Baltimore mentors want to ensure ‘Safe Passage’ to school. Nearby businesses say violence, disruption is frequent.

Standing on a corner near Cross Street Market in early January, Willie Darden’s watchful eye scanned a group of Baltimore high school students walking toward the public bus stop. Darden mentors students through the Movement Team, one of five community-based organizations involved in the city’s “Safe Passage Baltimore” program. The program helps kids commute safely to and from school and prevents ...