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 words, when you resolve to do the things that matter most to you, you’re less likely to fail.

At GHCC, what matters most to us is that you love where you live. We’ve got some great projects planned for 2013 and we can’t wait for you to take the ride along with us. So, to get you started, we’ve assembled 6 suggested resolutions that will not only help you love where you live, but up your karma in the process.

Be a good role model. Through the guidance of a caring adult, children are more able to build self-esteem, do well in school, and reach their full potential. GHCC’s Barclay Youth Safe Haven provides a safe and supportive environment after the school day ends to children in grades 1 through 5.  Spend a couple hours a week with a young person doing activities you both enjoy – games and sports, reading books, making art, or whatever it is you both enjoy most.

Invest in a better Baltimore. Buying a home in Baltimore is more affordable than you might think. With relatively low housing prices and a number of available incentives, buying a house can be much cheaper than renting, help you build equity, and promote long-term stability in city neighborhoods. Check out our Healthy Neighborhoods program, which provides low-interest loans and incentives for buying and renovating homes on target blocks in north central Baltimore.

Get to know your neighbors. Knowing your neighbors not only helps when you’ve run out of eggs mid-baking – it is a necessary ingredient in building safe and healthy communities. Joining your neighborhood association is one of the best ways to keep up with neighborhood happenings and get involved with people and projects that make you say, “I’m proud to live in Charles Village…Waverly…Remington…Roland Park…” Or whatever Greater Homewood neighborhood you call home.

Teach someone to fish. You know the adage, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for today. Teach a man to fish and you’ve fed him for a lifetime.” With an estimated 99,000 Baltimore City adults lacking a high school diploma, knowledge is one of the most impactful gifts you can give. Share your knowledge and consider becoming an adult basic education or ESOL tutor at the Greater Homewood Adult Learning Center.

Take it to the streets. If you’ve ever dreamed of donning a nautical curl while navigating a salty and seamless ocean, we ask that you stay on dry land. Block Captains sit at the helm of an invaluable voyage – recruiting volunteers, organizing block beautification projects, assisting with crime prevention, and promoting neighborhood pride. Sign up for one of our trainings today (no sea legs required).

Buy a little happiness. Multiple studies have shown a strong correlation between charitable giving and happiness. By making a donation to GHCC, you are giving back to your city, your neighbors, and most importantly, to yourself. You are supporting the kind of work that can only be done by your local community development nonprofit organization – that’s us.

Have a safe and happy New Year!