West Baltimore Renaissance Foundation

Get ready for your next opportunity at The Factory this Friday, September 25!

Start the morning at 9:00 AM with Pass It On for a resume workshop designed to help you polish your resume and prepare to meet employers.

Then stay for the WBRF/Safe Streets Career Fair from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM!

Multiple employers and training programs will be on site, and some will be conducting on-the-spot interviews, so come prepared, bring copies of your resume, and dress to make a great first impression.

📍 The Factory
5 N. Calhoun Street, Baltimore, MD 21223

Resume Workshop: 9:00 AM
Career Fair: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Friday, September 25

Join us on Monday, September 21 for two free community events:

⚖️ Expungement Clinic | 11 AM–3 PM
Need help clearing eligible records? Support will be available to help you navigate the expungement process. Please contact Preddy 443-605-2778 to register in advance.

🥕 Food Distribution | 2 PM–Until Gone
Stop by for fresh food and groceries while supplies last!

📍 The Factory
5 N. Calhoun Street, Baltimore, MD 21223

Come take care of business, pick up some food, and connect with resources right here in West Baltimore. We hope to see you Monday!

We’re proud to share a new article from WBRF Executive Director Kurt Sommer, published today by Grantmakers In Health as part of its Views from the Field series.

“Community Focused Strategies to Improve Health in West Baltimore” explores how long-term, community-focused investment can address the conditions that shape health and opportunity.

From strategic grantmaking and trusted community partnerships to the development of The Factory: A West Baltimore Opportunity Center, the article reflects on WBRF’s work alongside residents, nonprofit organizations, health care partners, and community leaders—and the importance of investing in both people and place.

The work is far from finished, but progress in West Baltimore demonstrates what is possible when organizations commit to a community for the long term, listen to residents, strengthen trusted local organizations, and work together toward shared goals.

Read the full article from Grantmakers In Health: https://www.gih.org/views-from-the-field/community-focused-strategies-to-improve-health-in-west-baltimore/

LeadingAge Maryland, UMB Community and Civic Engagement, Southwest Partnership, Civic Works, Bon Secours Community Works, LifeBridge Health

Community Focused Strategies to Improve Health in West Baltimore - Grantmakers In Health For far too long, residents of west Baltimore have faced continuous uphill battles to access basic amenities, services, jobs, and quality of life. Racism, redlining, eminent domain, disinvestment, school closures, poverty, violent crime, chronic health conditions, failed affordable housing, and the....

📣 Happening TODAY at The Factory!

Ready to level up your LinkedIn and make your profile work harder for you?

Join us for Level Up Your LinkedIn, a hands-on workshop designed to help you strengthen your profile, build your professional network, and better position yourself for new career opportunities.

📍 The Factory
5 N. Calhoun Street, Baltimore, MD 21223
4-5:30PM

Whether you’re job searching, building your career, or just haven’t updated your LinkedIn in a while — this is a great chance to sharpen your online professional presence.

A lot has been happening at The Factory — and together, these activities tell the story of what this space was created to be.

Over the past few weeks, The Factory has welcomed educators, students, families, community organizations, City agencies, and neighborhood residents through its doors.

The Mary Ann Winterling Elementary #150 leadership team used The Factory for team training and planning, while HER Circles celebrated students and their futures with a wonderful scholarship giveaway.

The Grace Violence Response Team brought families together for a food and school supply giveaway, and WBRF sponsored the Franklin Square Elementary Middle School retreat, along with donating supplies to support teachers as they prepare for the new school year.

Digital literacy continues to grow at The Factory as Pass I.T. On hosted a PC Cleanup Day and offered an Excel workshop, giving community members practical tools and skills they can use at work and at home.

The Factory has also become a place for important conversations about our neighborhoods. The City of Baltimore Department of Transportation hosted both a citywide traffic meeting and a neighborhood safety meeting, creating opportunities for residents to learn, ask questions, and have a voice in issues affecting their communities.

VSP continues to host information sessions and orientations for its internship program, connecting people with opportunities to learn, gain experience, and move toward employment. NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore's peer support programming is also happening regularly at The Factory, creating an ongoing space for connection and support.

And the Enoch Pratt Free Library Bookmobile continues to make regular stops, bringing library resources and services directly to the neighborhood.

This is what we mean when we talk about The Factory as a community hub. It is not one program or one organization. It is a shared space where partnerships become action and community connection all have a place.

September is packed with opportunities at The Factory — from career development and community resources to food access, peer support, library services, and more.

And if you’re looking for work or thinking about your next career move, September 25 is a day you won’t want to miss!

Start the morning with our Resume Writing with Word 365 workshop and learn how to create a polished, ATS-friendly resume that highlights your skills and experience.

Then stay for the Careers Over Conflict Job Fair, where you can meet employers, participate in on-the-spot interviews, and connect with community partners offering resources to support your path to employment and career success.

📅 Friday, September 25
Resume Writing with Word 365: 9:00–10:30 AM
Careers Over Conflict Job Fair: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM

📍 The Factory | 5 N. Calhoun Street

There’s plenty happening throughout September, so check out the full calendar and share it with someone who could use one of these opportunities.

For more information: [email protected]

Help shape Baltimore’s AI future!

Artificial intelligence is changing how we work, learn, communicate, and access information — but how do we make sure these new technologies work for everyone?

Join the Digital Equity Ecosystem Forum at The Factory this Wednesday for a community conversation about how Baltimore can advance AI in ways that are equitable and inclusive for all residents.

Your ideas and perspective can help inform Baltimore’s first AI Equity Framework.

📅 Wednesday, August 26
⏰ 10 AM – 2 PM
📍 The Factory | 5 N. Calhoun Street

Register: bit.ly/DEEFORUM

Congratulations to Michelle and all of the stakeholders of The Food Project on your 10-year anniversary! We are proud to support your work and to watch The Food Project grow into an impactful UEMD Resource Hub.

Interested in a career in IT or cybersecurity? This Saturday, come see what’s possible at The Factory!

FOCUS IT Workforce Training is hosting an Open House for its FREE, hands-on IT and cybersecurity training program. Learn about the program, meet the team, tour the training space, and find out how participants can earn industry-recognized credentials, including preparation for CompTIA A+ certification.

📅 Saturday, August 22
⏰ 11:00 AM–2:30 PM
📍 The Factory | 5 N. Calhoun Street, Baltimore, MD 21223

If you or someone you know is looking for an opportunity to build new skills and start a career in technology, stop by and learn more.

Registration information is on the flyer or visit www.focusorg.org.