WBC CDC (WBC Community Development Corp.)

WBC CDC Newsletter May- Sept. 2011

2011-11-02T13:39:00.000-07:00

WBC COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Revitalizing the communities of northwest Baltimore

Volume 2, Issue 3 www.wbccdc.org May - September 2011

Wayland Village Senior Apartments

3020 Garrison Boulevard

The moving vans have begun to bring residents to their new home at Wayland Village Senior Apartments. The first resident began moving in on March 12, 2011. As of October 21, 2011 there are 108 residents, (72 in 1 bedroom apts, 13 in 2 bedrooms apts) in Wayland Village. Each apartment has a refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave and garbage disposal; wall-to-wall carpeting and mini-blinds; individually-controlled heating and air conditioning. The building has laundry facilities; spacious community rooms; arts & craft areas; a fitness center; senior wellness center; hospitality suite for overnight guests and much more. Wayland Village is conveniently located near public transportation.

Wayland Village Dedication CeremonyThe Wayland Village Dedication was held on May 20, 2011. All of the planning and preparation paid off with a successful event. Dignitaries from local, state and federal levels were in attendance. Mayor Rawlings- Blake, Comptroller Pratt, Councilwoman Green-Middleton, Delegates Rosenberg, McFadden, Senator Gladden, Congressman Cummings and Senator Cardin were in attendance for this historic and exciting occasion. The President of Enterprise Community Properties - Chickie Grayson, CEO of Bon Secours- Dr. Samuel Ross, Rev. Hoffman F. Brown, 3rd, Pastor of Wayland Baptist Church, and President of the WBC Community Development Corporation were also present. Twelve members of the WBC CDC Board of Directors were present.

Distinguished Visitors to Wayland VillageDuring the months of February and March, Board President, Laurence F. Campbell conducted tours of Wayland Village Senior Apartments with the following persons:

· U.S. Senator Ben Cardin

· U.S. Congressman Elijah Cummings

· Baltimore City Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake

· Baltimore City Council President, Bernard “Jack” Young

· Baltimore City Comptroller, Joan M. Pratt

· Baltimore City Housing Director, Paul Graziano

· MD 41^st District Senator, Lisa Gladden

· MD 41^st District Delegate Samuel “Sandy” Rosenberg

· 6^th District Councilwoman, Sharon Green Middleton

· Baltimore City Office of Real Estate, Walter Horton

· MD Community Development Administration Deputy Secretary, Frank B. Coakley

· MD Community Development Administration Deputy Director, William Ariano, Jr.

· MD Community Development Administration Deputy Director, John Maneval

· Baltimore Field Director of HUD, Carol Payne

Senior Wellness Center

The Senior Wellness Activity Program (S.W.A.P.),which is a partnership endeavor of the WBC CDC, and is supported by the Maryland Dept of Aging and the Baltimore Health Department, for the past year had been meeting in the multipurpose room of Wayland Baptist Church. The S.W.A.P. volunteers receive lunch three day a week from the Eating Together Program from the Baltimore Health Department. They serve a hot lunch to program participants and provide a variety of activities designed to stimulate physical, social, educational and spiritual well-being for seniors. We are pleased to report that this program has moved to its new location at Wayland Village Senior Apartments, Senior Wellness Center.

In addition, bolstered by a memorandum of understanding between the WBC CDC and the Helene Fuld School of Nursing of Coppin State University to provide a nurse practitioner for the residents of Wayland Village and an agreement from Kernan Hospital to provide the services of their aquatic therapy pool, there is considerable excitement about the senior wellness center.

COMMUNITY EVENTS:

The Mayor’s “Vacants to Value” SummitMembers of the WBC CDC board attended Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake’s “Vacants to Value” Summit on February 10, 2011 held at the Baltimore Convention Center and have been attending monthly update meetings each month. This all day event focused on what Baltimore City will do to address the impact of vacant and abandoned housing in our communities. We are pleased to know that our plan for neighborhood stabilization aligns with that of Baltimore City.

Greater Northwest Development RoundtableWe continue to participate in the meetings of the Greater Northwest Development Roundtable (Friends of Forest Park, Central Forest Park Neighborhood Assoc., Howard Park Civic Assoc., Project Garrison, Garwyn Oaks Northwest Housing Resource Center, Garwyn Oaks United Neighbors, and Forest Park Golf Course Assoc). Some of our initiatives include assisting in developing a new mini-Strategic Neighborhood Action Plan (S.N.A.P.) for the northwest corridor; including establishing a new supermarket in Howard Park; acquisition of Garrison Woods complex and developing economic strategies to enhance the quality of life.

Garwyn Oaks Northwest Housing Resource Center

HOUSING WORKSHOPSThe WBC CDC has hosted a Home Buying Workshop for Garwyn Oaks Northwest Resource Center (GO Northwest), a HUD certified, nonprofit housing counseling agency that provides homeownership education, counseling, technical assistance and access to homeownership resources to equip and prepare people to obtain, maintain and retain their homes successfully. We believe that homeownership is the best vehicle for creating neighborhood stabilization---rental housing also plays a role. By partnering with GO Northwest, we provide a seamless transition from acquisition to rehab to homeownership education/counseling and finally to homeownership.

Neighborhood StabilizationIn keeping with our plan for stabilizing housing in the Forest Park community, the WBC CDC is moving to complete rehab of 3917 Fairview Ave. RFQ’s were sent out and three credible replies were received and one contractor was selected. Applications to lending institutions are begin forwarded. Discussions are also being made with Baltimore City housing to establish a CHDO as a part of the WBC CDC.

WBC COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORP.

3809 Fairview Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21216

410-578-9142 office 410-578-9185 fax

Email: wbccdc@gmail.com or Email: wbccdc@comcast.net

www.wbccdc.org

Member #7189

Baltimore City & Maryland Combined Charity Campaign

We are a 501(C) (3) tax exempt organization. We encourage your donations to the important work of the WBC CDC in building stronger, more vibrant neighborhoods and, in so doing, providing an improved quality of life for families.

“Like Us” on our Facebook page!
The WBC Community Development Corporation Community Page.

www.wbccdc.org

Wayland Celebrates "WBC CDC Day" Oct.2

2011-09-26T14:01:00.000-07:00

Wayland Baptist Church will honor the WBC Community Development Corporation with "Wayland Celebrates WBC CDC Day" to be held October 2, 2011 at Wayland Baptist Church 3200 Garrison Blvd, Baltimore MD 21216 for its service in helping to revitalize the communities of Forest Park in the northwest area of Baltimore City. The service begins at 9:30AM.

It is also a time of solicitation, so if you would like to make a tax deductible donation to WBC CDC. Please make checks addressed to: WBC CDC or bring your donation directly to the office: 3809 Fairview Ave., Baltimore MD 21216 or use the Paypal link on the blog or the website (www.wbccdc.org) to donate with a credit card. For further information contact WBC CDC at: 410-578-9142 or email: wbccdc@gmail.com

Baltimore City to Provide Free Smoke Alarms to Residents

2011-08-24T10:34:00.000-07:00

Baltimore City Residents, need a free smoke alarm? Call 311.

Federal funding provides thousands of smoke alarms, residents can call 311 to request alarms. Baltimore City announced a new initiative to distribute smoke alarms to Baltimore residents free-of-charge. Residents can request smoke alarms, purchased with funding from a federal grant program, by calling 311. Fire fighters from neighborhood stations will deliver and install the smoke alarms.

Free Homebuyers Workshop at Wayland Village 8/20/2011

2011-07-28T11:52:00.000-07:00

HOMEBUYER WORKSHOP

will be held Saturday, August 20^th, 2011
9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
at the Wayland Village Senior Center,
3020 Garrison Blvd., Baltimore MD 21216

TOPICS:
What you need to know about Real Estate:

Healthy Neighborhood Loan program
What you need to know about buying Short Sales & Foreclosures
How to compete in today’s Real Estate Market

What You Need To Know About Mortgages:

How to Qualify
The four “C’s” of lending
Difference between FHA, CDA, and VA loans
Special loan programs for employees of Baltimore and State of MD
Grants, down payment assistance loans, and FREE MONEY.

Reserve your seat today!

We educate and empower potential homeowners to make informed decisions.

You must attend the 2 part session which includes the one on one counseling session to be eligible for certificate.

To RSVP:

GO-Northwest Housing Resource Center (410) 947-0084 option 1

or www.go-northwesthrc.org

SWAP (Senior Wellness Activity Program) moves into Wayland Village Senior Center

2011-06-23T14:39:00.000-07:00

The WBC Community Development Corporation invites you to join us!

SWAP (The Senior Wellness Activity Program) is now located in the Wayland Village Apartments Senior Center (3020 Garrison Blvd, Baltimore MD 21216).

For information on membership please call: 443-438-5832.

The Program operates Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 10 am until 3 pm.

Join Us for Fellowship and Fun!

Exercise:

Power Walking
Cardio

Crafts:
Jewelry Making
Crocheting
Latch-Hook

Bible Study

Games:
Board Games
Suduko

Wii Games:
Bowling
Wheel of Fortune
Tennis
Golf

Movies

Lunch

Wayland Village Grand Opening May 20, 2011

2011-06-02T12:31:00.000-07:00

WBC Community Development Corporation, Enterprise Homes and Bon Secours Health System, Inc. recently celebrated the grand opening of Wayland Village Senior Apartments in Baltimore! Residents will reap the benefits of higher energy efficiency, lower utility costs, water conservation and a healthier living environment.

For an article from Baltimore Citybiz:
http://baltimore.citybizlist.com/1/2011/5/20/WBC-Community-Development-C-Bon-Secours-Baltimore-Health-System-Wayland

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake

MD-HCD Secretary Raymond A. Skinner tours Wayland Village Apts 5/17/2011

2011-05-17T15:32:00.000-07:00

(l-r) Simone C. Johnson, Chief of Staff, Peter Dolkart, Director of Legislative Affairs, Olivia Allen, Executive Assistant to the Secretary, Raymond A. Skinner, Secretary of Housing & Community Development for the State of Maryland, Christine Madigan, VP of Enterprise Community Partners, Laurence F. Campbell, President, WBC Community Development Corporation, Chickie Grayson, President of Enterprise Community Partners, Mike Bainum, Housing Development Manager, Enterprise Community Partners.

Dedication Ceremony for Wayland Village Senior Apartments 5/20/2011

2011-05-04T11:27:00.000-07:00

WBC Community Development Corporation presents a

Dedication Ceremony for
Wayland Village Senior Apartments

Friday, May 20, 2011 at 11 am.

3020 Garrison Blvd., Baltimore, Maryland 21216

RSVP by May 17 - email: rsvp@enterprisecommunity.com or call 410-772-2455

WARNING:
Parking on Bonner Road will be restricted to residents!

AOS Visits Wayland Village

2011-03-23T12:33:00.000-07:00

Members of Wayland Baptist Church's Assembly of Servants (AOS) visit

the newly opened Wayland Village.

Photos from the Gala 2010

2011-02-09T15:19:00.000-08:00

WBC CDC Board of Directors

Scott Phillips, Rev. Jerome Stevens (rep., Senator Ben Cardin), Rev. Hoffman F. Brown, 3rd

Scott Phillips, Nurse Patricia Setlow, Rev. Hoffman F. Brown, 3rd

Scott Phillips, Arnold Williams, CPA, Rev. Hoffman F. Brown, 3rd

WBAL TV newsman Tim Tooten

Featured Speaker Charles "Roc" Dutton, Rev. Hoffman F. Brown, 3rd

Baltimore City Council President Bernard "Jack" Young

Laurence F. Campbell, Larry C. Smith, Carolyn Y. Peoples, James L. Roberts, Florine V. Robinson

Tim Tooten, Larry C. Smith, Laurence F. Campbell, Charles "Roc" Dutton, Rev. Hoffman F. Brown, 3rd

Laurence F. Campbell, Carolyn Y. Peoples

Edalia Harrison (granddaughter), Laurence F. Campbell

To view the entire album of photos from Gala 2010,
click on slides on the right.

SWAP to present Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 4th

2010-11-17T12:01:00.000-08:00

WBC CDC presents

a Christmas Bazaar,

WBC CDC presents Gala 2010 featuring actor Charles S. Dutton

2010-10-21T13:43:00.000-07:00

WBC Community Development Corporation's

2010 Gala

Theme: "Moving from Dreams to Reality"

Saturday, November 13, 2010

7:30 PM until 11:00 PM

Featuring Guest Speaker:

Actor-Director Charles S. Dutton

Martins West

6821 Dogwood Road

Baltimore, MD 21244

Tickets: $60.00

Call 410-578-9142 for tickets and information.
Sponsorships still available!!

Woodhaven Community Meeting Photos

2010-08-11T13:34:00.000-07:00

Photos from the Woodhaven Community Meeting re: Wayland Village.

HUD Deputy Sec. Sims at Wayland Village Site

2010-06-18T13:09:00.000-07:00

A Summer of Recovery

Posted by Ron Sims on June 17, 2010 at 05:46 PM EDT

With tens of thousands of projects funded and millions of Americans on the job today, it’s hard to believe that it’s only been 16 months since President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. And with so many jobs saved and created already, you might think that the Recovery Act’s greatest impact is behind us.

But it’s not.

As the summer heats up, it is becoming clear that it could quite possibly be the most active season yet when it comes to recovering our economy. There are Recovery Act-funded projects breaking ground across the country that are creating quality jobs for Americans and economic growth for businesses, large and small.

This summer is sure to be a Summer of Economic Recovery.

Today, I had the opportunity to see this first-hand during my visit to Baltimore’s Wayland Village Senior Apartments, a $13.7 million HUD Recovery Act-funded Tax Credit Assistance Program (TCAP) project that is currently under construction. When it’s complete, this development will provide 89 quality, affordable apartments for low-and moderate-income seniors and for adults with disabilities.

Although it will be several months before these seniors will be able to move into their new affordable apartments in this building, the project is already helping hundreds of Baltimore residents. It broke ground in April, and now – just a few weeks later – there are already more than 400 people working on the site as a result. Wayland Village is a perfect example of what the Recovery Act is doing across the country to put American back to work.

HUD Deputy Secretary Ron Sims at Baltimore’s Wayland Village Senior Apartments, June 17, 2010

It isn’t the only example, though. By the end of this summer, HUD will have rehabilitated 230,000 housing units – which means hundreds of jobs and homes for hard-working Americans.

When it comes to the economy and job creation, our work is far from complete. But seeing Wayland Village today – and the men and women that are working on the project – it is clear to me that we are making real progress thanks to the aggressive steps President Obama took last year to repair and rebuild America’s economy.

So, with thousands of road, bridge, rail and housing projects – like the one I saw today – under construction across the country this summer, the American people will get to see first-hand the full force of Recovery Act dollars being put to work in their community – including at Wayland Village – making long-overdue infrastructure improvements, creating new opportunities for local economic growth and supporting well-paid jobs. I am proud to say that the Recovery Act is working!

Ron Sims is Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

See more about Economy

Wayland Village Groundbreaking Ceremony Photos

2010-05-25T13:08:00.000-07:00

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake

WBC CDC presents SWAP's 1st Annual Craft Fair

2010-04-16T12:30:00.000-07:00

WBC Community Development Corporation
presents the Senior Wellness Activity Program's first annual Craft Fair on Saturday, June 12, 2010 from 9am - 3pm on the Wayland Baptist Church parking lot (3200 Garrison Blvd., Baltimore MD 21216)

There will be food and fun for the entire family!

Vendor tables are available for $15.00 donation.

For more information, call 410-578-9142.

Tickets for the Arena Players play "The Church Reflections" ON SALE NOW!

2010-04-07T15:28:00.000-07:00

WBC Community Development Corporation is sponsoring a night of theater with the Arena Players performance of "The Church Reflections" Friday, April 30, 2010 at 8:00 pm.

The play, "The Church Reflections" is a sequel to playwright Robert Russell's comedy "Church Revelations." The new comedy tells about the founding of the church, with the reflections taking place at a retirement party for one of the church faithful. The comedy, music and the same hilarious characters ensure an evening of laughs.

Tickets are $20.00 and may be purchased from Mary Jones (email: m.jones282@verizon.net or phone 410-655-6487) or from Laurence Campbell (410) 733-0921)

The Arena Players
General Information 410-728-6500
Location: 801 McCulloh St., Baltimore, MD 21201

Wayland Village Groundbreaking May 7th!

2010-04-07T11:12:00.000-07:00

The WBC Community Development Corporation will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the long awaited Wayland Village senior apartments on Friday, May 7, 2010 starting at 1pm at 3022 Garrison Blvd, Baltimore, Maryland 21216. The master of ceremonies will be Rev. Hoffman Brown 3rd. A reception will be held at Wayland Baptist Church following the ceremony. For further information call 410-578-9142 or email: wbccdc@gmail.com

WBC CDC Gala 2009 Saturday, Nov. 14!

2009-10-21T18:09:00.000-07:00

WBC Community Development Corporation, Inc.
presents

2^nd Annual Gala
“Building, Reaching, Growing Toward Excellence”

Tremont Suites Hotel

225 N. Charles St.
Baltimore, Maryland 21201 USA

Saturday November 14, 2009

7:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Sponsorship Package

The WBC Community Development Corporation, its staff and volunteers have contributed many hours to support the Northwest Baltimore communities. It is the vision of the WBC Community Development Corporation to provide the Northwest Baltimore City communities with safe, self-sustaining neighborhoods where the quality of life for all of its citizens is assured. This will be accomplished by providing social programs, affordable housing and economic development. This can only be obtained through partnerships with government, business, the local churches, and the local communities.

Each year we work to accomplish the WBC Community Development Corporation’s goals and objectives. Since our incorporation in 2007, we have been blessed with multiple successes. A few of them are: the Martin Luther King Freedom Walk with Dick Gregory, the establishment of a neighborhood Peace Garden with the assistance of the WWFF-BOC Neighborhood Association, a Wellness Walk at Lake Ashburton; a community Christmas lighting on Garrison Boulevard, and a Fall Crab Feast. Those successes serve as a foundation and a spring board to continual progress to help empower the citizens and truly positively impact the neighborhoods. One of the major projects the WBC Community Development Corporation will be undertaking is the construction of a ninety unit housing development for seniors located at 3020-3026 Garrison Blvd. This development, known as Wayland Village, is a fourteen million dollar project scheduled to open in December 2010.

The WBC Community Development Corporation funds its mission through the financial support of donations and gifts from government, private institutions, foundations, grants, community partners, the local churches, and private patrons. This event directly impacts our efforts to promote our goal of “Building, Reaching, Growing toward Excellence.” We would love to have your support in helping us to fulfill our mission.

Thank you,

Larry Smith,
Chair
Gala Committee

Gala Sponsorship Opportunities

Platinum Sponsor - $10,000

§ Company name and logo will be listed in program journal at the Platinum Level.

§ Inclusion in all print and broadcast media for 2010.

§ PSA's, paid advertising and written correspondence.

§ Full back page ad in program journal.

§ 10 tickets to Gala.

§ Event day recognition and award as a Platinum Sponsor.

§ Included in our special support announcements.

§ Advertisement and promotional opportunities at special functions at least twice a year including the Community Tree Lighting in December.

Gold Sponsor - $7,500

§ Company name and logo will be listed in program journal at the Gold Level.

§ Inclusion in all print and broadcast media for 2010.

§ Event day recognition and award as a Gold Sponsor.

§ Full Inside back page ad in program journal

§ 8 tickets to Gala.

§ Advertisement and promotional opportunities at special functions at least twice a year including the Community Tree Lighting in December.

Silver Sponsor - $5,000

§ Company name and logo listed in program journal at the Silver Level.

§ 6 tickets to Gala.

§ Event day recognition and award as a Silver Sponsor.

§ Half-page advertisement in program journal.

Bronze Sponsor - $2,500

§ Company name and logo listed in program journal at the Bronze Level.

§ 4 tickets Gala.

§ Event day recognition and award as a Bronze Sponsor.

§ Half page advertisement in program journal.

Sponsor - $1,000

§ Company name and logo listed in program journal at Sponsor level.

§ 2 tickets to Gala.

§ Quarter page ad in the program journal.

§ Name listed in the program journal.

Patron – $100 to $500

§ Listed in program journal.

The cost for a ticket for this event is $60.00 per person.
A table of ten (10) can be purchased for $600.00

Artist Larry "Poncho" Brown in partnership with WBC CDC art sale for Wayland Senior Village

2009-09-09T15:22:00.000-07:00

World renown Baltimore artist Larry "Poncho" Brown has partnered with the WBC Community Development Corporation to offer for sale limited edition prints of his work "Window of Faith" to benefit the Wayland Senior Village. Each reproduction retails for$100.00 (plus $10.00 for shipping and handling) and each print not only comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, but will be signed and numbered by the artist himself.

Larry "Poncho" Brown started his first business at the age of 17 as a signwriter and he has been a full time artist ever since. Poncho received his Bachelors of Fine Arts degree from the Maryland Institute College of Art. His art, both fine and commercial, has been published nationally in Upscale, Ebony, Ebony Man, Essence, and Jet magazines. In February '99 his art was featured in the UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History Textile Series No. 2 book entitled "Wrapped In Pride." His popular works have been prominently featured on several TV shows and movies including "Soulfood", "The Wire", "A Different World", "In The House" and "Avalon." His work adorns the walls of the likes of Bill Cosby, Dick Gregory, Anita Baker, Susan Taylor, Ed Gordon and Bernard Bronner just to name a few.

If you would like to support WBC Community Development Corporation's Wayland Senior Village as well as add "Window of Faith" to your art collection, you may order your print here on the blog via Paypal, call 410-578-9142 or email: wbccdc@gmail.com

WBC CDC and AmeriCorps NCCC featured in Baltimore Times article

2009-08-26T12:30:00.000-07:00

WBC Community Development Corporation featured in article in Baltimore Times.

Spirit of Volunteerism Rebuilds

Written by Ron Kipling Williams

Tennis shoes hanging from telephone wires marked drug territory on West Baltimore’s Fairview Avenue. Thanks to native Denise Harper and a community coalition, the tennis shoes have come down and the drug dealing presence has diminished.

Harper returned to the neighborhood. She purchased a dilapidated corner house at 3200 Chelsea Terrace dominated by dealers. “People thought I was crazy to return,” said Harper, who lived for a time in Owings Mills.

After threats to her life and property, she enlisted the help of law enforcement. Baltimore City Police Department NW District Commanding Officer Major Nathan Warfield and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Patricia Jessamy and her staff took action.

A half a block away is a Peace Garden. Three years ago the lot was overrun with weeds and debris. Now it is a place of meditation, with gravel pathways, perennial and annual flowers, picnic benches and lawn furniture, a butterfly garden, and a budding art mural. The Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks also got involved, planting 40 trees.

Harper’s return has been a journey of community reclamation, back to a time when everyone knew their neighbors, and well kept properties reflected a sense of pride.

Three years ago, she created the WBC, Community Development Corporation (WBC CDC), a 501(c)3 nonprofit that works with the WWFF-BOC (Woodhaven Wolcott Fairview Bonner Oakfield Chelsea) Neighborhood Association.

WFF-BOC is a relatively quiet community, with tree-lined streets and Tudor, row, bungalow and Victorian styled homes. They are minutes from city parks and a golf course. “It is one of the best secrets in Baltimore,” said Executive Director Harper.

This past May, the WBC CDC was awarded a $12 million tax credit to build Wayland Village Senior Center, a 90-unit independent senior affordable rental housing facility, one of the largest in West Baltimore.

When WBC CDC began, the community was suffering from decreasing home values, high rental properties and a 60-70 percent population of underserved seniors.

Harper called neighboring Wayland Baptist Church to assist. The 100-year old institution immediately jumped in. At first residents did not see Harper’s vision. “What’s around you controls what you feel,” said Harper. “When you constantly see trash, your mind and body starts to feel like trash.”

Enter AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), federal government program that sends 18-24 year olds around the country to provide disaster relief and other services. “It’s challenging but rewarding,” said 22-year old Gretchen Sneegas. AmeriCorps NCCC provides each volunteer a stipend and health insurance coverage. At the end of their 10 month commitment volunteers receive about $5200 toward college tuition. They even assist high school dropouts to receive their GED.

“They opened my eyes to what’s important— making an impact on the future,” said 21-year old Chad Kennedy, a North Carolina native.

The first AmeriCorps NCCC team came in the spring, sponsored by Dru-Mondawmin Healthy Families and WBC CDC, who focused their service on community outreach, particularly expecting mothers regarding pregnancy and parenting issues. Additionally, they reestablish block leaders and recreated community fellowship.

The second team, which arrived this summer, will be in the community until September 18, 2009. “It’s very rewarding and challenging,” said Team Leader Peter Czarkowski, who before AmeriCorps NCCC, helped Hurricane Katrina victims in New Orleans. “It requires a lot of planning and organizing, and 24-7 social skills.”

The crew is currently working on the Fairview Avenue Fellowship Project. The 3917 Fairview Avenue property had been vacant for 20 years.

On Saturday, August 8, 2009 a celebration for the volunteers was held at the Peace Garden with games, food and music.

Last year, WBC CDC organized the city’s only Martin Luther King Campaign for Peace, which featured legendary activist/comedian Dick Gregory and State’s Attorney Patricia Jessamy. Over 200 churches and 1000 persons participated. “We’re looking to create a movement,” said Harper, “To create a positive identity.”

To learn more about WBC CDC, please call 410-578-9142 or 410-209-7280, or email wbccdc@gmail.com. You may also visit their blog at www.wbccdc.blogspot.com.

To learn more about AmeriCorps NCCC, contact them at 1-800-942-2677, or visit their website at www.AmeriCorps.gov/nccc.

WBC CDC and Americorps NCCC gear up for Community Day

2009-07-30T08:04:00.001-07:00

Saturday August 8, 2009

Fairview Fellowship Project Community Day

10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Fairview House Blessing 1:00 pm

Peace Garden

3204 Chelsea Terrace

Baltimore, Maryland 21216

The WBC Community Development Corporation in partnership with Americorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), WWFF-BOC Neighborhood Association, Wayland Baptist Church and other businesses are joining together to improve northwest Baltimore neighborhoods and convert a vacant house into an affordable, livable home.

The Fairview Fellowship Project is designed to turn 3917 Fairview Avenue into an energy-efficient, affordable home for a Baltimore City family. The community day will be a day of work performed by local contractors, Americorps and community volunteers on the Fairview House. There will be games, music, food and fellowship for all volunteers at the adjacent Peace Garden located at 3204 Chelsea Terrace in Baltimore.

3917 Fairview is one of six vacant and deteriorating houses on the 3800 and 3900 blocks of Fairview Avenue. Come join us as we strive to bring attention to this problem, and to encourage our community to rise up and make their neighborhood safer and more beautiful!

Gretchen Sneegas

Media Representative, Class XV, Wolf 2

Americorps NCCC

gsneegas@umail.iu.edu

###

WBC CDC Welcomes New Americorps NCCC Team

2009-07-22T13:40:00.001-07:00

As of July 20^th, there are several new smiling faces to be seen in the WBC Community Development Center. They belong to Wolf 2, the new Americorps team to be stationed in the area.

This team will be working in WWFF-BOC through September 18, and they have a lot to accomplish in those two months. They will be helping to rehabilitate 3917 Fairview, a vacant house that Wolf 2 is working hard to turn into a home.

The house, which has been sitting untouched for almost a decade, is due for a facelift. The front yard is choked with weeds, while the back is buried under trash and debris. The doors and windows are boarded, paint is flaking from the wood, and ivy is creeping up the walls. Team Leader Peter Czarkowski, however, remains confident that Wolf 2 can help. "The house needs a lot of work," says Czarkowski, "but we hope to make a big dent in it by September."

Other tasks the team will be tackling include continuing the work that the previous Americorps team, Raven 2, began on the Peace Garden; maintaining the "Rise Up Pick Up" campaign by helping to eliminate litter in the neighborhood; and planning a community day on August 8^th.

If you would like to meet the team, feel free to join Wayland Baptist Church on Sunday, July 26^th, when they will be introduced to the community. You can also drive by the Peace Garden most days and lend a helping hand!

Gretchen Sneegas

Media Representative, Class XV, Wolf 2

Americorps NCCC

gsneegas@umail.iu.edu

###

Workforce Shortage Grants due July 1!!!!

2009-06-17T10:08:00.000-07:00

Workforce Shortage Grant applications due July 1
Funding is awarded through the Maryland Higher Education Commission

ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 9, 2009) Students who are entering or already enrolled in college and want to improve the lives of others in the community by pursuing careers in various areas of public service may be eligible to apply for financial aid from the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

MHEC is currently accepting applications for the Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant (WSSAG). This program targets those who want to pursue critical workforce shortage areas such as:

● Teaching
● Nursing
● Human Service fields
● Physical and Occupational Therapists and Assistants
● Child Care Providers;
● Social Workers;
● Lawyers;
● and various other public service careers as defined by MHEC.

“Workforce shortage is one of our most pressing challenges in Maryland,” said Secretary of Higher Education James E. Lyons, Sr.
“Governor O’Malley and Lt. Governor Brown have been deeply committed to putting families first by preparing and enhancing Maryland’s workforce and our state’s competitive advantage. MHEC is proud to coordinate one of the efforts on behalf of the administration.”

In order to qualify for the WSSAG, students must major in a program that leads to employment in a critical shortage field and agree to work full-time one year for each year they receive the scholarship. For instance, an applicant who receives a scholarship for four years of study to become a teacher will owe a minimum of four years of service as a teacher in a Maryland elementary or secondary school upon graduation.
The WSSAG is also available for part-time students. Part-time students who receive the grant must agree to work two years in the critical shortage field for every one year they receive the scholarship.

Applicants must be Maryland residents enrolled as full- or part-time, degree seeking undergraduate or graduate students at an eligible Maryland postsecondary institution. Detailed eligible majors and employments fields can be accessed by going to the MHEC website:
www.MDgo4it.org. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $4,000 per academic year based on type of institution attended and enrollment status. Awards are subject to the availability of funds. Applicants will be selected for awards based on merit and need-based criteria. Applications and all required documents must be received by the Office of Student Financial Assistance by July 1, 2009 to be considered for awards beginning in September 2009.

The Maryland Higher Education Commission is a 12-member coordinating board responsible for establishing statewide policies for Maryland public and independent colleges and universities and private career schools. It awards almost $110 million in grants and scholarships to approximately 58,000 students each year.
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WBC CDC Gets Commendation from Baltimore City Council

2009-05-13T16:30:00.000-07:00

WBC Community Development Corporation received recognition from the Baltimore City Council for its efforts in the revitalization of Northwest Baltimore and the creation and development of additional affordable senior housing through its Wayland Senior Village project. The celebration was held Sunday, May 3, 2009 at the Wayland Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland. (See entire photo album of the event by clicking on slideshow on the sidebar.)