The Ruth M. Kirk Recreation Center reopened in 2015 to provide a safe-space for kids and family members living in Southwest Baltimore. In the neighborhood we serve, over 50% of our children are living in poverty and the violent crime rate is higher than almost any other area in Baltimore (Baltimore Indicators Alliance).
Over the past two years, the Ruth M. Kirk Recreation and Learning Center has been able to serve over 500 families through our GED classes, annual coat drives, holiday toy giveaways, weekly food drives, daily after school programming, and our youth summer camp. In 2016, we were the recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Fox45 Champion of Courage award.
However, with no financial support coming from Baltimore City, this center relies entirely on the kindness and support of in-kind donations, volunteers, and private donations.
We are fundraising to allow us to better achieve our mission of creating a safe-space for the residents of Southwest Baltimore – a space where students, families, and community members can come together to play, learn, and thrive.
More specifically, donations will provide funds for:
– The center’s monthly electric and water bills
– The cost of supplies for our current afterschool programs and youth summer camp
– Daily meals for our students and families
– Materials to create new recreation center activities including music classes, language classes, sports tournaments, and yoga classes.
– Imperative maintenance repairs to the recreation center including fixing our roof and replacing the door frames in the center
We are so thankful for anything you are able to donate to support the rec center and the amazing community that we serve.
Thank you!
Arthur Squeaky Kirk
Director of the MLK Jr. Recreation Center
The Ruth M. Kirk Recreation and Learning Center 