of Baltimore’s best and brightest activists, artists, educators, and leaders, GHCC’s 5th Annual Neighborhood Institute: Love Where You Live is all about learning […]

Acting out history at Dallas Nicholas

On February 28, actor Aaron Androh of the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture visited students in GHCC’s Barclay Youth Safe […]

Business Spotlight – Eddie’s Liquors of Charles Village

The staff at Eddie’s Liquors of Charles Village know their product. Amongst the seven employees, they have more than 20 years in the business, and their vast experience […]

GHCC and Baltimore Education Coalition Bring it to Annapolis

“Guilford first received a portable for our middle school, which was supposed to be a temporary facility, in 1971. We’re here, 41 years later, and things […]

Barclay Redevelopment sees some new demolition

The Barclay Redevelopment Project, run by the Telesis Corporation, becomes more visible by the week. On March 22nd, the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) demolished […]

Community Greening with Miriam Avins

Better Waverly resident Miriam Avins is an expert at using green for good. In 2004, she and several neighbors built the Homestead Harvest Community Garden on a vacant […]

GHCC announces 2012-13 VISTA sites

GHCC is proud to announce the sites who will be partnering with our AmeriCorps*VISTA Program for projects beginning in July 2012 – July 2013.  We recently […]

Event Planning 101 with John Spurrier

Led by some of Baltimore’s best and brightest activists, artists, educators, and leaders, GHCC’s 5th Annual Neighborhood Institute: Love Where You Live is all about learning […]

Photo of the Week

  Late afternoon light passes over Stadium Place.

Creating Community Art with Ben Stone

Led by some of Baltimore’s best and brightest activists, artists, educators, and leaders, GHCC’s 5th Annual Neighborhood Institute: Love Where You Live is all about learning […]

BEC Gathers a Crowd

Last night, teams of parents, grandparents, teachers, administrators, community members and nonprofit organizations – about 200 people in all – gathered together to join the Baltimore […]

Volunteer Profile: Meet Lisa Ellis

Lisa Ellis earns a living as the Chief Administrative Officer for the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. But after work every Thursday, she indulges […]

Volunteers Paint at Barclay School for MLK Day

In celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, approximately 45 volunteers from Constellation Energy/BGE and Saul Ewing, LLP gathered to repaint the second and third floors of […]

Healthy Neighborhoods Featured Home – 616 East 35th Street

Settle into a beautifully restored home on a quiet street in Waverly. 616 East 35th Street is located in the heart of the neighborhood and is […]

Adult Learner Success Story: Clement

Achieving American citizenship can be a lofty goal for new comers to the U.S., particularly if you do not speak, read, or write English very well.  […]

Last Charles Street Friday Market is TODAY!

Don’t miss your last chance of the year to visit the Charles Street Friday Market, today on the corner of Lanvale and Charles Streets just north […]

Healthy Neighborhoods Featured Home – 901 Chestnut Hill

901 Chestnut Hill Avenue is a beautiful end-of-group home on a huge lot in desirable Ednor Gardens. The neighborhood is filled with homeowners and young families. […]

Greater Homewood Voices: Interview with Hector Rosado

Hector Rosado is a learner at the Greater Homewood Adult Learning Center, beginning the GED track in April 2011.  Having spent most of his adult life […]

‘Tis the Season to Designate!

GHCC Youth Worker Taylor Evans Wins National Award

In 2010, Taylor Evans was one of ten students that GHCC hosted through the Baltimore YouthWorks Program. She helped every day in our main office with […]

Honoring History with Art is Unveiled at Barclay School

On Thursday, September 22, more than 100 people gathered at Barclay Elementary/Middle School to unveil “Honoring History with Art” – a mosaic mural created by community […]

Get in on the Govanstowne Treasure Hunt!

Join your neighbors for the First Annual Govanstowne Treasure Hunt & Fall Festival, now through September 25, 1pm-4pm at Belvedere Square. The event is being led […]

Margaret Brent Program Coordinator Campaign is Huge Success!

GHCC is pleased to announce that our Margaret Brent Program Coordinator Campaign was a huge success! Thanks to the support of individuals like you, Margaret Brent […]

Welcome VISTAs!

GHCC is very proud to sponsor 12 AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) projects starting this summer, placed at ten different non-profit agencies and community […]

Supporter Stories: Interview with Matt Wyskiel

Tell us about yourself. I grew up in Baltimore (Roland Park neighborhood). Went to Calvert School and Gilman School and then away to Williams College. Graduated […]

Call to Action!

In 2003, GHCC was instrumental in gaining state funding for a new Waverly School building to replace substandard conditions that affect achievement. Along with Councilwoman Mary […]

Former GHCC VISTA Voted One of Nation’s Top Leaders in Community Development

We at GHCC were so pleased to hear that one of our former AmeriCorps*VISTA volunteers, Stephanie Allewalt, was recently nominated by Shelterforce as one of the […]

A Message from One of Our Learners

Earlier today, GHCC’s Adult Literacy and ESOL staff received an email from one of our adult learners, Shaneeka, who is enrolled in an Adult Basic Education […]

Adult Literacy Learner Earns His High School Diploma!

When Harry enrolled at the Adult Literacy Program over a year ago, preparing for the GED test was his number one priority. “I had a made-up […]

Healthy Neighborhoods Featured Home – 2717 Atkinson

With plenty of natural light, 2717 Atkinson St is a gardener’s dream and it has been recently reduced by $10k! Located in Remington, 2717 Atkinson is convenient to public […]

Healthy Neighborhoods Featured Home — 204 Lorraine

Want to be more centrally located to the city or live closer to your work? Consider looking in Remington, a neat neighborhood right by Johns Hopkins […]

Supporter Stories: Interview with Steve Goodman

GHCC: Tell us a bit about yourself Steve Goodman: I’m a software engineer for a small federal contracting company. I’m an avid gardener, I spend a […]

Charm City Craft Mafia’s annual Pile of Craft

The artists of north central Baltimore are as unique as the neighborhoods they hail from. While those in the know are already familiar with Jennifer Strunge’s cotton […]

Supporter Stories: Interview with Allissa Richardson

GHCC: Tell us a bit about yourself Allissa Richardson: I am a journalism professor living here in Baltimore City. I teach at Morgan State University. I […]

Help Save Roland Water Tower

The Roland Water Tower is one of north central Baltimore’s most notable sites. Built in 1905, it is a beautiful example of commanding turn-of-the century architecture […]

How to reshape young minds

“For boys who grow up in violence, neglect and codes where they feel they cannot back down, the challenge to instill other values can be daunting,” […]

Healthy Neighborhoods Featured Home – 310 Ilchester

Have you thought about owning a home in Charles Village? Maybe you should! This smartly renovated home at 310 Ilchester Avenue is waiting for you! This […]

Supporter Stories: Interview with Mark Counselman

GHCC: Tell us a bit about yourself Mark Counselman: Susie and I live in Oakenshawe with our three sons. I work for RCM&D, a local insurance firm; […]

Media Roundup: GHCC’s Neighborhood Institute

GHCC received some wonderful coverage of our 4th Annual Neighborhood Institute! Check out this article in The Baltimore Messenger, or watch this video, posted on North Baltimore Patch. Image courtesy […]

Scrabble Party 2011

Check out these wonderful photographs, taken by Adult Literacy tutor and Advisory Board Member Marilyn Gould, of GHCC’s 10th Annual Scrabble Party!

Save the Date!

On June 11, 2011, GHCC will host north central Baltimore’s first ever neighborhood softball tournament – A Day to Play – at Roland Park Country School […]

Play Scrabble for a Good Cause

For nine years, participants in GHCC’s Scrabble® Fundraiser for Literacy have gathered in the spirit of fun and games to support a good cause — fighting […]

Voices for Community Schools: Gia Grier McGinnis

Last week, Community Schools advocates packed City Council chambers for an Education Committee hearing about cuts to the initiative proposed in next year’s city budget. Greater […]

Celebrating a Successful Barclay Youth Safe Haven Launch

On Monday, GHCC staff joined Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Congressman Elijah Cummings, and representatives from Telesis Corporation and the Milton S. Eisenhower Foundation to kick off the […]

New Waverly School Building Final Plans Now Available

Waverly, Oakenshawe, and Ednor Gardens-Lakeside families are one step closer to getting the new Waverly Elementary/Middle School building they have been waiting for. The new facility—a […]

Advocating for Adult Education On and Off the Job

February always has us watching the state budget process. While we’ve been spreading the word about the Baltimore Education Coalition‘s campaign to prevent cuts to public […]

RFP Announcement: Bring a VISTA to Your Organization!

We know you like to hear stories from our AmeriCorps*VISTA members, and why wouldn’t you? During their year of service, VISTA members bring passion and idealism […]

Some Positive Press for Baltimore

When we arrived at the office today—a bit slushy, but none the worse for wear—we were greeted by some delightful press for our part of Baltimore. […]

GHCC Office Closure – Winter Break

GHCC will close from December 24-January 2 (we’ll return on January 3) for our annual holiday break. This means Greater Homewood Voices will be on a […]

Just in Time for Christmas, a New Computer Lab for Waverly School

Chris Thompson, an AmeriCorps*VISTA member placed at Waverly Elementary/Middle School by GHCC, has been working hard this Fall to make sure Waverly Elementary students have access […]

Reflections on a Year of Service: George Shardlow

Last week, GHCC said goodbye to a VISTA member who has brightened our days at the office since November 2009. George Shardlow isn’t going far, though: […]

Building Capacity in Baltimore Schools

Every winter, education advocates across Maryland hit the streets to educate parents and residents on funding cuts on the table for their neighborhood schools. The Baltimore […]

Planting Trees in Barclay

It may feel chilly (or downright cold!) outside today, and you may find it hard to imagine yourself enjoying the outdoors, but only a month ago […]

Donor Voices: Connie Smith

It’s that time of year again: we’re all receiving a deluge of fundraising appeals in our mailboxes, and here at GHCC we’re sending out our fair […]

VISTA Member Vanessa Schaefer Reflects on Her Year of Service

This week we bid a very fond farewell to two of our AmeriCorps*VISTA members who are completing their service on Friday. One of those VISTA members […]

Looking Back on Our Annual Celebration

Every year, GHCC takes an evening to celebrate those most important to us: our donors, supporters, and friends. This year’s event, held on November 9, was […]

Another Adult Education Success Story

It can be difficult to get started on a Monday, but sharing good news always helps! Today we received an inspiring success story full of praise […]

Telesis Groundbreaking This Morning

This morning, 150 people gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the $85 million Telesis redevelopment project in Barclay-Midway-Old Goucher. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, neighborhood residents, community partners, […]

A Uniform for Every Student

Submitted by Kerri HambergAs a relatively new resident of Baltimore and a new volunteer at GHCC, I want to spend some time getting to know the […]

Join Your Friends and Neighbors for a Night Out at Darker Than Blue Cafe!

What makes Greater Homewood…greater? For starters, how about great food, great hospitality, and great neighbors? It all comes together on: September 14, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. […]

Too Good to be Thru Update

A couple weeks ago, Pamela Corkran shared her story about growing up in Charles Village and years later opening a consignment shop there. Hopefully, her story […]

Check Out Our Podcast and YouthWorks Oral Histories!

Remember Jocelyn’s post about the summer YouthWorks program here at GHCC? Well, we finally have the finished audio files ready for your ears! We’re featuring them […]

Welcome New VISTAs!

Today was a hectic day to be at GHCC: we welcomed 10 new VISTA members into our midst! The morning kicked off with bagels and coffee […]

Too Good to Be Thru: A New Greater Homewood Gem!

GHCC believes every neighborhood should have a walkable commercial district, so we like to promote businesses that are helping to create that vibrant urban feel in […]

Reflecting on Summer YouthWorks

Submitted by Jocelyn Durkay This was my second summer facilitating our YouthWorks program here at GHCC. YouthWorks, a program from the Mayor’s Office on Employment Development, […]

Sustainability Resources for Home and Work

As promised on Monday, we have a few resources to share with you from our recent participation it the Johns Hopkins University Climate Showcase project. Our […]

Climate Showcase an Eye-Opening Experience

Submitted by Tyson Smith I think anyone who knows me would say that I’m not particularly environmentally aware.  I mean, I recycle, but that’s easy.  I […]

Congrats to Natty Paint!

GHCC is thrilled to see local designer Emily Li Mandri – of Natty Paint fame – on the cover of today’s Baltimore City Paper. The feature […]

Volunteers are Our Foundation

Today the Baltimore Sun ran a great op-ed piece on how GHCC, among others, utilizes national service and other volunteers in Baltimore City. Though the piece focuses […]

Reflecting on My Leader Year

Submitted by Kaleema B., outgoing VISTA Team Leader at GHCC “What do you do all day? What does a VISTA Leader do?” My sister asked me […]

My Tribute to Mary: A Role Model of Persistence

Persistence is defined as “permanence by virtue of the power to resist stress or force; determination, resolution, pluck, stamina, grit, endurance, tenacity, diligence.” This defines Mary. She […]

Celebrating Literacy and People

Submitted by Jaclyn Paul, Program Assistant for Development and AdministrationLast week, I was asked to wear my photographer hat and volunteer my services at our 20th […]

VISTA: A Legacy of Service

Throughout April, we heard a number of stories from current and former AmeriCorps*VISTA members.  VISTA is a national service program dedicated to eradicating poverty in the […]

Neighborhood Walkers: Building Community & Fighting Crime

Citizens on Patrol (COP) groups are a great way to socialize with your neighbors, learn more about your neighborhood, and promote a sense of solidarity in […]

University of Maryland Social Work & GHCC

Each year, GHCC hosts a Masters in Social Work (MSW) intern at our office.  This year we have been lucky to have Sarah Rogerson, who has […]

York Road Alternatives for Youth (YAY): A Peaceful Response for a Better Neighborhood

Since 2000, GHCC’s Youth Programs increased the availability of positive activities for Greater Homewood youth by building partnerships between schools, communities, and youth service providers to […]

VISTA Spotlight: Andrew Stiller

Know someone interested in making positive changes in the world? GHCC is seeking qualified candidates for our nationally-renowned AmeriCorps*VISTA program.  Sign on for a year of service with […]

VISTA Spotlight: Ashley Wallace

Know someone interested in making positive changes in the world? GHCC is seeking qualified candidates for our nationally-renowned AmeriCorps*VISTA program.  Sign on for a year of […]

Stories From VISTA Alums: Patrick McMahon

Know someone interested in making positive changes in the world? GHCC is seeking qualified candidates for our nationally-renowned AmeriCorps*VISTA program.  Sign on for a year of […]

VISTA Spotlight: Sarah Lesperance

Know someone interested in making positive changes in the world? GHCC is seeking qualified candidates for our nationally-renowned AmeriCorps*VISTA program.  Sign on for a year of service with us […]

Stories from VISTA Alums: John Bernet

Know someone interested in making positive changes in the world? GHCC is seeking qualified candidates for our nationally-renowned AmeriCorps*VISTA program.  Sign on for a year of service with us […]

Stories from VISTA Alums: Jaclyn Paul

Know someone interested in making positive changes in the world? GHCC is seeking qualified candidates for our nationally-renowned AmeriCorps*VISTA program.  Sign on for a year of service […]

3 Greater Homewood Neighborhoods Are “Hot ‘Hoods”

We’ve known for a long time that Greater Homewood is a great corner of the world to live in, but this month Baltimore Magazine gave us some […]

A Look Inside Remington Homework Club

GHCC believes in strong faith-based partnerships, meaningful opportunities for youth, and neighborhood residents committed to making a difference.  This is why we’re happy to share with […]

Experience Corps Opens Doors for Young and Old Alike

In 1998, GHCC founded the Experience Corps program in a small handful of Greater Homewood elementary schools.  Since then, the program has expanded to 19 schools […]

Waverly Ace Hardware: Your Neighborhood Hardware Store

GHCC was a big supporter of Ace Hardware moving into Waverly, and we’re thrilled to see business taking off!  Our Community Economic Development program fosters business […]

Community Involvement and Urban Education: A Labor of Love

Submitted by Laura Scott, Charles Village resident and parent. GHCC has been promoting Charles Village public schools with support from a neighborhood-school partnership grant from the […]

It’s time to be counted in the 2010 Census! Ya es hora. ¡Hagase Contar!

The federal government distributes more than $400 billion annually to state, local, and tribal governments based on census data. When you fill out the Census form, […]

Project Safelight

Emily Wilson, an AmeriCorps* VISTA, has been serving the communities surrounding Guilford Elementary/Middle School.  Today, she shares with us the story of a project she and the […]

Scrabble Fundraiser for Literacy: An Evening Not to be Missed!

Here at GHCC we’re getting ready one of our very favorite events: the Scrabble Fundraiser for Literacy on March 27.  This is our ninth year hosting […]

Stories from VISTA Alums: Leah Paley

Did you know we’re planning a VISTA Reunion for April 23-25, 2010?  Well, we are!  GHCC is bringing together 36 years of national service volunteers to […]

Read Across America Day at Barclay Elementary/Middle

Submitted by Vanessa SchaeferThe unheard-of amount of snow that had paralyzed the city for weeks had thrown us off of our carefully plotted timeline. Now members […]

GHCC Welcomes a New Face

If you follow GHCC’s Twitter feed, you might have noticed a few extra tweets yesterday afternoon courtesy of our new intern, Armon Polk.  We’re piloting a […]

Volunteering at GHCC

Meet Neal Gary.  He’s been volunteering with GHCC for a few years now, and recently we caught up with him to ask him about his varied […]

Education Advocates Rally in Annapolis for School Funding

Submitted by Katie Lautar. Many thanks to Katie for capturing many, many video clips of individuals at last night’s rally.  This is just the beginning, but […]

Who We Are: Staff Stories

Submitted by Tyson Smith, Assistant Director of Administration at GHCC. I think I wanted to be an actor for as long as I can remember.  There […]

University of Baltimore to Host Second Annual Urban Child Symposium

On Thursday, April 1, the University of Baltimore School of Law Center for Families, Children and the Courts will host its second annual Urban Child Symposium. […]

Baltimore Algebra Project Organizes Rally for Youth Opportunities

Spring is on the way!  How do we know? We’re hearing about education advocates planning rallies, bus rides to Annapolis, and petitions to keep education funding […]

VISTA Spotlight: George Shardlow

We got a lot of good feedback on our guest post from AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) member Tara McKenzie.  We have quite a few […]

Village Parents to Present Series of Five Discussions on Urban Education

Charles Village’s new parents’ organization, The Village Parents, is proud to present School Daze: Five Conversations on Urban Education in the Nation, in the City, and in […]

The Snow Continues to Fall on Baltimore!

If you live in Baltimore, chances are you’ve been spending a lot of time indoors this week.  GHCC offices have been closed all week due to […]

Register Now for the Scrabble Fundraiser for Literacy!

I know Spring must seem so far away, especially with the impending snowstorm, but it’s time to get that early bird registration prize and sign up […]

Take the Baltimore Neighborhood Energy Challenge!

Ever wondered how you could reduce your monthly energy bill?  Today we learned about a great new program called the Baltimore Neighborhood Energy Challenge (BNEC).  Although […]

Reflections on the Neighborhood Institute

Submitted by Karen DeCamp, Director of Neighborhood Programs GHCC’s third annual Neighborhood Institute January 23 was an inspiring event. Kicking off the opening panel discussion about […]

VISTA Spotlight: Tara McKenzie

Meet Tara McKenzie.  Tara is an AmeriCorps*VISTA member completing a year of service at Success Academy, an middle/high school for Baltimore City students on long-term suspension […]

The Harlem Children’s Zone: Can it happen in Baltimore?

On January 21, at 6:30 p.m., the Greater Homewood Interfaith Alliance (GHIA) will host a truly dynamic event, featuring New York Times Magazine Editor-in-Chief Paul Tough. […]

Experience Corps to Host Community Conversation on MLK Day

On January 18, offices and schools close their doors to remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Yet in the spirit of Dr. King, Experience Corps is […]

Come to the Neighborhood Institute On January 23!

Strengthen your neighborhood and your local public schools at our third annual Neighborhood Institute! January 23 10:00-4:30 (registration begins at 9:30) Barclay Elementary/Middle School, 2900 Barclay […]

Volunteering With GHCC’s Adult Literacy & ESOL Program

Submitted by Mary Kay Shock I became involved with the Greater Homewood Literacy program 10 years ago when I retired. Greater Homewood Community Corporation seemed like […]

The Harlem Children’s Zone — Can it Happen in Baltimore?

Join the Greater Homewood Interfaith Alliance on January 21 at Bolton Street Synangogue for an evening of sprited discussion about the most comprehensive and revolutionary effort […]

Get Last-Minute Holiday Gifts and Support GHCC!

Do your last-minute holiday shopping with GHCC! We’re selling the Greater Homewood Coloring Book and four hand-colored posters by celebrated local artist Tom Chalkley on our […]

Waverly Wonderland

Come on out to Waverly Main Street and vote on your favorite holiday window display! What a great excuse to get out and do some holiday […]

American Education Week at Guilford Elementary/Middle

Submitted by Shana McIver Happy American Education Week! Yes, starting yesterday, Guilford is celebrating American Education: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility. All week long, it’s […]

Tour de Greater Homewood: Success!

81 bicyclists came out to enjoy a sunny, warm November day in Baltimore and ride in memory of Jack Yates on Sunday. The Tour de Greater […]

Heroes in Our Midst: Ted Smith

Submitted by Shana McIver If you missed the event at the Walters Art Museum on October 25th, Sunday afternoon, then you missed a great time! Ted […]

Biking in Baltimore: Part II

TiVo the Ravens game on Sunday and join us for north central Baltimore’s biggest bike ride: the Tour de Greater Homewood! This year’s ride will honor […]

Biking in Baltimore: Part I

TiVo the Ravens game on Sunday and join us for north central Baltimore’s biggest bike ride: the Tour de Greater Homewood! This year’s ride will honor […]

Pictures from GHCC’s 40th Birthday Party!

Receiving our pictures from event photographer Mike Ciesielski easily took the cake as the most exciting event in our office this week. Everyone had such a […]

Margaret Brent to Open Ben Carson Reading Room

Submitted by Rachel Prince As the Lead Art Teacher at Margaret Brent, I collaborated with teachers and students to design and paint the Ben Carson Reading […]

Byron Pitts: Stepping Out on Nothing

Also in recognition of National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, check out this great story from CBS News, where Byron Pitts talks about his own […]

National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week

Submitted by Todd Elliott “Adult education” means many things to many people. To some it’s about yoga and Spanish classes at a local community college. To […]

Principal Sheilah Meyers: Making Great Strides at Guilford Elementary/Middle

Submitted by Shana McIver At GHCC, our public eduction program staff build a school’s assets by mobilizing business and community partners to invest in a school […]

Competing for a Good Cause: More Trees!

Submitted by Olga Maltseva A little competition can do a lot of good when Baltimore City College High School and Baltimore Polytechnic Institute get involved! On […]

GHCC VISTAs Will Race for the Cure on October 18!

Submitted by Laura Schmitz On October 18, 2009, you may see some familiar faces running the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The race, which […]

Charm City featured in New York Times travel section

This weekend, New York Times reporter Joshua Kurlantzick dubbed Baltimore a hip haven for artists in his delightful review of Charm City’s in’s and out’s, 36 […]

Teaching at Greenmount Senior Center

Near the corner of North and Greenmount Avenues, across the street from the historic Greenmount Cemetery, you will find the Greenmount Senior Center (GSC), a recreation […]

You’re Invited!

We hope you will join us at our 40th birthday party! Buy your tickets electronically at our 40th birthday website or print an RSVP form by […]

Greater Homewood Faces & Places Recognized in City Paper’s Best of Baltimore Awards

Who knew that Greater Homewood had so much to brag about? Well, we did, and we’re thrilled to share that The Baltimore City Paper agrees. In […]

Supplies for Schools and Families

Written by K. Breathett. Every year, GHCC receives a large donation from a benefactor in Pasadena, Maryland. Throughout the year she collects items for us to […]

Ellerslie Apartments First Annual Outdoor Bazaar

Last Saturday, Senior Corps RSVP at the Ellerslie Apartments held their first annual Outdoor Bazaar. Residents rented tables for $15 to sell new and gently used […]

GHCC in the news.

It’s time to wrap up a very busy week here at GHCC and prepare for the holiday weekend. We enjoyed some great press coverage this week […]

New VISTA Training: Day One

In June, we featured a story by Cyndel Taylor, an AmeriCorps*VISTA member traveling from Indiana to complete a year of service with GHCC’s Adult Literacy & […]

40th Birthday Fundraiser Tickets Now Available

This week we did a soft launch of online ticket sales for our 40th birthday party in October. Want to make sure you get your tickets […]

Our Playground at Stadium Place makes national news!

Today we received word that the Our Playground at Stadium Place rebuild, which took place over one week in May, made national news! Click here to […]

How My VISTA Leader Year Began

AmeriCorps*VISTA Leaders have completed 1-2 years of VISTA service and chosen to take on a leadership role in national service. They recruit, support, and mentor the […]

Experience Corps Begins a New Year!

Today, Experience Corps Team Leaders returned to Baltimore City Public Schools to meet with teachers and assess needs for the upcoming school year. And you thought […]

Save the Date!

Save the date for GHCC’s big 40th birthday bash! Click on the image to view a larger version.

Remembering Jack Yates

It is with heavy hearts that Greater Homewood Community Corporation (GHCC) acknowledges the death of a Board Member, John Richard “Jack” Yates. Our deepest sympathies and […]

Waverly’s New Principal Gets a Warm Welcome from the Community

Baltimore City Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke speaks to a room of supporters gathered to welcome Michelle Ferris as Waverly Elementary/Middle School’s new principal. On Thursday, July […]

How’s Your Block?

Do you want to… be more informed about our community and city? talk about illegal dumping, vacant properties, safety, planting flowers and trees, or helping elderly/disabled […]

YouthWorks Spotlight (Part III): Neil Davis

Hi, my name is Neil Davis and I am working here at Experience Corps for the summer. So far everything has been going well. I am […]

Experience Corps’ new home in Remington

GHCC’s Experience Corps program volunteers may be on summer hiatus while schools are out, but the program staff is still hard at work. On Thursday, July […]

GHCC from a VISTA volunteer’s perspective

My time as a VISTA at Greater Homewood started just about one year ago, on August 5th, 2009. I walked in the front door to an […]

Young Scholars come to Greater Homewood

On Friday July 10 Greater Homewood Community Corporation hosted a successful community service day with the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Young Scholars Program. Seventy-seven youth and […]

Join Our VISTA Team!

Think you missed your chance to become a VISTA at GHCC this August? Maybe not quite. We’re looking for just one more AmeriCorps VISTA member to […]

YouthWorks Spotlight (Part II): Willie Hopkins

written by Willie L. Hopkins All About MeHi, my name is Willie L. Hopkins. I’m sixteen years old and I want to be a mechanic. I’m […]

YouthWorks Spotlight: Kendra Welborn

For six weeks each summer, GHCC welcomes several young people to our office through the YouthWorks program. This year, our Youth Workers have impressed us with […]

Healthy Neighborhoods: a Great Investment!

Did you know Baltimore’s Healthy Neighborhoods provides prospective homeowners with grants and low-interest mortgage loans to purchase, rehab, or refinance properties in Baltimore City? Healthy Neighborhoods […]

New (Old) Ways to Read Greater Homewood Voices

Do your eyes glaze over when people start talking about subscribing to RSS feeds and keeping up with their Google Reader? Does the thought of checking […]

The First Lady’s Call to Service and YouTube’s VideoVolunteers Launch

Recently, First Lady Michelle Obama issued a call to service to kick off United We Serve, the administration’s summer of service for all Americans. She encourages […]

From Indiana to Maryland: The Start of my AmeriCorps Experience

Meet Cyndel Taylor, a soon-to-be AmeriCorps VISTA member with GHCC’s Adult Literacy & ESOL program. As we prepare for the departure of our current AmeriCorps members […]

Block Project Report: Richnor Recycles!

Written by Sam Chalfant Not only was last Saturday the first official day of summer for Baltimore City Public School Students, it was the Richnor Springs […]

Join the Early Literacy Team at Barclay Elementary/Middle School for a Year of Service!

The early literacy team at Barclay Elementary/Middle School in Charles Village recently launched a program to provide students and their families with more resources for improving […]

Interested in GHCC’s Work? Join Us!

The job market looks grim these days, but GHCC may be searching for you! We are looking for two dedicated, enthusiastic individuals to join our team. […]

Write for Greater Homewood Voices!

Got a story about life in your neighborhood? Consider sharing it on the blog! Greater Homewood Voices is always seeking new writers to author guest posts. […]

Come Out and Experience Taste of Govanstowne!

This post courtesy of Jay Harris and the Govanstowne Business Association Get your taste buds ready for some culinary delights! The Govanstowne Business Association will present […]

Photos from Experience Corps End-of-Year Member Appreciation Luncheon

Experience Corps members were treated to a luncheon in their honor and a keynote speech by Maryland Congressman Elijah Cummings last week. This much-anticipated annual event […]

Seeking: National Service Volunteers

GHCC is seeking a self-directed, dedicated individual to create new and exciting opportunities for students at Success Academy, the new alternative middle/high school located at the […]

Gilman, Bryn Mawr, and Guilford Schools Partner up for the National Academic League

Written by Karen DeCamp, GHCC Public Education Programs Guilford Elementary/Middle School teacher Ted Smith and Guilford neighbor Grace Pollack teamed up to form a unique partnership […]

Sign Up Today for Baltimore Tennis Patrons Summer Tennis Camp!

The Baltimore Tennis Patrons will once again host their popular six-week summer tennis camp program for children ages 6-16. All materials are supplied and the tennis […]

Sports Day Festivals

Written by John Bernet, Community Connections Coordinator/AmeriCorps VISTA Dallas F. Nicholas, Sr. Elementary School held its Annual Sports Day Festival on Friday, May 22nd. There was […]

“It Takes Just a Little Love”

We just couldn’t resist posting this story from Madge Wilson, Experience Corps volunteer at Margaret Brent Elementary/Middle School #53 in Charles Village. Ms. Wilson works with […]

Join Us on Facebook!

Come check out GHCC’s brand new Facebook page! By becoming a fan you can not only be entertained by our status updates, but also stay abreast […]

AmeriCorps Week: One VISTA’s Story

Written by Jannette Seman, an AmeriCorps VISTA member serving with GHCC’s Adult Literacy & ESOL Program, to celebrate National AmeriCorps Week. “[Y]ou will have the satisfaction […]

Think you have what it takes to be an AmeriCorps VISTA?

Interested in a non-profit career but not sure how to get your foot in the door? Do you have limited experience in the field you want […]

A Fifth Grader Reacts to Guilford Elementary/Middle School’s Tree Planting

Written by Michelle Beverly, 5th Grade Student, Guilford Elementary/Middle School. On Friday, April 24, all 5th graders enjoyed planting the trees. I have heard from many […]

Happy Birthday, GHCC!

GHCC turns 40 this week, and we will be celebrating all year long! Mark your calendar for GHCC’s 40th anniversary celebration on Saturday, October 24, 2009 […]

Buy Into Baltimore with Live Baltimore and the Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative

Thinking of becoming a homeowner? Come to the Live Baltimore Fair and get $3000 toward your down payment! If you choose a home on a Baltimore […]

Medfield Heights Elementary Hosts Sixth Annual Green Thumb Day

written by Catherine Bates Medfield Heights Elementary School held our sixth annual Green Thumb Day on April 23rd. In honor of Earth Day, the school sets […]

Great Rehab Opportunity!

Looking for a rehab property in a great location? This one could be for you! 4 Unit, 3 story building. Property is vacant, mostly gutted, ready […]

JHU to Host Science and Research Job Fair

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You’re Invited! Stadium School Youth Dreamers Housewarming Party!

Written by the students in Youth Dreamer Project Class 2009 We’re the Youth DreamersWe are a 501(c) 3,We want to decrease the amount of violenceamong youth […]

Learning in Greater Homewood

Did you know Greater Homewood is home to 17 great public schools? From pre-kindergarten through high school graduation, there is a school close to home waiting […]

Experience Corps on Front Page of The Baltimore Sun

Congratulations to GHCC’s Experience Corps program, which has received great press via a front-page article in the Baltimore Sun on April 14 as well as a […]

Don’t Miss the Old Goucher Historic House Tour on April 26!

by Peter Duvall Old Goucher Historic House Tour April 26 2009 The Old Goucher Community Association, Inc. is celebrating our neighborhood with a tour of the […]

Waverly School Parents Get a Space of Their Own

From the Waverly Elementary/Middle School PTO With the help of our Community Connections VISTA this past January, the Waverly Elementary Middle School PTO received a grant […]

Station North Spring Music Festival Seeking Volunteers

The Station North Spring Music Festival is right around the corner, and the Charles North Community Association is seeking volunteers to help make the event a […]

Medfield Heights Elementary to Host Second Annual Boys & Girls Fashion Show

Written by Angela Tyler, Medfield Heights Elementary School parent. Don’t miss this one! Second Annual Boys & Girls Fashion Show – Friday, April 24 – 6:30-8:30pm […]

WANTED: Graphic Designers

Are you a freelance graphic designer? GHCC is looking for a talented designer to partner with us for our 40th anniversary, and it could be you! […]

Scrabble Fundraiser for Literacy: Photo Essay

Written by Jannette Seman On Saturday, March 28, GHCC’s Adult Literacy & ESOL Program hosted its Eighth Annual Scrabble Fundraiser for Literacy. A record number of […]

Book Sale to Benefit Baltimore City Public Schools TOMORROW!

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Sharing Knowledge, Sharing Experience — It’s a Win-Win

Written by Lisa Morris. I was struggling, clearly, to explain what I wanted Sharon to do. “ok, so I want you to break this word in […]

Attention Community Leaders! Recycling Education Grant Opportunity

Did you celebrate Earth Hour by turning out your lights on Saturday evening? Well, here’s another way you can help the planet and get your community […]

Making Connections: Success Academy and Charles Village

By John Bernet, GHCC Community Connections Coordinator/AmeriCorps VISTA On Saturday, March 22nd, students from Success Academy in Baltimore City came out for a volunteer clean-up day […]

Medfield Heights Elementary School Hosts First Reunion

Paul Smith graduated from Medfield Heights Elementary School in 1962 and is currently President of the Medfield Community Association. Recently [Medfield Heights Elementary School] had the […]

Solving the Drop-Out Crisis — University of Baltimore Center for Families, Children, and the Courts to Host Urban Child Symposium

By Leigh Dalton, Truancy Court Program Manager and School Liaison Center for Families, Children and the Courts at the University of Baltimore School of Law. To […]

On-Street Bike Parking Unveiled at Eddie’s Today

by Nate Evans, Bike and Pedestrian Planner, City of Baltimore With the high bicycle volume of Charles Village, more parking is needed for cyclists. The on-street […]

Sofi’s To Celebrate!

by Ann Costlow, Owner, Sofi’s Crepes Five years ago, Sofi’s Crepes opened our doors in a 150 square foot location next to the Charles Theater. Since […]

Spring is the Season!

by Joe Stewart, Better Waverly resident To me spring says “survival” after way too many long dark days during dead of winter. Buds promise splashes of […]

NBC Nightly News to Feature My Sister’s Circle

by Heather Harvison, Executive Director, My Sister’s CircleMy Sister’s Circle mentors and mentees NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams will highlight My Sister’s Circle tonight. The […]

An Evening with Andrés Alonso (again)

by Jaclyn Paul, AmeriCorps VISTA Leader, Greater Homewood Community Corporation I first arrived at GHCC as an AmeriCorps VISTA on June 25, 2007. It didn’t take […]

Deadline Approaching for Block Project Grants

Don’t forget! GHCC is accepting applications through March 31 for block project grants. Funding is available for 10 projects of up to $750 each. Click here […]

Spaghetti Dinner to Help Rebuild the Playground at Stadium Place!

The playground at Stadium Place will be rebuilt May 5-10, but you can help now by attending a spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Friday, March 13! For […]

Baltimore Education Coalition Rally A Success!

Click here to read the Baltimore Sun‘s coverage of the March 3 rally by the Baltimore Education Coalition to sustain a citywide network of public education […]

March 3: A Celebration and Call to Action for City Schools

As you all have heard, the Governor has used federal stimulus money to reverse his proposed state funding cuts for Baltimore City Schools. The proposed cuts […]

“No One Is Greater than Greater Homewood!”

by Susan Lattimore, Teacher, Barclay Elementary/Middle School Thus reads a slide in our “Books-2-Go”/Story Pals presentation, which has now been seen by more than 80 Barclay […]

Adult Literacy Program Graduate Featured on Channel 2!

A student in GHCC’s Adult Literacy and ESOL program Channel 2 reporter Jenny Glick recently profiled a graduate of GHCC’s Adult Literacy and ESOL program during […]

Experience Corps: A Great Experience!

by Muriel Williams, Experience Corps Member, William Pinderhughes Elementary SchoolMy name is Muriel Williams, an Experience Corps school volunteer since February 2007. After retiring from the […]

Register Now! Eighth Annual Scrabble Fundraiser for Literacy

Having fun at the 2008 Scrabble Fundraiser for Literacy One of GHCC’s most popular events is back! Join us on Saturday, March 28 for the Eighth […]

Baltimore Sun Op-Ed on Proposed Education Cuts

Students at Guilford Elementary/Middle School Click here to read an op-ed by Mark Fetting, chairman CEO of Legg Mason, and Tom Wilcox, president and CEO of […]

Better Waverly Resident Featured in the Urbanite

Photo by Joe Stewart The February 2009 issue of the Urbanite features a profile of Better Waverly resident Debra Evans, a neighborhood leader known for her […]

Celebrate the NAACP’s Centennial at JHU

On February 6-7, the Center for Africana Studies at Johns Hopkins University hosts “The Civil Rights Century: The NAACP at 100.” This public history conference marks […]

Story Pals Needed at Barclay Elementary/Middle School

by Katie Horn, Community Connections AmeriCorps VISTA, Barclay Elementary/Middle There’s a whole lot of reading going on! Books-2-Go is coming to the Barclay School! This exciting […]

GEDCO’s Green House Project

by Ted L. Gross, Director of Senior Services, Govans Ecumenical Development Corporation (GEDCO) Construction of one of GEDCO’s senior apartments in 2003. GEDCO (Govans Ecumenical Development […]

Everyone an Artist?

Art on Purpose presents Everyone an Artist?, a series of exhibits beginning this week at the College of Notre Dame of Maryland and other sites. Click […]

My VISTA Year at GHCC

by Sharena Hagins, Youth Coordinator VISTA, January 2008-January 2009 I began my AmeriCorps VISTA year as a youth coordinator at the end of January 2008. I […]

January 22: Public Meeting about Waverly School

Thursday, January 22 6:30-8:30 p.m. Waverly Elementary School Cafeteria (3400 Ellerslie) A public meeting to discuss Waverly’s middle school addition and elementary school renovations The state […]

Apply Now for a Block Project Grant!

Participants in a 2006 block project in Ednor Gardens-Lakeside It’s never too early to think about sprucing up your block for springtime! GHCC is accepting applications […]

MLK Day of Service at Waverly Elementary/Middle

Volunteers at Waverly Elementary/Middle’s MLK Day of Service in 2008 Make it a day on, not a day off! In joint celebration of Dr. Martin Luther […]

University of Baltimore Event Celebrates MLK’s Birthday

by Christina Ralls, Community Artist, University of Baltimore ONE MOSAIC: MANY VOICES UB’s Langsdale Library, 1420 Maryland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21201Thursday, 1/15, 2009: Dr. King’s 80th […]

Register Now for Adult Literacy and ESOL Classes

GHCC’s Adult Literacy and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program is accepting students now! Registration is open for the winter session of adult basic […]

Ednor Gardens Resident Receives Bank of America Local Hero Award

Brad Schlegel in his Smart Car at the Waverly Village National Night Out Kick-Off Parade in August 2008 Ednor Gardens resident Brad Schlegel, who was GHCC’s […]

Western High School Named a Maryland Blue Ribbon School

Congratulations to Western High School, which was one of two high schools in the state named a Maryland Blue Ribbon School! The news was announced on […]

See You in 2009!

Greater Homewood Community Corporation will close on December 24 and re-open on January 5, which means Greater Homewood Voices will be taking a winter break, too. […]

COACH Celebrates First Semester in Baltimore

2008-2009 COACH volunteers (l to r) Tasmim Anwar, Catherine Coleman, Paul Hsiao, and Faraz KhalikLong before you attend your first class, just getting into college these […]

Celebrate the Winter Solstice in Wyman Park Dell

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Community Greening Resource Network Accepting Applications

By Sarah Krones, Community Greening Resource Network Coordinator, Parks and People FoundationA community planting project in Medfield An initiative of Parks & People Foundation and Maryland […]

Waverly Wonderland on December 13

Had your fill of driving to the mall, searching for parking, and waiting in long lines for the same old gifts you give every year? Waverly […]

Urbanite Salutes Central Baltimore Activists

In the late 1960s and 1970s, GHCC’s slogan was “People are the Key.” We still know it’s true. The people who create positive change in our […]

Coming Up: A New Waverly Middle School

By Karen DeCamp, Assistant Director of Public Education, Advocacy, and Outreach, GHCCWaverly student Zahaire Calloway at a January 2008 school clean-up Bebe Verdery of the ACLU […]

Schools + Renovations = Stronger Neighborhoods

A mural at Dallas F. Nicholas, Sr. Elementary School In this week’s Audacious Ideas blog post for the Open Society Institute, Bebe Verdery writes about the […]

Light Up the Night on Waverly Main Street

If you’re like us, you’ve been waiting all year for the return of holiday decorations, and the late Thanksgiving this year only made the wait longer. […]

Regina Boyce: GHCC’s Volunteer of the Year

GHCC appreciates all of the nearly 2,000 dedicated volunteers who help us strengthen neighborhoods in north central Baltimore. We recognize one particularly outstanding volunteer every autumn […]

Dispatches from the 2nd Annual Neighborhood Institute

Helping residents of north central Baltimore find the tools they need to make their neighborhoods stronger is what GHCC is all about. That’s why we’ve hosted […]