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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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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!
(click the image to see a larger version)
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 […]
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 […]