For over a decade, members of the Baltimore Workforce Funders Collaborative (BWFC) have supported a growing number of industry focused workforce development initiatives, and the outcomes are notable. Through these efforts, previously unemployed residents are getting industry recognized certifications and jobs with career advancement opportunities at impressive rates. This report highlights several of these initiatives and offers recommendations on how they can be expanded.

A collaborative project of the BIP and Central Baltimore Partnership, this new directory of Baltimore nonprofit and public workforce development organizations is now available to help employers and community stakeholders find workforce partners to meet hiring needs. It summarizes the work of more than 45 organizations that support Baltimore City workers by offering skills training, eliminating barriers to employment, and facilitating job placement.

These organizations range in size and focus. Some provide general job readiness coaching while others provide training, certifications...

Over 2 million people have been affected and over 200,000 people died as a result of the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti. 188,383 houses have been damaged or destroyed. Over 1.5 million displaced people living in 1,241 settlement sites. There are 4,758 schools that have been damaged or destroyed.* 

The scale of destruction and need has resulted in quick and significant contributions pouring in to support relief efforts. The overwhelming success of the Text Haiti Campaign by the American Red Cross, which encourages people to donate $10 by texting "HAITI" through their cell phone,...