Celebrating National Mentoring Month Impact at Baltimore City Hall!

February 16, 2024

By: Kianna Bermudez

Our recent celebration at Baltimore City Hall marked the conclusion to National Mentoring Month. Held on January 31st, this inaugural event, a collaboration between the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement (MONSE), the Mayor’s Office of Child & Family Success (MOCFS), and MENTOR Maryland | DC, brought together mentors, mentees, and advocates in a collective celebration of mentorship.

The event commenced with a warm welcome from MENTOR MD|DC, setting the stage by highlighting the significance and history of National Mentoring Month, while MONSE shared the tangible impact of mentoring as a vital element of violence intervention strategies.

Real-life stories took center stage as programs such as Nuestras Raices, I AM MENtality, Beats Not Bullets, and LETS GO Boys and Girls, Inc. shared their unique experiences, underscoring the profound impact of mentoring within their communities.

A highlight of the event was the acknowledgment of exceptional mentoring programs that have significantly contributed to Baltimore City’s landscape. Our applause goes to a diverse array of programs, each playing a vital role in shaping positive mentorship experiences, including:

Recognized Programs:

  1. Beats not Bullets
  2. Challenge2Change
  3. Career Development & Leadership Coaching/Greater Baltimore Alumni Chapter of Wilberforce University
  4. CROP Program at Towson University  
  5. Epic Art Universe
  6. France Merrick Foundation
  7. Generation Hope
  8. Historic East Baltimore Community Action Coalition
  9. I AM MENtality
  10. iMentor
  11. LETS GO Boys and Girls, Inc.
  12. Let’s Thrive Baltimore
  13. Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services
  14. Mayor’s Office of Economic Development
  15. Nolita Project, Inc.
  16. Nuestras Raices, Inc.
  17. Project Pneuma
  18. Seeds of Promise: Transforming Black Boys into Men
  19. Thread
  20. Together We Rise
  21. Trauma Drama
  22. Village Co-Op

The event culminated with the reading of the Mayoral Proclamation for National Mentoring Month and the presentation of Certificates of Recognition to the participating programs. In a special moment, MENTOR MD|DC honored MOCFS and MONSE with awards, recognizing their outstanding commitment as champions of mentoring.

As we bid farewell to National Mentoring Month, we encourage everyone to consider the impact they can make become a mentor, find a mentor, or support local mentoring programs. To learn how, visit the Mentoring Connector

Looking ahead, we’re excited about the ongoing collaboration with MONSE and MOCFS, collectively shaping the mentoring landscape in Baltimore City. This event was just the beginning, and we envision hosting similar celebrations in the future, amplifying the importance of mentorship.

We extend our appreciation to all who contribute to the success of mentorship in our community. Your dedication is truly making a difference, and we look forward to the continued impact we’ll create together.