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Katie's Corner:
A Note from Our Executive Director
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As we wrap up October, I’m excited to share some highlights from the past month at The Arc of Howard County.
We just concluded National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and it’s been inspiring to see the contributions of the people we support, lending their talents to meaningful jobs in our community. People like Jerry at Vytex Windows, Raquel at Weis Market, Michelle at Mission BBQ, and so many more, are making a real difference every day.
Our work on the marketing video continues, and we’re thrilled with how it’s coming together—it’s a wonderful way to share the stories of our programs and the people we support. We can’t wait to show you the final project.
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Another successful Strategic Plan Implementation meeting brought a few more “ducks in a row,” if you remember our visual reminder of placing rubber duckies along the boardroom window sill! These meetings are essential for keeping our goals on track, ensuring that every initiative—from program growth to staff development—aligns with our mission and delivers the greatest impact for the people we support.
We’ve also welcomed new team members across several teams—Person-Centered Planning, Development, Supportive Housing, and Meaningful Day—strengthening our ability to provide services and support. New team members with new ideas and fresh energy enhance the supports we provide.
And finally, as we move into fall, our annual Fall Appeal will be hitting mailboxes this week. This appeal highlights the possibility of the people we serve and the programs that help them thrive. Every gift—large or small—makes a real impact, and if you’ve already chosen to support us, thank you for being part of our village!
We have so much to be proud of, and I’m grateful to all of you—our supporters, volunteers, and staff—who make this work possible.
| | EMPLOYMENT IS FOR EVERYONE | | |
October celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and we're proud to celebrate our contributions to employing people with disabilities. This year’s theme, “Employment is for Everyone - Celebrating Value and Talent!” reflects the heart of our mission at The Arc of Howard County.
We attended a wonderful Howard County NDEAM event where County Executive Calvin Ball announced the launch of a disability hiring initiative and celebrated 80 years of the positive impact made by people with disabilities in the workforce.
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Throughout the month, we highlighted the achievements of people in our Meaningful Day and Supported Employment Programs, shared success stories, and continued to advocate for a community where everyone can contribute their talents.
While NDEAM has ended, our work continues year-round—helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities find meaningful employment and live full, connected lives.
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THANK YOU for standing with us in building an inclusive community
where everyone belongs.
| | Here is just a sample of the people supported in our Employment Program hard at work...and nailing it! | | |
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Meaningful Day Update
We’re always busy in our Day Program—whether we’re enjoying an ice cream social with the Howard County Police Department, visiting Weber’s Cider Mill Farm, or creating beautiful flower arrangements with our volunteer, Therese!
Lately, we’ve also been learning Spanish and French, so hola and bonjour to exploring new skills and cultures!
The crisp fall weather has us spending plenty of time outdoors. The people we support are truly falling in love with fall—tending to our garden, picking herbs, and soaking up the season.
We’re ready for all the autumn fun ahead, with Halloween parties and a Friendsgiving celebration on the horizon. Stay tuned for photos and highlights next month!
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A Home Filled with Love
When we walked up to the porch of the home where Josephine serves as the Manager, the charm was immediate—the front door framed by cheerful topiaries, bright pumpkins, and a festive autumn decoration. Inside, we couldn’t stop smiling as we moved from room to room, taking in the care and personality that fill every corner.
Thanks to funding from Howard County Department of Housing and Community Development, the newly renovated home is beautiful. Fall touches are everywhere, and the word “home” appears in many ways.
Josephine has supported sisters Janice and Carlotta for 14 years. This is their third home together, and their bond has only deepened. Recently, they welcomed a third roommate, Claudia—now lovingly called their sister.
The feeling of family shines through—from the cozy living room where they watch TV, to the big kitchen where they share meals, to the screened-in porch where they laugh and talk. Each woman’s room reflects her personality: Carlotta and Janice with their musical décor, and Claudia with Paris-inspired touches and Eiffel Tower bedding.
Josephine sees this as their home. The women follow a cleaning schedule, choose dinner menus, and help pick out décor (Hobby Lobby is their favorite). Though they’ve lived here less than a year, all three say they love it—and they can’t imagine life without Josephine, whom they call their daughter.
Each day, they bring her small gifts from The Arc’s Day Program—crafts, food they’ve made, or flowers they’ve arranged. When asked how it feels to receive these little tokens, Josephine smiled and said simply, “Love.”
Homes like this reflect what we are all about—creating spaces where people can live with dignity, independence, and belonging. Thanks to Josephine and her staff as well as community partners, the women have a home filled with love.
| | | JOIN THE CHOCOLATE AND CHEERS COMMITTEE! | | |
Come one, come all! We’re excited to announce our first-ever Chocolate and Cheers, a reimagined version of our beloved Chocolate Ball.
After pausing last year, we took a moment to create an event that ties to our mission, feels a little more casual, and still includes food, drinks, an awesome band, dancing, and more!
This year, the “Cheers” portion of the evening will incorporate what many of you remember as our Celebration of Excellence, honoring outstanding achievements in categories like Self-Advocate of the Year, Excellence in Employment, Excellence in the Community, Volunteer of the Year, and more.
The event promises to be a night to remember on May 9th at Laurel Park!
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Planning an event is always more fun with a team - if you're interested in sharing your skills, time, or ideas, we'd love to have you on the committee.
Email jsunday@archoward.org to join. The more the merrier!
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Our leadership team is committed to learning and growing, and this fall, several team members participated in exciting professional development opportunities.
Three staff members—the Director of Development, Accounting Supervisor, and a Program Manager—are currently attending the Maryland Conference of Executives (MCE) Leadership Program, an initiative of The Arc Maryland. After a two-day kickoff session earlier this year, they recently completed their second session and are on track to graduate in May 2026. This is a wonderful cohort of leadership across Maryland chapters of The Arc to learn about the history of The Arc, collaborate and connect, and step into their roles as leaders authentically.
Additionally, our leadership team attended the Maryland Association of Community Services (MACs) Conference, gaining insights into best practices, innovative programs, and strategies to strengthen our services.
These experiences equip our team to bring new ideas and approaches back to The Arc of Howard County, helping us better serve the people in our programs and advance our mission every day.
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Our Fall Appeal is Live!
This year we celebrate not IM-possible, but I'm possible. Together, we can expand the realm of what’s possible. Because of you, The Arc of Howard County transforms potential into lived possibility.
| | Looking for a fresh start? Become a Direct Professional! | | Look for more information on our upcoming HIRING EVENT on November 11 from 2-5 pm at The Arc of Howard County offices. We are actively seeking Direct Support Professionals, Meaningful Day Administrative Assistant and Meaningful Day/CDS Manager. | | |
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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