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High levels of substance abuse and related crime in
Baltimore City are causing a significant deterioration in the quality
of life in communities throughout the City. Baltimore City has one
of the worst addiction rates in the nation. An estimated 10 percent
of city residents or 60,000 people are in need of treatment for
drug addiction. Baltimore Substance Abuse Systems funds 8,500 treatment
slots which serve 25,000 people annually -- approximately 40 percent
of those in need. In recognition that drug addiction is a complex
disorder that touches every aspect of an individual’s life
and one that can have a devastating impact not only on the individual
but on the community as a whole, the Foundation seeks to increase
access to substance abuse treatment and supportive services such
as housing and job training for the uninsured and drug addicted
individuals residing in Baltimore City. The Foundation works to
increase the impact and effectiveness of treatment services through
cutting edge research and support of innovative service models designed
to reach underserved populations.
The Foundation supports programs and initiatives that
increase public safety and reduce recidivism with a special focus
on initiatives that address the barriers facing the returning ex-offender.
A particular emphasis is placed on initiatives that provide transitional
housing and the necessary wraparound services to support a successful
return to the community.
Areas of interest include:
- substance abuse treatment, prevention,
and research
- support services
- prisoner reentry
- criminal justice system reform
- crime prevention
- juvenile justice
| By installing
high-tech surveillance Citiwatch cameras in targeted areas selected
for a disproportionate share of violence, the City has experienced
a 17 percent decrease in crime in those areas. More... |
Criminal Justice and Addictions Highlights
Baltimore
Station, Inc.
The Baltimore Station, Inc. operates two unique transitional stations
for homeless men recovering from addiction. Using innovative strategies
to restore quality of life and productivity to the homeless, job
training, employment counseling, medical and legal assistance are
provided in a safe and supportive environment. These men are given
encouragement that promotes their ability to regain self-sufficiency
and become a valuable part of society again.
Citiwatch
The Baltimore Police Department (BPD) is turning to new technology
such as CCTV cameras to enhance operational capacities, extend their
reach, and reduce costs. The Department installed 82 additional
cameras in three targeted areas selected for their disproportionate
share of violent crime. The cameras will be monitored 24 hours a
day by retired police officers.
Gaudenzia
Long-term Residential Treatment Facility
Gaudenzia is a long-term residential treatment facility which serves
addicted adult men and addicted adult women and their children,
and has the medical capacity to serve addicted individuals with
HIV/AIDS and those with concurrent mental health disorders.
By providing a
street outreach program, comprehensive “on-
site” case management, housing stipends, and acupuncture,
Recovery
In Community offers a nine-month state-certified intensive outpatient
Program. More... |
Helping
Up Mission
Helping Up Mission currently owns the entire 1000 block of East
Baltimore Street and is using this space to “Build a Community
of Hope” for over 300 homeless addicts who want to recover
from the despair and pain of poverty and addiction.
I
Can’t We Can
I Can’t We Can operates 24 transitional houses and a 48 unit
apartment complex for recovering addicts. The program is highly
effective in assisting its clients to turn their lives around and
to maintain a drug and crime free existence.
Maryland
Re-Entry Program
The Maryland Re-Entry Program is an initiative designed to address
ex-offender transition from prison to community. The program serves
250 ex-offenders per year, assisting with life skills, training,
employment readiness training, etc.
Recovery
in Community
The Abell Foundation committed $2 million to implement Recovery
In Community, a drug treatment initiative that includes a street
outreach component, comprehensive case management and follow-up
services designed to rehabilitate, find employment, and bring stability
to the participant’s lives.
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