Baltimore is often called the “Charm City,” and on September 25 that name will take on new meaning as GreenLight Fund Baltimore hosts its third annual Charming Nights celebration at Baltimore Unity Hall. The evening will highlight the launch of ParentChild+ in Baltimore while bringing together public officials, investors, nonprofit leaders, and community members to celebrate the city’s education and early literacy sector.

Dr. Nia Imani Fields, executive director of GreenLight Fund Baltimore, explained that Charming Nights is about honoring Baltimore’s unique spirit while investing in its future. “There are many things that make Baltimore charming—the history, the culture, the food, the contributions to popular culture, the unique architecture, and of course its people. Baltimore is a city built on resilience. At GreenLight Fund Baltimore, we believe in celebrating the charm of our city while simultaneously investing in the best of Baltimore,” she said.

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The event is designed to foster collaboration across sectors. “Everyone’s voice is important,” Fields noted. “By listening and learning from each other, we are able to have richer conversations that lead to a better understanding of what’s going well in our community, and where progress can be made.” She pointed to GreenLight’s Selection Advisory Council, a diverse group of leaders and residents, as a model for inclusive decision-making. “The diversity in our SAC, in the communities we serve, and amongst our partners, helps ensure we are making informed decisions that are truly community centered, thoughtful, and sustainable.”

At the heart of GreenLight’s work is a commitment to racial equity and economic prosperity. Fields was candid about the stakes. “It’s not possible to talk about economic prosperity in Baltimore without centering racial equity. Black, Indigenous, and LatinX communities across our city, like most major cities across the country, continue to face deep-rooted racism, poverty, health disparities and a lack of opportunities perpetuated over generations by unjust systems and policies.” She added that the organization applies a racial equity lens to its entire process, ensuring investments address root causes and remain community driven.

This year, GreenLight is celebrating ParentChild+, a program that supports early literacy and school readiness through a home visiting model. Early Learning Specialists provide resources and coaching to parents, empowering them as their child’s first teacher. The program launched in West Baltimore in partnership with New Song Community Learning Center and has since expanded to the Esperanza Center to serve Spanish-speaking families.

“At New Song Academy, the data shows that about 95 percent of our PreK scholars enter school living below the poverty line,” said Jayson Green, executive director of New Song. “ParentChild+ is part of the solution—it gives families the tools, confidence, and support they need long before their children walk into a classroom. It aligns with Maryland’s Blueprint for the Future and the city’s early learning priorities, and it ensures that more of our children, regardless of zip code, are truly given equal possibilities from the start.”

The impact of ParentChild+ is clear. Research shows that graduates are more likely to be ready for kindergarten, less likely to be referred to special education, and more likely to graduate high school, with academic performance well above their chronological age.

As GreenLight looks ahead, Fields said the organization is exploring new investments to address Baltimore’s most pressing needs. “This year, we began the selection process for a third portfolio organization investment. After hearing input from the community and our Selection Advisory Council, the prospective organization will address our focus areas for this cycle: housing and economic mobility.”

These investments are part of a larger strategy to fill gaps in services and scale what works. “We leverage what’s working, fill gaps, and invite models that are able to scale the positive impacts for Baltimore’s residents,” Fields explained.

For Baltimore Times readers, Fields emphasized that community involvement is essential. “As we continue to work towards our next investment, we value all input from the Baltimore community. We welcome continued conversations and partnerships as we deepen our relationships and investments across the city.”

Readers can connect with GreenLight Fund Baltimore atnfields@greenlightfund.orgor through social media at @GreenLightFundBaltimore.

Charming Nights will take place on Thursday, September 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Baltimore Unity Hall. The event will feature remarks from Senator Cory McCray, community leaders, and families engaged in early literacy programs.

Harold Booker Jr. is the founder and principal of DrewJenk Consulting, a boutique firm that specializes in project management, technology, and community engagement. He is also a frequent contributor to the Baltimore Times, writing about arts, culture, and social issues that connect personal history with community impact.