We’re proud to recognize Open Works Baltimore as the Community Partner of the Month. Read on to learn more about Open Works, and their experience as an MVLS Community Partner.

How long have you been in existence, and what is your organization’s mission?  
Open Works is a nonprofit makerspace founded in 2016 with a mission to make tools, technology, and the knowledge to use them accessible to all. 

What/who/how do you serve your community?
We provide studio space, access to tools, technical education for all ages, and community fabrication services. We show up for community in a lot of ways, from supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses to making PPE for frontline workers during the pandemic.

Why do you think it’s important to work with a legal services program, like MVLS? 
We are not just a makerspace — we’re also a kind of community center. We host neighborhood meetings, we have a great coffee shop, offer free outdoor wi-fi, are a CSA pick up spot, employ a number of neighborhood residents — so partnering with good folks like MVLS to bring services into the community is a natural alignment.