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