STATION STORIES
April 2021
A Special Thanks to Our Board President

This month, in honor of her serving as our board president, we wanted to highlight Jen Rothenberger. Jen is Director of Human Capital and Security for Fortego, a BlueHalo company, which provides end-to-end CNO capabilities across the fields of cyber analytics, cyber engineering, and vulnerability analysis. Jen first heard about The Baltimore Station through Business Volunteers Maryland, a nonprofit that strengthens the community by making strategic connections between people, businesses, and nonprofits. In 2015, she officially joined the board which was the first board she had served on.
“I love the transition of getting to see things from a different perspective. The past two years on the executive team, I have been able to work hand in hand with Kim and John. Watching and helping them transition through this last year has been a bumpy ride, but I couldn't be prouder of the team!”

With the difficulty that Covid brought, Jen stayed strong and continued to bring her drive and energy to the table to support the team. She said her job has been made easier with the amazing support she had from John Friedel, Kim Callari, and the team. “Together we persevered through the many challenges that arose this year.”

Not only does Jen serve as our board president, but she also chairs our signature fundraiser Homerun for Recovery (taking place this month on April 22) which raises critical funds for our programs. Jen got involved personally with Homerun and became a very active committee member which led her to becoming chair. She was also critical in securing Fortego’s support as our presenting sponsor. “Jen’s energy, passion and ability to think outside the box has really helped us take Homerun to the next level,” said Kim Callari, Director of Development and Communications. “She has been instrumental in helping us get The Baltimore Station’s name out into the community beyond the Baltimore area and introducing us to businesses and community partners who are now involved with our organization.”

One of her favorite memories with TBS has been volunteering and getting to know the men. She has been working with The Station for many years now and has had the opportunity to attend a lot of great events. Through this, she has been able to connect with the residents and firsthand see the mission. “I am very excited to see what the future holds for The Baltimore Station! The impact they have in the community is truly amazing.”

Jen’s term as board president has been a great run. We appreciate all she has helped us accomplish. Next month Jen will step down as president and serve for one year “At-Large’ while Adam Skolnik, Executive Director of the Maryland Multi-Housing Association (MMHA) will become President.
National Volunteer Month
April is National Volunteer Month and what better way to show our appreciation than to highlight the amazing work of our volunteers during the pandemic. Even though it was difficult for many to stay engaged with volunteering due to policies preventing in person activities, there have been many who have consistently delivered food, collected needed supplies, and helped with projects.

NewDay USA continued to cater Mission BBQ on the first Monday of each month, which became a very special treat over summertime in 2020. Normally, the men enjoy different cookouts and BBQs prepared and served by volunteers, but with the pandemic it was not safe to do so. Church of the Nativity continued to deliver KFC chicken on the 4th Saturday of each month, a perfect comfort meal to close out each month. Severna Park Evangelical Presbyterian Church, a group that has been serving at The Baltimore Station for over 20 years, continued to keep Chicken Patty Tuesdays a standing tradition. We also had groups like Fortego, A BlueHalo Company, The Baltimore Hon Hive, and The Gathering deliver delicious homemade meals or catered meals by local restaurants.

At The Baltimore Station, we like to say that no act of kindness or amount of support is too little from our volunteers. Throughout the pandemic there have been a few individuals or small groups who have really gone above and beyond for the men. Jessica Gorman, also known by the men as “dessert lady” has been baking delicious treats for the men throughout the pandemic. Ian and Julian, a team of younger volunteers also stepped up during the pandemic to continue their volunteer commitment in their final year of high school. They helped with several projects throughout 2020 and have been our go-to set of extra hands.

There are so many others who wrote letters of support to the men, donated handmade masks, and organized donation drives throughout 2020. We truly could not have made it through this crazy time without each and every volunteer. Thank you for your service to The Baltimore Station and the men we serve.
Homerun for Recovery 2021
Don’t forget to purchase your tickets before time runs out!

All Access tickets are only on sale until April 14th. Concert only tickets will be available for purchase up until April 21st. The silent auction goes live on April 16th at 5pm. 100% of the funds raised directly support the men in our programs.

Be sure to check out our webpage (link below) to see all of the fun items available for bidding. homerun2021.givesmart.com