On Saturday, June 6th, Convoy of Hope, in partnership with the Ed Block Courage Awards Foundation and 150 local churches and community organizations, hosted an outreach at Clifton Park in downtown Baltimore. Clifton Park is in an area of great need. The high school across the street from the outreach site currently has a 16% graduation rate for incoming freshman. Many of the families who reside in Clifton Park live with desperate physical needs. Over 3,000 guests braved the muddy field conditions caused by a week of unrelenting rain so they could receive help.
Guests were greeted and served by a compassionate army of over 1,100 volunteers who mobilized to bring tangible help to these families in need. The contingency of volunteers also included local doctors and dentists who provided free medical and dental screenings. Local hairstylists provided 900 free haircuts to children and adults. Clothing for children was also available for free, through a partnership with the non-profit organization “Walk the Talk.” Over 40,000 pounds of free groceries were distributed. The outreach also included a free community service and job fair, live music entertainment and a free kids carnival.
Local photographers arranged for free family portraits for the guests in attendance. Hundreds of families received beautiful 5x7 photos – a gift intended to affirm the value of the family unit. Several dozen professional athletes from the NFL and NBA were also present to sign autographs and take pictures with the guests and their kids.
