Maryland

Fathers Fighting 4 Fathers

May 7, 2025 by

In some of the most challenging neighborhoods in the city of Baltimore, families struggle to survive the economic realities that abound there. Fathers Fighting 4 Fathers headed by Markus Trent recognizes that by empowering fathers and helping them develop skills that ultimately lead to greater involvement in the family unit will lead to a strong family and deliver the benefits that come with that strength.

When families are strong, whole neighborhoods become strong, creating stability and unity. Diverse programming includes mentoring for first time parents, financial literacy, health and wellness, family breakfasts, college tours and beyond.

Women Palante

March 14, 2024 by

The Spanish idiom “palante” can be translated as “go for it!”, an appropriate name for Yurani Sandoval’s organization, Women Palante which mentors and inspires Latina women as they pursue entrepreneurial ventures. The program includes not only critical financial expertise but also focuses on personal wellness, an often-ignored, but important tool leading to success.

Our matching grant is directed to administrative costs.

Kavod v’Nichum

March 29, 2023 by

Our society has become more sensitive to the importance and deeply meaningful aspects of life cycle events, even death. Founded 23 years ago by David Zinner, and now led by Sarit Wishnevski, Kavod v’Nichum helps communities learn how to approach all aspects of end-of-life – serious illness, dying, death, bereavement and mourning – with compassion and meaning.

Our matching funds are directed to the organization’s training programs.

Food Project

November 25, 2019 by

It might seem to be all about food, but The Food Project (a program of UEmpower MD), housed in a former elementary school in the blight that is SW Baltimore, is so much more. Instead of the usual reading, writing and ‘rithmetic you expect to be taught there, Michelle Suazo and her small staff and volunteers with expertise in farming, behavioral therapy, public health and social work, focus on bringing hope and culinary skills to local youth who have little about which to be hopeful.

As the pandemic raged around them, programming became virtual and the organization quickly pivoted to provide food and other necessities to this poor neighborhood. The Project prepares and distributes
meals, giving participants on the job experience. They also run a weekly market and offers programs to help
young people cope with the increased emotional stress of the pandemic.

Our funds underwrite the purchase of food and administrative expenses.

SPIRIT Club Foundation

July 15, 2015 by

There’s a fitness club in Maryland that’s not your usual corner gym. At SPIRIT Club, individuals with physical and developmental challenges are lifting weights, doing aerobics, and working with personal trainers in a space that embraces diversity and inclusion.

SPIRIT (Social-Physical-Interactive-Respectful-Integrated-Teamwork) Club Founder Jared Ciner merged his fitness background and experience working with people with special needs to open SPIRIT Club in 2013. He later established SPIRIT Club Foundation to ensure that physical health and socialization is accessible to members of a too-often marginalized population, and to advocate for their visibility and accommodation.

“We have to understand that every person is an equal human being who deserves the same respect and opportunity as anyone else,” Jared says.

Our grant funds scholarships for a swimming program, and for technology allowing virtual participation in fitness classes during the pandemic and beyond.