This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Council President to Seek Partnerships for Programming

On Aug. 17 the BOE unanimously approved an application I submitted seeking permission to solicit donations to help support, increase and enhance programs offered to Baltimore City youth and seniors.

On Wednesday, August 17, 2011, the Board of Estimates unanimously approved an application I submitted seeking permission to solicit donations to help support, increase and enhance programs offered to Baltimore City youth and seniors.

Supporting programs that help to enrich Baltimore’s youth and seniors is something that I deeply enjoy doing.

I believe that our government has a moral obligation to ensure that our youth have programs that challenge them academically and physically. And our seniors deserve to benefit from culturally, mentally and physically stimulating programs as they enter their golden years.  

Find out what's happening in North Baltimorewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

But recently, as governments adjust to the worst financial downturn in generations, many of the programs that help to steer our youth away from negativity and keep our seniors active have fallen victim to budget cuts.

The unfortunate truth is that as expenses continue to outpace revenues, cities like Baltimore are forced to prioritize, which ultimately leaves some valuable initiatives on the chopping block.

Find out what's happening in North Baltimorewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Fortunately in Baltimore City, the private sector has shown an enormous willingness to fill the gaps left by the cuts.

Last year saw a number of donors step up with donations to help keep our pools – which were slated to close early due to budget cuts – operating through Labor Day. Sometimes, all you have to do is ask.

In the coming months, I will work with agencies and private companies to identify areas in youth and senior programming that could benefit from increased funding. I will then work with the private sector to raise funds to ensure that these programs continue uninterrupted.

Government can’t solve every problem and fund every program. But working together we can help build a better Baltimore beginning today.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from North Baltimore