Baltimore BORN (Boys Opportunity and Resource Network)

Nonprofit (501c.3 listed in Guidestar)

Our Story: Baltimore Boys Opportunity and Resource Network (BORN) is a non-profit organization that provides the support and services that the boys of Baltimore City need to sustain, flourish, and become the men they want and deserve to be. While BORN does not discriminate on the basis of race, given the demographics of the neighborhoods in which we work, BORN serves almost exclusively, if n... read moreOur Story: Baltimore Boys Opportunity and Resource Network (BORN) is a non-profit organization that provides the support and services that the boys of Baltimore City need to sustain, flourish, and become the men they want and deserve to be. While BORN does not discriminate on the basis of race, given the demographics of the neighborhoods in which we work, BORN serves almost exclusively, if not exclusively, African-American boys. Baltimore BORN was created by Baltimore native and current Baltimore Raven, Domonique Foxworth, who understands that he never would have achieved the level of success he enjoys today without the sustained love and support of his family along with the opportunities, resources, and networks to which he had access. Domonique and his lifelong friend and Board Vice President, Brandon M. Terry, recognize that motivated boys with the potential to succeed from low-income and under-served communities are not achieving on the same level as their counterparts from wealthier neighborhoods. With the guidance of Brandon M. Terry and his Philanthropic Advisor, Ms. Jenny Goldstock Wright who has fifteen years vetting, establishing, and developing non-profit organizations, Dominique designed this unique and necessary program. Baltimore BORN responds to the large number of young men who have the talent and potential to succeed, but lack the opportunities, resources, and networks to sustain them as they navigate the inherent problems of overburdened families, struggling schools, and the illusory appeal of the street. Admitting boys in their fifth grade year and following them until their expected matriculation to college, BORN works to improve reading comprehension, critical writing and thinking skills while helping the boys navigate inevitable social obstacles. Our aim is to build their capacities for conflict resolution, public service, and moral reasoning, while encouraging them to develop a strong understanding of responsible manhood. With the right long-term support, the boys of Baltimore BORN will grow into young men whose commitment to rigorous thought, active citizenship, and considerate manhood will serve them well on their respective paths to truly successful and meaningful lives. The BORN curriculum is written and designed specifically for BORN, with an emphasis on building literacy skills, as well as critical thinking, public speaking, and writing skills. The curriculum challenges not only the students’ abilities, but also the way that they perceive themselves and their role in society. An emphasis is placed on integrating African-American Studies and current affairs into the curriculum at age-appropriate levels, so that students are able to better appreciate the historical origins of contemporary social problems while gaining a deeper awareness of the present-day issues of their communities and country. Throughout each unit, a novel or written media is used to enhance comprehension skills, provide cohesion and a framework to themes, and enrich discussion. Additionally, the students participate in field trips and community service projects in order to extend learning and exposure. Initially, BORN created two pilot programs with the same staff and identical curriculum, while catering to different demographics, allowing the opportunity to evaluate how BORN could ultimately be most effective. After closely evaluating the two programs, it was determined that the model of selecting students from one school who lived in the same neighborhood was most beneficial. The close relationship with the elementary school principal, the familiarity the boys had with each other, and the ability to integrate our program into a specific neighborhood made the decision relatively easy. Immersing BORN in an under-served community allows our students access to healthy snacks, technology, and academic assistance in a local space. Currently, BORN is partnering with Dr. Bernard Harris Sr. Elementary and the school principal, Loren McCaskill, in the Oliver Community of East Baltimore. BORN will reevaluate and consider a rotating entry point in subsequent years in order to expand our reach in other under-served communities. As the students matriculate, they have a variety of middle and high school choices thanks to the progressive and supportive Baltimore City School system. BORN works with the parents to choose schools that will meet the unique interests and needs of each student. With a house directly in the community, BORN is able to provide daily support to the students in a quiet, accepting space. In this space, students can work with tutors, gain homework and project help, access the technology available, or simply have a snack and talk with BORN staff. BORN provides a meal to each student after class, serving over 500 meals in the 2010 – 2011 school year with the help of local restaurants and grocery stores. BORN staff works closely with families to support the positive social and academic development of their students by assisting with conflict resolution, hygiene, transportation, and organization among others. In all, BORN proactively works to impact positive growth and realizations of self as the students matriculate through their secondary education experience and transition into considerate, productive men. read less

http://baltimoreborn.org

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