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Today, I was joined by faith leaders from across the city for the launch of a new faith-based initiative called Awaken Baltimore. Awaken is a partnership between my office and the faith community to engage Baltimore's faith institutions, neighborhoods, and nonprofits to "awaken" city residents to a stronger commitment to caring, compassion, and civic responsibility in their communities.
 I am grateful for the support of a core group of ministers who met with me over the summer to make today possible: Dr. S. Todd Yeary, Bishop Walter S. Thomas, Dr. Frank M. Reid, Rev. A.C. D. Vaughn, Rev. H. Walden Wilson, Dr. Harold Carter, Sr., and leaders from across the city. The partnership is a call for city faith institutions to directly address persistent problems such as absentee fathers and the 'stop snitching' culture, and to strengthen police-community relations.
As part of the initiative, city churches, mosques, synagogues, and other faith institutions will take every 3rd Thursday or Friday to perform works in their community. As each community is different, each institution will be encouraged to focus their energy on challenges unique to them. The Mayor's Office of Neighborhoods will connect faith institutions with community groups and schools that have identified needs. Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Baltimore City Mentoring Initiative will meet with faith leaders to recruit mentors for young people in East Baltimore.
The campaign will also focus community resources to encourage and educate fathers about their parental responsibilities and their power to stem violence in our communities. On Saturday, November 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Awaken Baltimore will host a Fatherhood Summit at Northwest District Community Action Center, 3939 Reisterstown Road.
Watch this video to learn more about the Awaken initiative's fatherhood component.
The fact is that the challenges we face today-from crime to poverty-are too big for City Hall to solve alone. The city needs our faith community.
For more information about the Awaken initiative, visit www.baltimorecity.gov, or call 410-396-4735.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at my website or by email at mayor@baltimorecity.gov. You can also follow the Mayor's Office and be a part of the conversation on Twitter. |
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Sincerely,
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
Mayor, City of Baltimore
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Flowermart Call to Show 2011 marks Flowermart's 100th anniversary, and organizers are seeking vendors for this special occasion. Flowermart takes place May 6-7, the weekend of Mothers Day. The deadline to apply is February 25, 2011, and space is awarded on a first come, first served basis. For more information or to download the contract, visit www.flowermart.org. |
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CORPS Initiative Grant Opportunity
The US Department of Labor has awarded funding to the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) for the Continuum of Opportunity Reentry Program & Services (CORPS) Initiative. The Baltimore City Mayor's Office on Criminal Justice (MOCJ) is offering two grant opportunities for local non-profit and for-profit Faith-Based and Community Organizations. CORPS will serve 400 Baltimore City male and female DJS youth 14 to 21 years old returning from placements, detention, or on probation. DJS and MOCJ are seeking local knowledge expertise. For more information, click here. |
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Contacting the Mayor
The official Baltimore City website has been updated to make contacting the Mayor's Office even easier. If you have a question, comment, or concern you can now visit baltimorecity.gov/OfficeoftheMayor.aspx and click on "Contact the Mayor." Find forms to submit your comments, apply for ceremonial documents, request city services, and more! |
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Don't Wait: Get Your Flu Shot Today!
Flu season is here. The most effective way to protect yourself, your family, and your friends from influenza is to get vaccinated. Each flu season, the Baltimore City Health Department provides free vaccinations at clinics across the city. Call 311 or visit the Health Department Website to find the clinic nearest you.
Other, simple ways to avoid the flu and stay healthy this fall:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, scrubbing vigorously for 20 seconds.
- Do not share personal items like drinks, food, or unwashed utensils.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or by using the elbow, arm or sleeve instead of the hand when a tissue is not available.
If someone in your household becomes sick and develops a fever, the person should stay home until they are fever-free for 24 hours. Staying home when sick with flu will reduce the number of others who may get sick. |
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Community Conversation with Schools CEO
Thursday, November 18, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
St. Veronica Roman Catholic Church, 806 Cherry Hill Road Join City Schools Chief Executive Officer Andrés A. Alonso for a conversation about American Education Week and how this year's theme applies to City Schools. |
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Santa's Arrival for the Holidays
Friday, November 19, 6:00 pm
Harborplace Amphitheater, 200 East Pratt Street Santa Claus will arrive at Harborplace & The Gallery this holiday season in grand style! The brick promenade will become aglow as he is ushered in by a cast of characters who have shaped the quintessential quirkiness of Charm City. Festivities will include special performances, music, and the grand finale of the official lighting of the Santa house. In addition, this year Santa's classic house has been transformed using an environmentally green design. Santa's Place will be open for photos and visits with Santa throughout the holiday season. |
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Parent PTA Leadership Academy
Saturday, November 20, 9:00 am-2:00 pm
University of Baltimore Thumel Business Center, 11 W. Mt. Royal Avenue Come participate in this exciting day of leadership training with the National PTA to strengthen parent engagement in schools across the city. |
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Awaken Baltimore Fatherhood Summit
Saturday, November 20, 9:30 am-1:00 pm
Northwest District Community Action Center, 3939 Reisterstown Rd.
Come discuss parental involvement at Awaken Baltimore's inaugural event. Topic include male presence in children's lives, stereotypes, and challenges faced in Baltimore's communities. Continental breakfast will be provided. For more information, or to RSVP, email kevin.slayton@baltimorecity.gov. |
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The League for People with Disabilities Benefit
Saturday, November 20, 11:00 am-4:00 pm
The League for People with Disabilities, 1111 East Cold Spring Lane
The sale of gently worn fur coats and jackets will support programs that help improve the quality of life for children and adults with a wide range of disabilities. Clothing and accessories in leather and fabrics, as well as holiday gift items, will also be available. For more information, visit www.leagueforpeople.org or call 410-323-0500. |
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Transgender Day of Remembrance
Saturday, November 20, 12:00 pm
First Unitarian Church, Charles Street and Franklin Street The 12th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance seeks to raise public awareness of crimes against transgender people, honor the lives of those who have been murdered or died from lack of proper medical care due to sexual identity or expression, and celebrate the lives of transgender people. The event includes a Town Hall meeting, workshops, candlelight procession, and a vigil with the reading of the names of victims. For more information, and a listing of related events, visit sites.google.com/site/tdorbaltimore. |
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All About Fall
Saturday, November 20, 12:00 pm-2:00 pm
Carrie Murray Nature Center, 1901 Ridgetop Road Why do the leaves change color? What do animals eat? How do they stay warm? Learn the answers to these and many other autumn mysteries. Please pre-register for this event. Cost is $4 for adults, $2 for children 5 and under. To learn more, call 410-396-0808. |
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