News Summary
UniFIED Efforts, Inc.® has opened a new youth center in West Baltimore, dedicated to supporting school-age children from low to moderate-income families. This initiative focuses on providing academic and enrichment programs at no cost, aiming to deter youth from violence and improve community safety. Founded by Deborah B. Ramsey, the center will offer various activities, mentorship, and career training, fostering personal growth and educational opportunities for local children.
West Baltimore, Maryland – UniFIED Efforts, Inc.® has officially launched a new youth center aimed at providing essential support and services to school-age children from low to moderate-income households in Baltimore. This initiative forms part of the organization’s ongoing commitment, built over the last ten years, to create safe spaces where children can grow, learn, and thrive while reducing summer and vital learning losses.
The center is developed with the mission to deter school-age children from engaging in violent activities, providing them with academic support and enrichment opportunities. Importantly, all programs offered by UniFIED Efforts come with no financial obligation to parents or caregivers, ensuring accessibility for all families.
UniFIED Efforts, founded by Deborah B. Ramsey, a former Baltimore Police Department Detective and lifelong Baltimore native, has firmly established itself as an anchor institution within the community. The organization has garnered the support of community leaders like the Penn-North Community Association and has received recognition from prestigious bodies such as The Greater Baltimore Committee. Its impactful work has earned UniFIED Efforts various honors, including “Bridging the Gap” and “Community Impact,” and it has been designated as a “Game Changer” by Baltimore Magazine for its contributions to youth development.
In addition to its recognition, UniFIED Efforts was named one of the fastest-growing women-owned businesses by Baltimore’s Business Journal. The organization enjoys a Candid platinum rating, signaling its commitment to transparency and accountability. Among its various programs, high school students are afforded the opportunity to participate in Goucher College’s Young Writers’ Creative Writing Camp each summer at no cost. This initiative allows students to engage with authors, poets, and professional writers, culminating in the publication of original written works under Goucher College’s Young Writers’ Program.
Furthermore, UniFIED Efforts publishes an annual periodical titled “I BelongMagazine.com,” which highlights the writing and public speaking achievements of its youth participants. The organization not only offers increased educational opportunities but also provides career training and innovative safety strategies. Specific programs, such as “Community Responders,” motivate youth to maintain cleaner and safer neighborhoods.
The development of the new youth center on Woodbrook Avenue is part of the city’s Vacants to Value Booster program, emphasizing urban revitalization and community development. Alongside this, UniFIED Efforts provides a variety of engaging activities, including music lessons, cooking classes, and creative writing workshops, as well as field trips to events such as Baltimore Blast games and experiences like a flight simulator at Martin State Airport.
Former attendees, like Cencere Echols, have noted the transformative impact of the programs offered by UniFIED Efforts, praising the mentorship and guidance received. Deborah Ramsey has articulated her approach as being a “life adviser” to youth, focusing on holistic development rather than just academic support. The organization’s overarching goal is to expose children to a myriad of life experiences, fostering personal growth and encouraging aspirations for their futures.
As the new youth center opens its doors, the community can look forward to a space designed to elevate the potential of its children, thereby shaping a brighter future for West Baltimore.
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Additional Resources
- The Daily Record: UniFIED Efforts, Inc.
- The New York Times: Baltimore Bridge Shipping Channel
- Baltimore Magazine: Deborah B. Ramsey
- WTOP: Key Bridge Recovery
- Wikipedia: Baltimore
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