Caroline Center was founded in 1996 with the mission to assist unemployed and underemployed women to acquire the discipline, knowledge, and skills necessary to find work in a career with potential for growth and advancement, thus creating a future of hope for themselves and their families.  Sponsored by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, Caroline Center is named for Mother Caroline Friess, SSND who started a school in 1847 for girls on the very site where the center is located. 

Since opening its doors on October 14, 1996, more than 1500 women have taken part in Caroline Center’s programs which include employment readiness, skills training, career support services, and GED tutoring. Skills training is offered in culinary arts, certified nursing assistant, pharmacy technician, and upholstery.  All 5 programs prepare graduates for certification in their respective fields, thus providing them with an added advantage towards obtaining employment upon graduation. 

A milestone for Caroline Center occurred in June, 2005 when Caroline Center Upholstery won “First Runner-up” in the prestigious Yale-Goldman Sachs National Business Plan Competition for Non-Profit Ventures.  With business plan in hand, Caroline Upholstery began to branch out and assist Caroline Center to work towards increased self-sufficiency.  On August 29, 2006, Caroline Upholstery moved to a new location, 1212 N. Wolfe St.  Caroline Center now exists in two locations!

Today, as it enters its next decade, Caroline Center is continuing to fulfill this mission not only in the East Baltimore community where it is located, but also throughout the larger Baltimore metropolitan community.  Through its multi-faceted programs, dedicated staff, involved business partners, generous donors, and most all the women who come to its doors with a commitment to work hard, Caroline Center is a success.

Caroline Center is a 501(c)3 organization.