Donald Quarles

Helping people overcome their “hurts, habits and hangups”, Donald is a beacon of light in his community.

Donald envisioned a place of community respite in his west Baltimore neighborhood. With the support of Nature Sacred and Bon Secours Community Works, he made his dream a reality. Kirby Lane continues to be a safe space, a space of healing, hope and joy for the neighborhood, thanks to Donald’s passion and love for his community.

A 40 year resident of the block, Donald came to Baltimore when his mother moved his family from rural Alabama. A bird watcher, cook, and the head of his church’s community outreach ministry, he remembers what this block used to be: “We had many businesses and all the families would play baseball in Kirby Lane Alley.” During that period, Donald worked in the famous Belvedere Hotel as a cook and later worked at the Social Security Administration’s kitchen. Like the neighborhood, he had his trials in the 1980’s. A natural leader and diplomat, Donald has collaborated with many partners to bring attention, resources, and change to the block. To improve the block Donald orchestrated the creation of Kirby Lane Park and the Serenity Garden at Kirby Lane Park to restore it to a gathering place. Nestled under giant shade trees, the Serenity Garden is an outdoor space for relaxation.