Community Partner: Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center CIIP Assistant: Maggie Weese Site Supervisor: Arthur“ Squeeky” Kirk
What is the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center? The Citizen’ s United for the 44th District work to develop and strengthen the vibrant community and culture in Southwest Baltimore through the creation of accessible educational, recreational and employment opportunities.
When I think back on my eight weeks at the MLK Jr. Rec Center and a words come to mind: patience – to survive waiting for grants, donatio naptime, determination – because a lot of things don’ t work on their never think you are too old to swing outside, and finally love – for you
Tasks
● Organized and led daily lesson plans for 30 youth participating in the rec center’ s summer camp program. These lessons covered material in reading, math, art, theater, and gardening.
● Applied for grants through the Governor’ s Office and the Mazda Foundation to create new afterschool programming for the rec center
● Designed, coordinated and launched a 50‐day fundraising campaign to raise $ 50,000 for the center
Every day I spent at the rec center, even the hardest and hottest days of my summer. In this world, it is rare to meet a person that can touch inspire you. This summer I meet 30 people who were able to do that age. After three years of living in Baltimore and being a part of CIIP, th been the most transformative – helping me to understand where I fit
Along with the youth I worked with on the day‐to‐day at the rec cente honor of working with and learning from some of the most driven and members I have ever met. My bosses, Squeaky and Carlos, have dona and even more hours to reopen the MLK Jr. Rec Center and ensure it where families and community members can thrive. From their love a how challenging but working at a grassroots organization can be.
Beyond being a camp counselor, this summer taught me how to bend education, and take advantage of my resources as a JHU student to su visionaries of Baltimore City. I am thankful to have been blessed with years and only hope that I can continue to bend, utilize, and take adva opportunities I have to support active citizens across Baltimore. ‐ Mag