Downtown Baltimore Family Alliance (Dbfa)

DBFA’s mission is to support city families and family living in Baltimore. We achieve our mission by connecting communities and empowering families to advocate for great schools, safe streets, and vibrant neighborhoods- the three factors that matter most to families when deciding where to live. WHO WE ARE DBFA is an independent, non-profit Alliance of parents, educators, and community activists devoted to supporting Baltimore families and building a sustainable future. Grounded in the research-backed belief that families catalyze economic stability, job creation, and civic engagement in cities, DBFA is dedicated to building a critical mass of families who call Charm City home. Recognizing the critical role families play in the economic stability of the city, DBFA believes that city families are vital to the growth and development of Baltimore, and that having a city full of families is a powerful and necessary instrument of urban revitalization. WHAT WE DO We achieve our mission by connecting communities through events that help create an urban "village" for families living in the city, and empowering families to advocate for great schools, safe streets, and vibrant neighborhoods- the three factors that matter most to families when choosing where to live. Our work builds supportive networks of families who have the power to access quality public resources, engage with civic leaders, and lead rich, self-determined lives in a vibrant urban setting. EMPOWERING FAMILIES Fueled by the belief that communities flourish when families thrive, DBFA empowers families to access quality educational opportunities and vibrant cultural experiences, advocates for excellent public resources, and connects communities throughout Baltimore. We work with elected officials, business leaders, and grassroots community activists to represent the voices of our 3,000+ member families on issues that matter the most to parents and children who choose to call Baltimore home. Our core advocacy issues include working to ensure public education resources are top quality to meet the needs of our children, protecting sustainable transit options and working to increase accessibility of public transit options, and partnering with community stakeholders to create safe, tight-knit neighborhoods. CONNECTING COMMUNITIES In addition to our advocacy efforts, DBFA connects community members to one another, fostering friendships and support networks for Baltimore families to thrive. Navigating the complex decisions that come with parenting confident, intellectually curious, and compassionate children can be daunting. Choosing the right school, finding the right childcare provider, and cultivating meaningful friendships for your children are amongst the most important ways we can set our little ones up for future success; DBFA hosts events, workshops, and seminars that connect families to resources for making choices that support education goals, activities for quality family time, and lasting friendships. WHY IT MATTERS For nearly half a century, Baltimore has lost families leaving the city for the promise of better schools, safer streets, and kid-friendly neighborhoods. The deleterious effects of this exodus can be seen in block after block of burned out, vacant houses and a school system reeling from a contracted property tax base. We are working to reverse this trend by providing families with pragmatic tools and networks of support to stay in the city. Working collaboratively with community partners, DBFA plays a unique role in reversing this trend, focusing our efforts on connecting communities and empowering families.