MESSAGE FROM THE CEO, Kevin Drumheller

Dear Friends and Family,

As we step into the vibrant, crisp days of October, I’m filled with gratitude for the incredible community we’ve built together. The autumn season reminds us of change and growth. This time of year brings opportunities to reflect on the progress we've made and look ahead to the exciting initiatives yet to come. From enriching programs to inspiring success stories, our focus remains on empowering the individuals we support to lead fulfilling and independent lives.

October is also a month for connection and celebration. We’re thrilled to announce some upcoming events where you can engage with Richcroft more closely.

Thank you for your continued dedication. Together, we’re making happiness happen every day!

All my best,

Kevin

Meet Richcroft's

Director of Clinical Services

Jen Fritsch

Jen Fritsch brings over 35 years of experience in the field as the inaugural Director of Clinical Services for Richcroft. Jen is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who has dedicated her career to serving and enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. 

Jen began her career as a direct support professional for Georgetown University after completing her B.A. in Psychology from Washington College. She honed her skills and developed her career path while working at the Chimes, Inc. as a behavior analyst and then quality assurance director. Concurrently, Jen completed her M.A. in Community Counseling from Towson University and then launched her own business providing counseling, training and behavior consultations in the Baltimore region. For the last 18 years she served as the Director of Clinical Services for Aspire Living and Learning in Maryland.

Jen is excited to join the Richcroft team, build the clinical services department, and assist each person in living their best life.

E-Badge Academy Class

Richcroft is excited to announce the Kick Off of our Third E-Badge Academy Class!

Out of 61 applicants, 30 Direct Support Professionals were selected to participate in the academy. To achieve the Certification level of DSP-1, class participants must complete 50 hours of Online Learning, earn 15 E-badges, and show competency in Safety, Crisis Prevention and Intervention, Health and Wellness and Person-Centered Practices. Graduates will receive a pay increase for each Certification they receive. Graduates will also receive a $1,000 bonus for each level certification they receive!

Thank you to our Special Guest at October 18th's Kick off Celebration for the Ebadge Academy, John Raffael, Director of Educational Services for the NADSP, joining us virtually from New York.

Congratulations to this year's class and thank you for the difference you are making in the lives of the people we support and serve!

#VotingRightsAreHumanRights

Kelsey Casts Her Vote

Do YOU Know Your Voting Rights?

Richcroft's new Advocacy Group, led by Richcroft's Revenue Specialist Jessie Xander, worked hard to make sure that people supported by Richcroft, knew their voting rights.

Covered were:

• Voting rights for individuals with disabilities (Voter Bill of Rights, including the right to vote, the importance of voting as a strong act of advocacy for both self and the I/DD community, civic duty, the power of the disability vote).
• Accommodations available to make voting accessible to people with disabilities.
• Options on casting your ballot.
• The importance of getting non-partisan information on the candidates.
• The importance of knowing your voting plans, including where one is going to vote, how/when (mail-in, early, regular election day)
• Discussed what accommodations a person may want to take advantage of to make voting accessible, etc.

Richcroft Attends

Recreational Therapy Conference

The American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) Annual Conference is a gathering of recreational therapists that takes place annually. The 2024 ATRA Annual Conference was held in Kansas City, Missouri from October 12–15, 2024 at the KC Marriott Country Club Plaza. This year's conference theme was "Together We Thrive, Together We Rise".

Rachel Kollasch, Director of Community Development Services and Case Manager, Anastasia Pyzik, (both certified Recreational Therapists) were honored to represent Richcroft at this year's conference. "I'm excited that we will be using what we have learned and the connections we have made to enhance our CDS program at Richcroft", states Kollasch. "Continued growth, connecting with others in the field, including those who are working in research, is invaluable to our services!"

OUR SIGNATURE FUNDRAISER IS BACK!

We are excited to announce the plans for the 2nd annual Raise a Glass with Richcroft, our signature fundraising event!!

Save the date and plan to join us on Friday, May 9, 2025 from 6:00 - 10:00 pm at the beautiful Boordy Vineyards as we raise awareness and funds to support the mission of Richcroft and enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Maryland.

Be entertained by Maryland's own, and nationally recognized (The Voice Season 3 Contestant) singer and musician, Nelly's Echo!

Sponsorship Opportunities Available

Visit our event webpage for more details.

RICHCROFT, INC. WILL BE RELOCATING OUR

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS TO

LOVETON BUSINESS PARK IN SPARKS, MARYLAND.

Coming in the Spring of 2025!

This move will provide better access to our offices, will allow our administrative team to all be on one floor, and will not affect any daily operations of Richcroft.



Stay Tuned - We are so excited for all of the

innovative, inclusive ideas and programs

we have planned for our new space!