Many of us grew up hearing the phrase “it takes a village.” Often invoked when talking about raising children, DTP recognizes the power of a village in all aspects of life. The “village” is the very ethos of the nonprofit sector. Real, substantive progress happens when families, schools, nonprofits, and communities combine their efforts towards a shared goal.
Over the past year, DTP has made a deliberate investment in strengthening that village across Baltimore and its surrounding communities. At events hosted by Associated Black Charities (ABC) and the Y of Central Maryland, DTP focused on supporting equity and access to effective instruction and professional opportunity for underserved youth with learning differences.
Our continued work with the Maryland Book Bank is connecting families with books and literacy resources that support reading beyond a tutoring session. Engaging in professional conversations with the National Center on Institutions and Alternatives (NCIA), Maryland Association of Nonprofits and Baltimore City’s Special Education Citizens’ Advisory Committee (SECAC) connects DTP to broader discussions around educational access, vocational training, and helping parents support their children while in school.
At the Black History Month Summit at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture, DTP joined the community in celebrating leadership, resilience, and the critical importance of equal access to educational opportunity. Staff and DTP Ambassadors (thanks Abdullah & Gus!) also visited local schools, including Green Street Academy’s “Math Around the World” night, where families gathered to celebrate learning and explore educational pathways for their children.
Beyond in-person engagement, DTP reached new audiences through media and advocacy. You may have noticed that our instagram grid isn’t dormant anymore! Not only that, we’ve been featured on podcasts such as “Dyslexia Made Clear” to share our perspective on literacy and dyslexia awareness. And we submitted written testimony to the Maryland Alliance of State-Aided Organizations (MASO), advocating for programs that strengthen educational support systems.
Through community events, school partnerships, media and advocacy, DTP reached families across the Baltimore region, including Ashburton, Cherry Hill, Dundalk, Linthicum, and Sandtown-Winchester.
And we are delighted to announce that DTP will be partnering with the Jemicy and Odyssey Schools again this summer, sending 23 students to Camp Jemicy and 5 students to Camp Odyssey. In total 28 DTP scholars will attend transformative, specialized summer programs designed for students with dyslexia and related learning differences. This is the highest level of participation since the pandemic disrupted student enrichment opportunities.
All of this work unfolds against a broader backdrop of renewal and momentum across Baltimore. DTP’s growing partnerships reflect a shared belief that meaningful change happens when organizations work together and remain rooted in the communities they serve. As DTP continues to deepen its connections across Baltimore, our village will only grow stronger.
By Jonathan Bramell, Associate Director Student Outcomes & Community Engagement