Pleasant Presstman
In 2021, Requity received a beautification grant from The United Way of Central Maryland. This grant aimed to create a safe and vibrant space for the residents on Presstman Street and students from Carver Vocational-Technical High School. The grant facilitated community-driven beautification and clean-up efforts, which involved mowing lawns, trimming overgrown bushes and shrubs at vacant home sites, and installing solar-powered lighting on the 2200 block of Presstman Street. These efforts illuminated the block, enhancing safety for drivers, riders, and pedestrians. Additionally, each solar-powered light structure featured a reflective street address and a space for hanging planters and flower arrangements.
Following this, Requity partnered with Division Street Landscaping to plant trees in the neighborhood and re-established connections with the Matthew H. Henson Neighborhood Association. The collaboration involved fifty-two participants, including Presstman Street residents, members of the Matthew A. Henson Neighborhood Association, Division Street Landscaping, and employees from New Baltimore Contractor.
The initiative, known as Pleasant Presstman, aims to empower residents by granting them ownership of their neighborhood and amplifying their voice in its development. Requity prioritizes contributing to neighborhood beautification and safety. Through funding and community partnerships, they continue to support various initiatives by providing resources, coordinating volunteer opportunities, and organizing community meetings to ensure residents’ voices are heard and they stay informed.
Ultimately, Requity’s goal is to forge sustainable partnerships, foster a renewed sense of community, strengthen infrastructure, and bolster connections to the local economy, all with the aim of ensuring long-term neighborhood stability.
53 non-students
Participated including residents, association members, and landscaping employees.
Pleasant Presstman II
Requity received a grant in March 2021 to revitalize the 2200 Presstman block and Carver community, engaging 53 participants and sparking interest in the neighboring 2100 block. The resulting Pleasant Presstman II project physically transformed the area with green spaces, solar lighting, and safer environments while fostering community, trust, shared ownership, and stronger relationships among residents and Carver community members. Involving students also encouraged civic-mindedness and vocational learning. Over 60 individuals participated, inspiring a broader vision for social connection, while a strategic mail campaign and grassroots efforts facilitated meaningful interaction between elderly residents and high school students, building trust and purposeful engagement.
This project facilitated genuine and purposeful intergenerational engagement between elderly residents and Baltimore city high school students.
Requity Culinary
Requity Culinary aims to offer work-based learning and training for culinary trade students, collaborating with professionals in real-world settings. They recognize the significance of nourishment in building connections among community residents, Carver students, and the Requity team. Implementing “We All Eat Wednesdays,” Requity partners with culinary students to plan, prep, cook, and deliver meals to residents on the 2100 and 2200 blocks of Presstman Street. Moreover, Requity Culinary caters for various Requity engagements, including biweekly Carver faculty meetings and other important events at the Requity Headquarters. Their efforts aim to harmonize work-based learning with the “Food Service Pro” curriculum, covering professional food preparation, safety, customer service, accounting, cost control, marketing, and inventory. Since October 2023, they’ve provided over 913 meals to the Pleasant Presstman community, integrating culinary education with community support.
over 913 meals delivered to residents of our Pleasant Presstman community.
Financial Literacy Workshop
Financial literacy is the ability to understand and use a variety of financial skills to help ensure long term financial security. The afterschool program was created to help students understand how to manage their finances and prepare them for the professional world. They will learn a variety of skills related to budgeting, managing and paying off debts, and understanding credit and investment products, as well as basic steps to improve personal finances. These steps include creating a budget, keeping track of expenses, timely payments, saving money, periodically checking credit reports, and investing for the future. Students’ participation includes interactive activities, financial worksheets, home assignments, and a final presentation.
