June 2025

Hopkins HOME...Cooked Meals

Earlier this month, the clients of The Baltimore Station got a chance to step into the kitchen to hone their culinary skills and practice making healthy meals. Johns Hopkins medical school students led a two-hour hands-on workshop on home cooked meals through Hopkins HOME, a student-run organization that aims to improve community health and educate populations about healthy habits and lifestyles.

The goals of the class were to help our clients learn about balanced nutrition, discover easy meal prepping tips, and get practical shopping advice – plus, the added bonus of hands-on fun along the way. Under the guidance of Hopkins’ volunteers, our veterans paired off and worked together to prepare chicken salad and vegetable-bean salad — recipes that could be prepared in bulk at the beginning of the week and provide a nutritious meal, snack, or side to last for days. The recipes required no complex cooking skills or special equipment and were rich in protein and whole grains. 

“These recipes are all healthy and affordable,” explained Anahita Nimbalkar, who helped organize and lead the workshop. “They use canned products, pantry staples, and fresh vegetables, and they’re packed with nutrients.”

Before stepping into the kitchen, clients learned about healthy eating habits and nutrition basics, like good sources of protein, reading nutrition labels, and affordable shopping tips. It was an invaluable opportunity to ask questions, debunk diet myths, and arm themselves with tools for an independent, healthy lifestyle. 

The true highlight, though, was the opportunity to put their skills to the test in the kitchen before sitting down to enjoy the food they prepared. For some, it was an educational adventure, for others, a chance to step back into their happy place. “This is what I love to do,” said Julio, a client at The Baltimore Station. “I’ve always loved to cook. When I’m at home I’m always cooking and trying new recipes, so this is awesome.”

A huge thank you to Hopkins HOME for this fantastic opportunity for our veterans to get in the kitchen and learn some new recipes. If you are looking to use your kitchen skills or nutrition background to support our mission, please reach out to volunteer coordinator, Pete Crispino at pcrispino@baltimorestaiton.org. 

Community Support in Action: Thank You to American Legion 175 and The Baltimore Sun

The Baltimore Station extends our heartfelt thanks to American Legion Post 175 for once again choosing us as the beneficiary of their 2nd Annual Karl Hoy Cornhole Tournament. Held in honor of a beloved member and supporter, the event brought together friends, families, and veterans for a day of fun and fellowship, all in support of a greater cause. In addition to the tournament, American Legion 175 will raise funds throughout this month with raffle ticket sales, generously donating the proceeds to help further our mission. Their continued commitment to supporting the veterans in our program makes a tangible difference, and we are incredibly grateful for their partnership.

We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to The Baltimore Sun for selecting The Baltimore Station as the charitable recipient at their 10th Annual Business and Civic Hall of Fame Celebration, proudly sponsored by M&T Bank. This special event not only celebrated 12 of Baltimore’s most accomplished leaders in business and civic life, it also gave us a platform to share our work and mission with a room full of community changemakers. We were honored to speak to attendees about the impact of our program and the importance of supporting veterans on their journey to recovery and stability.

Both of these opportunities were more than just fundraising events, they were vital moments of connection. From speaking one-on-one with guests to sharing the stories of the men we serve, these gatherings opened doors to new supporters and helped raise awareness about the challenges our veterans face and the solutions we provide.

To American Legion 175 and The Baltimore Sun: thank you for standing with us. Your generosity and advocacy help ensure that every veteran who walks through our doors has the chance to live a life of stability and self-sufficiency.

Men's Health Awareness Month: A Time to Prioritize Wellness

June marks Men’s Health Awareness Month, an important reminder of the need to prioritize physical and mental well-being. At The Baltimore Station, we are proud to support the health and recovery of homeless male veterans by offering comprehensive services and programming that prioritizes healing.

Statistics show that men are significantly less likely than women to visit the doctor or seek care when something feels wrong. That’s why Men’s Health Month is a critical time to encourage men to listen to their bodies, speak up about symptoms, and advocate for themselves when navigating the healthcare system.

At The Baltimore Station, we make health education and access to care key components of our programming. Clients benefit from regular wellness actions that include healthy meals, opportunities for movement outside, and education on key health topics. Through partnerships with institutions like the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins, we host medical students, residents, and faculty who lead discussions on subjects ranging from diabetes and kidney disease to oral hygiene, tobacco cessation, and early symptom recognition. Our location near the VA hospital also allows us to actively support veterans in maintaining regular medical appointments and screenings—critical components of long-term wellness. 

As we reflect on the importance of Men’s Health Awareness Month, we encourage all men, and those who care for them, to take small but meaningful steps toward a healthier future.

Here are 5 Tips for Men’s Health:

• Don’t Skip Checkups: Preventative care can catch small issues before they become serious. Make it a habit to schedule regular physicals and screenings.

• Protect Your Mental Health: It’s okay to not be okay. Talk to someone, a therapist, a friend, or a support group, when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Prioritizing mental health is just as important as caring for your body.

• Fuel Your Body Right: A balanced diet supports both physical and mental performance. Aim for a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. 

• Get Moving: Whether it’s a full body workout or taking a mid-day walk, your body does some amazing work when it gets plenty of movement every day. 

• Don’t Forget Skin Protection: Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among men. Find a shady spot to sit outside, wear protective clothing outdoors, and schedule annual skin checks. Here at The Baltimore Station, we were grateful to welcome The Dermatology Partners to our facility to offer all the men free skin cancer screening, summer ready goody bags, and some great advice on staying safe in the sun. Check out the story here. 

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