Baltimore Continentals have created children-centered programs in what we call H.E.E.R. + Arts & Humanities Programmatic Thrust. The acronym stands for Health, Education, Employment, and Recreation plus Arts & Humanities. Since our inception we have continuously won awards at our Annual National Conclaves because of our ability to embrace each thrust with poignant and effective activities. Highlights on our approach to expand childrens' horizons are:
Health projects which vary from Children's Health Fairs, Walk for Air Fundraisers, Drug Abuse Awareness Programs to Health screening
and Health Alert Programs. "Open Airways for School" is an Asthma Awareness Program which brings valuable information to the
circle of adults that interact with a child with asthma and also teaches the child how to control their disease. Chara House, a community
based residential program for infants and children with chronic diseases recives our financial support as well as interaction with
the children. The Baltimore Chapter has sponsored health-related programs and given annual contributions to the Mt. Washington Pediatric
Hospital and the Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange Group Home.
Educational programs include activities with students to encourage them to seek high values in preparing themselves for successful,
productive and meaningful lives. Annually we award a financially deserving Baltimore City student a scholarship of $1500
a year for four years. Our partnership with schools has touched students at Groove Park, Harford Heights, Hilton, Beechfield,
Calloway, The Empowerment Academy and Fort Worthington Elementary schools with such programs as "Book Buddies". Community outreach
programs like "Spelling Bee" and "It's Black-Ademics History" contests were held in inner city and county neighborhoods in partnership
with various Edegwood Resident Associations in Maryland.
Employment activities that support the career goals and aspirations of Frederick Douglass High School students. Alumnae
of Douglass High, there's a very keen interest in the educational development of the students, as well as a desire to
inform, enlighten and perhaps motivate the students so that they can become employable and gain a competitive edge in
the job market. Juniors are targeted because of the importance of getting them ready for their senior year. We use
the theme, "There's a Winner in You" because it untaps the students potential to be "winners." Each activity objective
includes providing information regarding career opportunities, providing job resources and training programs, assisting
students in realizing their strengths and abilities, encouraging students to make wise decisions and aiding students to
build a positive self image. Sessions also included guest speakers from the Food Industry, Nursing and Systems Engineering
who give words of advice on maintaining a positive attitude, appropriate dress, being prepared educationally, and overcoming obstacles
.
Recreational activities stress learning ways of relaxing the mind and body while working to fulfill goals of leadership, teamwork,
and being a good follower. Annual financial contributions are given to Florence Crittenton Services to sponsor children to attend
campership programs like Camp Farthest Out and Camp Glyndon for diabetic youth, outings for bowling, trips to live theatre productions
and concerts. For many years the Recreation and Health committees conducted joint projects with the Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange
Residential facility. Over the last 20 years we have supported the Maryland Youth Residence Center and in recent years the Rodgers
Avenue and Jentry McDonald Group Homes. Youngsters living in these centers are given an opportunity to turn their lives around.
The memebers have supplied the teachers and guidance counselors with not only our financial support, but also much needed love and
attention to the children’s various accomplishments.
Arts & Humanities carries out programs in elementary and middle schools, exposing them to cultural activities at Center Stage,
the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and other local attractions. The goal and objective of the projects are to enlighten young people
on liberal arts career options throughout the city, increased self-esteem, encourage students to stay in school and consider a post-secondary
education.
