Development leaders, CareFirst executives, elected officials and workforce development initiative cohort alums joined together to cut the ribbon and officially open CareFirst’s new community hub and workforce development center at The Village at Mondawmin
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, one of the country’s largest not-for-profit healthcare organizations, has officially opened its approximately 20,000-square-foot West Baltimore workspace at The Village at Mondawmin. The ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 23 celebrated CareFirst’s expanded presence in West Baltimore, emphasizing its dedication to community-centered healthcare and economic empowerment. This significant milestone is part of CareFirst’s broader commitment to West Baltimore, with the space serving as a community hub for health and wellness resources, workforce development programs and support services accessible to all residents.
“Completing this project marks a significant moment in our mission at CareFirst as we continue to invest with the communities we serve,” said Brian D. Pieninck, CareFirst President and CEO. “In partnership with leaders from Coppin State University, Center for Urban Families, and Whiting-Turner, who share our strong belief in West Baltimore’s future, we understand success comes through being led by the community. The center’s vision is built around community voices, community talents, and community dreams.”
A key focus of the space is CareFirst’s novel workforce development initiative. Launched in 2023 in partnership with Coppin State University and the Center for Urban Families, this program aims to drive economic growth and create opportunities for West Baltimore residents in the 21215, 21216, and 21217 zip codes. The initiative actively recruits and trains residents for various roles within the healthcare industry, from customer service to community health advocacy, providing diverse avenues for career opportunities at CareFirst and beyond. To support participants’ success, CareFirst’s strategic location at The Village at Mondawmin offers comprehensive wraparound services addressing common barriers to employment such as transportation and childcare.
CareFirst’s workspace at The Village at Mondawmin also features a community hub and resource center, where residents can access free fitness and health education classes. CareFirst members can also receive assistance from CareFirst team members on billing, claims, benefits, and more. This in-person support is designed to benefit both current and new members while addressing the neighborhood’s health equity needs.
Understanding that 80% of health outcomes are influenced by non-medical factors—such as access to healthy food, employment opportunities, and reliable transportation—CareFirst is committed to providing resources that help individuals identify their needs. The resource center offers programs ranging from home-buying courses to legal education, equipping community members with essential life skills.
The Village at Mondawmin, personally owned by the CEO of The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company Tim Regan and his wife Joanne Regan, is a development project that, collectively, with the Greater Mondawmin Coordinating Council and other key community stakeholders is bringing vital resources to West Baltimore. CareFirst joins Edenbridge PACE, an expanded Touchpoint Baltimore, The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company Conference Center, University of Maryland Faculty Physicians, and other tenants to fulfill a holistic range of important community needs.
“We are proud to see our vision for The Village at Mondawmin come to fruition with CareFirst as a vital partner in this important project,” said Regan. “We are working hard with our community partners to revitalize West Baltimore and enhance the quality of life. By attracting meaningful tenants, a dynamic community hub that addresses critical needs and unlocks opportunities for growth is being built. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with CareFirst and community leaders to ensure this space serves as a catalyst for positive change.”
This investment reflects CareFirst’s ongoing efforts to create economic opportunities and promote health equity in West Baltimore. The organization’s long-term vision involves establishing a supportive ecosystem that includes employment opportunities, access to healthcare, and social support services, all contributing to sustainable community development. This approach is bolstered by strategic investments in infrastructure, such as the workspace’s location near transportation and planned daycare facilities.
CareFirst members and non-members are encouraged to check out programming as it is shared at https://www.carefirst.com/cec/ or https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/mondawmin-location-3672749. Initial grand opening events include a Resource Fair on October 24 and a Medicaid Made Simple Class on October 28.
Mayor Brandon Scott shared, “Our collective aim is to build safer, vibrant communities across Baltimore. The commitment and involvement of CareFirst in West Baltimore is a shining example of the transformative change that can be generated when community organizations and leaders unite. When we harness our collective strength, we can effect meaningful change that benefits our region and its residents.”
Governor Wes Moore shared, “Baltimore will lead Maryland into a new decade and partnerships that contribute to our shared progress are crucial to that mission. I want to commend CareFirst, Coppin State University, and the Center for Urban Families for their innovative workforce development program, along with all the organizations in The Village at Mondawmin. Today, we are not only celebrating the continued success of the workforce development program and the new CareFirst workspace; we also recognize the potential, resilience, and power within a revitalized, healthier, and thriving West Baltimore.”
About CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
In its 87th year of service, CareFirst, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit healthcare company which, through its affiliates and subsidiaries, offers a comprehensive portfolio of health insurance products and administrative services to 3.5 million individuals in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia. In 2023, CareFirst infused $233 million in support of regional community impact to improve overall health and advance accessible, affordable, equitable, high-quality healthcare. To learn more about CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, visit www.carefirst.com.
