Councilmember Zeke Cohen and Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson toured the O’Donnell Heights Boys & Girls Club to observe improvements to the building made possible with a Community Safety Works Grant through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. BGCMB was awarded $95,000 and is one of 18 community organizations in the First District that received an award. Those collective awards totaled more than $1.4M dollars and range from murals and cafe lighting to speed cameras and a new social emotional learning curriculum for a local elementary school.
“This grant has been made possible through the collaborative efforts between the Boys & Girls Club, our office, the housing authority, and local community association, with the incredible support of our state delegation,” says Cohen.
“These are the kinds of public-community partnerships that will have a significant impact on public safety and foster thriving neighborhoods.”
“The Community Safety Works Grant Program, funded by the Maryland General Assembly and
administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, is making a meaningful difference in strengthening neighborhood institutions and reducing violence,” notes Senate President Bill Ferguson.
“Addressing juvenile crime means a comprehensive approach that includes giving young people a recreational outlet. That’s why the 46th District Delegation is proud to support the Boys & Girls Club in O’Donnell Heights as one critical link in that effort.”
After a brief tour, Councilmember Zeke Cohen and Senate President Bill Ferguson participated as guests on our Dream Chazers podcast, hosted by our O’Donnell Heights teens. They discussed the topic “What Does Safety Mean to You?” Finally, we celebrated National Milkshake Day with a special treat for our members and special guests.
