The Claude C. Thornton Foundation December eNews
- CCTF Board
- Dec 9, 2025
- 9 min read
Updated: Dec 11, 2025
Greetings Friends,
December is here! While the year may have felt swift, we're here to remind you that this month is a time to slow down and connect with yourself and loved ones. We encourage you to rest and reflect on all you've accomplished this year and show gratitude to those who have stood beside you along the way. Spread the love by sharing your gratitude with your community through volunteering and charitable efforts as well!
As The Claude C. Thornton Foundation closes out the year, we want to express our most sincere gratitude to our community of participants, sponsors, and peers! Thank you for your ongoing support and the vital role you play as we've continued to open doors, start conversations, and knock down barriers. This final month, we want to highlight our commitment to strengthening our communities and give you a sneak peek of what's ahead...
From The Claude C. Thornton Foundation to all, we wish you a joyous holiday season and a prosperous new year ahead! May this season bring peace and happiness to you and your loved ones.
Thank you!
With love and gratitude,
The CCTF Team
Highlights 2025 Recap
Executives in the Classroom Panel
In February, our founder, Cari, kicked off Women’s History Month by joining the Executives in the Classroom panel with high school girls in Montgomery County. Hosted by Crittenton and sponsored by Pepco, the event gave students at John F. Kennedy High School the opportunity to connect with top leaders from diverse industries and gain valuable insights on college, careers, life, and relationships.
Empowering Parents to Advocate for Student Growth
From January 23rd through February 27th, the CCT Foundation led the PACW workshop series at the Woodlawn Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. During this series, we connected with parents in the community, guiding them to expand their knowledge of advocacy, educational rights, and the essential tools needed to navigate school environments.
Through engaging discussions, interactive activities, and collaborative goal-setting, participants developed valuable skills to strengthen their involvement in their children’s education. We’re excited to share that we have so much more to offer next year!
CTF Founder & President Appointed to the Balto. County CEQ
Back in April, we proudly celebrated the appointment of our founder, Cari, to the Baltimore County Commission on Environmental Quality by Councilman Julian E. Jones Jr. This was an incredible honor and a major milestone for our organization.
April Recap: DMV Case Study — Climate Success Stories in Maryland Panel at DC Climate Week
On April 29th, the Greater Baltimore Climate Summit and Maryland LCV brought together leaders from government, industry, and nonprofits to spotlight Maryland’s climate wins and sustainability strategies. This dynamic panel explored bold local and state solutions driving environmental progress across the region.
Our Co-Founder & COO Became a Certified Master Gardener
We were proud to celebrate our Inaugural Board Treasurer and Co-Founder, Autrese Thornton, on her recent achievement as a Certified Master Gardener through the University of Maryland Extension Program. Reflecting on this milestone, Autrese shared, “This certification is more than just about gardening—it’s an extension of my lifelong commitment to environmental justice, public education, and community health.” Her dedication continues to inspire our work and the communities we serve.
Summer Internship Journey: Growth, Impact, and Achievement
Back on May 26th, we welcomed six incredible undergraduate and graduate interns from Johns Hopkins University to the CCTF team. Throughout the summer, they contributed to Project Management, Communications, Operations, Marketing, and Relationship Management helping streamline our foundation’s work and strengthen our mission.
On August 15th, we hosted our Summer Intern Closing Ceremony to celebrate their passion, creativity, and hard work. We were sad to see them go, but deeply grateful for the impact they made and the growth they experienced along the way.
Parent Advocacy in Action: CCTF at The Nu You Conference 2025
In September, our co-founder, Autrese Thornton, represented us at The Nu You Conference, sharing valuable resources and parent advocacy tips to help families support their children’s success.
Our Founder Cari Harris also led an empowering session, “Surviving to Thriving: Family and Finances,” alongside financial coach Erika Dorsey and content creator Lisa Summers, offering practical guidance on financial stability and family wellbeing. We were honored to participate in this uplifting conference for the third year in a row, continuing to support a safe, inspiring space for moms across the DMV.
The Clarinet Scholarship Awarded $2,000 in Scholarships
CCTF proudly celebrated our first-ever Clarinet Scholarship awardees, honoring three remarkable sophomores with a total of $2,000 in scholarships. These students exemplify perseverance, dedication, and hard work shining examples of what it means to stay focused and strive for success.
We also extend special recognition to Ohinoyi Moiza and Anjolaoluwa Odomo for their outstanding commitment and leadership.
Exciting News About Our Founder, Cari A. Harris
Cari has recently graduated from Leadership Maryland’s Emerging Leader Program, marking a significant milestone in her professional journey. Her commitment to community and personal growth demonstrates her dedication to making a positive difference, inspiring others to follow her example.
Throughout the six-month program, Cari demonstrated strong leadership and a proactive approach, engaging in deep reflection and creating actionable plans that aim to make a lasting impact. Her dedication to personal development is truly inspiring and sets a positive example for others.
David Fike, president and CEO of Leadership Maryland, expressed his pride in the graduates, stating, “The graduates of both programs have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth.” Cari is a shining example of this commitment, and we have no doubt she will continue to drive meaningful change as she connects with her ever-growing network of peers and mentors.
We are proud to celebrate Cari Harris's achievement in completing Leadership Maryland's Emerging Leader Program, inspiring pride and motivation among all of us.
Congratulations, Cari! Your passion and hard work are opening new paths for you and inspiring others along the way.
2025 Greater Baltimore Climate Summit Recap
The 2025 Greater Baltimore Climate Summit was absolutely incredible!
On November 3, the 2025 Greater Baltimore Climate Summit brought together community members, academia, government, and the private sector for an inspiring day of collaboration and innovation. From the opening plenary to the closing reception, the Summit highlighted what’s possible when diverse stakeholders come together with purpose.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to every partner, volunteer, host committee member, speaker, poster presenter, co-organizer, and attendee who helped make this year’s event such a success.
CCTF Partners with Coppin State University for the Clarinet Scholarship
The Claude C. Thornton Foundation has partnered with Coppin State University to amplify the Clarinet Scholarship, honoring Renna Clarinet Thornton’s legacy of educational excellence. The scholarship’s mission is to offer monetary support that empowers minority students through their academic journey while promoting academic achievement. Through this collaboration, Coppin students in Education and STEM will receive vital gap support, helping them stay enrolled, overcome financial barriers, and move confidently toward their academic and professional goals.
Upcoming Events
Maryland League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, in partnership with GBCS, will provide an overview of how Environmental Justice and funding for climate solutions will be part of the state-level legislative landscape during the upcoming 2026 Maryland General Assembly session (1/14/2026 through 4/13/2026).
Join us for a virtual webinar to get an in-depth understanding of the state legislative process and to decompose current environmental justice and climate finance bills.
Join the Rich Foundation for the 2025 Christmas Give Back!
Bring warmth and cheer to Baltimore’s underprivileged families this holiday season! The 2025 Christmas Give Back, hosted by the Rich Foundation, is your chance to make a meaningful impact by supporting children and families with essential resources and community engagement.
Event Details:
Date: December 22, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM EST
Location: 909 E 22nd St, Baltimore, MD 21218
Kick Off the New Year with Nu Momish!
Nu Momish Meetups bring moms together, and their Vision Brunch is the perfect way to start 2026. For three years, this gathering has inspired moms through meaningful conversations about health, finances, and community.
Enjoy brunch, hear from an inspiring speaker, and connect with other moms ready to make 2026 intentional and connected. Motherhood doesn’t have to be done alone Nu Momish helps you do it together!
Resources
Holiday Food Drive 🍽️
Join Eastside Uplift for their Holiday food drive on December 15. Spread the word and help families this holiday season. This is a first-come, first-served, while supplies last, so please Dress Warm.
Need Food? Just Show Up 4MyCiTy Got You!
No calls, no emails, no appointments needed if you or someone you know needs food, 4MyCiTy is here to help.
Location: 1133 Wilson Drive, Baltimore, MD 21223
Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed 1:00–2:00 PM)
Come by and get the support you need. Everyone is welcome!
NuMomish is excited to host holiday photos for moms and their families this season!
If you’d love to capture special memories, send them an email at hello@numomish.com to tell them about you and your family.
Photoshoots are claimed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Blossoms Blooming Mentorship Program
This video is just a glimpse into our annual Blossoms Brunch award ceremony, where we collectively honor community mentors who have poured into our professional, personal, and emotional growth.
The Blossoms Blooming Mentorship Program empowers young women to reach their full potential through academic and professional mentorship and etiquette training. Last year we launched our group mentoring experience, grounded in discussion topics such as mindset, relationships and partnerships, career mobility, professional opportunities, femininity and more.
We have our annual brunch coming up in the next few months so stay tuned for updates : ) If you would like to learn more about this mentorship program, please click this link to inquire. To keep up to date with Blossoms Blooming follow us on Instagram and/or contact us via email at cari@thecctfoundation.org for any questions or concerns.
Did you know we offer parent coaching?
Parents play an important role in helping their children succeed in school. Parent advocacy means speaking up for your child’s needs and rights. This school year, commit to staying involved and supporting your child every step of the way. In addition to building routine, education planning and prioritizing extracurriculars:
Celebrate Small Accomplishments
Let your child know when they are doing a good job. Whether it’s completing homework, helping at home, learning something new, or showing kindness, praise helps children feel proud and motivated to keep trying.
Listen with Care and Patience
Children are still learning how to express their feelings and make decisions. Sometimes they won’t get things right. When they talk, listen with an open heart and calm voice. Try not to interrupt, yell, or get upset. Let them know they can come to you for help, even when things are hard to talk about.
Wishing everyone a positive, peaceful, and productive start to the school year. You’ve got this! If you would like to schedule a free coaching session with us, please use this link to schedule a session.
Parents, We’re Here for YOU!
From navigating the school system to supporting your child’s mental health and behavior, parenting comes with a lot of challenges and you don’t have to do it alone.
Led by Autrese Thornton, a multi-decade special educator, school administrator, and nonprofit manager, The Claude C. Thornton Foundation’s Parent Advocacy & Coaching Program is here to listen, guide, and empower you with the tools and resources you need.
Tell us: What areas of education, mental health, or behavior do you need the most support with?
Email us at athornton@thecctfoundation.org
The Children's Environmental Health Network announces new state profiles for all 50 states.
The state profiles are a compilation of nation-wide information that allows state-by-state comparisons of uniformly defined data about environmental hazards, environmental exposures, and relevant children’s health outcomes. While select states have previously been released, this is the first time we've unveiled updated profiles across the country.
Decisions made at the state and local levels have a significant impact on environmental health protections and equity that our children need. For decision-makers to address children’s environmental health concerns in an informed way they must first understand the current state of issues in their jurisdiction.
The CEHN state profiles are an answer to an existing gap in this process: there have historically been very few accessible sources of robust, regularly updated, and uniformly-defined state-level children’s environmental health indicators. CEHN is collecting and sharing the best available of these in our new resources. Check them out here or copy and paste this link in your browser: http://cehn.org/states/
Volunteer Opportunities
Journey To Joy
Please join us for Journey to Joy, the Farm's drive-through live Nativity on December 19, 20, and 21 from 6-8 p.m.!
Interested in participating in Journey to Joy? We are seeking volunteers to help bring it to life each night of the event—extra help is needed on Sunday.
Your time and talent is greatly appreciated! Learn more and sign up to volunteer at firstfruitsfarm.org/journey-to-joy or contact Sharon Broughton at sharonlbroughton@gmail.com for more information.
Call to Donate
Atlanta, GA — Clark Atlanta University’s CAU Ventures is partnering with local organizer Reddie Moe to launch a community donation drive centered on supporting men, an often-overlooked group in charitable giving.
While many drives focus on women and children, men often go without essential items using what they have until they absolutely can’t anymore. This initiative aims to ensure men in the Atlanta community feel seen, supported, and cared for.
“Our goal is simple: to remind men that they deserve care, dignity, and community just as much as anyone else,” Moe said.
CAU Ventures and Reddie Moe thank the community in advance for its continued support.
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