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PRESS RELEASE
Statement from Ex Officio Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young Regarding Associated Black Charities’ Management with the Baltimore City Children and Youth Fund
BALTIMORE, MD. — "In 2017, after the convening of a task force, and seeking public input, ABC was chosen to manage the Baltimore City Children and Youth Fund. ABC has awarded $ 10.8 million in grants to 84 grantees and received an administrative fee of $1.2 million for the first year of the Fund.
The work that ABC has put into this effort is greatly appreciated.
Various news reports have noted that Associated Black Charities (ABC) received money from several entities in exchange for distributing copies of Catherine Pugh’s Healthy Holly books.
I am aware that these payments came well before ABC was selected to administer the Youth Fund. I have no concern that ABC’s management of the Youth Fund is related in any way to its relationship with Catherine Pugh or Healthy Holly, LLC.
Nevertheless, with an eye toward full transparency, I am calling for two steps to be taken to ensure that the historic Children & Youth Fund is well-managed.
- I request the Department of Audits to review Associated Black Charities’ management of the first year of funding for the Baltimore City Children and Youth Fund, and
- City Council Bill 19-0358, which extends the City’s agreement with ABC for one year, should be put on hold until the audit concludes.
It is of the utmost importance that this fund continues to benefit the children and youth of Baltimore City. This fund represents our dedication to serving the youth of this city. Therefore, it is important to maintain the public’s confidence that the historic Children & Youth Fund is managed appropriately.
A copy of my letter to the Associated Black Charities, Inc. is attached below."
Ex Officio Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young
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