Description
EBLO is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1980 by a group of like minded Latino residents from East Baltimore under the direction of Jose O. Ruiz, a community activist and at that time, new to Baltimore. Jose, of Puerto Rican heritage acted in response to the lack of services available to Latinos in Baltimore.
After 34 years of educational advocacy, cultural presentations and educational program development, EBLO is now a Baltimore institution with a clear path to continued growth. EBLO looks forward to another 30 years with vigor, clear vision and enthusiasm knowing that the work we do is honorable, necessary and invaluable to the children and families we serve.
Dedicated to helping children of Spanish-speaking families have a more successful future, EBLO offers the following programs:
Mi Segunda Casa (My Second Home): an after-school program at three different schools Monday through Thursday. It provides youth with opportunitites for academic enrichment, character education, homework assistance, STEM opportunities and mentoring. Mi Segunda Casa is an extension of the school day in three Baltimore City Public Schools:
- John Ruhrah Elementary/Middle School
- Armistead Gardens Elementary/Middle School
- Graceland Park Elementary/ Middle School
La Escuela Sabatina (Saturday School): an educational and cultural program that helps preserve the youth's sense of pride in the language of their parents, and to integrate to their English language while maintaining an important connection to their cultural and linguistic heritage. The program is provided completely in Spanish and helps protect thier sense of identity, which is also strongly linked to the language and culture of their family and heritage.
In addition to the programs run for youth, EBLO also offers some adult programs. These programs are offered through Baltimore City Community College. EBLO offers English as a Second Language Classes as well as Computer Classes. EBLO also runs yearly community programs yearly. These are:
- Three Kings Celebration
- Cinco de Mayo
- LatinoFest
- La Plaza Hispana
