Annual Appeal 2023

Dear Friend of The Baltimore Station,

At the end of July, The Baltimore Station suffered a tremendous loss with the unexpected passing of our Executive Director John Friedel, leaving behind a void that will be deeply felt by all those whose lives he touched. John’s unwavering dedication to helping veterans struggling with homelessness and substance abuse issues has transformed countless lives.

Since joining The Baltimore Station in 2015, John worked tirelessly to create a supportive environment where individuals could rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society with dignity and purpose – fully helping homeless veterans turn their lives around.

There were many “firsts” under John’s leadership. We became client focused so that the men who come through our doors have more voice and choice in their treatment and programs. We introduced prosocial activities such as music, art, and storytelling to replace negative activities like substance use disorder. All at NO cost to the veteran. We made it through the pandemic. John’s creativity and ability to pivot quickly served us well during very trying times.

John knew every resident’s name and made a point of checking in regularly, offering encouragement and motivation. Often times I would see him visiting with the men outside before morning group. He took the time to listen and get to know their stories.

The Baltimore Station’s mission remains at the core of everything we do. We are determined to continue providing essential services and support to our veterans. We will stand by our – and John’s – commitment to helping them overcome adversity and achieve lasting change in their lives.

Please join us as we celebrate the work of The Baltimore Station and the continued mission and vision that meant so much to John by making a donation today. We need your support now more than ever as we usher in a new year while putting 2023 behind us. Every dollar you donate will make a difference in the lives of the veterans we proudly serve to help them become independent and healthy, and successfully transition back into the community and their families. Your volunteer work, service, and financial support are critical in continuing our mission.

John Friedel’s legacy will live on in the lives of the veterans he touched and in the continued efforts of The Baltimore Station. Together, we can ensure that John’s vision and passion remain alive in the work we do. Thank you for your support of The Baltimore Station. We wish you all the best for a glorious holiday season and best wishes for a healthy and happy 2024.

With gratitude,

Kim Callari
Interim Executive Director