West Baltimore Renaissance Foundation Quarterly Newsletter - Winter 2026
The West Baltimore Renaissance Foundation is pleased to share its FY 2025 Annual Report, highlighting a year of significant activity and investment across West Baltimore. The report reflects key milestones from the past year, including the opening of The Factory and continued grantmaking in support of community-based programming.
In FY 2025, WBRF welcomed new nonprofit tenants to The Factory who are delivering a wide range of programs focused on opportunity, health, and neighborhood connection. During the year, WBRF staff and board awarded 71 grants totaling $5.87 million, supporting organizations serving West Baltimore residents.
The FY 2025 Annual Report offers an overview of this work, and the collective impact made possible through our nonprofit partners, grantees and community collaborators.
Monthly Food Distributions at The Factory
Access to healthy food continues to be a critical need for many West Baltimore families, especially during the winter months. Through a partnership between LifeBridge Health’s Grace Violence Response Team and So What Else, free monthly food distributions are now taking place at The Factory.
These distributions provide rescued, nutritious food directly to community members in a familiar, accessible location. Volunteers from partner organizations, including Safe Streets and NAMI, have supported recent distributions, demonstrating the collaborative spirit that defines The Factory. Food distribution is scheduled on the 3rd Monday of each month at 2 pm.
Expanding Digital Literacy and Workforce Skills at The Factory
This fall, West Baltimore Renaissance Foundation launched a new digital literacy program at The Factory through a partnership with Pass IT On and the Baltimore Digital Equity Coalition. The program is designed to strengthen essential technology skills while creating clear pathways to workforce-relevant credentials.
The first cohort included participants from Franklin Square Safe Streets, who worked towards Microsoft digital credentials. The curriculum focuses on building practical, transferable skills that support both day-to-day life and longer-term career advancement, with an emphasis on confidence, consistency, and real-world application.
In addition, WBRF will be recruiting a local neighborhood cohort, opening enrollment to residents interested in strengthening their digital skills for employment, education and everyday use. Together, these cohorts reflect a growing commitment to digital access and opportunity in West Baltimore, grounded in partnership and delivered through The Factory. For more information wbrf@lifebridgehealth.org or 443-801-9715
**Happenings Around The Factory**
This quarter was full of momentum as partners, neighbors, and organizations came together to activate the new space with learning, leadership and community- driven work. Capacity-building efforts continue to be a priority for WBRF, with Maryland Nonprofits hosting a cohort of Executive Directors to help them bring their organizations to the next level. WBRF and the Middendorf Foundation hosted “Bridging the Gap Lessons Learned from Capital Grantmaking with over 100 in attendance. These gatherings brought leaders into conversation with local organizations, strengthening the network of people working to support West Baltimore.
Monthly Food Distributions at The Factory
Community-centered programming continued to bring residents through the doors in meaningful ways. Safe Streets hosted several highly attended events, including the Thanksgiving Brunch and Cuts and a holiday coat drive that helped neighbors prepare for the colder months. WBRF also supported public safety and community connection by hosting a Narcan training led by New Hope Treatment Center and a holiday dinner that brought together the Union Square, Franklin Square and Fayette Street communities.
Youth engagement and access to opportunity remained strong throughout the quarter. Baltimore’s Promise gathered young people for its “Summer in December” event, creating space for youth voice to shape summer planning across the city. Resource-focused events also continued, including an employment fair hosted by the University of Maryland Medical Center that connected residents with job opportunities and services. Together, these activities and many more reflect a season of collaboration, care and steady progress for the West Baltimore community.
If you’ve attended one of our factory events, we’d be grateful if you could take a few minutes to share your thoughts. Your feedback helps us understand what worked well and how we can make future experiences even better. Thank you for being part of our community and helping us improve.
Please take this 2 minute survey:
https://forms.office.com/r/B9HvCpQZSB
Now Live: SOWEBO Events on Instagram
Southwest Baltimore is full of incredible events, programs, and resources shared every day by residents and organizations who care deeply about their community. Until now, that information has lived across many platforms and pages.
The SOWEBO Community Events Hub brings it all into one place.
We’re excited to announce the launch of @soweboevents on Instagram — a shared community calendar highlighting free events, programs and resources happening throughout Southwest Baltimore. The goal is simple: make it easier for residents to see what’s happening nearby and stay connected.
Want Your Event Featured?
It’s easy. Just invite @soweboevents as a collaborator on eligible Instagram posts. Your event will
appear on both feeds — no extra work required.
The page is co-managed by Southwest Partnership, West Baltimore Renaissance Foundation and
University of Maryland, Baltimore, and reflects a shared commitment to visibility, access and
connection across Southwest Baltimore.
Follow @soweboevents and help spread the word.
Office, Event and Convening Spaces at The Factory
The Factory offers below market offices as well as flexible event and convening spaces designed to support community engagement, learning and collaboration. Currently available are two offices with two workstations and five cubicle spaces available for lease to mission oriented nonprofit organizations with a track record of success.
At the center of the building is a large gathering space well suited for community meetings, public forums, workshops, and neighborhood events. The space can be configured to meet a variety of needs and includes audiovisual capabilities to support presentations and facilitated discussions.
The Factory welcomes nonprofit organizations and community groups seeking space to call the building home or for mission-driven events that support civic engagement and neighborhood connection.
For more information please see our website: https://www.lifebridgehealth.org/west-baltimore-renaissance-
foundation/the-factory#rentals
A Gift of Art and Community History
Betsey Waters, a longtime resident and dedicated community advocate in Southwest Baltimore, generously donated seven SOWEBO Arts and Music Festival posters to the West Baltimore Renaissance Foundation for permanent display at The Factory.
In the early days of The SOWEBO Arts and Music Festival, held annually in late May, a poster contest was held to encourage and promote original artwork reflecting the creativity, history, and community spirit of Southwest Baltimore. The posters include both a featured art piece that is placed on a unique boarder often designed separately by a collaborator. After submission, the finished posters were auctioned off as a fundraiser for the festival. The posters represent decades of artistic expression rooted in the neighborhood and its people.
WBRF partnered with The Chessler Company to carefully preserve, re-frame, and showcase the artwork throughout The Factory. The Foundation is deeply grateful for this meaningful donation and the history it represents. Displayed throughout the building, the posters bring warmth, local character, and an authentic sense of place—illustrating boththe individuals and communities WBRF serves. The featured artists include Penny Bamford, Robert McClintock, Cheryl Terrell, Randi Vega, Jeanne Kemp and Noelle Zeltman. Together, their work reflects the rich legacy of arts and culture in Southwest Baltimore and adds a special, community- rooted touch to The Factory.
Community members are warmly invited to visit The Factory and experience these remarkable works of art in person.
TENANT SPOTLIGHT:
NAMI Baltimore
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Baltimore works to improve the lives of individualsand families affected by mental health conditions through education, advocacy, and peer-led support. Grounded in lived experience, NAMI Baltimore creates welcoming, stigma-free spaces where community members can connect, learn practical coping strategies and strengthen their overall well-being.
March–May Events & Programs at The Factory
NAMI Baltimore continues to host a range of free, community-based mental health programs at The Factory, offering consistent opportunities for connection, reflection and skill-building. The Peer Connection Support Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month, providing adults 18+ with a supportive space to share experiences and build hope alongside others navigating similar journeys.
In addition, Mindful Mondays, offered in partnership with Tranquil Essence, take place on March 23, April 27, and May 25, featuring journaling, sound therapy, and gentle yoga to support stress reduction and overall wellness. NAMI Baltimore also hosts Mental Monday Workshops on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month, with rotating topics from creative self-expression and stress first aid to trauma-informed community care and family support. Together, these programs offer accessible tools and meaningful connection to support mental health across West Baltimore.
For more information: Garrett Brunson, West Baltimore Outreach Coordinator Gbrunson@namibaltimore.org
NEWLY AWARDED GRANTS:
10:12 Sports, Youth Mentoring, $27,500
Friendly Loving Opportunities, Workforce Development, $50,000
Southwest Partnership , Population Health, $75,000
Dwyer Workforce Development, Workforce Development $25,000
Mentoring Male Teens in the Hood, Youth Mentoring, $15,000
4 My City, Food Access, $62,500
So What Else, Food Access, $62,500
Franciscan Center, Workforce Development, $15,000
Urban Alliance, Youth Mentoring, $50,000
Higher Achievement, Youth Mentoring, $35,000
Hope Ignites, Youth Mentoring, $10,000
LeadingAge MD, Population Health, $197,450
Civic Works, Population Health, $174,409
United Way of Central Maryland, Population Health, $10,000
NAMI Baltimore, Population Health, $70,000
Paul’s Place, Workforce Development, $42,500
Clergy United for Transformation of Sandtown, Population Health, $155,000
Per Scholas, Workforce Development, $35,000
Rebuilding Together Baltimore, Population Health, $125,000
WombWork Productions, Youth Mentoring, $40,000
Wide Angle Youth Media, Youth Mentoring, $40,000
I AM MENtality, Youth Mentoring, $35,000
Project Jumpstart, Workforce Development, $35,000
Fayette Street Outreach, Small Neighborhood Grant, $2,500
Nehemiah Central Community Development Corporation, Small Neighborhood Grant, $2,500
Bon Secours Community Works, Small Neighborhood Grant, $2,500
United Way of Central Maryland, Small Neighborhood Grant, $2,500
OPPORTUNITIES:
Mentoring Male Teens in the Hood will celebrate 30 years of service and impact on June 18, 2026, honoring three decades of commitment to mentoring and supporting young men in the community. The anniversary celebration will take place from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at the New Shiloh Family Life Center, located at 2100 N. Monroe Street, Baltimore, MD. Tickets are $125 per person. For ticket information or inquiries, please contact Cameron Miles at cmilesmmth@gmail.com
Join the Neighbor Housing Services for an engaging and informative series where you’ll learn what it takes to purchase your first home. The team will guide you through each step—from understanding the buying process to getting mortgage-ready and protecting your investment. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at how homes are built and renovated in our communities. To sign up, click here https://airtable.com/appqVm5kTM2sRoYhY/pagBCH3YB6sp2S8NB/form
The CASH Campaign of Maryland is hosting the 10th annual Financial Education Summit on April 28/29. This free virtual training is for practitioners and educators seeking to learn the latest in the growing field of financial education. Connect with experts and peers to improve your financial education program and get inspired with our dynamic keynote speakers! Learn more and register here.
Civic Works, Elder Services is hosting a Paid Summer Internship in Aging from June 1 – August 10, 2026 and is designed for students interested in social work, psychology, human services, and related fields. Interns will gain hands-on experience while exploring key issues impacting older adults, including: Social justice and advocacy, Health disparities and social determinants of health, Economic insecurity, Community organizing and systems-level change.
Program highlights include: Stipend equivalent to $15/hour plus an educational award, 30 hours per week for 10 weeks, Professional development and exposure to aging services Eligibility notes: Applicants should be a current undergraduate level student, A background check and drug test are required, Participants must have access to independent transportation Interested applicants should submit a resume and a personal statement (no more than 250 words) to seaprogram@civicworks.com.
Join No Struggle No Success for the 2026 “Blues into Breakthrough” Closing Ceremony April 18, 2026 | 2:00–6:00 PM Celebrating returning citizens completing reentry programming, partner agency participants, and justice-impacted entrepreneur-owned businesses. The event highlights stories of growth, accountability and resilience while honoring Second Chance Month. For more information contact: Janette Graham at 443-934-1301 or reentry@nostrugglenosuccess.org RSVP required: NsNs 2026 Closing Ceremony RSVP"
Art with a Heart: Registration is now open for paid summer positions developing skills as a Production Artist or Digital Artist through YouthWorks. Apply today by visiting https://youthworks.oedworks.com, then email your YouthWorks verification form to Candace@artwithaheart.net before the March 7th deadline.
Since December 2025, So What Else, Inc., has been providing food to the Grace Medical Center's Violence Response Team to distribute at the Factory. Anyone interested in attending or needing more information is welcome to contact Ms. Joletta Anderson at 410-362-3240 or juwillia@lifebridgehealth.org.
Junior Achievement of Central Maryland: Bring your Big Idea Energy on Thursday, July 16 to our free, one-day, JA Entrepreneurship Accelerator, designed for aspiring entrepreneurs ages 16–24 who are ready to turn ideas into action. Register now and expect hands-on workshops, expert insights and meaningful connections that can help launch your next big business idea! For more information, visit https://bit.ly/4axbm7Z and/or contact Jonaye Ford at jford@jamaryland.org.
Junior Achievement of Central Maryland: Celebrate Central Maryland’s next generation of emerging leaders, JA 18 Under 18, who are launching businesses and nonprofits to leading public health initiatives and strengthening their communities. These students embody the spirit of leadership, creativity and service. Celebrate our new class of leaders on May 7. For more information visit https://bit.ly/464Ygxm and/or contact Katie Ballance at kballance@jamaryland.org.
Ready to take the first step toward homeownership? GO Northwest Housing Resource Center is excited to offer a Homebuyers Club starting March 17, 2026. This program is designed to support individuals interested in buying a home with guidance, resources and workshops. Contact us if you’re interested! Call: 410-947-0084 and ask for a housing counselor / Email: info@go-northwesthrc.org Link: https://hbcinterest1.eventbrite.com Feb 28 from 9:30am to 10:30am EST
Join GO Northwest for our First-Time Homebuyer Workshop, held every 2nd Saturday of the month! This free, interactive session guides you through the homebuying process—from budgeting and credit readiness to choosing the right mortgage and navigating closing. Whether you're just getting started or ready to take the next step, our housing counselors are here to help you build a confident path to homeownership. Next Dates: March 14, 2026/ April 11, 2026/ May 9, 2026/ June 13,2026Call: 410-947-0084 and ask for a housing counselor / Email: info@go-northwesthrc.orgLink: tinyurl.com/GN-Register
At Dwyer Workforce Development our driving force is changing lives and our communities for the better. To do this, we provide free healthcare training and comprehensive support to individuals who lack opportunity and aspire to a job in the healthcare field. To learn more and to become a Dwyer Scholar visit our website at https://dwyerworkforcedev.org/