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SECTION 1: ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
Q: What is The Blue Ribbon Project?
A: The Blue Ribbon Project is a volunteer-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on preventing child abuse and neglect and providing critical support to victims of abuse and neglect.
Q: Is The Blue Ribbon Project a government agency?
A: No. We are an independent nonprofit organization.
Q: What is your mission?
A: Our mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect and to provide critical support to victims of abuse and neglect.
Q: Where does The Blue Ribbon Project provide services?
A: We currently serve abused and neglected children, children and youth in foster care, and adult survivors throughout Maryland and beyond.
Q: Are you expanding to other areas?
Q: Who supports and runs the organization?
A: The Blue Ribbon Project is volunteer-supported and relies on community members who donate time, resources, and expertise.
Q: Do you help adults as well as children?
A: Yes. We provide resources and information for adult survivors dealing with the long-term effects of childhood abuse and childhood trauma.
Q: What types of resources are available on your website?
A: Our website includes educational articles, prevention information, survivor-focused resources, and details about our programs.
Q: What is your overall approach?
A: We use a community-based approach where survivors, professionals, and supporters work together to address the impact of child abuse and to provide support to children and youth in foster care.
Q: Why is community involvement important?
A: Community involvement is essential to supporting abused and neglected children and addressing the long-term effects of abuse.
SECTION 2: CONTACT & BASIC INFORMATION
Q: What is your main phone number?
A: You can reach us at 1-800-757-8120.
Q: What is your email address?
A: Our general email is
Q: What is your physical address?
A: 45 Community Place, Crownsville, Maryland 21032. (No mail is received at this address.)
Q: What is your mailing address?
A: P.O. Box 1736, Edgewater, Maryland 21037.
Q: What is your EIN or Tax ID?
A: Our EIN is 47-2703698.
Q: Are donations tax-deductible?
A: Yes. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and donations are tax-deductible.
Q: Are you affiliated with the State of Maryland?
A: No. We work with the Department of Social Services but are an independent nonprofit.
SECTION 3: BACKPACKS OF LOVE – PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Q: What is Backpacks of Love?
A: Backpacks of Love provides backpacks filled with essential items to children entering foster care, often during emergency removals.
Q: Why was Backpacks of Love created?
A: The program was inspired by the founder’s personal experience entering foster care without belongings.
Q: What problem does this program address?
A: Children often enter foster care suddenly with very few belongings, sometimes placed in trash bags.
Q: When do children receive the backpacks?
A: Backpacks are delivered at the moment a child enters care and the placement is happening. It is immediate and not days afterward.
Q: Who requests a backpack?
A: Typically the Department of Social Services, foster parents, and sometimes law enforcement.
Q: Where are backpacks delivered?
A: Deliveries may occur at DSS offices, hospitals, foster homes, or other locations. We’ve even met in parking lots on the side of the road.
Q: How quickly are backpacks delivered?
A: Backpacks are kept ready and are often delivered within a couple of hours of the initial decision that a child has to be removed from and unsafe environment.
Q: Are backpacks age- and gender-specific?
A: Yes. Each backpack is tailored to the child’s age and gender.
Q: What items are included in a backpack?
A: Hygiene items, clothing, underwear, socks, pajamas, and age-appropriate books and toys.
Q: Are used items allowed?
A: All items must be new. Books may be gently used.
Q: How long are supplies intended to last?
A: Approximately the first 24 to 48 hours in care but will last longer, such as clothing and toiletries can last for months.
Q: Can community members donate backpacks or items?
A: Yes. Individuals and organizations can donate items or assemble backpacks using provided guidelines. This is something we heavily rely on and your support is needed.
SECTION 4: BACKPACKS OF LOVE – MASTER PACKING GUIDELINES
GENERAL RULES
• All items must be brand new
• Exception: Books may be gently used
• Clothing should be practical with elastic waistbands preferred
INFANT BACKPACKS (0–18 MONTHS)
Includes diapers, wipes, sleep-and-play outfits, onesies, socks, hat, bottles, pacifier, bib, baby wash, lotion, diaper cream, blanket, and a soft toy.
TODDLER BACKPACKS (18 MONTHS–4 YEARS)
Includes diapers or pull-ups, wipes, outfits, pajamas, socks, underwear, toddler hygiene items, book, stuffed animal, and sippy cup.
SCHOOL AGE BACKPACKS (5–11 YEARS)
Includes outfits, pajamas, socks, underwear, hygiene items, deodorant (ages 9+), book, toy, flashlight or nightlight, and basic school supplies.
TEEN BACKPACKS (12–17 YEARS)
Includes outfits, pajamas, socks, underwear, full-size hygiene items, textured hair products, feminine hygiene items, blanket, flashlight, journal or book, and gift cards.
DO NOT INCLUDE
• Used underwear or socks
• Religious materials
• Sharp objects such as shaving razors.
SECTION 5: MIRAH’S CLOSET
Q: What is Mirah’s Closet?
A: Mirah’s Closet is a foster closet providing free clothing and essential items to children in foster care. It is essentially a boutique style shopping experience.
Q: How does it differ from Backpacks of Love?
A: Backpacks of Love supports children at the moment of removal; Mirah’s Closet supports ongoing needs.
Q: Who is Mirah’s Closet named after?
A: It is named in memory of Mirah Chhabra.
Q: Who can shop at Mirah’s Closet?
A: Children in foster or kinship care, foster parents, CASA volunteers, and social workers.
Q: Is there a cost?
A: No. All items are free.
Q: Do I need an appointment?
A: Yes. Visits are by appointment only.
Q: What items are available?
A: Everything that is included in Backspcks of love including clothing, shoes, coats, and school supplies.
Q: Can I volunteer at Mirah’s Closet?
A: Yes. Volunteers help sort donations and organize the closet.
SECTION 6: AGING UP… NOT OUT
Q: What is Aging Up… Not Out?
A: It is a life skills program for youth ages 14–21 in foster care.
Q: What is the goal?
A: To prepare youth for independence and adulthood.
Q: What skills are taught?
A: Financial literacy, cooking, job readiness, housing, and home maintenance.
Q: Is the program free?
A: Yes.
Q: Who teaches the program?
A: Volunteers and professionals with relevant expertise.
Q: How do youth enroll?
A: Through foster parents, CASA’s or case workers via our website.
SECTION 7: FOSTER FRIENDS
Q: What is the Foster Friends program?
A: It provides funding for extracurricular activities for children in foster care.
Q: What types of activities are covered?
A: Sports, music lessons, dance classes, tutoring, school trips and supports birthdays and milestones. Also group events such as movie nights, holiday parties, and more.
Q: Who can request funding?
A: Foster parents or case workers and youth in care.
Q: Is the program state-funded?
A: No. It is funded entirely by private donations.
SECTION 8: SPEAK UP… SPEAK OUT TRAINING
Q: What is Speak Up… Speak Out?
A: A child abuse awareness and prevention training program.
Q: Who is it for?
A: Adults only, including professionals, parents, and volunteers.
Q: Why is it adults only?
A: The training includes graphic images and realistic discussions.
Q: What topics are covered?
A: Signs of abuse, disclosures, investigations, and mandated reporting laws.
Q: Is the training free?
A: Yes, though donations are welcome.
Q: Do participants receive a certificate?
A: Yes, a certificate of completion is provided upon request.
SECTION 9: DONATIONS & FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Q: How is The Blue Ribbon Project funded?
A: Through donations, grants, and community support.
Q: Can I donate monthly?
A: Yes, recurring monthly donations are available.
Q: What is the Endowment Fund?
A: A long-term investment fund that helps secure the future of our programs.
Q: Can I donate a vehicle?
A: Yes. We accept many types of vehicles.
Q: Do you accept stock donations?
A: Yes. Please contact us for details.
SECTION 10: IN-KIND DONATIONS & DROP-OFFS
Q: What are in-kind donations?
A: Donations of physical goods rather than money.
Q: What items are most needed?
A: Backpacks, diapers, toiletries, and clothing.
Q: Do you accept used items?
A: Generally no, except gently used books.
Q: Do you have an Amazon Wishlist?
A: Yes.
Q: Where can I drop off donations?
A: At our Crownsville facility or approved partner locations.
Q: Can I host a donation drive?
A: Yes, donation drives are extremely helpful.
SECTION 11: VOLUNTEERING & EVENTS
Q: How can I volunteer?
A: Submit a volunteer application on our website.
Q: What is a Volunteer Day?
A: A group volunteer opportunity for organizations and families.
Q: Do you require background checks?
A: Members of our Leadership Team are required to have a thorough background check.
Q: Can students earn service hours?
A: Yes.
Q: What is the Blue Ribbon Bash?
A: Our annual fundraising gala held each spring.
SECTION 12: REPORTING ABUSE & RESOURCES
Q: What should I do if I suspect child abuse?
A: Contact your local Department of Social Services or law enforcement immediately.
You may also call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
Q: Do you provide crisis intervention?
A: We provide resources and referrals but are not an emergency response agency.