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MFC DEVELOPMENT VISION

We envision the new Men and Families Center as a bright and light-filled environment that lifts the spirit and creates positive energy for the staff and clients of the Center. Alfa8 will bring in its advanced design thinking and broad network of technologies and innovations to create a remarkable and unique project for MFC and Baltimore.

The scope of our renovations will including repairing the existing facility and bring it to a modern standard, and ensure that it’s code compliant and meets the safety requirement of the occupants.
 
We will develop the program for the space to meet the new vision for MFC and its community, and provides an expanded portfolio of services and values that address a broad array of needs and diverse demographics.
 
Ultimately our objective is to create a community landmark that speaks of positive values for building and growing strong communities. We envision achieving this by restoring the existing character of the buildings, which enhancing the street and alley experience of the facility for the community, repairing the sidewalk, introducing green and landscaped elements, and bring public art to the facility to create a sense of place.

MFC DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIP

Iliad Terra

Development, Design, Brand, & Capital

As the founding partner of alfa8, Mr. Terra leads the firm to develop opportunities in global markets, focused on integrated and innovative solutions that build capacity and empower communities. He brings a diverse background to the firm through his experience as a design thinker, and though leader through his global network. 

As President of the Council on Global Relations, Mr. Terra has been involved in developing and leading initiatives that empower communities and individuals worldwide, including Kenya, Afghanistan, and Haiti.

Mr. Terra is deeply committed to developing and engendering constructive solutions and that heal the rift and suffering in our communities, families, and individual journies, especially in today’s environment.  Mr. Terra is especially driven to champion the cause of men, and children who are often underrepresented and tend to suffer and struggle in isolation.  

The project for Men and Families Center is highly resonant with Mr. Terra’s work to shift the narrative for our nation.

Dr. Mildred Johnson

Events, Social Media, & Capital

Known to her clients as “Value Creator,” “Systems Shaper” and a “Consultant with the discipline of seeing wholes,” Ms. Johnson is the Principal of High Impact Consulting, LLC and a seasoned non-profit expert with outstanding success in major gift fundraising, campaign management and board development. Additional capabilities include donor research, grant writing training, public speaking, and annual fundraising and client/donor relations.

Millie has significant experience in capital campaign planning and feasibility studies as well as campaign consulting. She brings a background of social media relations to clients, allowing her to serve as a key expert in research and development. 

From 2000, and prior to forming SseHura Local and International OD Services in 2008, Ms. Johnson successfully coordinated the human resources and economic development programs for women-led non-government organizations (NGOs) in Baltimore, New York, and in cities in Latin America, Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean. She also has exceptional talent for handling complex community dynamics using global training and development techniques.

WHY OUR WORK MATTERS

Positive Role Models for Men and Boys of East Baltimore

“No role models and I'm here right now No role models to speak of. Searchin' through my memory, my memory I couldn't find one” — J. Cole

  • Less than half of black males graduate high school on time. In 2018, only 11 percent of black males in America had completed a bachelor’s degree – and only half of the 4.6 million who had attended college had made it to graduation. 
  • Here’s a humbling statistic on incarceration: 71 percent of the U.S. prison population is black or Latino. As a result, internalized feelings of hopelessness often become embedded as part of their identities
  • Black boys and men need to see adults like them who are high school graduates, have college degrees, are successful in the workplace, and who aren’t incarcerated.  MFC’s leaders and trainers inspire change and encourage opportunity.
  • Social and economic indicators of Black male development in the United States provide a profile of individuals whose quality of life is in serious jeopardy. From an early age, it has become increasingly apparent that Black males are confronted with a series of obstacles in their attempts to attain academic; career, and personal-social success – Richard Wright, The Native Son

MFC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

A key element we will incorporate in the scope of the renovation is the use of technology and telemedicine features as part of the design, making the facility a high tech center in the heart of East Baltimore neighborhood, providing the staff, patrons, and clients of MFC with the full benefits of modern technology and connectivity.
 
For the exterior of the building, we envision pedestrian-friendly walkways, and pervious parking surfaces to provide for outdoor assembly spaces as well much needed additional parking.
  
In all, our goal and vision are to create a modern facility infused with technology and advanced resources, as well as outdoor parklike green spaces to provide repose and wellness and heal the overbearing concrete and asphalt nature of the inner city blocks in Baltimore.

We are invested in creating a project that becomes a long term value for Baltimore, and a benchmark and role model for other communities and neighborhoods in the city.