October Newsletter 2026

Dear Individuals & Families,

As we settle into the fall season and October arrives, routines, schedules, and activities can begin to change. With school, appointments, community activities, holidays, and seasonal events happening throughout the month, it’s easy for important details to slip through the cracks.


As a friendly reminder, please let CCI, Inc. know if any of your contact information has changed.

This includes your:

  • Home address
  • Phone number
  • Email address

Keeping your information up to date helps ensure we can stay connected with you, share important updates, and provide the best possible support throughout the year.


Important Reminders:

As you enjoy the fall season and settle into your routines, we also want to remind you that your Direct Support Professional (DSP) should be with you at all times while they are clocked in and providing services. If your DSP is not with you, they should not be clocked in.


Your health, safety, and well-being are our highest priorities. If you ever have questions, concerns, or feel that services are not being provided appropriately, please let us know. We are here to support you and ensure you receive the quality services you deserve.


If you need to report changes to your contact information or have any questions or concerns, please contact Callie Kresser at ccicasemanager@gmail.com.


We wish everyone a safe, happy, and enjoyable October! We hope this fall season brings opportunities to enjoy the changing weather, participate in seasonal activities, connect with the community, and create meaningful experiences together.

Fall



Slowly the leaves on trees are turning into a crispy gold

Pumpkin spice follows you wherever you go. 

Now nights become slightly chillier 

And a few less birds chirp in the morning. 


Fall teaches

To let go—

Let go of this years burdens, 

Let go of what kept you down

As the leaves turn brown. 

Embrace something new, 

Something cozy to pursue

With a few candles

And a warm sweater…

Get ready for the chilly weather! 


Abbygail M


We're Now on Facebook!


Exciting news—CCI is officially on Facebook!

Stay connected with us by following our new page, where you'll find:

  • Photos from our community events and past picnics
  • The latest CCI news and announcements
  • Helpful resources for individuals, families, and staff
  • Updates on upcoming events and special activities
  • A closer look at the amazing moments happening throughout our CCI community


Click the link below to visit our Facebook page, give us a follow, and join our growing online community!


Cold and flu season is here!


Getting sick can be upsetting, but here are some ways you can protect yourself:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Don't forget to get your flu vaccine
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
  • Avoid being in close contact with others that are sick




Please remember to take steps to ensure your

health and safety!



QA Corner


National Disability Employment Awareness Month

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month! The theme this year is Celebrating Value and Talent. Learn more here: https://beta.dol.gov/programs-initiatives/ndeam


The history of NDEAM traces back to 1945, when it began as a weeklong recognition of people with physical disabilities. Later, NDEAM expanded to a full month and evolved to include all people with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions and other non-visible disabilities, acknowledging the importance of increasing their access to jobs.

Maryland is an Employment First state - supporting the belief that everyone, even those with the most significant disabilities, can work with the right supports. This belief creates possibility, opportunity, and expectation. Employment First is not a program or service. It is a shared belief that competitive integrated employment is the expectation for all.  Watch this short video to learn more about Employment First.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VfTugg-EOM

DID YOU KNOW....  

The Center for Community Inclusion, Inc, offers a variety of Employment Support Services to support people who want to work! 


Most people start with DISCOVERY, an in depth process to identify talents, interests, skills and supports needed at work, and help people develop a list of possible jobs and businesses to begin the job search. Once a person knows what kind of job they would like, we can assist with JOB DEVELOPMENT, helping you meet potential employers, complete applications and interviews and track your progress to get a job. Once you are working, we can assist you on the job and help you be successful, through drop in FOLLOW ALONG SUPPORTS or ON-GOING SUPPORTS.    


If you would like to learn more about Employment Services with CCI, Inc, please contact Laurie Lyons at 410-847-4572 or cciqamanager@gmail.com


Want to learn more about the Standing Committee?


The CCI, Inc. Standing Committee meets each quarter to review any policy changes, incidents, grievances

, and any actions that might restrict individual rights. The next meeting is on November 10 at 10am on Zoom.  Anyone can attend the meetings; if interested, reach out to Laurie Lyons, cciqamanager@gmail.com



Incident Reporting Reminder: 


Unfortunately, incidents can happen to anyone at any time - things like falls, injuries, trips to the Emergency Room or hospital, etc. happen, even when we are careful or in good health. If an incident occurs with the person receiving services from CCI, Inc. please make sure to report it to CCI right away.  Even if you are not sure if the situation qualifies as an "incident", please let us know and we can determine what next steps should occur. The information below helps you know what an incident is, and how to report it to CCI.  Please call CCI, Inc. if you have any questions about incidents. We have regulations for reporting certain incidents of a serious nature, and timely notification is extremely important.

*CCI, Inc. is not liability for any outside resources/ organizations.

Any cost incurred is sole responsibility of individual and/or DSP.

CCI, Inc. cannot be held responsibility for any associated or potential risks, liability and/or injury

Time to get spooky! Join Baltimore County Parks and Rec on October 10th for an early Halloween Costume Party. Dance with friends, enjoy some food, and decorate pumpkins! Costumes are not required, but strongly encouraged as there will be a costume contest.

Pre-registration is encouraged but not required.


When: Saturday, October 10th 6pm-10pm

Where: Sollers Point Multi-Purpose Center Auditorium

323 Sollers Point Rd Dundalk, MD 21222

Birdability Week takes place October 19–25, 2026, throughout Montgomery Parks! The week celebrates birds and the outdoors while promoting accessibility, inclusion, and enjoyable experiences for people of all abilities.

Featured activities include:



  • Birds & Bats & Beavers Pontoon Boat Cruise — Monday, October 19 | Black Hill Discovery Center
  • Guided Bird Walk with ASL Interpretation — Wednesday, October 21 | Meadowside Nature Center
  • Beginning Birding for Every Body! — Thursday, October 22 & Sunday, October 25 | Brookside Nature Center
  • Early Morning Pontoon Cruise — Friday, October 23 | Black Hill Discovery Center
  • Birding 101 — Friday, October 23 | Locust Grove Nature Center
  • Socials for 55+: Compostable Bird Feeders — Friday, October 23 | Tilden Woods Local Park Activity Building
  • Steal Their Look: A Birdy Fashion Show — Friday, October 23 | Meadowside Nature Center
  • Birdability Week Yoga: All Levels, All Bodies — Saturday, October 24 | Meadowside Nature Center
  • Make & Take: Pumpkin Bird Feeders — Saturday, October 24 | Brookside Nature Center
  • Birding Scavenger Hunt — October 19–25 | Locust Grove Nature Center | No registration required
  • Migration Bird Game — October 19–25 | Black Hill Discovery Center | No registration required


Registration for most programs opens August 10. Accommodations and accessibility supports are available through Montgomery Parks

Baltimore City Parks and Rec invites you to go back in time and sing your favorite 90s hits! On October 16th, enjoy the nostalgia of 90s karaoke, socialize, and enjoy some refreshments at the Farring-Baybrook Rec Center.


When: Friday, October 16th 10:20am-1pm

Where: Farring-Baybrook Recreation Center

4501 Farring Ct Brooklyn, MD 21225

MEDICAID Renewal Process for Individual


Please make sure to assist your individual when it's time to renew their Medicaid. It is vital that they renew in time to ensure their services continue without any disruption.

Their Service Coordinator will help with the process, but please ensure the following:

1.) Make Sure their contact information is up to date

2.) Help them check their mail

3.) Complete and return all forms and documents right away

4.) Help with their renewal, make sure there is clear

communication with their Service Coordinator.


Did you know we offer Discovery for Employment Services?

Discovery (Milestones 1–3) is a short-term, person-centered service, typically completed within 90 days designed to identify your strengths, interests, and ideal work environment. Each milestone is completed and documented as an individual step, ensuring a clear and personalized path forward. Let us help you find the job that truly fits you!

CCI, Inc. offers every Individual we serve an opportunity to complete Discovery 1-3 process with CCI, Inc. Discovery 1-3 is DDA funded service that helps Individuals explore their interests and abilities as those may help them consider any type of community employment options in future and broaden their community integration horizons.


For more information, contact Case Manager Callie Kresser.


Health Status Update


If you have any changes to your health? (like a new diagnosis, starting a new medication, or changes to diet)


Please be sure to notify Case Manager, Callie Kresser at

443-379- 2902/ccicasemanger@gmail.com to document the changes.