Park Heights Renaissance, the non-profit organization shaping the future of Park Heights through housing and employment opportunities for residents, has announced Team F.A.B. (Fight Against Blight) as the recipient of its third-annual George E. Mitchell Community Fellowship Grant. The winning entry was chosen from a competitive field of applicants who submitted original projects designed to address social or economic challenges of the priority areas defined in the Park Heights Master Plan. The innovative project will receive $30,000 to provide community members with a variety of services.
The Fight Against Blight, Clean & Green workforce development and life skills program prepares participants for possible jobs in city government while simultaneously providing essential services to keep Park Heights clean. Team F.A.B. aims to provide young people between the ages of 18 and 26 with transferable skill for the workforce, as program coordinators assist in placing cohorts into employment opportunities upon successful completion of the yearlong program.
“We prepare young adults for job opportunities, which become investments in themselves and the Park Heights community,” said Team F.A.B. Founder Steven Johnson. “We’re grateful to be selected as this year’s recipient and the opportunity to continue inspiring growth. With this support, we’re eager to expand the program.”
The Fellowship Grant was created to inspire leaders within the Park Heights community through the imagination and implementation of creative, public-facing community service projects. In executing their vision for a bold new heights, these leaders serve as role models for youth, deepen the bonds of community unity and seek improvement in the wellbeing of Park Heights residents.
“Park Heights is moving into a bold new era, and we’re proud to have supportive partners empowering our residents and strengthening local businesses,” said Yolanda Jiggetts, CEO of Park Heights Renaissance. “We look forward to seeing Team F.A.B. highlighted as grant recipients at the upcoming George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes celebrating the Park Heights community.”
“It was a pleasure to work with Team F.A.B. and learn more about their vision to uplift our community’s youth,” said Kevin Seawright, chair of Park Heights Renaissance’s board of directors.
Priority project areas of the Park Heights Master Plan include youth engagement and safety, community leadership and training, economic growth for businesses, reentry and returning citizens, workforce development and skills training, social enterprise development, food access solutions, affordable housing and housing opportunities for vulnerable populations and social determinants of health. The grant celebrates, amplifies, and uplifts organizations and initiatives that support those areas.
The grant honors the legacy of George E. Mitchell, who, prior to his unfortunate passing in July 2020, served as a fierce advocate for members of the Park Heights community. Last year’s grant featured three winners: BSPIRIT, Dayspring, Inc., and Catherine’s Family and Youth Services. The inaugural grant, which was awarded in 2021, supported Plantation Park Heights Urban Farm’s Project Access. Previous grant recipients have used their funds to expand operations, establish partnerships and continue to provide services that benefit the Park Heights Community.
“The legacy of the late George E. Mitchell continues to inspire and encourage me to uphold his vision of realizing the potential of the Park Heights Community,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “Growing up in this neighborhood made me who I am, and it is because of the champions in this community – like Mr. Mitchell – that we are able to create spaces and opportunities for a new generation of leaders and entrepreneurs like Team F.A.B.”
1/ST RACING and the Maryland Jockey Club honored the legacy of George E. Mitchell with the renaming and introduction of The George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (GII) during Preakness 145. As part of the Baltimore 1/ST initiative utilizing the Preakness platform to celebrate the city’s distinct culture and influential trailblazers, Mr. Mitchell’s contributions continue to be recognized each year during the Preakness weekend celebration. On Saturday, May 13, 2023, the Park Heights Renaissance will announce the awardee at the George “Spider” Anderson Music and Arts Festival. On Friday, May 19, 2023, 1/ST RACING and the Maryland Jockey Club, in partnership with the Park Heights Renaissance, will honor Team F.A.B. as the recipients of this year’s George E. Mitchell Fellowship Grant prior to the running of The George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (GII). After the race, members of the Mitchell family will join the grant recipients and leaders from Park Heights and other City and State officials to present the trophy to the winning connections of the 990h running of the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes graded stakes race.
For more information on Park Heights Renaissance, please visit www.boldnewheights.org. For more information on the Fellowship Grant, visit http://boldnewheights.org/community-grants/.
