Katie's Corner: A Note from Our Executive Director | |
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Each month brings a chance to reflect on our work and prepare for what’s ahead.
Last month, we recognized Black History Month and honor the leaders, advocates, and community members whose contributions continue to strengthen our communities and expand opportunity.
We also attended Developmental Disabilities Day in Annapolis with a large group of staff, DSPs and people we support. This special day reminds us that the voices of people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities belong in every conversation that affects their lives. Advocacy, visibility, and presence are more important than ever.
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That momentum carries us forward. Sponsorships are coming in for Chocolate and Cheers on May 9, and we would love to see you there. Any unused tickets included with a sponsorship will be raffled off to the people we support, so they can join in the fun and celebration.
I am also very happy to welcome Angie Harris as our new Director of Operations. We are thrilled to have her join our team. Welcome, Angie. The impact you see each month is the result of dedicated staff and a community that believes in inclusion. Thank you for being part of that effort.
| | Nominate Someone for The Arc’s Excellence Awards! | | |
Celebration of Excellence has always mattered because it puts people, not programs, at the center of our mission. It recognizes those who show up, speak up, and move inclusion forward every day.
This year, we are carrying that tradition into Chocolate and Cheers on May 9!
We are asking our community to help us do what we cannot do alone. Nominate the people who make this work real.
Your nomination matters. If we do not hear from you, these stories stay untold. Recognition builds visibility, reinforces values, and shows people with IDD and their allies that their efforts are seen and respected.
Take a few minutes to nominate someone who deserves to be celebrated. This is how we lift up the champions in our community and ensure their impact does not go unnoticed.
Next step: Submit a nomination today and help shape who we honor on May 9.
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DD Day in Annapolis:
#TheseAreOurLives #SaveDDServices
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On February 18, staff and the people supported by The Arc of Howard County stood in solidarity with The Autism Society of Maryland and united with fellow advocates to protect developmental disabilities services during Developmental Disabilities Day in Annapolis.
“No to budget cuts! No to institutionalization! Yes to Medicaid and quality of life!” was the powerful rallying cry of Richard, a man we support, who spoke at the event. He has been traveling to Annapolis for more than 15 years to make his voice heard.
DD Day in Annapolis matters because policy decisions directly affect the daily lives of people like Richard and their families. This day ensures that those most impacted are present, visible, and heard.
It brings self-advocates, families, providers, and allies together to speak directly with lawmakers about what works, what doesn’t, and what is needed next. It is one of the few opportunities where lived experience shapes policy priorities in real time.
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This year is especially challenging for the disability community
due to the proposed $150 million budget cut.
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If enacted, it would threaten access to the services that help people thrive in the community.
That’s why we personally met with legislators and their staff to strengthen advocacy efforts for critical funding and policy protections.
| | | Following a powerful DD Day in Annapolis, the proposed state budget has now been released and the outlook is concerning. The cuts under consideration would directly impact people with developmental disabilities and the community providers who support them. | | |
Now is the time to speak up. If these budget proposals move forward without changes, people will be hurt and access to community supports will be at risk.
Please put your message in your own words.
Personal stories and lived experiences matter most.
Contact your State Senator and Delegate and urge them to protect funding for community services. You can also amplify this message by sharing it with your networks on social media. Together, we can protect funding, defend community services, and ensure people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities continue to have access to the quality of life they deserve.
To stay abreast of advocacy opportunities this legislative session, subscribe to The Arc Maryland's Annapolis Insider. If you are unsure who represents you, you can find your State Senator and Delegate here: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/District
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The Arc Staff Update
As part of our Staff Appreciation Initiative, we hosted a Hot Chocolate Bar to recognize and celebrate our incredible team! Staff were invited to take a break, warm up, and customize their own cup of hot chocolate with a variety of fun toppings. From whipped cream and peppermint syrup to marshmallows and cookie crumbles, everyone had the chance to create a sweet treat just the way they like it.
But more than just a delicious pick-me-up, the Hot Chocolate Bar was a small but heartfelt way to show appreciation. To The Arc staff, THANK YOU for working tirelessly each day to advance our mission and support the people we serve with compassion and dedication!
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Meaningful Day Program
Our Day Program celebrated both Black History Month and Valentine’s Day with interactive and joyful activities! In honor of Black History Month, staff and the people we support researched and presented on the lives and accomplishments of influential Black leaders, artists, and changemakers such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Gladys West and Stevie Wonder.
Our staff went above and beyond, dressing up as these real life heroes, and giving presentations that sparked thoughtful conversations, encouraged learning, and gave everyone an opportunity to reflect on the lasting impact of Black excellence throughout history and today.
| | We love love! So of course, we celebrated Valentine’s Day with creativity and fun! The day was filled with activities like creating handmade cards, singing, baking, gift giving, and some self-care. It was a wonderful way to express friendship, build connections, and celebrate the supportive community we share together. | |
Opportunity + Support = Success
We are excited and proud to celebrate the successes and achievements of the incredible people we support! Their hard work, determination, and growth remind us of what’s possible when opportunity and support come together.
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We’re proud to celebrate Colin (pictured, middle) for graduating from the Certified Logistics Associate/Technician (CLA/CLT) Program through Howard Community College Workforce Development!
These scholarship-based training opportunities are awarded to qualified individuals and provide valuable skills for career growth and success. Colin, your hard work and dedication truly paid off!
We also want to give a big shoutout to Bhavik (no photo) for reaching this milestone as well. Not only that, Bhavik is now doing his externship at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center!
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Dan recently celebrated 10 years of dedicated service at Giant, where he works as a Courtesy Clerk. A decade of committed work is no small feat! Good job, Dan!
Dan’s responsibilities include greeting customers and bagging groceries. He is well loved by both his team and customers, who consistently provide positive feedback about his friendly attitude and excellent service. His commitment and professionalism truly make a difference.
| Austin, currently employed at Nissan as an Automobile Technician, is actively working toward becoming fully certified with Nissan. We are so impressed by his hard work, determination and focus! In a short period of time, Austin independently completed a portion of his training and earned his Nissan Warranty Certification. He has stepped up to take on warranty vehicle repairs and continues progressing toward full certification. | | | |
| | Did you know that we have a writer in the house? Say hello to our budding author Tori (pictured, left)! He recently met and interviewed local author Adam Chuchwell on what it takes to go from drafting to publishing a book. Great job, Tori! We can’t wait to see your books on the shelves someday! | | | | |
Every visit to one of our supported homes makes one thing clear. There is real affection between residents and the staff who support them.
Our recent visit to the Joey home was no exception. Jasmine, the Direct Support Manager, supports George, John, and William. She has worked in the home for more than three years, first as a Direct Support Professional and now in her current role. The trust she shares with the men is immediate and genuine. She cares for them the way she cared for her own uncle.
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George, John, and William have known each other for more than 30 years. They once worked together in a factory and now share a home that feels familiar and safe. Jasmine is intentional about meeting their needs, noting they've worked hard throughout their lives. John sums it up simply. “Jasmine gets us whatever we need.”
One moment stands out to Jasmine. While shoe shopping with the guys, John became overheated. As she helped him cool down and talked through shoe options, a stranger
stopped to comment on their relationship. They told her how obvious it was that she cared deeply for the men she was supporting.
| |  | “I love the guys,” Jasmine says. “They are all different, but they mesh. I have a different bond with each one, and those bonds have grown over the years.” | |
That care shows throughout the home. It is clean, welcoming, and filled with personal touches that reflect the men’s interests, from cars to sports memorabilia. A credenza filled with photos from vacations, Ravens games, and Orioles games stands as a cornerstone of the home.
Whether it is grocery shopping, eating out, visiting girlfriends, or daily errands, Jasmine makes sure the men stay active and connected. At home, they help with chores and enjoy meals together around the table.
The rhythm of the house is comfortable and familial. That care is what turns a house into a true place of belonging.
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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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