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Katie's Corner:
A Note from Our Executive Director
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It’s hard to believe, but summer has already hit the halfway mark! As we enjoy the remaining sunny summer days, we’re also reflecting on the exciting things happening here at The Arc.
We’re thrilled to welcome Mary “Kate” Ohl as our new Director of Supportive Housing. Her passion and experience are a perfect fit for our mission, and we’re excited for the leadership she will bring to this vital program.
Don’t forget—there are only a few spots left for our upcoming golf tournament - Chip in for Change! It’s always a great day on the greens in support of a great cause.
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We’re also delighted to share some sweet news: Chocolate and Cheers, our new signature event, will take the place of our annual Chocolate Ball! With a fresh venue and renewed energy, we’re excited to bring this beloved fundraiser back to our core mission—helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieve full lives in their community.
As we approach our The Arc of Howard County's 65th year in operation, we honor the parents who founded this organization in 1961 and all the advocates who have fought for inclusion, equity, and opportunity. Their work paved the way for the vibrant, connected community we are today.
Thank you for being part of our journey—past, present, and future!
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Welcome Kate Ohl!
We are excited to welcome Mary Kate Ohl—who prefers to go by Kate—as our new Supportive Housing Services Director. Kate brings over 25 years of residential experience with other DDA providers and is deeply passionate about supporting people with I/DD. She is committed to ensuring the best possible outcomes for each individual and is grateful for the opportunity to join The Arc. Kate is eager to dig into the work and build lasting, meaningful relationships within The Arc village!
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Westlake Ace Hardware
Round Up
When a community partner reaches out to say they’re raising funds on our behalf, we get all the warm fuzzies! We’re so grateful that this month, Westlake Ace Hardware locations—at both Baltimore National Pike/Route 40 in the Turf Valley area and McGaw Road in Columbia—are hosting a donation Round-Up from August 25 through September 27.
It’s the perfect time to grab end-of-summer goodies, prep for fall yardwork and firepit season, and finally tackle those home improvement projects that didn’t quite happen over the summer.
Thank you, Ace!
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More than just a melody
We’ve been making music in our Day Program—singing, dancing, and feeling the healing power of music, especially on days when it’s too hot to be outside! Music is an incredible tool. It helps us communicate and express emotions, and it can have a calming effect or help manage anxiety.
Our dance parties promote social skills, collaboration, and a sense of belonging, all while building motor skills as we boogie to the beat. Not to get too “sciencey,” but when someone responds to music, the cognitive stimulation in the prefrontal cortex can actually help strengthen the neurons responsible for decision-making, problem-solving, and impulse control.
So let’s keep dancing and singing!
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| A Quick Update from Homewood Road | |
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We often share updates about our programs, but we thought it was time to highlight some of the exciting changes happening right here in our Homewood offices. From fresh paint and new furniture to tech upgrades and website improvements, we’re thrilled about the progress we’re making!
Brightening Our Spaces
All of the rooms used in our Day Programs have received a fresh coat of paint in cheerful, vibrant colors that align with The Arc's signature orange, yellow, and purple. These updates have truly brightened the environment! We’re not stopping there — plans are in place to extend the painting to our executive offices, board room, café, and hallways.
Computer Lab Update
You may have heard about our new computer lab, and we’re excited to share more progress! The room has been painted, and new furniture is on its way. We’ve already received a custom adaptive desk generously built and donated by a local Eagle Scout. Once the furniture is installed, we’ll begin purchasing and setting up new computers, printers, and a Smart Board— made possible by a grant from the Howard County Government.
Technology Improvements
We’ve partnered with Chisel and Brand to revamp our website, and production is underway on a long-overdue marketing video with Catapult Image. On the transportation side, we’ve implemented a new telematics system. This includes GPS software, in-vehicle hardware, a fleet management portal, driver apps, and even Wi-Fi hotspots. These upgrades will streamline our operations, improve vehicle maintenance, and enhance safety for everyone we transport.
Stay tuned for more updates - there's a lot more to come!
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Community Development
When it’s too hot for outdoor pool time, the indoor pool at Columbia Association really comes in clutch! DSP Marci was looking for creative ways to beat the heat and remembered the passes we have to the Columbia Swim Center. Jill, Randi, and Cindy enjoyed a refreshing swim—blowing bubbles, relaxing in the water, and feeling calm and comfortable. A perfect way to cool off and unwind!
| | | Community Living Highlights | | People who receive Supportive Housing Services have had a great summer! We'd like to share how the people we support are fully experiencing what our community has to offer from O's games, to horse Farms, from concerts to flower picking . | Michele picks flowers for the dining room table vase, while Ivy enjoys her very first concert! | | John and George visit City Ranch to groom horses, and William joins them for an O's game! | |
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Jamaican me Jealous
People from our Community Living supported homes were able to vacation in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and we wish we could have joined them! This amazing opportunity was an unforgettable experience, and they came back with great stories and memories to last a lifetime! Pictured: David and Daniel relax on the beach. David river rafting with the fabulous DSP's who accompanied them, and Cornell enjoys a fresh coconut!!
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B-I-N-G-O
Janice, Carlotta, and Judy Rose are enjoying some Bingo. Speaking of BINGO, we recently learned a great new acronym for the word that we really took to heart! And it doesn't have anything to do with a farmer who had a dog! We basically play BINGO every day!!
B- Building
I - Inclusion
N- Nurturing
G- Great
O- Outcomes
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We are pleased to announce that we have a date and venue for our rebranded annual gala, Chocolate and Cheers.
When: May 9, 2026.
Where: At the eclectic and cozy, yet sprawling Terrace at the Maryland Jockey Club at Laurel Park.
What: A great time with food, drinks, chocolate, dancing, a Celebration of 65 Years of Excellence!
We can't wait to celebrate with you!
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We’re excited to share that planning is underway for our annual golf fundraiser, Chip In for Change, taking place on September 12 at Waverly Woods Golf Club. It’s more than just a day on the green — it’s a celebration of progress, possibility, and the power of community.
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DONATE TODAY!
Consider making a meaningful donation to The Arc of Howard County. Your contributions and support enhance our efforts to advocate for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families.
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Membership
Look for more information on focused efforts in the coming months on increasing membership. We can’t do it alone! Think about what it would mean to become a member. Strong membership for our chapter makes our collective voice more powerful as we navigate new changes to federal and state budgets!
People served by The Arc, their family members, staff, volunteers, members of the community, local businesses and other nonprofits are all encouraged to join The Friends of The Arc. When public funding is not enough, we depend on contributions from memberships to help us continue to provide our services.
By joining our network of more than 140,000 members and 730 affiliated chapters across the country, you become connected to the largest grassroots movement to protect the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Members work together to ensure that sufficient resources are available to meet the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in every community in our nation.
Members of The Arc of Howard County automatically receive membership to The Arc Maryland and The Arc United States. More information coming soon!
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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.
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