My Nonprofit Reviews

When I first began my role as a Community School Facilitator for BCPS, I was eager to make a difference but unsure where to start. That’s when Debbie from The Education Foundation stepped in. In our first meeting, Debbie shared invaluable insights about building partnerships, fostering connections, and strengthening the foundation of our school. Her guidance gave me the confidence to approach potential partners and think creatively about how to serve our students and families. Debbie’s passion and expertise set the tone for the transformative work ahead.

One of the first major steps forward was utilizing The Exchangeree, an incredible resource hub, as a meeting space to bring together area Community School Facilitators, our county councilman, and the county outreach coordinator. This gathering created a platform for open dialogue and collaboration, solidifying a stronger partnership between local government and our community schools. The Exchangeree provided not only the perfect physical space but also the sense of unity and purpose needed to amplify our efforts. These discussions laid the groundwork for sustainable initiatives that continue to benefit our students.

The Foundation then successfully secured two pivotal grants for my school. The first, a literacy grant through the Baltimore Community Foundation, allowed us to implement programs that significantly improved our students’ reading skills, incorporated and celebrated diversity, and fostered a love for learning. The second, an anti-bullying initiative funded by the Foundation’s own 21st Century Learning Grant, transformed our school climate by increasing students’ sense of belonging and positively impacting attendance and behavior. Words cannot fully express the profound impact that The Education Foundation, through its mission-driven leadership, has had on our school and our community. Debbie, Heather, and Cindy are true champions for education, and their work changes lives every day.