The day began with a keynote speaker, Mr. Munir Bahar, a 2005 graduate of Morgan State University in Accounting.    Following the address, there were three morning sessions in which SFA students heard about a variety of professions.  Twenty-two speakers were present to speak about their own professions and the steps they took to get where they are today.  Students heard from entrepreneurs, photographers, chefs, cosmetologists, lawyers, and many more.

During the afternoon all Freshman and Seniors attended two special sessions by Selwyn Ray and Maria Broom about the importance of love and forgiveness.  The sophomore class heard from a representative from Bates College and an alumna about getting into college and the many opportunities to be considered.  The junior class played the game of Life for a fun but educational way to explore money and careers.

Thanks to all those who made this day a success!!!

The Martin Luther King Day of Self Help and Service was held on

Monday, January 15, 2007 at St. Frances Academy.  Here are some facts:

• There were 186 jobseekers present.
• 107 volunteers.
• 80 attendees to the Loyola College Symposium on “MLK, Race and Education.”
• 40 donors to the Blood Drive sponsored by the Office of African American Catholics.
• Approximately 400 meals served (in about twenty minutes).
• Approximately 200 flash drives and portfolios were given one to each jobseeker.
• 91 job seekers attended morning classes (45 pre-registered and 46 walk-ins).
• Fifteen businesses and programs were in attendance.
• Numerous copies of resumes were provided to jobseekers.
• Numerous conversations were held between job seekers and employers and program reps.
• Childcare was provided.
• The prayer service was offered by four religious persons: a nun, a priest, a rabbi and an imam.
• A harmonious productive time was held by all.
• Next year’s MLK Self Help and Service Day will be Monday, January 21, 2008.
• Volunteers are welcome.

Halloween 2006 at SFA: Tricks or Treats (Facts or Fiction?)

The Halloween Party, Haunted House and Parade held at the St. Frances Academy Community Center to commemorate our 5th Year was a smashing success, we believe… and here are the facts:

There were 1,115 guests who attended (most under the age of twelve).

There were over 1,000 goody bags given out.

There were 1,000 hotdogs, bags of potato chips and beverages consumed.

There were two marching bands present (one invited—The Baltimore Westsiders) and one uninvited (to remain nameless).

There was one very large Opportunity Bus from the Safe and Sound Campaign in the parade.

There was one rockin’ DJ, John Spurrier of Charles Village, in the balcony of the gym.

There was a very fun, well- used Moon Bounce in the gym, to

There were 4,326,924 bounces taken on the Moon Bounce…

There were 3,562 screams in the Haunted House.

There were approximately 20,000 pieces of candy donated and placed in goody bags for the guests.

There were approximately 20,000 candy wrappers left on Brentwood Avenue and Chase Street that night.

There were roughly 1,700 inmates cheering as the Halloween parade passed by the Md. Transitional Center that night.

There was one uniformed Baltimore City Police Officer at the head of the parade and one or two Bicycle Unit Officers on the sides and four folks in SFA Scream Team T-Shirts with Pumpkin headed flashlights trying to cope with the marchers and the traffic.

There were three lost children over the course of the night (all reunited with families), two injuries (both recovering nicely) and several teenagers escorted from the premises before they were turned into ghosts (they are very lucky souls).

There were countless pictures taken by the noted photographer, JD Howard.  Countless prizes given for winning the games, countless strokes of paint attached to faces and numerous volunteers (from the University of Maryland School of Social Work, the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, St. Frances Academy, Christopher Place Employment Academy, the neighborhood, itself, and many friends and/or relatives of the Community Center director).

There are 358 days until the next Halloween Party and Haunted House (as of 11/08/06)…

There are five years until the next Halloween Parade (for our 10th anniversary!).