Catholic Charities and Community Break Ground on $32M Intergenerational Center in WestBaltimore

April 25, 2024 — With the objective of serving area residents through every single stage of their lives — all the way from infancy through retirement — Catholic Charities of Baltimore today officially broke ground on a $32 million Intergenerational Center in West Baltimore.

Scheduled for completion in the summer of 2025, the Center will provide a range of programs and opportunities for people of all ages and entire families in one central, state-of-the art facility, with the goal of helping people to achieve their God-given potential through lifelong engagement, education, and economic development.

“By bringing everyone — children, teens, working adults, and seniors — together in one place, we can deliver a true continuum of care and realize the powerful benefits of intergenerational communication and collaboration,” said Bill McCarthy, executive director of Catholic Charities of Baltimore. “This innovative Center will contribute to individual growth, family flourishing, and neighborhood success for generations to come.”

Catholic Charities has been working and building relationships in the community for many years, offering Head Start and workforce training at nearby St. Edward’s Church. The Intergenerational Center is the product of in-depth conversations with residents and the generous support of private donors and government agencies.

The Intergenerational Center will feature and offer:

• Early Head Start for pregnant women and families with children under the age of three;
• Head Start for children between the ages of three and five;
• An early learning center with nine classrooms and additional meeting rooms to provide support, education, and resources for expecting moms and families;
• A community kitchen for meals and a pantry for groceries;
• Gathering spaces for community groups and organizations;
• A state-of-the-art recreation center for neighbors of all ages, with a renovated indoor gym, a new exterior dome modelled after the Madison Square Rec Center Dome, a new uncovered court, and community outdoor play space;
• Playgrounds, green space, and walking paths;
• A community health clinic;
• Behavioral health and substance abuse services;
• Workforce development;
• Recreational activities;
• Youth development programming; and more.

As an Intergenerational Center, our programs will be designed to foster engagement across generations, so that people of all ages can learn and benefit from one another.

“Since 1789, the Catholic Church has ministered to our neighbors in Baltimore and beyond. The opening of the Intergenerational Center is an extension of the Church’s promise to serve and a demonstration of our ongoing commit to do more, to meet our neighbors in their time of need, stand with them in their moments of triumphs and shower communities with God’s healing and abundant love,” said Archbishop William E. Lori.

“The Intergenerational Center will serve as an invaluable community hub in West Baltimore,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “The Center will help expand existing programs in the community such as Head Start, which I found hard to secure $12.3 billion for in the 2024 fiscal year. I look forward to witnessing this Center serve as a place of solace and support, helping those who are underserved and in need of assistance.”

“Today, we’re proud to stand with Catholic Charities as they break ground on a new Intergenerational Center to serve neighborhoods and communities across West Baltimore,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “As our entire city works to ensure that Baltimoreans of all ages, especially our young people and older adults looking to age in place, have access to world class facilities and places to connect and grow together – projects like this one are vital. I know that this new center will truly make a difference in the lives of everyone it connects.”

 

About Catholic Charities of Baltimore

Catholic Charities of Baltimore is Maryland’s largest private provider of human services, with more than 80 programs in 200 locations. Inspired by the gospel mandates to love, serve, and teach, Catholic Charities is committed to a Maryland where each person has the opportunity to reach his or her God-given potential. Catholic Charities was established in 1923 and focuses on the key causes of Achieving Independence, Welcoming New Neighbors, Empowering Careers, Supporting Children & Families, Healing Trauma & Addiction and Aging with Dignity. Today, Catholic Charities is a family of more than 2,000 talented and dedicated colleagues, supported by nearly 8,000 selfless volunteers, and more than 10,000 generous donors. This Catholic Charities community includes people of all faiths, ages, and ethnicities, and together, they touch the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals and families each year. www.cc-md.org

 

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