History

The Hiding Place initially operated as a shelter program for young ladies in crisis through the help of the Rock City Church of Baltimore located in Towson, MD.  It began in 1986 as a private facility offering food, shelter, clothing and medical support.  Since its opening, this program has aided over 800 young ladies and have seen 600+ babies born because of our services to those we have assisted. The Hiding Place received its 501c(3) tax-exempt status 1995. 

How We Operate

House parents live in the facility in the section of the home set up as an apartment.  This helps them to manage the facility and monitor the clients and the programs.  The program currently has one full time director, one part time staff person assisting with daily operations and numerous volunteers. 

Parenting, Pre- and Post-Natal skills are offered in partnership with the Greater Baltimore Medical Center.  In addition we receive support from Franklin Square Hospital, and other medical clinics. 

Volunteers offer such resources as:

• transportation,
• mentoring,
• becoming a friend to women in crisis,
• learning healthy eating choices,
• training the clients in basic skills such as house cleaning, financial management, and cooking. 

There are many churches and ministries that visit our facility and desire to use our concept and program as a model. We have a manual, which has been made available to various organizations in the United States.

Potential Clients 

·       Our clients are referred by word of mouth, city social workers, hospitals, churches, ministers, crisis pregnancy centers, parole officers or guidance counselors from area schools.

·       All clients are given a personal one on one interview and required to fill out an application and follow the rules of the program. 

·       The Hiding Place is a community serving organization.  On average, 70-80% of the women we assist come from Baltimore City, and are primarily African American (60% or more).  The other remaining clients are outside of state, or from other areas of Maryland.

Our Goal

Within 9 months of entering the Hiding Place our hope is that the residents will utilize the various supportive services so they can complete our program and secure more permanent housing and employment.

• GED or Literacy education opportunity through local schools, The Young Parent Support Center and other programs,
• Parenting classes & medical support through GBMC, Franklin Square or other hospitals.
• Life skills workshops from local college graduates & professionals working in related fields,
• Job referrals/work ethics training
• “Big Sister” Advocacy Program
• Assistance in securing housing for her and her newborn.
• Scholarship opportunities through Youth Outreach Foundation

Successful completion of the overall program is based on each client fulfilling her individualized life plan.  This plan is assessed and monitored on a monthly basis between the program director/house parents and the resident.

New Initiatives

The Hiding Place is in the process of developing a job readiness and training program centered around Flower Design and Arrangements. Clients will learn the aspects of operating a small business.    Two local floral designers will be offering training classes to the clients to help them in regards to lifeskills, and employability. In addition, this plan is a launching pad for the Hiding Place to develop an income generating business to benefit the programs. This program is slated to be in operation by January, 2008.