On the evening of November 22nd, 2020, a fire was set in the backyard of a vacant house at 137 S. Clinton Street. It quickly spread to the rear decks, extensions, and back walls of 135, 137, and 139 S. Clinton Streets. Breath of God Lutheran Church, along with many generous neighbors, helped to provide food, financial support, material support, and spiritual support for all impacted. In partnership with Breath of God Lutheran Church and The Highlandtown Preschool, we began making plans for how we might transform a crisis into a service for our community and purchase the homes at 137 and 139 for renovation. 

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To help oversee this project, and the continuing care of the properties and the ministry which will take place within them, we created a non-profit organization, the Clinton Street Community Center, in December 2020. This is a partner organization to Breath of God Lutheran Church, which will not own the properties but will manage them for the good of children and families in Southeast Baltimore.

The first home has been used to expand The Highlandtown Preschool, allowing us to welcome two year old students for the first time. There is room for twenty-three students in the classrooms which opened in the spring of 2022. We will use the second house to welcome refugee families in partnership with Lutheran Social Services—National Capital Area and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. We plan to have that home ready for habitation by early 2023.

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Baltimore is, without a doubt, a city of passion and determination. Despite the odds, it thrives, and with great purpose. Highlandtown is no exception. The economically and culturally diverse landscape of our neighborhood is infused with history, culture, and opportunity. The Clinton Street Community Center (CSCC) is committed to providing resources that make our community stronger, more vibrant, and more supported. Our reason to thrive is so that our community can thrive.​

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The Clinton Street Community Center Board of Directors consists of:
Pastor Mark Parker, Executive Director (church member)
Erin Deason, Secretary (church member)
Aubrey Tardy, Treasurer (neighbor, preschool parent)
Deacon Sarah Kretschmann (church member)
Patrick Selwood (church associate member)

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