Dundalk Renaissance Blog

In a world filled with countless photographs, it takes a unique perspective to stand out. Photographer Jamie-Leigh Bissett brings a refreshing and offbeat approach to her art, capturing both people and landscapes in a way that reflects their true essence.  Jamie-Leigh's artistic roots can be traced back to her childhood. Growing up in a family that valued various artistic pursuits, she was exposed to a diverse range of creative outlets. From baking with her mom and grandmother to playing instruments with her uncle, artistry flowed through her veins. It was her boyfriend Steve, now husband, who gifted her a camera for [...]

Barbara Bustard's creations are a reflection of her passion for bright colors, spreading joy, and embracing diversity. Her upcoming exhibition this June at the Gallery @ the Forge is titled "Over the Rainbow" and will run from June 8-July 13.   Barbara Bustard's journey as an artist is intertwined with a beautiful love story. She met her partner, Judith, at church, and over time, their friendship blossomed into something more. On a memorable Palm Sunday in 2015, they realized the depth of their connection and decided to embark on a lifelong journey together. Their marriage on August 28, 2016 marked the beginning [...]

This year, Dundalk Renaissance is offering $10,000 Home Buyer Grants; free financial fitness, tenant and landlord rights and foreclosure workshops; business development counseling and free state and federal tax intake to qualifying households. Home Buyer Grants and Classes Ten $10,000 home buyer grants will be available to future Dundalk home owners starting January 1, 2023.  The five year-forgivable loan is a continuation of our existing Dundalk-wide home buyer grant program and is funded the Baltimore Regional Neighborhood Initiative.  “With the increasing interest rate and home sale prices, the need to increase our home buyer grant was obvious,” Tasha Gresham James, executive [...]

Meet Valerie Rivera-Maldonado, Dundalk Renaissance’s new program manager.  Valerie joined our team at the end of 2022. As a native Puerto Rican professional, she has dedicated over six years of her career to facilitate access to services among Hispanic communities in the non-profit and government sectors. In Maryland, she worked at Esperanza Center and most recently at Leadership Howard County, working collaboratively in the development of initiatives that serve diverse communities.   As part of her new role, Valerie will assist in translating and adapting educational materials for individuals and households engaging in our housing and financial counseling programs while engaging [...]

Jennifer Smutek is a Dundalk local whose passion for art started as a child.    “My favorite toy as a child was a pretend polaroid camera; and, by the time I was 8, I knew I wanted to be a professional photographer,” Jennifer said. Her father, Mike, purchased her toy camera and then a real camera for her to learn on.  Her childhood passion led her to seriously pursue the craft in high school and later at the Community College of Baltimore County.  She established a photography business in 2007 that focused primarily on portraits.  The pandemic shifted the way she viewed [...]

We’re excited to welcome Stevie Mosley to our team.  Stevie will be out in the community as our community engagement coordinator. You’re likely to see him at tabling events or around the neighborhoods helping Dundalk’s neighborhood associations reach their residents.  Stevie is a people person and can’t wait to help the Dundalk community. “I look forward to meeting new people with the potential of learning from them in return,” Stevie said.  When looking for a new job, Stevie knew he wanted to work somewhere meaningful. He decided to apply to Dundalk Renaissance because of our extensive community and housing work. Stevie [...]

We’re excited to welcome Lisa Wright to our team as our new housing counselor. Lisa will assist Sonya Dease, our housing and financial counselor, in our housing initiatives work.  She will be available for one-on-one counseling; help manage our Dundalk-wide grant program and assist in our home buyer education classes. When asked why she wanted to join our team, Lisa said “I loved the Dundalk Renaissance mission: Mobilizing people to invest in greater Dundalk neighborhoods and quality of life.” Lisa wants to help individuals and families purchase homes and stay in them.  “I love the feeling of helping individuals and families [...]

Barbara Bustard is a local artist who attended Dundalk Elementary School, Dundalk Middle School, Dundalk High School. She received an AA degree from CCBC Dundalk and is a graduate of Notre Dame University of Maryland with a BA Degree in Religious Studies and Art. “I may not have identified myself as an artist, but I have been an artist as long as I can remember.  As a child, I wrote poems all the time,” Barbara said.  “Art was always in me.” Barbara’s love of art and artistic interest cover a wide array of artistic endeavors. She’s created art in many forms, [...]

Tasha Gresham-James started at Dundalk Renaissance as an administrative assistant nearly eight years ago. She moved on to become our housing initiatives manager and, eventually, our executive director.  "One of my favorite parts of working at Dundalk Renaissance is our connection to the community and to people. Some days you don't see how much we positively impact lives and other days you see how our help has changed someone's life." She said.  She cites our Senior Home Repair, which she was instrumental in developing and implementing, as one of her top accomplishments. "I am proud of our Senior Home Repair/BCAUSE programs have expanded our [...]