LIGHT Health and Wellness Comprehensive Services, Inc. Receives FY 24 Congressional Funding For LIGHT Rock Village Academy Expansion

Baltimore, MD – [March 29, 2024] – LIGHT Health and Wellness Comprehensive Services, Inc., a leading community-based nonprofit organization in Baltimore City, is proud to announce that it has been selected to receive Fiscal Year 2024 Congressionally Directed Spending funding for the expansion of LIGHT Rock Village Academy. This funding, totaling $850,000, was requested and secured by U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressman Kweisi Mfume (all D-Md.) and included in the FY24 Minibus Spending bill recently passed by Congress and signed by the President.

The expansion project for LIGHT Rock Village Academy, a cornerstone of LIGHT Health and Wellness Comprehensive Services, Inc., will enable the organization to enhance its capacity to serve the community. The project includes the construction of new facilities and the expansion and improvement of existing infrastructure, allowing LIGHT Rock Village Academy to accommodate more students and offer a wider array of services that will cater to the entire family unit’s needs to include an advanced state-of-the-art learning environment for children and holistic social services to include addressing the health and mental well-being of families.

“We are thrilled that LIGHT’s proposal has been chosen, allowing us to expand our services and better meet the needs of our community,” said Debbie Rock,Founding CEO of LIGHT Health and Wellness Comprehensive Services, Inc.”This expansion will not only benefit the students of LIGHT Rock Village Academy but will also have a positive impact on the entire community.On behalf of LIGHT’s Board of Directors, we sincerely thank Senator Cardin, Senator Van Hollen, and Congressman Mfume for their trust in our ability to support the communities of Baltimore. Through our commitment to delivering high-quality services, we aim to enhance the social, health, and mental well-being of women, children, and families. We also appreciate the leadership of Senator Cardin, Senator Van Hollen, Congressman Mfume, and their supportive staff, who have played a crucial role in guiding LIGHT through the application and procurement processes.”

“With access to a quality education, support services, and quality health care, we can put our children on a path for future success. This direct federal investment will help LIGHT Health and Wellness expand the LIGHT Rock Village Academy and continue their vital work supporting children and families from underserved communities in Baltimore,”said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Appropriations Committee.

“Facilities like LIGHT Rock Village Academy empower young people, providing them with the necessary tools to show up for themselves and their community,” said Senator Ben Cardin. “This project is a message to Baltimore’s future generations that their federal representatives are invested in their health and wellness and believe in their ability to push the boundaries of what’s possible.”

“Senator Cardin, Senator Van Hollen, and I fought tirelessly to secure this funding for the LIGHT Rock Children’s Village Construction Project because it represents our commitment to ensuring future generations excel in the classroom and beyond. The facility upgrades and improvements implemented by this project will create a comprehensive learning environment and promise a brighter future for young minds across our City,”said Congressman Kweisi Mfume.

The expansion project target start date has yet to be determined, however LIGHT will provide updated communication as developments become available. During the time of commencement, we anticipate that LIGHT Rock Village Academy will continue to operate normally, with minimal disruption to its programs and services.

About LIGHT Health and Wellness Comprehensive Services, Inc.: LIGHT Health and Wellness Comprehensive Services, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals and families in Baltimore City. Through its various programs and services, including LIGHT Rock Village Academy, LIGHT strives to empower individuals to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

For more information about LIGHT Health and Wellness Comprehensive Services, Inc. and LIGHT Rock Village Academy, please visit www.LIGHTHealth.org.