West Baltimore Renaissance Foundation

A huge thank you to The Franciscan Center of Baltimore for feeding our community so well at The Factory Anniversary Celebration. They truly blew us away with an amazing spread, a smooth process, and thoughtful service from start to finish.

We are also deeply grateful to all of the vendors, partners, and resource providers who came out to share information, services, and support with West Baltimore residents. From health and wellness resources to legal support, housing information, food access, youth programming, community safety, workforce resources, and more — you helped make the day meaningful, welcoming, and full of connection.

The Factory is at its best when people come together under one roof to share what they have, build relationships, and support our neighbors. Thank you for showing up with such care and commitment to West Baltimore.

The Food Project
Clay Pots Baltimore
Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore
Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service
Bon Secours Community Works
Southwest Partnership
Rebuilding Together Baltimore
LifeBridge Health
So What Else
Baltimore's Promise
UMB Community and Civic Engagement
The CASH Campaign of Maryland
NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore
Enoch Pratt Free Library
Center for Hope
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

Last week, during The Factory’s one-year celebration, we had the honor of dedicating our large gathering space to someone whose leadership, love, and commitment have helped shape West Baltimore for generations: Ms. Edith Gilliard-Canty.

A lifetime resident of West Baltimore, President of the Franklin Square Community Association, WBRF Board Member, Southwest Partnership Board Member, and a crucial voice in the Anchor Group, Ms. Edith has spent years showing up, speaking up, and working tirelessly for her neighbors and her community.

Naming this space in her honor is more than a dedication. It is a celebration of the power of resident leadership, deep community roots, and the belief that West Baltimore’s future must be shaped by the people who call it home.

The Edith Gilliard-Canty Community Gathering Space will continue to bring people together for conversation, celebration, connection, healing, and opportunity — exactly the kind of community-building Ms. Edith has modeled throughout her life.

We are grateful for her wisdom, her courage, her service, and her unwavering love for West Baltimore. 💚

During the anniversary celebration last week, Maryland Senator Antonio Hayes and members of the district 40 delegation presented WBRF with a check secured from the state capital budget to support the renovation of The Factory’s commercial kitchen, which will expand food-access for West Baltimore.

We thank the 40th delegation for their support.

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate The Factory’s One-Year Anniversary with us. It was a joy-filled afternoon of community, connection, food, music, resources, games, and celebration — and we are so grateful for every neighbor, partner, vendor, volunteer, and supporter who helped make the day special.

The Factory was created to bring people, organizations, and opportunities together under one roof, and Wednesday was a beautiful reminder of what is possible when community shows up together.

Thank You, West Baltimore. 💚

Hope to see you at The Factory!

We’re kicking off MAY with Mindful Mondays at 2pm, creating space for wellness, support, and community connection, followed by a Tax Post-Season Workshop at 5:30 for Entrepreneurs to help small business owners get organized, understand next steps, and plan ahead with confidence.

Don't forget to join us MAY 13th for The Factory's One Year Anniversary!

RSVP: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/zH560Dwn9G

West Baltimore, come celebrate with us!

Join us for The Factory 1 Year Anniversary Celebration on Tuesday, May 13 from 4:00–6:30 PM for an evening filled with food, fun, entertainment, community resources, special remarks, and the Safe Streets Suite Ribbon Cutting.

We are celebrating one year of bringing people, partners, and opportunity together under one roof and we would love to see you there.

RSVP https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/zH560Dwn9G

Monday, April 20 | 2:00 PM

Join us for a free community food distribution and pick up fresh food while supplies last. We look forward to seeing our neighbors there.

5 N. Calhoun

We can't wait to see you at The Factory 1 Year Anniversary Celebration on Wednesday, May 13 from 4:00–6:30 PM at The Factory as we celebrate one year of community, connection, and opportunity in West Baltimore.

Stop by for a fun event featuring a cookout, resource partners, entertainment, community remarks at 5:00 PM, and the Franklin Square Safe Streets Suite Ribbon Cutting at 5:30 PM.

Come out, bring a neighbor, and celebrate with us as we highlight the people and partnerships helping move West Baltimore forward.

RSVP https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/zH560Dwn9G

5 N. Calhoun St, Baltimore MD 21223

Looking to channel some creativity today? Join Creative Nomads at Hollins Market in Hollins Market for a chance to connect, create, and be inspired!