For those unfamiliar, the York Road Initiative is a program sponsored by Loyola’s Center for Community Service and Justice (CCSJ). According to the CCSJ website, the goal of the York Road Initiative is to “improve the quality of life for all persons living, working, and learning in the York Road corridor.” This program consists of one-time and recurring service and non-service opportunities for Loyola students to engage with the community.

One-Time Service Student Coordinator at CCSJ, Maura Elwood ‘20, believes that there is a gap between Baltimore City and our campus community that needs to be bridged. 

“More than anything, there needs to be a relationship between neighbors, and we are a part of the York Road corridor,” said Elwood. “Often, Loyola is closed off from our neighbors and the York Road Initiative bridges that gap while helping to support community leaders.”  

Elwood said that besides helping students get involved in the community, the York Road Initiative forces us to “break down mental barriers,” and “makes students become more conscious of the words they use to describe our community. It also helps debunk stereotypes they have about York Road and Baltimore City.”

It’s important to note that the York Road Initiative is not “volunteering.” Instead, it’s participating in community engagement. Elwood points out that “our neighbors do not need our saving—oftentimes, they just want our support in their neighborhood leadership projects and businesses.” Supporting overlooked businesses along the York Road corridor can be very helpful.  As Elwood said, “our monetary support is super powerful.”

If you’re interested in learning more about the York Road Initiative and getting involved, you can head over to the CCSJ website. where you can read about the history of the project, find a calendar of events, and fill out an interest form to find out which service project would be the best match for you. For specific questions and insight, contact Adelina Harvey ‘20, the York Road Student Service Coordinator, at [email protected], or stop into her office at CCSJ in Humanities (room 142) Mondays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Wednesdays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Remember, getting involved—even once—can make a difference.

 Listed below are some upcoming events: .

Off-campus events:

●      York Road Partnership Meeting – Wednesday, October 2 7:15 p.m.

○  Come attend a community meeting to learn more about what’s happening in our neighborhood and meet local leaders. This is a great opportunity to learn about future opportunities for engagement and to invite community members to any events you are planning on campus.

○  St. Mary’s Church Hall, 5502 York Road.

On Campus Events

●      Solidarity Supper – Tuesday, October 8th 6:00 pm

○  Residents and students come together for a dinner from a local York Road restaurant and talk about community: what it means, how to build it, and more

○  St. Alphonsus House, 304 Rossiter Avenue

○  To sign up contact [email protected]

Upcoming events courtesy of Adelina Harvey ’20.

Feature Image: Courtesy of CCSJ’s website.