John Jones, operational manager for Project SERVE. specifically focused on the community members of Baltimore city. For example, in 2007 Living Classrooms launched the Baltimore Target Investment Zone (TIZ). The TIZ strategy serves about 2.5 miles of the east Baltimore area, which includes 20 elementary, middle, and/or high schools; five public housing communities; and about 40,600 people. The program focuses on reducing interrelated issues of high crime, low education levels, and poor health. Several new buildings and centers were added to this area throughout the past several years, including the UA (Under Armour) House at Fayette, the POWER House, and two early childhood centers. Additionally, the Safe Streets East Violence Prevention Program assists with juvenile and adult ex-offenders who are unemployed or hard-to-employ with a successful workforce development program for reentry into the community. Project SERVE is a specific extension of this focusing on this sector of the public. Project SERVE, which stands for Service, Empowerment, Revitalization, Validation, and Employment training, has the goal of decreasing the overall crime rate in Baltimore city by reducing recidivism rates. It provides training for about 150 unemployed and disadvantaged young adults and returning citizens who have been incarcerated in the past and who are looking for a second chance. These individuals spend about 4–6 months in the program—working on community projects and learning work skills, professionalism, and social skills. Once completed, they are then connected with a company to begin their work program, all the while, communicating with Project SERVE through counselors and regular check-ins. “We help folks get over a lot of the boundaries and hurdles that may be hindering them from getting a sustainable income job,” said John Jones, operational manager for Project SERVE. “I actually was a member of the Project SERVE program myself. I’ve made changes and am now able to give back to the community that gave me so much. Everyone deserves a second chance. When you can make one guy’s life better, and that one person changes hundreds of other peoples’ lives, then you’ve done a great justice.” Workforce development partnerships go deeper than just helping individuals look for a job. It requires companies who are interested in giving people a chance to a new path in life and providing a career opportunity. This approach opens the door to develop meaningful partnerships and relationships with employees. PAVING THE PATH FOR A CAREER In the summer of 2018, Flagger Force and Living Classrooms were introduced through community relationships. The organizations became tied to each other’s missions and saw cooperation as a way to achieve their shared goals. “Our partnership with Flagger Force is a tremendous collaboration for us,” said James Piper Bond, president of Living Classrooms. “By creating entry-level jobs, as well as a pipeline to a career, is a huge factor for us as we built out our program together. One of the things that truly impressed us about Flagger Force was meeting employees who have started as a crew member but are now in leadership positions within the company. That is a huge piece of the puzzle for us as we work to provide these individuals a new opportunity they may not have had before.” James Piper Bond standing on the dock outside of the Living Classrooms headquarters—the Frederick Douglas-Isaac Myers Maritime Park and Museum in Baltimore, MD.