Youth advocacy

The ACLU of Maryland works to ensure that all people in the state of Maryland are free to think and speak as they choose and can lead lives free from discrimination and unwarranted government intrusion. We are guided in our work by the United States Bill of Rights and the Maryland Declaration of Rights. We act without partisanship to achieve these goals.

3600 Clipper Mill Rd Suite 350 Baltimore MD 21211

 (443) 524-2558

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AZIZA PE&CE, commonly referred to as “AP,” is a non-profit organization that primarily serves girls, LGBTQ+, and gender expansive youth with a focus on Black, Latinx, and Indigenous youth. AP uses fashion, fitness, arts, music, mentoring, entertainment, and education to address social, emotional, cultural, life, and critical thinking skills.

901 N. Milton Ave 240 Baltimore MD 21205

 (410) 775-6652 

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The purpose of the Youth Commission is to give youth the opportunity to provide advice, recommendations, and information for the Mayor, the City Council, and municipal agencies on the development of community and government policies, programs, and services that support children, youth, and their families.

7 E. Redwood Street 5th Floor Baltimore MD 21202

 (410)-396-1809

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The Maryland State Department of Education oversees and supports every school district’s implementation of the McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program. This program can provide students and parents who lack stable housing with information about their education rights and the services available to them through their schools. 

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BARCS’s vision is to become a model open admission shelter, a shelter that does not turn away an animal that has no place to go, and a true resource for the people and animals of Baltimore. We envision an animal shelter where all animals in good health and temperament find new homes, where they are housed in a low-stress, comfortable environment, where spay/neuter surgeries are offered at low-cost to the Baltimore community, where residents can turn to in times of personal crisis for help with their pet, where citizens are educated on the proper care of animals, and where abused and neglected animals can receive the love and care they need to recover.

301 Stockholm St Baltimore MD 21230

 (410) 396-4695

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Black Lives Matter DMV is the DC, MD, and Northern VA arm of the global movement striving for the liberation of ALL Black people. It is a collective of organizers, activists, and artists who work to combat anti-blackness and racialized oppression in all of its manifestations as experienced by Black and African diasporic people.

Baltimore MD

 

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This program is an opportunity for Baltimore City Public School high school students to work alongside graduate students in the MICA Master of Fine Arts in Community Arts Program to develop innovative arts and social justice based programs with and for community.

1430 Carswell St Baltimore MD 21218

 (410) 952-7003

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The mission of Catherine’s Family and Youth Services (CFYS) organization is to improve the quality of life for all residents living in Northwest Baltimore and surrounding areas. CFYS is dedicated to serving low to no income families, the LGBTQ+ community and youth within our target area with services that improve the quality of life and family.

2835 Virginia Ave Baltimore MD 21215

 (443) 429-0215

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Centro SOL is dedicated to promoting health equity for Latinos by advancing clinical care, research, education, and advocacy. Located at Johns Hopkins, their mission is to improve the well-being of the Latino community by partnering with neighbors and organizing working groups. Centro SOL aims to provide valuable support and resources while fostering collaborations that make a lasting impact on Latino health.

No onsite address Baltimore MD 21224

 (410) 550-1129

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C-SAHM works to improve the health and well-being of teens through care, education, and advocacy. Their members include doctors, nurses, therapists, and health educators who focus on the unique needs of adolescents. The group supports research, training, and policies that make healthcare better for young people. C-SAHM also connects professionals across the region to improve youth health services.

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Community Advocates for You is a network of professionals, parents, and community advocates who have joined forces to provide person-centered support to individuals with disabilities and their families.  Most of our services are at no cost to our clients.

P.O. Box 113 Owings Mills MD 21117

 443-219-2883

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CLIA’s introduces Baltimore City students to law and policy while teaching them to be critical thinkers, problem-solvers, active citizens and community leaders. CLIA develops young people to be leaders by connecting them to opportunities to amplify their voices, cultivate their skills, and actively participate in the process of positive community change.

4709 Harford Road Baltimore MD 21214

 (410) 706-3875

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ELG is a nonprofit licensed by Behavioral Health Services, and CARF Accredited to provide Level I Outpatient care, Level II Intensive Outpatient care, Withdrawal Management, Outpatient Mental Health, Psychiatric Rehabilitation Counseling for Adults and Minors, and Men’s Transitional Housing.

4804 York Road Suite 2 Baltimore MD 21212

 (443) 873-8958

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GLSEN Maryland is a state-level, grassroots chapter of the national GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network), dedicated to ensuring safe, affirming schools for all students—regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Through educator trainings, policy advocacy, student leadership programs, and community events, GLSEN Maryland empowers local stakeholders to transform schools across Baltimore and the rest of the state into inclusive learning environments.

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GBUL helps disadvantaged Marylanders gain access to equal opportunity in employment, education, health care, housing and the civic arena. They have a youth empowerment program, entrepreneurship center, and workforce development program.

512 Orchard St Baltimore MD 21201

 (410) 523-8150

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A locally-run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity, this organization partners with volunteers, supporters, and homebuyers to build affordable housing and foster community development across Central Maryland. Serving the Baltimore metro area, they welcome participants from all backgrounds and specifically offer programs for students and youth

Homeownership Program: A 12-18 month program for first-time homebuyers who want to own an affordable home in Central Maryland.

HabiCorps: 10.5-month workforce training with hands-on construction experience and AmeriCorps living allowance

ReStores: Six discounted resale stores (furniture, appliances, building materials), with volunteer roles

3741 Commerce Drive Suite 309 Baltimore MD 21227

 (410) 366-1250

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HEBCAC Youth Opportunity Center (HEBCAC-YO) is a program in East Baltimore that helps out-of-school youth and young adults aged 18-24 get back on track with education, counseling, and career training. They offer GED classes, career training in fields like healthcare, hospitality, and construction, and life skills workshops. The center also connects you to other services, like housing and healthcare, to help you succeed academically and professionally.

1212 N Wolfe St Baltimore MD 21213

 (443) 524-2800

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The Holistic Life Foundation is a Baltimore-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to nurturing the wellness of children and adults in underserved communities. Through a comprehensive approach, children develop their inner lives through yoga, mindfulness, and self-care. HLF demonstrates a deep commitment to learning, community, and stewardship of the environment. HLF is also committed to developing high-quality evidence-based programs and curriculum to improve community well-being.

1014 W 36th Street Suite 403 Baltimore MD 21211

 (410) 235-4300

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JOTF develops policies and programs to increase skills, job opportunities, and incomes of low wage workers and job seekers in Maryland. Programs include JumpStart, which prepares city residents to become licensed carpenters, plumbers, or electricians, and the MD CASH Campaign, which provides financial counseling, education, and advocacy.

201 N. Charles Street Suite 2404 Baltimore MD 21201

Go to website  

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The LEAH program at Johns Hopkins trains future leaders to improve the health of teens, especially in underserved communities. It brings together students and professionals from medicine, social work, psychology, nursing, and nutrition to learn how to work as a team. The goal is to reduce health disparities so that all youth—especially African American and Latino youth—can grow into healthy adults. The program focuses on leadership, prevention, and equity in adolescent health.

See other resources by Johns Hopkins:

Johns Hopkins: Johns Hopkins Community Physicians East Baltimore Medical Center Pediatrics & Med/Peds
Johns Hopkins: The Johns Hopkins Eating Disorders Program
Johns Hopkins: STEM Program and Competition Listing by The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)
Johns Hopkins: Community Psychiatry Program at The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Johns Hopkins: Johns Hopkins Asthma & Allergy Center
Johns Hopkins: The Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY)
Johns Hopkins: Center for Educational Outreach (CEO) at Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins: Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth Summer Programs
Johns Hopkins: Children’s Mental Health Center (CMHC) at Johns Hopkins Hospital
Johns Hopkins: Center for Adolescent and Young Adult Health at Johns Hopkins Harriet Lane
Johns Hopkins: Birth Companions at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing

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Advocate for public policy at the local, state and federal levels to improve the lives of LGBT people, people affected by HIV, and their families and allies.

 (212) 809-8585

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Leaders of A Beautiful Struggle (LBS) is a Black-led grassroots organization focused on building power for Black communities in Baltimore. They develop youth leaders, advocate for fair public policies, and create new ideas to improve conditions for Black residents. LBS works to make sure young Black voices are heard in politics, education, and community issues.

4151 Park Heights Ave Suite 207 Baltimore MD 21215

 (410) 374-7683

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LIGHT Health & Wellness Comprehensive Services, Inc. supports economically disadvantaged children, adults, and families affected by HIV/AIDS through a wide range of services including child care, psychosocial support, advocacy, community outreach, and prevention education. Services for youth include:

• M Group – a male focused group for all young gay and bisexual men to discuss social issues and build a brotherhood with other young gay or bisexual men.
• Youth/Young Adult Matters (YYAM) – provides comprehensive supportive services to youth and young adults who are infected/impacted by HIV/AIDS. The group serves as an outlet for teens and young adults to share and learn with peers who are going through similar issues.

2200 North Monroe St Baltimore MD 21217

 (443) 524-0220

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Loving Arms, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) community based organization located in Baltimore City, Maryland. We provide short term, safe and nurturing shelter and supportive services (both residential and non-residential) to unaccompanied, homeless children, and young adults, age 12 to 24. These children are known as throwaways, runaways, homeless, or unstably housed children, many who are victims of human and Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST).

3313 Oakfield Ave Gwynn Oak MD 21207

 443-415-1174

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MD AAP supports doctors who care for children and teens across Maryland. Their mission is to help every young person grow up healthy by promoting great medical care and health programs. They create and back programs that meet the needs of children and work to improve health and safety for all kids in the state.

Go to website  

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MDSNAP provides free special education advocacy and referrals. They help families prepare for IEP and IFSP meetings, and provide IEP advocacy. While their primary focus is on serving the Jewish community, they welcome questions from and strive to be inclusive of the entire Baltimore community.

5708 Park Heights Ave Baltimore MD 21215  

 (410) 735-5000

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The Maryland Suspension Representation Project provides legal advice and representation to students facing suspension or expulsion to ensure that they have the best chances of staying in school. It is a partnership of Public Justice Center, Disability Rights Maryland, Office of the PublicDefender, and Youth, Education and Justice Clinic at University of Maryland School of Law.

Baltimore MD

 443-873-3531

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MIMA works to support immigrant communities in Baltimore by promoting well-being, economic development, and integration. The office identifies needs and opportunities that immigrants bring to the city while building public-private partnerships to strengthen these communities. MIMA sponsors events like Baltimore Welcoming Week, Immigrant Heritage Month, and the communityMATTERS Newsletter to celebrate and support immigrants.

100 N Holiday Street Baltimore MD 21202

 (410) 396-8056

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OPWWEE BmoreWet!, a STEM program by OMOL, focuses on youth ages 10 -18 called Mariners. Mariners are exposed to mental wellness in nature through marine education, water access (fishing, boating, kayaking) and aquatic STEM research.

2810 Shirley Ave Baltimore MD

 443-402-6246

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Park Heights Renaissance (PHR) represents residents, businesses, religious institutions, schools, agencies, and other stakeholders committed to shaping a better future for Park Heights. PHR offers community and web based housing, education, health, community engagement, and public safety resources.

3939 Reisterstown Rd Suite 268 Baltimore MD 21215

Go to website  

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The PJC’s Education Stability Project provides legal advice and representation to students experiencing homelessness and students facing suspension or expulsion to ensure that they have the opportunity to remain and succeed in school. The PJC uses legal advocacy tools to pursue social justice, economic and race equity, and fundamental human rights for people who are struggling to provide for their basic needs. The PJC is a civil legal aid office that provides advice and representation to low-income clients, advocates before legislatures and government agencies, and collaborates with community and advocacy organizations.

201 N Charles Street Suite 1200 Baltimore MD 21201

 (410) 625-9409

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Roberta’s House is a safe place where children, teens and adults discover that they are not alone in their grief. Children with their families share their feelings, memories and experiences in an atmosphere of acceptance with the love and support of trained volunteers.

928 E. North Ave Baltimore MD 21202

 (410) 235-6633

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The St. Francis Neighborhood Center offers a range of programs and services to meet the needs of Reservoir Hill and Penn North residents. In addition to an after school program and summer camp, they offer weekly food distributions, senior socials, computer lab access, adult education programs, community clean-ups, and an internship program.

2405 Linden Ave Baltimore MD 21217

 (410) 669-2612

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The Choice Program is a community-based, family-centered case management approach to delinquency prevention and youth development. Focusing on providing support in at-risk environments, The Choice Program empowers youth and engages families through a multitude of services adapted to individual needs.

1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore MD 21250

 (443) 455-2493

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The Pride Center of Maryland is the state’s leading organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for LGBTQ+/SGL individuals across all ages and backgrounds. Through comprehensive programs focused on youth development, mental health support, violence prevention, and trauma-informed care, PCOM fosters equity, justice, and safe access to essential services while building understanding across diverse communities.

2418 St Paul St. Baltimore MD 21218

 (410) 777-8145

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The Violet Project provides sexual and reproductive health education and resources to all youth in Maryland. At violetproject.org, youth can learn about these topics and order safer sex products, menstrual products, and STI testing, all for FREE! The Violet Project is by youth, for youth, with many volunteer opportunities for teens and young adults!

600 North Wolfe Street Phipps 248 Baltimore MD 21287

Go to website  

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Tri-Hearts Counseling provides individual, family, and group therapy.

Tri-Hearts PRP programs provide mentoring services for children and adolescents. Participants learn ways to address their concerns, through fitness activities, educational tutoring, peer groups, and monthly events to become self-sufficient.

5602 Baltimore National Pike Suite 204 Catonsville MD 21228

 443-636-5004

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Year Up Baltimore helps young adults gain the skills and experience they need for careers in tech, business, and more. Their free, yearlong program is for youth ages 18–29 and includes classroom training followed by a full-time internship. Training paths include IT, cybersecurity, data analytics, and project management. Internships are offered with top companies like Johns Hopkins, CareFirst, and Bank of America.

1609 Druid Hill Ave 3rd Floor Baltimore MD 21217

 (410) 919-9530

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The Youth Leadership & Advocacy Network is comprised of 45+ member organizations and individuals dedicated to collaboration and resource sharing in order to impact three defined areas of interest: Youth Opportunity, Youth Violence Prevention and Education Relevancy and Application. The Center is a city-wide youth leadership network, designed to connect youth leaders across the city and assist them in leveraging resources to empower their voice in the decision-making processes that impact their well-being and healthy transition to adulthood.

Baltimore MD

Go to website  

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