Forecast to employ 1100 people who have faced barriers to employment

Baltimore, MD – January 15, 2026 – GreenLight Fund Baltimore makes a $600,000 investment to bring First Step Staffing, a nonprofit employment agency, to Baltimore. First Step Staffing helps individuals with barriers to employment secure stable jobs within 72 hours of orientation to achieve self-sufficiency. First Step Staffing will provide immediate work placement through employer staffing contracts, offering transportation and support services to promote long-term workforce success and upskilling certification opportunities. Beginning this spring and over the next five years, First Step Staffing aims to provide 1,100 Baltimoreans with jobs, valued at $15.9 million in wages.

Baltimore’s unemployment rate is 5.6%, notably higher than the Maryland average of 4.3% (MOED, 2025). At the same time, since 2023, there has been a 19% increase in homelessness amongst families with children in Baltimore City, displaying the connected challenges residents face in securing employment and, in turn, maintaining stable housing (Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, 2025).

Dr. Nia Imani Fields, GreenLight Fund Baltimore Executive Directorshares, “We’ve heard from the community and have taken the time to analyze data trends and opportunity gaps across the city. We believe First Step Staffing is well positioned to make a meaningful impact in Baltimore’s ecosystem through job placement and barrier removal. Getting Baltimoreans with limited transportation options to and from work and providing housing supports to ensure families can remain housed is critical, and First Step Staffing has evidence of success in these spaces.”

First Step staffing joins Baltimore at an exciting time in the city. “We’re proud of the momentum happening across our city – new schools, libraries, parks, programs, and pathways to homeownership that residents can see and feel,” said Maryland State Senator Cory V. McCray. “At the same time, we’re clear-eyed about the work that still needs to be done. Real progress requires public leadership working in partnership with grassroots organizations, businesses, and philanthropy – focused on outcomes for residents. GreenLight Fund Baltimore’s investment in First Step Staffing reflects that kind of intentional collaboration, creating real job opportunities and pathways to stability for people across the city.”

Baltimore ranks as a top five U.S. city for the logistics industry due to the strength of the Port of Baltimore and nearby rail assets. The logistics industry is one of First Step Staffing’s leading employer contracts across the country, enabling First Step Staffing to connect Baltimore residents to high-demand employment opportunities within the growing industry.

First Step Staffing first launched in Atlanta and was recently highlighted in Forbes for their national impact in the economic mobility and job retention space, employing an average of 8,000 individuals annually across six cities. Creating meaningful pathways to work is essential for Baltimore’s economic strength and opportunity.

First Step Staffing’s approach aligns with GBC’s BLocal vision by strengthening the alignment between employer needs and talent pipelines across the region. “I’m encouraged by their commitment and look forward to the positive impact they will have for families and businesses throughout our community,” stated Mark Anthony Thomas, President & CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee.

“Baltimore is a city with extraordinary talent and resilience, and we believe access to immediate, reliable employment is foundational to economic stability,” said Amelia Nickerson, CEO of First Step Staffing. “With the support of GreenLight Fund Baltimore and our community partners, we’re excited to bring a model that removes barriers to work, restores dignity, and creates real pathways to long-term success.”

First Step Staffing is a nonprofit organization with a social enterprise model. Over 90% of their local budget is earned income from employer contracts, indicating their strong positioning for sustainability in Baltimore. Truist Foundation, a GreenLight Fund supporter and longtime partner of First Step Staffing, echoes this. “Truist Foundation is thrilled to support GreenLight Fund and is excited that they will be working with First Step Staffing,” said Lynette Bell, Truist’s Head of Philanthropy and president of the Truist Foundation. “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.”

GreenLight Fund Baltimore’s investment in First Step Staffing was informed by a year-long community-driven selection process that included a Selection Advisory Council, residents, and local community based organizations.

Stacey Van Horn, Senior Program Director at the T. Rowe Price Foundation and a GreenLight Fund Baltimore Selection Advisory Council member shared, “First Step Staffing’s proven approach complements Baltimore’s existing workforce development ecosystem. I was impressed by the First Step Staffing team’s enthusiasm and the number of exploratory conversations they had with prospective employers in the Baltimore area.”

First Step Staffing, with employer contracts already secured, is projected to begin employing city residents in Baltimore this spring. The organization has begun the search for a local leader and a prime Baltimore location, with continued support from GreenLight Fund Baltimore to ensure the model is grounded in the community.

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