|
Katie's Corner: A Note from Our Executive Director
| |
|
Spring brings renewal and energy, and here at The Arc of Howard County, we’re feeling it in every corner of our work.
This season, we celebrate creativity through collaborative art projects that showcase the talent and spirit of our community, and honor outstanding advocates, volunteers, and other champions, through our Excellence Awards nominations.
We’re also grateful to our Chocolate and Cheers sponsors, whose support makes this signature event possible. As we enjoy this season of growth, your advocacy and engagement remain vital, especially as we work together to address proposed state budget cuts that could affect essential services.
Thank you for standing with us, for the people we serve, and for each other.
| | | | We invite you to listen and learn more about The Arc of Howard County’s history, mission, and how you can support our community in this Charity Charge podcast with our Executive Director, Katie Collins-Ihrke. | | Thank you to Our Chocolate & Cheers Partners | | | | |
Please join us in celebrating the incredible sponsors who are making Chocolate & Cheers possible!
We are truly honored to stand alongside such a passionate and committed group of champions.
Their generosity and belief in our mission fuels our continued work of creating opportunities, building connections, and changing lives in our I/DD community. We are proud to be 65 years old and going strong!
Please consider supporting our sponsors by visiting their businesses. We promise you – you can never go wrong with a company dedicated to making a difference.
| | | Would you like to be part of this inspiring community of supporters? Join us as a sponsor or a guest of Chocolate & Cheers and experience the joy of making a lasting impact here in Howard County! | | Collaborative Art with a Howard County Arts Icon | | |
|
We recently had the joy of partnering with the unstoppable Lee Anderson at her Interactive Art Museum, DoodleHATCH, for a meaningful art collaboration with the people we support.
Through this experience, those in our Day Program created self-portraits that reflected their individuality, creativity, and personal stories.
Lee has been incredibly gracious in guiding and accommodating our group. Thank you, Lee!
Lee will be transforming these portraits into unique works of art that celebrate each artist.
The finished artworks will be featured as a centerpiece of The Arc’s Chocolate & Cheers silent auction, Sapphire Alley.
| | |
Stay tuned as we share more from this inspiring collaboration, including a collaboration with artist, Brian Kennedy!
In the meantime, buy your tickets and join us at the Chocolate & Cheers on May 9 to see the artwork!
| | | | |
Drawing is a language just like words, math and music. Math is a way of describing the universe. Music communicates emotion. Drawing can communicate how we see ourselves....
We can redefine our life in a kinder way. Let these drawings remind you to 'communicate' your love for those in your care.
-Lee Andersen, B.Ed, MFA
| | | |
The State of Maryland's final budget includes approximately $126.9 million in total reductions to DDA. Of that, $62.25 million directly impacts community providers like The Arc:
- Dedicated Hours Policy Tightening — $27.1 million reduction Providers must now exhaust all shared hours before dedicated hours can be used for enhanced community integration. This changes how existing policy is implemented in practice.
- Across-the-Board Rate Reduction — $28.8 million reduction A 2% rate cut applies to all providers, including Coordinators of Community Services (CCS).
- Cap on Personal & Other Support Services — $6.35 million reduction Funding for these services is capped at 102%. When combined with the 2% rate cut above, this effectively brings rates back to 100% — eliminating any recent increases.
One Bright Spot
The House restored $23.1 million in General Funds through advocacy efforts, reducing what would have been an even deeper cut. This was the largest restoration in the state budget this year.
Bottom Line
These cuts will have real impacts on people receiving services, their families, and providers — even with the protections and restorations secured. The Arc of Howard County and our advocacy partners will continue to monitor the impacts.
| | In Solidarity For Our Community: We Won’t Go Back! | |
| |
|
On March 12, through rain, sleet, and snow, The Arc of Howard County stood alongside more than 1,000 advocates, families, individuals with I/DD, and supporters outside the State building to raise our collective voice against potential budget cuts.
Matthew, one of the people we support, was one of the many courageous voices who spoke that day.
| | | | |
We are honored to stand with this passionate and resilient community of advocates.
Together, we remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the essential services and supports that individuals and families rely on every day.
No matter what lies ahead, we will continue to advocate with strength, urgency, and unwavering resolve. This community deserves nothing less.
| |
Introducing Our New Licensed
Graduate Professional Counselor
| | |
Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Trevana Eades, our new Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC)! She will be overseeing our behavioral support services to enhance the quality of care for the people we support and to provide training and guidance to staff.
Trevana comes to The Arc of Howard County with over five years of experience providing compassionate, person-centered therapeutic services to youth and adolescents.
| | |
She has a strong background in trauma-informed care, individual and group therapy, and mental health education, and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Supervision at The Chicago School. Trevana previously earned her M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Bowie State University and her B.A. in Psychology from Bucknell University.
Before joining The Arc, Trevana worked as a School Therapist with Nexus Family Healing and as a Therapist with Therapeutic Empowerment & Wellness, where she developed personalized treatment plans, led mental health initiatives, and supported students and families during challenging times.
| | |
Known for her warmth, empathy, and creative problem-solving, Trevana is deeply committed to helping others thrive.
And with the addition of Trevana in her position, The Arc now proudly offers Behavioral Health Services for the first time - an exciting step forward for the people we support!
| |
Meaningful Day Program
Green was the color of the day at The Arc of Howard County on St. Patrick’s Day! Our Day Program participants celebrated it with creativity, music and lots of fun. They made their own green bracelets, enjoyed some sham-rocking moments with their favorite musical beats, and jumped into games that brought plenty of smiles and laughter.
| | |
Can you tell we like bracelets??
Our Day Program participants created bracelets. This time, the special occasion was themselves! Everyone got to select beads and colors of their own choice to reflect their personal style. The popular choice was a beaded name bracelet.
| | |
With March being Music Appreciation Month at The Arc, staff from our Transportation Department shared the beautiful music of their own cultures.
Ana shared popular music from El Salvador while also highlighting traditional dances, colorful attire, fun attractions, and delicious foods that are part of the country’s rich heritage.
Roxie introduced the spirit of Aloha – love, kindness and respect – and brought the beauty of Hawaiian music and culture to life. Through the graceful movements of the hula, she shared stories of the islands that celebrate nature, history and connection.
| |
A Decade of Service at Giant | |
We are proud of Amanda who have reached a remarkable milestone: 10 years of dedicated work at Giant Food!
Amanda consistently arrives at work each day prepared, focused, and determined to complete her assignments to the best of her ability.
| | |
|
With the support of her Employment Specialist, she continues to perform at her highest potential while on the job.
Her journey is a true testament to hard work and the power of inclusion.
| | | | You're admirable, Amanda! Thank you for your consistent hard work and commitment. Congratulations, and keep it going! | |
|
14 Years of Service at Home Depot | | Jason celebrated his 14th year of working at home Depot. We couldn't be more proud and excited! | | |
Jason was presented with a cake, balloons, and a card while surrounded by many devoted co-workers who have supported him over the years. Jason also received his official #14 year badge. His longtime buddy, Tony, got the honor of putting Jason's brand new badge onto his apron - a time honored Home Depot tradition!
Jason reflected on his achievement when the badge was presented to him. It was a very touching moment since it was the first anniversary without his devoted mom Marilyn.
| | | | Jason, you're the man! We are proud of who you are and all you have accomplished. Keep it up! | | |
PLACE HOLDER FOR CREEKBED STORY OR VIDEO. -- LETS' DISCUSS
| | Mission Moment and Value Award | | Congratulations to Michael, who is receiving this months' Mission Moment recognition. Michael is organized and ensures the people we support are active participants in their person-centered care plans. He connects frequently with families and makes himself available. More, he runs the beloved Book Club at The Arc, where books are a plenty, and seats are scarce. This meaningful activity has become popular, and gives the people we support a fun and interactive way to learn about new topics! Thank you for making our a mission a reality for so many! | |  | Our very fist Value Award recipient is Geraldine who supports Blanche with a fiery passion, commitment and staunch advocacy. Her person-centered approach runs deep, as seen in the way Blanche speaks up for herself, and thrives. Blanche is an involved decision maker in her own medical decisions, as well as in the things that are important to her. This is in thanks to Geraldine, who never speaks for Blanche. We are honored to recognize her for this important work. Words used to describe Geraldine: A Go-getter. A force to be reckoned with (especially when it comes to Blanche!) | | | |
The Arc of Howard County strives to achieve full community life for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities
-- one person at a time.
Achieve with us.
A copy of the current financial statement of The Arc of Howard County is available by writing 11735 Homewood Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21042 or by calling (410) 730-0638. Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Maryland Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis MD 21401, (410) 974-5534.
| | | | |
