Strong Communities for Life
CHAIway Relaunched to Serve Community
Last spring, AgeWell Baltimore conducted a community survey to gauge the transportation needs of older adults in northwest Baltimore. Responses indicated an overwhelming need for transportation. CHAI is thrilled to respond by relaunching the CHAIway transportation program. Originally introduced as a volunteer-powered ride service, the program was paused during the pandemic. As we relaunch, CHAIway will be rolled out in phases as it expands to serve the community. Beginning with previous CHAIway participants and expanding to the greater AgeWell community, adults age 55+ may enroll in CHAIway OTG, giving them access to discounted Uber and Lyft rides through our transportation coordination partner, On the Go. In Phase 2, expected to launch later in 2023, CHAI will reinstate the volunteer driver program, adding another transportation choice to get older adults where they need to go, independently. 
Collaboration Propels
Community Master Plan Forward
For over twenty years, CHAI has been convening the Northwest Community Planning Forum (NWCPF) a coalition of the presidents of neighborhood associations in northwest Baltimore: Cheswolde, Cross Country, Fallstaff, Glen and Mount Washington. NWCPF creates space for neighbors to work collaboratively to address issues of shared concern. Recently, the group’s work has focused on updating the Strategic Neighborhood Action Plan to create a Community Master Plan. This past fall, CHAI facilitated two NWCPF community meetings aimed at gathering input from neighborhood stakeholders. The planning process is being facilitated by EnviroCallab in partnership with CHAI, NWCPF and key government agencies. A third community meeting will be held this month to provide opportunity for feedback on the final draft. All community members are encouraged to attend the virtual meeting and complete an online survey. Your voice matters!
Keeping Residents Informed and Connected
The dedicated Resident Services Coordinators at CHAI’s Weinberg Senior Living Communities are always looking for ways to improve the lives of residents. So, soon after the federal government announced the Affordable Connectivity Program and the Maryland Emergency Broadband Benefit, both of which offset the cost of internet service to make it more affordable, coordinators planned and hosted educational sessions for residents in seven buildings. Residents who attended the sessions learned about the benefits while coordinators assisted with the application process. To date, 138 residents now receive up to $45 off their monthly internet bills. Future sessions are planned to create further awareness about this opportunity so more residents can gain access to technology, helping to keep them connected and engaged in community.
NNC Readers Create Community Connections
When a long-time member of CHAI’s Northwest Neighbors Connecting (NNC) began having difficulty reading her mail, her NNC family responded by offering their support. Several sighted members now visit her regularly to help, while others call just to check-in. With this reminder of the joy of volunteering, NNC looked for additional opportunities. Through CHAI’s community work with the local public schools, a need was readily identified, which quickly blossomed into the NNC Readers initiative. NNC members are now meeting with students at Milbrook Elementary School twice each week to spend an hour providing individualized reading assistance. Coincidentally, one of the volunteers is a Milbrook alumna, so she is especially happy to be volunteering there. CHAI is thrilled to have been the conduit for this symbiotic connection.
Learn Hands Only CPR from the Baltimore City Fire Department and visit with stress reducing animals from Pets on Wheels February 23rd
from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Edward A. Myerberg Center. This event is free and open to the community. To learn more and register,
call (410) 358-6856.
CHAI is excited to announce that our CEO, Lisa Budlow, is participating in The Leadership Class of 2023. For 40 years, The Leadership has created experiential learning through a 9-month intensive program for leaders from Baltimore’s public, private and nonprofit sectors. Lisa is thrilled to embark on this enriching journey that will enhance her leadership and CHAI’s role in strengthening Baltimore.
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