funders ppt v3_pics

Thriving, connected families are key to vibrant communities, the Downtown Baltimore Family

Alliance fosters and promotes family life in Baltimore’s city Center.

Our Mission

Propelled by the belief that thriving, connected families are key to vibrant communities, the Downtown Baltimore Family

Alliance fosters and promotes family life in Baltimore's city center. As an independent, nonprofit alliance, we partner with

local government, business, and nonprofit organizations to develop family-wise programs and policies, including

initiatives for strong public schools and early childhood programs, enhanced public safety and environmental

quality, and expanded recreational and cultural opportunities. We further endeavor to cultivate community by connecting families with one another and with the resources to take full

advantage of life in downtown Baltimore.

Why DBFA matters

• “…residential growth is the single most important factor in downtown’s evolution.” Downtown Partnership of Baltimore

• Mayor Rawlings-Blake’s focus on revitalizing the downtown core

1. WSJ, Nov ‘07

Cities that are able to attract a population of middle-income families fare much better economically than

those that do not.1

DBFA’s impactReason for Staying Reason for leavingEasy Access to City's ammenities Perception of poor quality schoolsClose-knit communities Lack of Green SpaceWalkable Neighborhoods Lack of Children's programmingDiversity Crime

DBFA facts

• Founded in 2008 by local parent• Far reaching presence:

– www.dbfam.org (XX average monthly views)

– www.dbfamblog.org (average of 1500 unique visits and 3900 views per month)

– Facebook: 500+ likes– Twitter: – Neighborhood Listservs

• Areas of Focus:– Advocacy– Connection– Resources

DBFA Facts

• 600 members and growing• Geographic Area Breakdown:– Southeast Baltimore: 42%– South Baltimore Peninsula: 44%– Central Downtown: 8%– Southwest Baltimore: 6%

• Family Profile:– One-child (55%), two children (39%), three children (5%)– Ages of children: 0-2 yrs (77%); 3-4 yrs (33%); 5-6 yrs

(18%); 7+ years (8%)

• Organizes the annual School and Children’s Programming Fair to inform downtown parents about local schooling and extracurricular options and to assist schools in their marketing efforts

DBFA promotes public schools and informs parents

DBFA promotes public schools and informs parents

Dr. Andres Alonso, CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools at a DBFA “Town Hall” Meeting

Publishes DBFA’s Blog Series “school days”

DBFA promotes public schools and informs parents

Active member in the Baltimore Education Coalition, successfully supporting full funding to Baltimore City Public Schools

DBFA advocates for excellent education

Local student holds DBFA poster at BEC Rally in Annapolis

• Facilitated and scripted the South Baltimore Middle School Proposal at the request of Dr. Alonso

DBFA advocates for excellent education

DBFA provides resources for downtown schools– Fiscal Agent and facilitator for DBFA-Goldseker

Matching Grant Pilot Program

DBFA fosters community development in downtown Baltimore

– Organizes quarterly New and Expectant Parent Socials to connect beginning city families with one another

DBFA fosters community development in downtown Baltimore

– Engages downtown parents in community efforts and events

DBFA fosters community development in downtown Baltimore

– Facilitates and promotes LOCAL children’s programming

DBFA fosters community development in downtown Baltimore

The resource for families in the cityDBFA’s Website, Blog, Facebook presence

www.dbfam.org www.dbfamblog.org www.facebook.com/downtownbaltimorefamilyalliance

The resource for families in the city

Parents listening to the “Sleep Lady”, Kim West at a FREE parenting seminar, hosted by DBFA

The resource for families in the city

Parents bonding with their infants at DBFA & JCC hosted “Hello Baby!” classes.

DBFA works to preserve Baltimore’s urban green space

Watercolor rendition of the future Pierce’s park on Pier V.

– DBFA’s walkability initiative

DBFA works to preserve Baltimore’s urban green space

DBFA works to preserve Baltimore’s urban green space

recap

• Advocacy• Connectedness• Resources

What’s next?

• Increased marketing of Baltimore City Public Schools through greater attendance and reach of Annual School and Children’s Programming Fair and Dr. Alonso “town hall”

• Staffing to ensure sustainability of on-line marketing, leadership and coordination of volunteer efforts

• Significant year-to-year sponsorship of high-quality FREE public events and parenting seminars

When families stay in the City…

• Schools are improved for ALL students• Crime is reduced• Growth in business opportunities• Increased property values (and Baltimore City’s tax base)

ROBUST NEIGHBORHOODS, VIBRANT COMMUNITIES