We purchased backpacks for Fathers Fighting 4 Fathers, founded by Markus Trent, which made it possible for Markus and his team to distribute backpacks to all who needed them at their recent back-to-school programs and support their focus on preventing truancy, strengthening family bonds, and engaging parents in their children’s education. Fathers Fighting 4 Fathers is partnering with local fire stations and other community partners in addition to their strong connections with an increasing number of Baltimore schools.
Good News Update
Pesia’s Kitchen/EAT Expands Impact
Grantee Pesia’s Kitchen/EAT, founded by Gideon Ben-Ami and led by Yoni Ben-Ami, finished up another wonderful year of impact through their successful school-based programs, which combine education about nutrition, food waste, and food insecurity with actual food distribution to school families and community members in a dignified way. This past year they expanded to reach 16 schools!
In a year-end reflection, Maayan, the social involvement coordinator at one of their local schools working with at-risk youth, shared her thoughts on the impact of their new partnership with Pesia’s Kitchen/EAT:
“What began as a broader effort to build belonging and engagement through volunteering turned into a transformative weekly program. Starting in the second quarter of the school year, rescued produce was delivered each Monday, and students took part in packing, sorting, and distributing food—creating a joyful, hands-on experience that not only improved attendance but deepened students’ sense of purpose and self-worth. With support from the welfare department and local community partners, the effort blossomed into a celebration of giving and receiving with dignity. I hope that this beautiful project will continue for many years to come.”
Grantee Featured in Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper
Our grantee Barry Hoffner, Founder of Caravan to Class (which runs the Bourse Jackie programs in memory of his wife, Jackie) was featured in Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper in honor of his upcoming book about his travels to every country in the world (except North Korea). Read more here:
Grantee Update: Inheritance Theater Project
Congratulations to Jon Adam Ross (JAR), founder of Inheritance Theater Project for being chosen for the next cohort of Uptide Accelerator run by 92NY Belfer Center for Innovation and Social Impact. Uptide is an accelerator that gives community-building nonprofits the tools they need to reach the next level of impact. We are proud of JAR and his team!
Alumni Update: Detroit Phoenix Center
Courtney Smith, Founder & CEO of Detroit Phoenix Center, recently received the Black Excellence Award from the Black United Fund (BUF) of Michigan, alongside a powerful circle of leaders dedicated to service, justice, and generational change. For over 55 years, BUF of MI has been a steady force, investing in Black youth, uplifting families, and anchoring Detroit in purpose. As Detroit Phoenix Center shared, “To be recognized by such an institution is more than an award—it’s a confirmation that the impact we’re making matters.”
Building Bridges with Basketball
JAB Camp, founded by Jared Armstrong, offers the fun of basketball camp plus essential life skills and bridge building across communities. The program, underway this summer of 2025, fosters tolerance, respect, and meaningful connections among youth from diverse backgrounds. In our divided world, this is needed more than ever.
