April 10, 2025

CRC Partners With Bridges Baltimore To Provide Life-Altering Resources And Support To Baltimore City Youth

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BALTIMORE, MD (April 10, 2025) – Baltimore City resident Adrian Phillips does not remember exactly why he decided to enter the Bridges program while attending Coldstream Park Elementary School as an 11-year-old fifth grader. But now, as a ninth grade English teacher at St. Frances Academy, as well as Director of the Dr. Kirk P. Gaddy Youth and Community Center, he acknowledges that his more than 10-year experience in the program represented a turning point in his life and helped to shape and define his career.

“My cousins were several years into the Bridges program, and they talked about the positive experience and how it introduced them to situations they otherwise would not have been exposed to,” Phillips said. “It is easy for the student of today to become isolated from society, with the distraction of video games, the Internet, and the feeling of unsafety on the streets. Bridges provided me with a guided approach with team activities that forced me to have social interaction with my peers and teachers. I can now appreciate how much the program progressed me into the professional that I am today, and I now pass on these lessons to my students. Bridges was a true difference-maker.”

Success stories such as this influenced Continental Realty Corporation (CRC), a full-service commercial real estate and investment company based in Baltimore, to become involved with Bridges Baltimore. Last year, CRC’s Service Manager Antonio Hughes addressed Bridges’ students during an educational session held at Loyola University.

“CRC has been involved with Bridges for four years, and our participation provides the rare opportunity to raise awareness in the community about the possibility of careers in the building trades and multifamily industry,” Hughes explained. “High school students generally are not thinking about becoming an HVAC technician, but our goal is to demonstrate that they can take a different path that sets them up for a stable and rewarding career. A college education does not need to be a prerequisite for a position that can sustain a family. Many of our jobs offer a housing discount, which is also a tremendous benefit.”

CRC also provides high school students with the experience of observing the behind-the-scenes operations of a commercial real estate development firm with a focus on maintenance and management. “It is always an eye-opening experience for those students who believe real estate only involves buying and selling properties,” Hughes said.

Amy Asuquo, Senior Director, Multifamily Property Management is CRC’s liaison to Bridges.

Bridges Baltimore’s Executive Director Rob Paymer explains that the non-profit organization recruits program participants starting at nine years of age and works with them until they are in their mid-20s. One of the goals of the program is to provide real-world experiences that can help shape their future career choices. Bridges Baltimore is funded by multiple foundations, corporations, and individuals. It has formed corporate partnerships with BGE, Brown Advisory, Martin Marietta, and many other companies that provide various career exposure opportunities, including internships and shadow-work days.

Bridges works year-round with 440 Baltimore City youth ages 9-23 and more than engages 350 independent school students from its four independent school partner locations – The St. Paul’s Schools, Gilman School, The Bryn Mawr School, and McDonogh School. Its 13-year program model provides summer enrichment, resources for school success, and school placement support.

“Our mission is to support the long-term success of Baltimore City youth and provide life-changing opportunities for independent school students,” said Paymer. “Ultimately, we aim to help Baltimore youth find consistent success from elementary through high school, graduate from high school and college, and enter fulfilling careers that lead to financial security.”

“Attending Bridges at The St. Paul’s Schools gave me renewed drive and the stimulating school environment made me a more serious and motivated student,” Phillips said.

“Other than sports, young people have trouble determining what they are good at, and there is the belief that effort is actually better than talent,” Hughes added. “It is important to always go above and beyond what is expected, give maximum effort, and to not cheat yourself. Young people learn that on the athletic field, and it is important to emphasize the importance of this when it comes to a career. Our goal is to help students find their purpose.”

“Career Access Partners like Continental Realty Corporation provide critical support to Bridges’ high school and college students who are in the exploration phase of their career searches,” Paymer added. “Opportunities like field trips to visit the office space, career shadow days pairing a student with an employee for the day, and hearing from Antonio during the career speaker series in the Summer Jobs Program provide important exposure to industries and career pathways in the Baltimore area.”

Paymer further says that it is important for students to understand that multiple pathways exist to a successful career. Bridges is committed to helping place each student on the path that is the strongest and best fit for them as an individual, whether that means college or another route to career readiness.

“Success in school opens doors and helps to chart a course to careers that match students’ interests and provide financial security for them and their families,” Paymer said. “We are very grateful for our Career Access Partners who help create meaningful career exposure opportunities for the Bridges students.”

Headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland and founded in 1960, Continental Realty Corporation is a full-service commercial real estate and investment company focused on acquiring and operating retail and multifamily properties. The privately held firm owns and manages a diversified portfolio of retail centers consisting of approximately eight million square feet of commercial space and more than 10,000 apartment homes across 13 states, with a portfolio value exceeding $4 billion. For additional information, visit www.crcrealty.com.