This week on Spotlight On Maryland, Gina Crash was joined in studio by Frederick J. Riley, Executive Director of Weave: The Social Fabric Project at the Aspen Institute, and Valarie Matthews, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Catherine's Family and Youth Services and a 2022 Weaver Awardee, to talk about the 2023 Weaver Awards.
In its third year, The Weaver Awards are open to residents of Baltimore City who are 18 years and older and not intended for large nonprofits. The Weaver Awards look for those whose work also creates lasting relationships and builds trust among people so they can work together, strengthening the social fabric of the community. Applications are now open and run through August 29th. People can get more information, join the Weave Baltimore online group, apply for an award, or recommend a neighbor at WeaverAwards.org/Baltimore. A committee of fellow Baltimoreans comprising community advocates and past Weaver Awardees review all applications.
M & T Bank and the Aspen Institute's Weave: The Social Fabric Project will be recognizing 20 individuals and groups in Baltimore who foster community connection. Valarie Matthews was a 2022 Weaver Awardee and $5,000 recipient. She spoke about Catherine's Family and Youth Services', (CFYS), goal to help alleviate the everyday stressors that low to no-income families face on a daily basis. The non-profit organization was established in memory of her late grandmother Catherine Matthews. CFYS programs are all based on areas that were near and dear to Catherine's heart and tailored to help those living in Northwest Baltimore City. Qualifying families will have access to receive emergency assistance with rent and utilities, a clothing bank, baby items and a food pantry.
For more information about CFYS, visit catherinesfamilyandyouthservices.org. You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click below to listen to the interview and to find out more about CFYS and the Weaver Awards 2023.
