West Baltimore Renaissance Foundation Takes Holistic Approach to Community Development Through Strategic Funding

The West Baltimore Renaissance Foundation (WBRF), a nonprofit organization linked to LifeBridge Health, is strategically managing and awarding funding to address pressing community needs in West Baltimore. Under the leadership of Executive Director Kurt Sommer, the foundation is utilizing resources made possible through the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission to focus on workforce development, youth mentoring, food access, and population health initiatives.

The foundation has established The Factory: A West Baltimore Opportunity Center, which serves as a hub for multiple nonprofit organizations to provide comprehensive resources for the local community. This centralized approach allows for more efficient delivery of services and creates a collaborative environment where various organizations can work together to address complex social challenges.

Sommer brings extensive experience to his role, having previously served as Director of the Baltimore Integration Partnership (BIP), a collaborative partnership of anchor institutions, funders, nonprofits, and public organizations. The BIP was part of the national Living Cities Integration Initiative and achieved significant workforce, community investment, policy, and system change outcomes during his tenure.

His background includes positions in public policy, community development, and research with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Baltimore Housing, and the Brookings Institution. This diverse experience positions him well to lead the WBRF's efforts in addressing systemic challenges facing West Baltimore communities.

The foundation's work represents a critical approach to community development that combines healthcare resources with broader social determinants of health. By addressing issues such as workforce development and food access alongside traditional healthcare services, the WBRF is taking a holistic approach to improving community wellbeing and economic stability in West Baltimore.