Strong Communities for Life
Strengthening and Beautifying Park Heights
Early this year, CHAI established the Northwest Leadership Academy (NWLA) to develop new leaders and stimulate community-driven projects. The first cohort of 24 northwest Baltimore residents has learned about grassroots organizing and utilized their training to plan and implement two projects to benefit Park Heights. The first, a community cleanup, was held in conjunction with Mayor Brandon Scott’s Cleanup Day of Service in May. The second project took place last month at the intersection of Park Heights Avenue and Northern Parkway, where NWLA members participated in a special bench painting project with nationally known local artist Larry Poncho Brown, while others spruced up the area surrounding the bench. Stay tuned for a reveal of the final beautified bench in the next CHAILights newsletter!
Building Community Through Conversations
CHAI’s Community Conversations invites community members to explore the overlap and friction among people of diverse backgrounds who live, work, pray and play in northwest Baltimore. Now in its fourth cohort, the program has evolved into its most inclusive and accessible iteration yet. Offering sessions both in-person and online via Zoom, the current series Can I Be Your Neighbor? engages participants in open dialogue around the perceptions and realities of those we consider neighbors—and is the first to include male participants as well as offer synchronous Spanish interpretation. The four-part series is co-facilitated by Dr. Shauna Payne Gold and Andréa Rodriguez, M.A. Ed., who draw on their vast experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion as they facilitate conversation among participants. CHAI is excited to continue this program that breaks down barriers and builds strong communities.
Growing CHAI’s Tech Capacity
The Nonprofit Technology Enterprise Network (NTEN), an agency focused on the strategic and equitable use of technology, partnered with the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation to create the Nonprofit Tech Readiness (NTR) for Jewish Agencies, a six-month program that builds internal technology management capacity and provides dedicated coaching to address their most urgent technology needs. As a Weinberg Foundation grantee, CHAI was invited to apply and our Data and Impact Manager, Jessica Price, eagerly took advantage of this opportunity. The program provided Jess the training to strengthen CHAI’s tech proficiency and develop tools to advance our mission. Jess was asked to speak on her experience at last month’s graduation, sharing "I am grateful to have been a member of the NTR program. To have the opportunity to learn within the NTEN community, gain a wealth of information I can apply to my work and expand my thinking in how to engage with technology has been amazing."
Supporting Members and Saluting Veterans 
Edward A. Myerberg Center member, veteran, and longtime Bagel Boy, Marshall Sapperstein, first shared the idea of hosting a Veterans Day Celebration over six years ago. Each year since, the Myerberg has welcomed veterans and their loved ones, community members and public officials to enjoy special guest speakers and performers in honor of those who have served. CHAI and the Myerberg are proud to support the planning efforts of the Myerberg Veterans Day Committee in making this meaningful event a success, year after year. We invite you to join this year’s celebration on Tuesday, November 8, which will include a special performance by Voices of Vets and the presentation of colors. This event is free and open to all, but registration is required. Learn more and register here.
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CHAI is part of The Associated network, and together we tackle the challenges of the day and work toward creating a better tomorrow. Together, The Associated network takes care of Jews around the world, while building a strong community for all Baltimoreans. We respond to crises close and far from home. We create meaningful Jewish experiences and put our Jewish values to work. Give to The Associated 2023 Annual Campaign today at associated.org/give and change lives. We are here for you. We are Here for Good.