Slide background
Slide background
There is something about standing on your own two feet.

Find out how we are working to ensure that caregivers are in a better economic position to raise their children.

LEGISLATIVE FOCUS
Slide background

Let’s build something incredible—A child’s mind.

Find out how we promote programs, policies and practices to increase a child’s ability to learn.

DONATE
Slide background

Childhood is a once in a lifetime experience. Let’s make it a good one.

Find out how we work to protect, strengthen and stabilize families to keep children and youth safe in their homes, schools and communities.

LEGISLATIVE FOCUS
Slide background

Eat the apple. However, going to the doctor is a good thing, too.

Find out how we promote better nutrition, physical activity and increase access to affordable high-quality wellness programs.

LEGISLATIVE FOCUS
Slide background

The only bars children should see in a lifetime are on the playground.

Find out how we promote opportunities that enable youth to rebound from contact with the juvenile justice system and prevent system involvement altogether.

DONATE
Slide background
  1. Economic Sufficiency
  2. Education
  3. Child Welfare
  4. Health
  5. Youth Justice

Advocates for Children and Youth to Cease Operations 

Baltimore, MD- After 35 years of championing the needs of Maryland’s young people, Advocates for Children and Youth (ACY) will immediately cease operations and begin the process of legally closing down the organization.

When ACY began, few nonprofits dared to do advocacy activities as to not jeopardize their tax-exempt status. We, at ACY—on the other hand—learned and played by the rules to bring the needs of children to the attention of government decision makers and the public. We were the lone voice.

Today, there are hundreds of nonprofits, direct service providers and most importantly, community organizations across Maryland that are doing the work that ACY began. Our children, youth, and families are in good, capable hands.

As we close our doors, we recognize that we have fulfilled our purpose. Our strong, proud history includes leading the way in analyzing legislation with an eye to its impact on children; educating legislators and other policy makers about the consequences of their decisions; and creating coalitions to ensure all voices were heard. ACY was also the exclusive collector and disseminator of Maryland’s Kids Count information that provided evidence to support the advocacy efforts of many child-serving agencies.

ACY couldn’t have done this work without the support of community. We encourage you to give your support to other child advocacy organizations during this giving season. Our children and youth need your support now more than ever.

The Board of Directors has engaged Nancy Hall, of 501(c)Solutions, to assist in the dissolution process. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Hall at nancy@amazingnonprofits.com.

 

We will advocate for keeping childhood a positive experience as we address trauma and the fulfillment of the basic needs in life.

We will push for policy and programs that support healthy and safe living, learning and working environments in all communities.

We will push for equitable treatment of all children and provide them with an opportunity to rebound.

We will advocate to ensure that all young people get the resources, education and supports they need to thrive.

This session, we worked hard to advance equity for all kids, despite the virtual hearings and long nights. We advocated for policies, programs, and procedures that will help children, youth, and families of all races, ethnicities, and places of birth across Maryland reach their full potential. Click here for our 2021 legislative focus and here for key highlights of our advances toward equity. Just need the infographic? Download it here.