On Monday, our Future Baltimore flagship partnership for West Baltimore was recognized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Council on Foundations for changing the health of the community. This innovative partnership between Kaiser Permanente and Bon Secours was one of ten national winners of the Secretary’s Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnership recognizing exemplary partnerships between foundations and government that have been critical in transforming communities and improving lives.
Announced just over a year ago, Future Baltimore has grown to include more than a dozen partners working on nine programs to address socio-economic security, access to quality care, mental health, and community safety. In addition, the team has raised more than $3 million to support a new community center to house these programs and resources. Importantly, that center will be housed in a long-shuttered library, which was a touchstone in the community for generations.
“The partnership between Bon Secours and Kaiser Permanente is building relationships and changing lives in West Baltimore. Neighbors are excited about the transformation underway and look forward to taking the journey into a Future Baltimore with us,” said Samuel Ross, M.D., CEO, Bon Secours Baltimore.
Talib Horne, Executive Director of Bon Secours Community Works, noted “Bon Secours’ partnership with Kaiser Permanente is definitely leading to change. It’s changing the narrative of the city’s perception of West Baltimore. A community that is often forgotten is now getting renewed interest from leaders in Baltimore and around the country.”
“We are deeply humbled to have our transformative initiative recognized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Council on Foundations,” said Destiny-Simone Ramjohn, PhD, Director of Community Health for Greater Baltimore. “Kaiser Permanente, with Bon Secours and neighborhood leaders, has made a long-term commitment to the people and the city of Baltimore. Future Baltimore is a cornerstone of our efforts to leverage the power of hope and partnership to dramatically disrupt inequity in 21223.”
Accepting the award from HUD Secretary Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., M.D., were Dr. Ramjohn; Jill Feldon, Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Community Relations; Celeste James, Executive Director of Community Health; executive leaders from Bon Secours; and the President and Vice President of the Fayette Street Outreach Neighborhood Community Association. Dr. Ramjohn also represented Future Baltimore on a panel with other winners who represented their projects. Video of the awards presentation and panel discussion can be viewed here.
