Snug Books: A Community Hub

Katie Beltz and her husband, Emanuel Figueroa, have always dreamed of opening their own bookstore. When they came across a vacant storefront in the Hamilton-Lauraville neighborhood of Northeast Baltimore, they decided it was time to make their dream come true.

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2022 New Year Address: A letter from our President & CEO

Dear Colleagues and Friends, First and foremost, I would like to wish you a Happy New Year! It is hard to believe that we are two years into a pandemic that has impacted every one of us in profound ways. During this time of immense need, we remain committed to the important work of improving the lives of the people and communities we serve.

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Fashion Spa House is thriving since receiving a grant from BCL and Truist

If you’re like a lot of people, just the thought of being at the airport may induce feelings of anxiety. But one visit to Fashion Spa House at BWI Airport will leave you feeling uplifted with a smile on your face. It’s not just a clothing and skincare store; it’s a specialty retail experience created and curated by the owner, Cynthia Rumph, for the stylish self-care enthusiast.

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Melinated House of Beauty

Getting quality beauty supplies hasn’t always been easy for Dinee Russell, a long-time resident of the Hampden neighborhood of Baltimore City. She frequently had to travel to big box stores outside of the city to buy shampoo, conditioner, edge control, and other products formulated for her hair texture. And some of those stores don’t carry specialty items such as braiding hair, human hair, and wigs. Dinee is not alone; many Black and Latinx women live in neighborhoods in which these beauty supplies are hard to come by.

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