PRESS RELEASE: Neighborhood Institute 2020 Postponed due to Concerns Over Spread of COVID-19
March 13, 2020
New Book From Strong City Describes ‘Stories of Neighborhood Transformation’
March 18, 2020
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 to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Given that the communities we regularly serve include many who may have chronic illnesses, be immune compromised, be uninsured or underinsured, and/or lack access to sufficient health care, we felt limiting operations was the best way to care for our fellow Baltimoreans.
Though many of our staff will continue working their normal schedules, our operations and services may be slower than usual. We appreciate the patience of all our staff, project leaders, funders, and partners during these unprecedented times.
Below is a summary of the adjustments by operation area.
General Operations
Starting on Monday, March 16, 2020, general operations staff including Project Services, Human Resources, Development, Information Technology and Administrative will move to teleworking as their positions allow. Certain essential Finance staff will continue to work from our main office due to the unique technology requirements of their positions. Executive leadership will reassess the situation on a weekly basis to determine when staff are able to return to working at the office.
29th Street Community Center
Starting on March 14, 2020 the 29th Street Community Center will be closed for all programs, events, and activities until Baltimore City Public Schools reopen, which is expected to happen on March 30. The center will receive a deep clean on Monday, March 16th.
Adult Learning Center (updated April 17, 2020)
Starting on Friday, March 13, all on-site classes will be canceled through May 15, 2020. Teachers will be coordinating distance learning will all students.
Community School Coordinators
Coordinators at Margaret Brent Elementary and Govans Elementary/Middle will follow the Baltimore City Public School schedule and are expected to be closed until March 30. Please contact schools directly to learn more about which services will continue through closures.
The Club at Collington Square
Starting on Friday, March 13, The Club will discontinue holding classes and activities until Baltimore City Public Schools reopen. Daily afternoon meal services for scholars will continue. Staff will complete a deep clean of the facilities on a weekly basis.
Neighborhood Institute 2020
Neighborhood Institute 2020 (NI2020), originally scheduled for March 28th at Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) is postponed until fall 2020. We are working with BCCC to secure a new date for the event. Workshop presenters and panelists will be invited to present on the new date. All tickets already purchased will be honored at the rescheduled NI2020. Refunds minus processing fees will be available for ticket holders who cannot attend. Volunteers are encouraged to still participate.
Some of our programming focused on the 2020 Census and civic engagement in the elections occurring this spring. We hope to work with individual presenters and panelists to bring Baltimore this timely and important information in other ways, including virtual platforms.
Check our website or follow us on social media to get the latest updates as the situation unfolds.
