History
Baltimorean Godfrey Molen grew up in northeast Baltimore and earned an undergraduate degree in information systems from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). He began his career as a contractor to the Federal Aviation Administration as a web programmer in Washington, DC. Later he joined Harrison Healthcare, Inc., a local firm that provides pharmacy-related services and medical supplies to assisted living facilities and adult day centers.
Career aspirations have not been his driving concern, however. Inspired by the teachings of his mother who stressed the joys of giving, Mr. Molen began a regular program of distributing goods – snacks, toiletries, water — to inner-city homeless individuals. In 2014, he took initial steps to establish a nonprofit organization that would provide and expand upon his practice of direct assistance to those in need.
In 2015, Mr. Molen fulfilled his dream of establishing a charitable organization in memory of his mother, Florence, when Friendly Loving Opportunities was incorporated as a nonprofit operating in the state of Maryland.
Today, supported by a board and benefitting from in-kind donations from corporate supporters, FLO continues its work on the streets of Baltimore. Mr. Molen and his board hope to broaden FLO’s services so that, one day, FLO can provide transitional and permanent housing to those experiencing hardship and hopelessness.
The Board of Directors of Friendly Loving Opportunities (FLO) is proud to announce that our President and Founder, Godfrey Molen was awarded Bishop P. Francis Murphy Social Ministry Recognition Award on March 4, 2017. In addition, on March 20, 2017, the City Council of Baltimore Resolution Award was bestowed upon Godfrey from Councilman Ryan Dorsey of the 3rd District. On April 1, 2017, the City of Baltimore Certificate of Recognition by the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office was conferred to exemplify his service and commitment to support the homeless and those in need in the Greater Baltimore Metro Area.
On November 10, 2018, the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office awarded FLO a Certificate of Recognition in support of FLO’s work in the community for the residents of Baltimore experiencing hardship at our 3rd Annual Winter Coat Drive and Wellness Fair.
On February 27th 2021, The John Hook Parish award was conferred to Godfrey to recognize FLO’s work to strengthen the community and his commitment to social ministry through direct service, and advocacy for those in need over an extended period of time by The Archdiocese of Baltimore at the 42nd Annual Social Ministry convocation.