They call it hope.
The Boys Hope Girls Hope of Baltimore replaces drugs, prostitutes and fear with books, laughter and a comforting home.
The nonprofit recently opened its doors for seven boys on Fleetwood Avenue, where it provides a stable home and positive parenting to at-risk boys from ages 10 to 17. The organization provides shelter, food and education for the youths.
Their lives are “still not an easy road to travel,” said Chuck Roth, the executive director of the local Baltimore chapter, but “they are excited about just having a yard and the things we think of that traditional families have.”
The chapter recently replaced the converted row house convent on South Conklin Street in Highlandtown with an eight-bedroom, single-family home complete with a backyard.
“It?s a true home. As soon as you walk in, you can feel the warmth and spirit around you,” Sister Mary Ann Harnett said. “A family lives here.”
Resident David Yeager learned Spanish, racked up 400 hours of community service and maintains a 4.0 grade point average at Archbishop Curley High School, where the junior is the lead in his school play.
“It really saved him,” Harnett said.
George Barber teaches life skills ? how to start a conversation, open a bank account and manage time.
Whenever the going gets rough, he said, “Dominick [one of the boys] will ask me something like, ?Why is the sky blue?? and it reminds me why I?m here,” he said.
Many residents were neglected, though others have caring families unable to meet their needs.
“He?s my baby,” said Etienne Moore, 30, from West Baltimore, mother of Darion, 10. “I?m happy because I know he?s going to go far with them, but sad too ? you know how moms are ? he?s my baby.”
