GreenLight Fund Baltimore Invests in First Step Staffing to Expand Job Access for Baltimore Residents
Baltimore, MD —In a major boost to Baltimore’s workforce ecosystem,GreenLight Fund Baltimorehas announced a $600,000 investment to bringFirst Step Staffingto the city. The initiative is projected to connect 1,100 Baltimore residents who face barriers to employment with stable jobs over the next five years, generating an estimated $15.9 million in wages.
First Step Staffing is a nonprofit employment agency known for placing individuals into jobs within 72 hours of orientation. Its model provides immediate work placement through employer staffing contracts, coupled with transportation, wraparound supports, and opportunities for upskilling and certification. The organization is expected to begin employing Baltimore residents as early as this spring.
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The investment comes at a critical moment for the city. Baltimore’s unemployment rate stands at 5.6 percent, higher than the Maryland average of 4.3 percent, while family homelessness has increased by 19 percent since 2023. Local leaders say the expansion of proven, barrier-removal employment models is essential to addressing these interconnected challenges.
@media ( min-width: 300px ){.newspack_global_ad.scaip-1{min-height: 100px;}}@media ( min-width: 728px ){.newspack_global_ad.scaip-1{min-height: 90px;}}“We’ve heard from the community and closely analyzed data trends and opportunity gaps across the city,” said Dr. Nia Imani Fields, Executive Director of GreenLight Fund Baltimore. “First Step Staffing is well positioned to make a meaningful impact by removing barriers to work, from transportation to housing stability, and helping Baltimoreans achieve long-term self-sufficiency.”
State and business leaders echoed the importance of the investment. Maryland State SenatorCory V. McCrayhighlighted the role of cross-sector collaboration in driving progress.
“We’re proud of the momentum happening across our city—from new schools and libraries to pathways to homeownership,” McCray said. “At the same time, real progress requires public leadership working in partnership with grassroots organizations, businesses, and philanthropy. GreenLight Fund Baltimore’s investment in First Step Staffing reflects that kind of intentional collaboration.”
@media ( min-width: 300px ){.newspack_global_ad.scaip-2{min-height: 100px;}}@media ( min-width: 728px ){.newspack_global_ad.scaip-2{min-height: 90px;}}GreenLight Fund Baltimore has announced a $600,000 investment to bring First Step Staffing to the city. Photo Courtesy of GreenLight FundGreenLight Fund Baltimore has announced a $600,000 investment to bring First Step Staffing to the city. Photo Courtesy of GreenLight FundGreenLight Fund Baltimore has announced a $600,000 investment to bring First Step Staffing to the city. Photo Courtesy of GreenLight FundBaltimore’s strong logistics sector also played a role in the decision. The city ranks among the top five U.S. cities for logistics, driven by the Port of Baltimore and nearby rail assets. Logistics is one of First Step Staffing’s leading employer sectors nationally, positioning the organization to connect residents with high-demand jobs in a growing industry.
First Step Staffing was founded in Atlanta and now operates in six cities, employing an average of 8,000 individuals annually. The organization was recently recognized byForbesfor its national impact in economic mobility and job retention.
Local business leaders see alignment between the nonprofit’s approach and regional economic priorities. “First Step Staffing’s model strengthens the connection between employer needs and talent pipelines,” said Mark Anthony Thomas, President and CEO of theGreater Baltimore Committee. “I’m encouraged by their commitment and look forward to the positive impact for families and businesses across our community.”
@media ( min-width: 300px ){.newspack_global_ad.scaip-3{min-height: 100px;}}@media ( min-width: 728px ){.newspack_global_ad.scaip-3{min-height: 90px;}}Amelia Nickerson, CEO of First Step Staffing, emphasized the organization’s mission-driven approach. “Baltimore is a city with extraordinary talent and resilience,” she said. “Access to immediate, reliable employment is foundational to economic stability. With the support of GreenLight Fund Baltimore and our community partners, we’re excited to bring a model that restores dignity and creates real pathways to long-term success.”
The organization’s sustainability model has also drawn strong support from funders. More than 90 percent of First Step Staffing’s local budget is generated through earned income from employer contracts.Truist Foundation, a longtime supporter of both GreenLight Fund and First Step Staffing, praised the expansion into Baltimore.
“First Step’s proven wraparound approach—from reliable transportation to ongoing job coaching—will help employers fill critical roles while creating pathways to long-term stability for communities throughout Baltimore,” said Lynette Bell, head of philanthropy and president of the Truist Foundation.
@media ( min-width: 300px ){.newspack_global_ad.scaip-4{min-height: 100px;}}@media ( min-width: 728px ){.newspack_global_ad.scaip-4{min-height: 90px;}}GreenLight Fund Baltimore’s investment followed a year-long, community-driven selection process involving residents, local organizations, and a Selection Advisory Council. With employer contracts already secured, First Step Staffing is now searching for a local leader and a permanent Baltimore location, with continued support from GreenLight Fund to ensure the model is deeply rooted in the community.
As Baltimore continues to address workforce access, housing stability, and economic mobility, leaders say the launch of First Step Staffing represents a significant step toward inclusive prosperity—one job at a time.
