Our story
One door on Washington Street, open for fifty years.
Julie Community Center began as a rowhouse with an open door. It's still that — with a lot more happening inside.
History
More than 50 years in Southeast Baltimore.
The Julie Community Center is a nonprofit community organization involved in advocacy, education, and workforce development initiatives in Southeast Baltimore for more than 50 years.
Founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame and a registered nonprofit since 1976, the Center opened with a simple commitment: be present to the people right outside the door. That commitment has outlasted five decades of change on this block.
We partner with local individuals, schools, and organizations to identify and address the community's needs — after-school programs and youth enrichment activities, senior citizen outreach at Apostolic Towers, Summer Peace Camp, GED classes, and the Child Care Training Program.
Today our flagship Child Care Careers Training Program prepares adults for State certification and long-term careers in early childhood education, while new community programs are taking shape with neighbors' input.
We honor the legacy by expanding the work, not preserving it in amber.
Mission
To work with Southeast residents, particularly those on low and fixed incomes, to identify and access needed resources and support, to develop instruments that combat both poverty and urban decline, and to foster individual and neighborhood pride, participation, and self-determination.
Vision
A Southeast Baltimore where every neighbor can reach the education, employment, and family support they need — and where the Julie Community Center remains a trusted front door for the block.
Values
Welcome without conditions. Dignity in every interaction. Programs designed with neighbors, not for them. Faithfulness to this block, year after year.
Our impact
Where our work shows up.
Five decades of advocacy, education, workforce development, family support, and neighborhood partnership.
Workforce development
Our Child Care Careers Training Program prepares adults to become State certified Child Care Providers, with ongoing support as graduates enter jobs and continue their education.
Education
After-school programs, youth enrichment, and adult education have been part of the Julie Community Center's work in Southeast Baltimore for decades.
Family support
We work with Southeast residents — particularly those on low and fixed incomes — to identify and access the resources and support their families need.
Advocacy & neighborhood engagement
We develop instruments that combat both poverty and urban decline, and foster individual and neighborhood pride, participation, and self-determination.
Community partnerships
We partner with local individuals, schools, and organizations — including senior outreach at Apostolic Towers — to identify and address the community's needs.
History & recognition
Milestones we can point to.
Verified moments in the Julie Community Center's history.
- 1976
Tax-exempt nonprofit status
The Julie Community Center has been a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization since November 1976.
- 2016
Birdland Community Hero
The Baltimore Orioles named then-Board President Dr. Lori Edwards a Birdland Community Hero for her devotion to the public health community in Baltimore City.
- 2018
Orioles charitable gift
The Baltimore Orioles made a gift to the Julie Community Center reflecting Dr. Edwards' service to the Julie Center.
- Today
More than 50 years of service
The Center continues its advocacy, education, and workforce development work in Southeast Baltimore, led by Executive Director Tyrell "Tye" Gibson.
Leadership & board
Leadership rooted in community.
Julie Community Center is guided by its Board of Directors and Executive Director, working together to strengthen programs, partnerships, and opportunities for Southeast Baltimore.
Perri Carroll
Board President
Perri Carroll serves as Board President of Julie Community Center, helping provide governance, oversight, and support for the organization’s mission and long-term sustainability.
Tye Gibson
Executive Director
Tye Gibson leads the day-to-day direction of Julie Community Center, including organizational strategy, program development, partnerships, fundraising, community engagement, and long-term sustainability.
Community partnerships
We do almost nothing alone.
Schools, universities, senior housing, and neighborhood organizations actively share the work with us.
- Sisters of Notre Dame de NamurFounder and Legacy Partner
- Apostolic TowersSenior Outreach and Community Support Partner
- Baltimore City SchoolsEducation and Youth Development Partner
- Notre Dame Mission Volunteers – AmeriCorpsVolunteer Service and Program Support Partner
- St. Vincent de Paul Head StartChild Care Career Pathway Partner
- GPS UniversityProgram Development and Community Initiatives Partner
There's a place for you here this week.
Serve a meal, tutor a scholar, sponsor a program, or just walk through the door and say hello.