Katie's Corner: A Note from Our Executive Director | | |
Spring is in full swing, and this week brings one of our most exciting moments of the year, Chocolate and Cheers. We’re proud to share that we’ve reached our goal of raising $65,000 in honor of 65 years. We look forward to celebrating together at this reimagined event and recognizing this year’s Excellence Award honorees.
Sapphire Alley, our silent auction, reflects the strength and generosity of this community. Thanks to our sponsors and donors, the auction features a wide range of items, including collaborative artwork created with local artists Lee Andersen and Brian Kennedy. We’re also proud to include pieces by Tonya, a talented young woman supported through our Employment programs. I’ve had the chance to see these works firsthand, and they are stunning.
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This week, we also launch our new membership drive alongside our FY25 Annual Report. Membership is open to all, and every gift strengthens our collective voice in advocacy, builds connection among families and staff, and expands access to training.
Thank you for showing up, for giving, and for being part of what comes next.
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More Businesses and Families
have partnered with us!
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We’d like to take another moment to give a heartfelt, enthusiastic THANK YOU to the incredible sponsors for our upcoming 65th Anniversary celebration on May 9. You truly helped us knock it out of the park!
Because of your generosity, we can continue to create meaningful opportunities and deliver vital programs and services for the people we support. You’re not just sponsors—you’re our village, a cornerstone of our mission. 💙
| | | A special round of applause also goes out to everyone who contributed to our Silent Auction. From unforgettable experiences and beautiful jewelry to bottles of wine, your generosity is the icing on the cake and will help make our first-ever Chocolate & Cheers sparkle from start to finish! | | |
Last but certainly not least, we’re thrilled to satisfy every sweet tooth thanks to Elkridge Furnace Inn, and Wild Imagination Bakery, and Alanna Reid.
After all, what’s Chocolate & Cheers without a little indulgence?
Your time, talent, and creativity added that extra sprinkle of magic, and we’re so grateful you shared your gifts with our community.
To our village: please check out their websites, reach out, and show them some love. Let’s keep the good going by supporting local and continuing to build a community of givers!
| | | Collaborative Art with a Military Mixed Media Artist | | | | |
What is art? It’s expression, connection, and the freedom to create something uniquely your own. Our recent art collaboration with mixed media artist Brian Kennedy was all that and more.
Known for his powerful work depicting military life, combat, and deployment in his artwork, Brian encouraged everyone to jump in with both feet and to not be afraid to make their mark. His advice for success stuck with us all: be someone who simply doesn’t give up. The result? A vibrant, colorful abstract piece that truly speaks volumes.
The finished piece will be exhibited and auctioned off at The Arc’s Chocolate & Cheers event on Saturday, May 9.
A little more about Brian: he is an American soldier and Afghanistan veteran who works across oil paint, acrylic, pencil, charcoal, oil pastels, and digital tools. Beyond his art, he’s built a career in cybersecurity and is the founder and manager of Iron Art, a graphic design and marketing company.
| | Thank you, Brian, for sharing your time, talent, and inspiration with our community! | | |
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“Art has the power to heal, to bridge divides, and to bring people together beyond words or skill. It invites us to share a piece of ourselves—honestly and without hesitation. In the end, this piece is more than paint on a canvas. It is a reflection of what happens when we choose to come together—when we embrace our differences, and create something meaningful side by side.”
-Brian Kennedy
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KARMA:
the universal principle of cause and effect, and implies that intentional thoughts, words, and actions create future consequences—good actions bring happiness
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Ice cream just makes people happy. And Good Karma Creamery lives up to its name.
They came to us with a simple goal: give back to their community. We were lucky to be part of that plan. Through one of their “ice cream drops,” they donated proceeds to support our work and sponsor our upcoming Chocolate and Cheers gala. They invited customers to bring cleaning supplies for our Supportive Housing homes. The response was huge. Seriously, it took multiple dolly trips to bring everything in!
They didn’t stop there. Their team visited The Arc and led an ice cream-making demo with people in our Day Program, who created their own flavors. Staff joined in too. Best Friday ever!
They show up. They give back. And they bring joy (and ice cream) with them. If Karma is real....they're getting it back tenfold! We are excited to see where this beautiful partnership goes next!
Thank you Good Karma!
| | | | Introduction to Employment (ITE) Program Update | | |
We are going places - and the sky’s the limit!
The Arc’s ITE participants have been hopping all around the Howard County, building valuable employment and life skills along the way.
Recently, with the guidance and mentorship of ITE Instructor LaTracha Reid, the people we support explored grocery shopping (and making lasagna!), learned how to dress for success, and gained insight into the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. They also discovered the different responsibilities at Whole Foods Market and even made a stop at the post office.
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LaTracha creates a positive, engaging environment for everyone and consistently goes above and beyond to ensure each individual feels valued, supported, and motivated.
Thank you, LaTracha, for championing their growth and independence and for helping them build meaningful connections in the community! (And congratulations to LaTracha for receiving an Excellence Award for Employee of the Year!)
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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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