What is Promise Heights? The mission of Promise Heights (PH) is to create a comprehensive child, family and community building model in West Baltimore that provides children 0-21 with educational, social, physical, and economic opportunities and which allows them to thrive and succeed in work and family life. It involves a unique partnership between the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), non-profit agencies, faith-based organizations, government, and communities in West Baltimore, all with a deep commitment to finding solutions to meet the needs of vulnerable families. Based on a number of opportunities, the community of Upton was identified as the first neighborhood to be served. Upton has some strong characteristics: churches that continue to serve as social service providers and community anchors; a history of civil rights activism; the creation of African American institutions and a once renowned entertainment district on Pennsylvania Avenue. Upton and historic West Baltimore have large percentages of child residents; of 6,320 residents in Upton a third are children, and over 50% of these children live in poverty. In addition close to 50% of area adults lack a high school diploma or equivalency, and at the last census, 60% of community adults were either unemployed or not in the work force (Census, 2000).
Celebrating Leaders and Legends of the 44th District [March 2013]
Promise Heights Receives Important Planning Grant from US Department of Education [January 2013]
Promise Heights Face Sheet [pdf] | Promise Heights Neighborhood Map [pdf]
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