Goals:

• Ensure the strategic planning and execution of Baltimore CONNECT.

• Lead Baltimore CONNECT in setting the annual budget and securing funding to meet its objectives.

• Confirm budget and resource allocation with internal and external stakeholders, including Johns Hopkins, Morgan State University, the University of Maryland School Alliance, and community service providers.

• Outreach to financial, legal, and community resource levels.

Goals:

• Create strategies to attract new members and communicate the benefits of joining through MOUs.

• Ensure current members remain engaged and follow up with lapsed members weekly.  

• Compile relevant information for members to get the most out of their membership through our websites, networks and social media channels.

Goals:

• Enhance health awareness by providing health screenings, activities, educational materials, demonstrations, and information.

• Identify topics and participants for future educational health programs.

• Supply essential school materials to the youth in Baltimore City.

• Raise awareness of local, state, and national health and safety services and resources.

• Encourage participants to adopt positive health behavior changes.

Projects:

1.City-Wide Resource Fairs

• Audience:Baltimore City residents of all ages.  

• Volunteer Opportunities:Event setup, vendor coordination, health screenings, and distributing materials.

2. School Supply Drives

• Audience:School-aged(6-12) children in Baltimore City.  

• Volunteer Oppotunities: Collecting, organizing, and distributing school supplies.

3.Health Education Programs

• Audience: Community members interested in health and wellness, especially Community Health Worker (CHW) groups.  

• Volunteer Oppotunities: Health resources facilitation, guest coordination, and outreach support.

The Baltimore CONNECT Youth Committee is dedicated to empowering youth across the Baltimore area by fostering collaboration among organizations, sharing valuable resources, and ensuring that young voices shape the initiatives that impact them.

We believe that every young person deserves access to opportunities that support their growth, whether through volunteer service, education resources, parenting support, or career development.

What We Do:

• Foster Collaboration – Strengthening connections between organizations serving youth.

• Share Resources – Providing essential tools, from education to wellness support.

• Empower Youth – Ensuring young people have a voice in shaping their future.

Reach the co-chair Audrey Carter at thepeoplesassociation@yahoo.com.

The Mental Health Committee is dedicated to supporting the well-being of the Baltimore community by providing critical mental health resources and training for individuals of all ages. Led by Co-chair Lee Bone, the committee focuses on equipping community members with the knowledge and skills needed to respond to mental health crises with compassion and care.

Our Key Offerings:

• Adult & Youth First Aid Training – We offer training sessions for community members to learn how to assist individuals experiencing mental health challenges, helping create a more supportive environment for all.

• Heart Stories – Facilitating personal storytelling sessions that allow individuals to share their experiences and build empathy within the community.

Through these initiatives, the Mental Health Committee aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote mental health literacy across the Baltimore area.

Goals:

• Streamline access to health and social services for underserved populations.

• Promote partnerships among community organizations, healthcare providers, and social-service agencies.

• Enhance care coordination to improve service delivery and client satisfaction.

• Educate the community on available services and resources.

Ongoing Projects:

1.Community Resource Navigation Program

• Target Audience: Low-income families and individuals in Baltimore City.

• Volunteer Opportunities: Assist with resource mapping, connecting residents to services, and follow-up support.

2.Health Equity Initiative Plans

• Target Audience: Marginalized populations facing health disparities.

• Volunteer Opportunities: Members outreach, event organization, and health education support.

3.Case Management Training Workshops

• Target Audience: Community Health Workers (CHWs) and volunteers.

• Volunteer Opportunities: Organizing training sessions and coordinating materials.

The Publication Committee is committed to documenting and sharing the profound impact that Baltimore CONNECT and its partners have in the community through a variety of media and academic outlets. Our goal is to elevate voices, research, and stories that highlight the transformative work taking place across Baltimore.

Purpose:

Our mission is to document and disseminate the work of Baltimore CONNECT and its partners, showcasing the positive change and impact within the community. We achieve this by publishing articles, research, and stories that resonate with diverse audiences.

Published Articles:

• Using Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) – An exploration of how community-driven research benefits local communities.

Anticipated Future Publications:

• “Don’t Feed Me Pizza” – Exploring rules of engagement for community meetings and what truly adds value to community collaboration.

• Students As Tutors (SATutors) – Highlighting the role of student tutors in supporting educational initiatives.

• COVID-19 – Reflecting on how the community came together and adapted during the pandemic.

The Foundations and Grants Committee is crucial to ensuring the sustainability and growth of Baltimore CONNECT by identifying and securing funding streams. This committee plays an essential role in awarding grants, scholarships, and programs to support our mission and the organizations we serve.

Our Key Responsibilities:

• Awarding Grants & Scholarships – Reviewing and approving funding for impactful programs and initiatives.

• Monitoring Fund Usage – Ensuring funds are used in alignment with the intended purpose.

• Reporting on Grant Use – Providing transparency and accountability regarding the use of awarded funds.

• Evaluating Grant Impact – Assessing the outcomes of funded projects to ensure they benefit Baltimore CONNECT members.

Purpose:

Our primary goal is to identify sustainable funding opportunities that will allow Baltimore CONNECT to continue its vital work and amplify the impact of its members.

Committee Leadership:

• Co-chairs: Lee Bone & Patricia Barger

• Grant Writer Consultant: Lois Mitchell

Goals:

• Build partnerships among organizations and stakeholders to strengthen community engagement.

• Ensure underserved populations receive information about available resources and services.

• Foster communication between organizations to create cohesive community responses.

• Offer training and resources to empower community organizations in meeting local needs.

• Ensure diverse community representation and participation in the conference.

• Set metrics to assess the effectiveness of initiatives and partnerships developed during the conference.