# The Blue Ribbon Project > The Blue Ribbon Project is a Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing child abuse in all its forms and providing trauma-informed support to children in foster care, youth aging out of care, and adult survivors of childhood abuse and neglect. Founded in 2013 by Taylor Pyles — an adult survivor of child abuse, former foster youth, and retired Annapolis Police Department Detective — the organization operates from a 5,000-square-foot facility on the historic Crownsville Hospital campus in Crownsville, Maryland. BRP serves children and families across Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, and more than a dozen additional Maryland counties. ## About - [About The Blue Ribbon Project](https://blueribbonproject.org/about-us/about-the-project): History of the organization, founding story, and growth from a grassroots effort to a recognized community organization. - [Our Mission](https://blueribbonproject.org/about-us/our-mission): Mission statement and organizational values focused on supporting vulnerable children and young adults through resources, advocacy, and empowering programs. - [Communities We Serve](https://blueribbonproject.org/about-us/communities-we-serve): List of the 13 Maryland counties and Baltimore City where BRP provides services. - [Our Team](https://blueribbonproject.org/about-us/our-team): Leadership team and staff information. - [Contact Us](https://blueribbonproject.org/about-us/contact-us): Contact information and facility location at 45 Community Place, Crownsville, MD. ## Programs - [Our Programs Overview](https://blueribbonproject.org/our-programs): Summary of all BRP programs serving children, youth in foster care, and adult survivors. - [Backpacks of Love](https://blueribbonproject.org/our-programs/backpacks-of-love): Emergency backpacks filled with clothing, toiletries, and comfort items provided to children entering foster care to ease their transition. - [Mirah's Closet](https://blueribbonproject.org/our-programs/mirahs-closet): A foster closet offering children and youth in foster care a free, boutique-style shopping experience for brand-new clothing, shoes, and personal care items. - [Foster Friends](https://blueribbonproject.org/our-programs/foster-friends): A program hosting parties, celebrations, and activities for children in foster care to build friendships and create positive memories. - [Aging Up...Not Out Life Skills Program](https://blueribbonproject.org/our-programs/aging-up-not-out-life-skills-program): Life skills training for older youth in foster care who are at risk of aging out of the system without a safety net. - [A Hand to Hold Youth Advocacy Program](https://blueribbonproject.org/our-programs/a-hand-to-hold-youth-advocacy-program): Resources, tutoring, and guidance for youth who need additional support not provided by other programs. - [College Support Fund](https://blueribbonproject.org/our-programs/college-support-fund): Financial support for foster youth pursuing higher education. - [Speak Up...Speak Out Child Abuse Awareness Training](https://blueribbonproject.org/our-programs/training-programs/speak-up-speak-out-child-abuse-awareness-training-program): A comprehensive child abuse awareness training program for community members, professionals, and organizations. ## Resource Library Educational articles and resources on child abuse prevention, trauma, healing, foster care, and survivor support. These articles are written to inform community members, professionals, caregivers, and survivors. - [Healing & Resilience](https://blueribbonproject.org/resource-library/healing-resilience): Articles on recovery, coping strategies, and building resilience after abuse and trauma. - [Prevention & Safety](https://blueribbonproject.org/resource-library/prevention-safety): Resources on recognizing warning signs of abuse, prevention strategies, and keeping children safe. - [Foster Care Resources](https://blueribbonproject.org/resource-library/foster-care-resources): Information for foster families, youth in care, and those supporting the foster care system. - [Survivor Voices](https://blueribbonproject.org/resource-library/survivor-voices): Stories and perspectives from survivors of childhood abuse and neglect. - [Understanding Trauma](https://blueribbonproject.org/resource-library/understanding-trauma): Educational content on the effects of childhood trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and trauma-informed care. - [Suicide Prevention](https://blueribbonproject.org/resource-library/suicide-prevention): Resources and information on suicide prevention, mental health support, and crisis intervention. - [News Items](https://blueribbonproject.org/resource-library/news-items): Organizational news, program updates, community impact stories, and announcements. ## Get Involved - [Volunteer](https://blueribbonproject.org/get-involved): Information about volunteering with BRP, including Leadership Team positions and community service opportunities. - [Upcoming Events](https://blueribbonproject.org/upcoming-events): Current events including volunteer days, fundraisers, and community activities. - [Financial Contributions](https://blueribbonproject.org/donate-today/financial-contributions): Donate to support BRP programs serving abused and neglected children. - [Clothing & In-Kind Donations](https://blueribbonproject.org/donate-today/clothing-in-kind-donations): Donate clothing, supplies, and other items for children in foster care. - [Endowment Fund](https://blueribbonproject.org/donate-today/endowment-fund): The Blue Ribbon Project Fund at the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County, supporting the organization's long-term sustainability. ## Contact The Blue Ribbon Project is located at 45 Community Place, Crownsville, MD 21032, on the grounds of the former Crownsville Hospital Center. For general inquiries, visit the [Contact Us](https://blueribbonproject.org/about-us/contact-us) page. To report suspected child abuse in Maryland, call 1-800-917-7383 (24/7). For immediate danger, call 911.