Creating Positive Change for People Who Live in West Baltimore
Our Neighborhood Zone in Poppleton is helping to break down barriers to economic, health, and educational equity.
The Neighborhood Zone in Poppleton is a resource hub providing helpful services for people who live in the community, students, and their families.
While West Baltimore’s neighborhoods are among the city’s most under-resourced, we see what its residents see: community assets, opportunity, and promise.
In close collaboration with the people who live there, as well as community leaders, nonprofits, and businesses, we’ve co-created programs and initiatives in this Neighborhood Zone that deliver long-term, positive change.
Based on the success of our nationally acclaimed Neighborhood Zone in Brooklyn, (South Baltimore) University of Maryland, Baltimore, invited us in 2018 to join them in their work to improve lives in Poppleton.
The United Way Neighborhood Zone in Poppleton complements the programs offered at University of Maryland, Baltimore’s Community Engagement Center (CEC), and all are in an easy-to-access resource hub. Our Family Center is at Excel Academy at Francis M. Wood High School. Our 211 Information Referral Specialist and Homeless Prevention Programs are based in the CEC.
This partnership is a powerful catalyst for strengthening this neighborhood.
“Out of all the work that University of Maryland, Baltimore does — and we do a great deal to improve health and well-being around the world — you know what I’m most often thanked for? Our work with the local community. And you know what I consider one of the most exciting things about our work in West Baltimore? Partnering with United Way to listen deeply to our neighbors and to respond effectively to the needs they share with us.”
Neighborhood Zone offerings
United Way Family Center
Based in Excel Academy at Frances M. Wood High School, we offer free, full-day childcare for parenting students so they don’t have to choose between graduating or taking care of their children. This Family Center also provides enriching early childhood education for infants and toddlers, and multigenerational support for housing, food, and other needs for parents and their families.
United Way Community School Coordinator
Based in James McHenry Elementary/Middle School, our CSC helps students strengthen relationships in and out of school by building on student, school, and community assets.
Community Advisory Board
A team dedicated to connecting with the community and facilitating neighborhood-level collaboration
Homelessness Prevention
We help families with children avoid eviction or foreclosure and help make sure children don’t have to switch schools or miss school if they move. We also connect families to resources for help with utility bills and provide tools to help them avoid a future housing crisis.
Wellness and Social-Emotional Support
United Way professionals provide individual and group support to students, families, and neighborhood residents to help with schoolwork, mental wellness, and healthy relationships.
On-Site 211
Access to food, housing, job training, free tax preparation, mental health support, and more is provided by an on-site 211 Maryland United Way Helpline Resource Navigator.
Healthy Food Access
Brings healthy options like fresh produce directly to the students and their families. With no nearby grocery stores, residents are often dependent on convenience stores and lack access to healthy food.
To date, 83% of those enrolled in the Family Center have graduated, compared to a 40% national graduation rate for parenting students.
Contact the United Way Neighborhood Zone in Poppleton team to learn more.
