b'Building Stronger Communities ROOTED IN OUR VALUES OF TZEDEKAH ANDImproving the Lives TIKKUN OLAM, we worked toward making ourof Women community a better place to live.This year, Associated Women Whether through programs that supported arealaunched the local chapter of Dignity Grows, a program that schoolchildren, the development of affordableremoves obstacles to self-esteem housing or engagement in conversations that builtand health by providing women mutual respect, we remained committed to creatingwith personal hygiene products a just and thriving Baltimore.each month. The Associated joins other federations nationwide in This year, we continued our investment in Centraladdressing this issue. Park Heights as CHAIpartnering with public officials, businesses and community organizationsbegan transforming a vacant lot into affordable intergenerational living. Through Jewish Volunteer Connection (JVC), we engaged a cadre of volunteers, who put tens of thousands of service hours into making lunches for those facing food insecurity, tutoring students who were struggling in school, beautifying Baltimores neighborhoods and more.We built bridges and worked toward a culture of understanding, convening conversations across religious, ethnic and racial lines. And thanks to a Centennial gift from Suzanne F. Cohen, of blessed memory, we created Changing the Conversation. During the first phase of this program, Baltimore leaders engaged in dialogue to explore diversity, inclusion and racial equity in a collaborative manner.'