Baltimore Reads'
annual Phantom Ball™
is an event which does NOT
actually occur.

It is our organization's
primary annual fundraiser.

2010 marks the beginning of
our 3rd Decade for hosting
the Phantom Ball!  

Baltimore Reads occupies a unique niche among local literacy providers by offering both English as a Second Language (ESL), and Adult Basic Education (ABE) as well as GED Preparation classes. Using Master Teachers to teach students and train or mentor part-time instructors and community-based volunteers also gives distinction to our programs.


Educationally challenged adults often are reluctant to travel to classes because their academic deficiencies are embarrassing for them. Student retention and level gains increase when programs are delivered in the familiar and convenient surroundings of a student’s own neighborhood. In 2009, Baltimore Reads' instructional team developed a portable classroom curriculum, enabling teachers to deliver our reading, math and ESL programs into a range of neighborhoods. With adequate funding, Baltimore Reads’ portable classrooms can continue to expand literacy services throughout Baltimore City.


For more information about Baltimore Reads, check out our main website at www.baltimorereads.org.  For more information about sponsorship opportunities, call us at 410-752-3595 or email phantomball@baltimorereads.org.

Meet Ivan. a Baltimore Reads' success story...

I left school when I was seventeen years old. I was a little confused back then.

I still remember my older brother's words when he said to me, "Ivan, you are never going to amount to anything, Look at your life, it's a mess."

But when 2006 arrived, I came up with a strong decision to find a school in order to get my GED. I went to the Waverly library and while there found some names and addresses of some institutions that serve this purpose. I think it was a gut feeling that led me to choose Baltimore Reads, where I was kindly welcomed.

I was working six days a week at the time and I arranged to take my classes on my day off. And this is when I found the support of my teachers. I was on my way to the final test when I was diagnosed with cancer.

This event made me change my plans and I had to leave the Baltimore Reads program. I had surgery and then underwent a long process of chemotherapy and radiation treatment.  It was during the treatment process, when I stopped by one day to say hello, that Ms. Edwards encouraged me to take the test -- which I did, passing five of the courses.

I spent that summer working on math, and I developed a daily routine of working carefully on every area. My opportunity to take the math section came last January 2008, and I passed the test.

Being a cancer survivor, at least for the moment, and getting my GED is possibly not much in today's world. But it certainly gives me peace, happiness and satisfaction.

Thank you, Baltimore Reads for your help, for your guidance, and for your assistance. And also thank you to all those who make Baltimore Reads a reality. God bless you.