One Annapolis, Inc. is dedicated to educating, empowering, and engaging communities through a three-pronged approach: creating transformative educational spaces, engaging families through advocacy, and empowering community leaders and events through fiscal sponsorships. Their vision is to uplift and empower marginalized children and families in Annapolis.
Founded by Ratasha Harley, One Annapolis, Inc. works to solidify her call to service, passion for education, and advocacy. Among their initiatives is the Bywater Community Garden, located in a subsidized housing co-operative in Annapolis. This garden aims to build residents' collective knowledge about environmental stewardship, inspire self-efficacy in sustenance and nutrition, and increase access to green space. These resources are often lacking in communities of color and low-income areas. The project focuses on providing resources for native plants, composting, rainwater harvesting, and growing vegetables.
One Annapolis, Inc. also runs the 21st Century Community Learning Center at Annapolis Middle School. This center will serve up to 60 rising 6th-grade students and their families with family navigation services, family engagement programs, after-school programming, and a summer bridge program. Utilizing the Community Hubs model, Community Navigation Specialists will provide weekly family navigation and wrap-around support. A Community Engagement Specialist will manage these specialists, plan academic activities, and serve as an education system navigator. They have partnered with Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Center for after-school programs and family engagement, and NorthBay Adventure for a week-long Summer Bridge program.
One Annapolis, Inc. emphasizes the vital role of educational advocacy and parental involvement in ensuring student success and a more effective education system. They encourage parents to actively engage with their child's education, participate in parent-teacher conferences, attend school events, and advocate for equitable educational opportunities.
"One Annapolis, Inc is also the receipt of the ENOUGH grant, a transformative funding initiative through Governor Moore’s Office for Children aimed at addressing child poverty and promoting economic success in Annapolis. This collaboration will bring innovative strategies and essential resources to underserved communities, particularly along the Forest Drive corridor. One Annapolis is one of 27 organizations in Maryland to serve as the Community Quarterback for this powerful, place-based initiative in partnership with People Builders Consulting, AACPS, and several community organizations."
To learn more about One Annapolis, Inc., you can connect with them on Facebook and Instagram. You can also subscribe to their newsletter. For direct inquiries, you can reach them at 410-934-7403 or info@oneannapolis.org.