BANNER NEIGHBORHOODS COMMUNITY CORPORATION
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Mission Statement
Banner's mission is to empower east Baltimore communities with life-enriching programs for youth and older adults. All programs and services are offered absolutely free of charge to all participants. Funding is securing through individual donations, grants, and contracts.
About This Cause
Banner Neighborhoods Community Corporation was incorporated in 1982 to strengthen under-resourced neighborhoods in east Baltimore. Our first undertaking was a Home Maintenance Program to help seniors on fixed incomes keep their homes in good repair and remain in their communities. Our Community Empowerment Initiative was launched in 1999 as a listening campaign to learn neighbors’ concerns and priorities. A myriad of visible neighborhood improvement projects resulted from these efforts. Youth services were added in 2000. During the listening campaign, and again in the wake of unrest after the death of Freddie Gray, many residents expressed concern about rising crime rates. Others were concerned that youths were being scapegoated as troublemakers or criminals because they lived in low-income neighborhoods and had nothing to occupy their time. Two programs resulted from these discussions. First, the Banner Neighborhoods Sports League was targeted to middle-school students, using sports to teach life skills such as teamwork, following rules, and honesty. For older youth the Southeast Youth Collaborative began working with the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development to provide summer jobs for as many as 140 youth. Banner leads this partnership of seven non-profit entities. Current programs Banner’s youth workforce program has grown to include three opportunities: JumpStart Success, a career exploration and soft skills training; the SEYC Summer YouthWorks program, a five-week hands-on job exposure; and Career Pathways, through which youth complete a 10-year plan that will guide their choices about college and careers. All have continued on virtual platforms despite the pandemic. At the request of participants, we have added a new Practical Money Skills program to help youth manage their money effectively. Our sports programs have grown to include soccer, track and basketball; an afterschool program call Engaging Youth in Sports that is designed to get sedentary youth moving with fun games and activities; and a summer sports camp. There are no try-outs or skills test; all youth are welcome regardless of experience or skills. The goal of all our sports program is to get youth engaged in healthy physical activity. The Banner Seniors program provides home maintenance services that enable elderly City residents living on a fixed income safely age in place. Services range in complexity and cost from roof replacement and new furnaces to window repairs and installation of grab bars. A Community Resource Coordinator addresses other, non-maintenance issues with comprehensive assessments, access to wrap-around services, and assistance with other needs. Banner today We have partnered with the Mayor's Office in distribution of pandemic-related resources for low-income families; implemented a campaign to encourage underrepresented minorities to complete Census 2020; and expanded partnerships with local schools. Despite the pandemic Banner has doubled revenue and nearly doubled the number of staff over the past two years. We are planning an expansion to a second facility in 2022, which will provide space for classroom instruction, athletic programs, and offices for program staff.