West Baltimore Renaissance Foundation Quarterly Newsletter - Fall 2025
The Factory: A Summer Full of Life and Community
Since opening our doors on May 13, The Factory has been buzzing with energy. In just a few short months, several thousand people have come through to take part in events, programs and gatherings that bring neighbors together. Our spaces—the Computer Lab, Classroom and Gathering Space—have quickly become spots for learning, connection and celebration. These spaces are also available for broader use, making The Factory a resource not only for our tenants but for the wider West Baltimore community.
This summer, organizations of all kinds stepped in to make the building come alive. NAMI and the Grace Medical Center violence response team held support groups to provide a safe place for neighbors to connect and heal. Baltimore’s Promise brought people together for Montaze Cooper Day, while VSP launched its healthcare career pathway training right here at The Factory.
The Baltimore Digital Equity Coalition hosted an all-day event to tackle the digital divide, and WBRF partnered with Maryland Nonprofits to host a “Meeting the Moment” panel that sparked important conversations about the shifting funding landscape for community-based organizations.
The fun and celebration didn’t stop there. Safe Streets hosted a lively back-to-school cookout and giveaway that sent kids off ready for the new school year, and WBRF teamed up with Art with a Heart and neighbors to create a vibrant mural that now brightens the walls.
The Enoch Pratt Library’s free bookmobile rolled up every other week, quickly becoming a favorite stop for families taking part in the free Summer Reading Program.
Youth mentoring groups—I AM MENtality, CareerBound and the Baltimore Alliance for Careers in Healthcare—used the space to help young people build skills and confidence, and two groups, including Dignity Plates from the Franciscan Center, celebrated their graduations here at The Factory.
Seniors also had their moment to shine during “Senior Ditch Day,” which brought out 50 older adults for a menu of resources from vendors and providers. It’s clear that The Factory is more than just a building—it’s a place where people of all ages can connect, grow and thrive. We invite you to join us at future events, including our upcoming digital literacy trainings for seniors and returning citizens. Stop by, explore our spaces and be part of the momentum that’s building in West Baltimore.
Grace Community Day
Continuing the celebrated tradition, Grace Medical Center was pleased to host the annual Community Day on Sept. 13, 2025, in partnership with Central Baptist Church, Bon Secours Community Works, Tabernacle of the Lord, Fayette Street Outreach Organization and WBRF.
Joined by dozens of nonprofit organizations, service providers and LifeBridge Health clinical and community programming partners, community residents were treated to a wide variety of free medical services, food, music, dance and more. Many thanks to so many participants, volunteers, donors and staff for making the day a success.
SW Entrepreneurship Conference
WBRF partnered with Southwest Partnership, Greywood Group and Innovation Works to host the Southwest Entrepreneurship Conference on Sept. 6. The free event connected entrepreneurs, community leaders and financial partners to strengthen Southwest Baltimore’s business ecosystem. Photo and video coverage can be found here.
The team from Innovation Works highlighted pathways and resources for entrepreneurship, including the Boost Program, and featured the CEO of Elocin Global Logistics. A panel discussion including representatives of M&T Bank, Baltimore Community Lending, Community Wealth Builders and the Baltimore Roundtable for Economic Democracy highlighted traditional, nonprofit and community-driven resources to support business growth. A panel focused on using social media to grow your business included representatives from Miocoa Strategies, Grounded Café and Wellness, By Selena Carter and Digital Factory Studios. Finally, Dr. Laura Dykes led a conversation with the CEO of Greywood Group and the owner of Rooted Rotisserie on the strengths of operating in Southwest Baltimore. A special thanks to all the panelists, moderators, Baltimore City Council members Phylicia Porter and John Bullock, for their remarks, and to the Baltimore Development Corporation and the UMB BioPark for co-sponsoring the event, along with Kneads Bakery for donating breakfast.
Bringing a Digital Literacy Strategy to The Factory
The Factory is taking steps to close the digital divide in West Baltimore. After putting out a call for proposals, and with the help of our partners at Bon Secours Community Works and Center for Hope, who joined us in reviewing the submissions, we selected Pass IT On and the Baltimore Digital Equity Coalition to launch a digital literacy program right here in the building. These organizations bring not only expertise, but also a real commitment to making sure our neighbors—especially seniors and returning citizens—have the skills they need to navigate today’s online world.
Starting later this year, The Factory will open its doors to free, hands-on classes that meet people where they are, whether that’s learning how to send an email, apply for jobs online or use digital tools to connect with loved ones and resources. This program is about more than computers—it’s about opportunity, independence and connection. We’re proud to be working side-by-side with Pass It On and BDEC. Stay tuned for more information.
Grantee Spotlight
WombWork Productions has become a powerful voice for healing and change in Baltimore.
For more than 25 years, the organization has used theater, dance and music as tools for truth-telling and transformation. Rooted in trauma-informed practice, every performance and workshop is designed with care, honoring the lived experiences of participants and creating safe spaces where struggle can be turned into strength. Their ensembles—NuWorld Art Ensemble, NuWorld Jr. and Next Level—lift up stories that too often go unheard, using the stage as a place to spark dialogue, healing and action. By blending art with community building, WombWork helps young people and families see their voices not just as expressions of pain, but as powerful catalysts for change.
In West Baltimore, WombWork continues to be a trusted space where youth and families come together to process trauma, build confidence and step into leadership. Over the past year, the organization produced more than 20 trauma-informed performances and workshops, reaching nearly 500 residents with programming focused on violence prevention, justice and wellness.
Turnaround Tuesday is improving Baltimore’s workforce by opening doors for returning citizens, unemployed residents, and those seeking a second chance. The program provides more than job readiness—it offers a trauma-informed, community-based model of healing and opportunity. Each week, participants gather for training, encouragement, and accountability, creating a network of support that prepares them for meaningful, livable-wage work. With a focus on dignity and empowerment, Turnaround Tuesday helps residents rebuild not just their résumés, but their lives.
To date, Turnaround Tuesday has placed over 2,300 participants into jobs with more than 50 employer partners across Baltimore, including Johns Hopkins, MedStar, LifeBridge Health, and other major employers. This year, the organization expanded its reach by opening a new location, ensuring that even more residents can access its services. Looking ahead, Turnaround Tuesday will begin hosting programs at The Factory this fall, deepening its presence in West Baltimore and strengthening neighborhood pathways to opportunity. Its grassroots approach has made it a trusted space across the city, proving that when people are met with compassion, structure, and opportunity, they rise to lead their families and communities toward a stronger future.
Newly Awarded Grants
- Pigtown Main Street, Small Neighborhood Grant, $2,500
- Southwest Sports and Fitness Alliance, Small Neighborhood Grant, $2,500
- St. Luke's Youth Center, Youth Mentoring, $50,000
- ABC Park Seminoles, Youth Mentoring, $10,000
- The Y in Central Maryland, Population Health, $50,000
- Love and Cornbread, Food Access, $25,000
- Neighborhood Housing Services, Population Health, $50,000
- No Boundaries Coalition, Food Access, $30,000
- Southwest Sports and Fitness Alliance, Youth Mentoring, $10,000
Program and Recruiting Opportunities
Join Clergy United for the Transformation of Sandtown for the Community Health Expo on Thursday, Oct. 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Simmons Memorial Baptist Church! Enjoy free health screenings, wellness activities, giveaways and more as we come together for a day of connection and care. For more information: valerie.cuts@gmail.com; 240-277-4274.
SEED School of MD, the state’s only tuition-free, college-prep, public boarding school is hosting a Fall Admissions Open House on Sunday, Oct.19, from 4 to 6 p.m. SEED is dedicated to making higher education accessible to all motivated students and welcomes applications from rising 6th and 9th graders who are personally committed to preparing for college and able to thrive in a safe, healthy boarding environment. Click here to register.
Parks and People welcomes you to the Green Internship Showcase on Oct. 23 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 2100 Liberty Heights Ave., Baltimore, MD, 21217. Come meet our interns, explore our campus and connect with community resource organizations! For more information: www.parksandpeople.org/events/green-internship-showcase.
Now in its third year, the BLK Leadership Accelerator has guided two successful cohorts of Black Executive Directors (2023-2024 and 2024-2025), helping leaders across Maryland strengthen their skills, expand their networks and drive greater impact in their organizations. If you’re ready to invest in your leadership and join a community of peers committed to equity and excellence in the nonprofit sector, we encourage you to apply. For more information: https://www.theblackednetwork.org/blk-leadership-accelerator.
Excellence & Ambition Inc. is dedicated to mentoring youth ages 14-21 in the areas of entrepreneurship, workforce development, college/career exploration, financial literacy and the arts. Our goal is to enable companies to hire young employees ready for the opportunity to grow and prosper, and for participants to have the ability to maintain their own business ventures and entrepreneurial endeavors. To support our efforts, visit the website at www.ambitiousyouth.org.
VSP offers free career planning and life skills training. Services include career planning and assessment, goal-setting, and life skills training—work-life balance, soft skills training and job readiness training. To learn more, attend an information session on Nov. 25 from 1 - 2 p.m. at The Factory 5 N. Calhoun. For more information: Rosalind Howard, 443-955-7524.
Intersection of Change's Jubilee Arts program has community art, music and movement classes for all ages. Classes are $3.00 - $6.00 per session. For more information, go to https://jubileearts.coursestorm.com/.
Intersection of Change's Strength to Love II farm is accepting volunteers. Learn to farm and make new friends while helping feed the community. For more infoermation, go to https://intersectionofchange.org/volunteer/.
Youth As Resources (YAR) is a youth-led grant-making, leadership development and community organizing organization, and our next grant cycle is about to begin! We award grants ranging from $500–$5,000 to support youth-created and youth-led community projects in Baltimore City. We also host a monthly School Police Roundtable on the last Wednesday of each month; the roundtable focuses on legislative work and student rights related to school police. To learn more and sign up for a Grant Seeker Workshop, visit: www.youthasresources.org/grants or email jreeder@youthasresources.org.
Join the Legacy Arts Academy at R.I.S.E Arts Center this Fall (Oct. 8 - Dec. 17, 2025) to explore and develop skills in digital art, fine art, fashion design, playwriting and portfolio development. This free program supports youth artists ages 11-21 as they prepare for higher education, employment and entrepreneurship. Registration is open! Sign up here: https://forms.gle/mAF3745k2Lb3VFvf8; Legacy Arts Academy Contact: Bailey McCoy, bailey@riseartscenter.org.
Groundwork Kitchen Culinary Training Program offers eight weeks of free training during which adults earn industry-recognized credentials and gain hands-on experience to start a career in food service. Click here to learn more about our job placement services, case management support and to apply for one of our upcoming classes.
Thread: Thread & The Stoop Storytelling Series Present: Unexpected Magic: Stories of Radical Reciprocity & Relationships That Change Lives. Join this special night of intimate storytelling about relationships that have transformed lives in unimaginable ways. Wednesday, Oct. 8, 7 p.m., Shriver Hall (3400 N Charles Street). Register for free at https://thread.events/magic.
Thread: Join our rapidly growing community and build supportive relationships with young people and other volunteers in Baltimore or connect young people with resources and employment opportunities through your business or employer. Learn more and get involved at https://www.thread.org/get-involved/.
Code in the Schools’ Prodigy Program is a free, year-round after-school program for Baltimore middle and high school youth, where students build real projects while exploring computer science tracks such as game development, IT, cybersecurity and more! Sessions are held at our office (21 E North Ave.) twice a week from 4 - 6 p.m., and no prior experience is required! For more information: https://www.codeintheschools.org/prodigy-program.
Middle School Arts programming is available from Wide Angle Youth Media at the Langston Hughes CBRC, Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 - 5:30 p.m. It is a free 10-12 week after-school program, teaching young people aged 10 to 14 digital media production, critical thinking, public speaking, team-building and leadership skills. Programming operates each fall, winter and spring. Through regular attendance, students are eligible to earn service learning hours for their participation. Register at: https://www.hisawyer.com/wide-angle-youth-media/schedules/activity-set/1608130.