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Katie's Corner:
A Note from Our Executive Director
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As we head into fall, I’m filled with a deep sense of pride and gratitude for the incredible community that surrounds The Arc of Howard County.
Our recent golf fundraiser was a tremendous success, not just because of the funds raised, but because of the people who showed up. What stood out most was the overwhelming support from our community and the dedication of our Executive Team, staff, and Board Members, many of whom volunteered their time to make the event run seamlessly. Your commitment reminds us that we are never doing this work alone.
One of the highlights of the month was selecting the recipient of the Amanda and Jill Dean DSP Award, Millyanne Mudibo. This award, made possible through the generosity of The Dean Family, honors outstanding Direct Support Professionals. What’s truly remarkable this year is the number of nominations we received. It was inspiring to read how deeply our DSPs are appreciated by both families and colleagues. It’s a testament to the heart and dedication of our team, and we couldn’t be more proud.
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October brings us National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time to celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities and the importance of inclusive workplaces. We’re excited to highlight stories, visit homes, and continue getting to know the amazing people we support, and the staff who work tirelessly to uplift them every day.
As we approach the holiday season, we also prepare for our Annual Appeal. Our donors play a critical role in helping us carry out our mission, and we are so thankful for every dollar given. Your generosity fuels the programs, services, and personal connections that make a lasting impact.
Let’s finish the year strong—together.
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You Chipped In!
We had an incredible day on September 12th at Waverly Woods, with beautiful golfing weather, nearly 100 golfers, and more than 20 volunteers!
This was our most successful golf fundraiser in years, and we couldn’t have done it without the generous support of our sponsors, community advocates, and an amazing team of volunteers, from our Executive Team and Directors, DSPs, Board Members, and even the people we support, who enthusiastically delivered water and snacks to golfers throughout the day.
A special shout-out to Tim Kelley from Sandy Spring Bank from and Ken Plantz for going above and beyond with planning, hauling, and rallying foursomes—thank you!
We were also honored to welcome Raul Delerme, Howard County Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, who kicked off the event with meaningful words and a reminder that we can’t do this important work alone.
And of course, Chick-fil-A didn’t disappoint—The Cow made a fun appearance to help hand out raffle prizes, and they generously donated delicious boxed lunches for all attendees!
We’re already looking forward to next year—mark your calendars for September 18, 2026!
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Staff Appreciation Week
As promised, we showered our incredible staff with appreciation during Staff Appreciation Week!
Goody bags filled with The Arc swag and heartfelt notes of gratitude were distributed, some were even hand-delivered by members of our leadership team to staff working in our supported homes. Staff also received a cash bonus in recognition of their dedication and hard work throughout the year. A banner was proudly hung outside our Homewood offices, and it’s still up—because we celebrate our staff every day, not just one week out of the year.
One of the week’s highlights was Food Truck Day with Anegada Delights! Staff enjoyed a delicious lunch on a sunny day and took time to relax and reconnect with colleagues.
Our Board of Directors also expressed their deep appreciation for the dedication and hard work of our team—the people who do the real, boots-on-the-ground work every day.
Each staff member plays a vital role in a finely tuned system that supports more than 230 people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities here at The Arc of Howard County. This work is about helping one person at a time live a full, meaningful life in the community and it wouldn’t be possible without our team.
To our staff: we see you, we value you, and we thank you.
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Congratulations to Millyanne Mudibo: The 2025Amanda and Jill Dean Award Recipient!
We are thrilled to announce Millyanne Mudibo as the 2025 recipient of the Amanda and Jill Dean Direct Support Award, presented annually at the Community Foundation of Howard County's Celebration of Philanthropy in December. This honor includes a $1,000 cash gift, made possible through the generosity of Richard and Carol Dean, in honor of their daughters of Amanda and Jill. The award recognizes an exceptional Direct Support Professional at The Arc of Howard County and Millyanne exemplifies excellence in every sense.
She brings thoughtfulness, patience, and advocacy to everything she does. Whether she’s training team members on personalized behavior plans or advocating for consistent transportation and respectful communication, Millyanne always centers the needs and dignity of the people she supports.
She fosters choice, autonomy, and trust, creating an environment where people feel safe and empowered. Her collaboration with families and colleagues demonstrates a deep commitment to holistic, person-centered support. Even while balancing the responsibilities of family life, Millyanne remains present, responsive, and deeply dedicated to her role.
Please join us in congratulating Millyanne on this well-deserved recognition. Her work embodies the heart of our mission, and we are so proud to celebrate her.
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Project SEARCH
is Officially Underway!
On August 20, interns and their families came together in the classroom to complete onboarding paperwork and celebrate the start of this new journey. This year, we proudly welcome eight interns to the program, and as of August 25, they have begun exploring job sites that align with their unique skills and interests including eight sites within county government and five at the hospital.
The past few weeks have been full of site tours, hospital orientations, onboarding sessions, lunches, and meet-and-greets, and we’re thrilled to announce that all interns have now been matched with their first rotation! Five of the eight interns have already rolled out to their job sites and are showing enough independence for staff to begin fading support, while the remaining three will begin their rotations on Monday, September 15.
It has been an energizing start, and we can’t wait to see the growth and success this year will bring!
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A Shout out to Lorna!
This month, we’re doing something a little different. Instead of sharing updates from multiple homes, we’re shining the spotlight on just one because this home truly stands out.
We kept hearing about the warm, cozy feeling in a particular house managed by Lorna—someone described by many as loving, a natural leader, and someone whose management style is simply laudable (we do love our alliteration!) Lorna supports Jeffrey, Robert, and Timothy, and we had to go see for ourselves.
The moment we stepped inside, we could feel the care and intention that’s gone into the space. The home is tidy, welcoming, and personal, a reflection of those who live there. Artwork created by Jeffrey, Robert, and Timothy adorns the walls and is proudly displayed in the hutch. Potted plants in the windows add life and warmth, while the immaculate galley kitchen features a stylish backsplash behind the stove.
Every corner of the home has been thoughtfully arranged—from the coffee table with built-in storage for games to the cozy couches and matching throw pillows that tie in with the resident artists own artwork. A big-screen TV sits ready for sports viewing (a favorite pastime), and curtains hang in soft swags throughout the rooms.
Out back, there’s a charming deck overlooking a garden where the housemates grow tomatoes, peppers, pumpkins, and herbs which they often use when preparing meals together. Each bedroom is decorated to reflect the individual personality and preferences of its occupant, and the shared living spaces include design elements chosen by all three.
When we sat down to talk with Lorna, her passion for her work was unmistakable. She travels a significant distance to and from the home each day and has done so for over 10 years—a true testament to her dedication. Her mission is simple but powerful: to make the house feel like home, and to do it in full partnership with the people who live there. Everyone contributes by handling daily tasks like vacuuming, sweeping, taking out the trash, and cleaning up after meals. Through her guidance and encouragement, Lorna has helped create a space Jeffrey, Robert, and Timothy are truly proud to call their own.
The relationships in the home are strong and lasting. Together, they’ve taken trips to places like North Carolina, Florida, and even Jamaica memories that speak to the depth of connection and joy shared in this household.
And Lorna isn’t done dreaming. She’s already planning how to transform the basement into a more usable space. Will it become a home gym, a relaxing den, or maybe a spot to store and work on their bikes? Whatever it becomes, we’re confident Lorna will make it amazing.
Lorna doesn’t see disability—she sees people, and believes they deserve nothing less than a full, rich, and beautiful life. Thanks to her, that vision is reality in this home.
If you are interested in learning more about The Arc's Supportive Housing Services, contact Brenda Sackandy, Assistant Director of Person Centered Planning at bsackandy@archoward.org or by calling (240) 213-6714.
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We're making a video!
We had an exciting day of filming this month as we kicked off production for a brand-new marketing video for The Arc of Howard County!
We’re thrilled to be working with Dan Adler of Catapult Image, who is helping us bring this project to life. So far, we’ve filmed interviews with several members of our leadership team, capturing powerful insights about our mission and the incredible work being done every day. Afterward, we headed over to the Day Program to capture some vibrant, behind-the-scenes footage—and it was a blast! The energy, joy, and connection were all on full display, and we can’t wait to share it with you.
There’s still more to come! We’ll be filming next at one of our supported homes and at Vytex Windows, where we’ll spotlight Jerry, a valued employee in our Supported Employment program. We’re so excited to see the final product and share the story of The Arc through the voices and faces that make our work so meaningful. Stay tuned!
| | | Meaningful Day Highlights | | Just in case you haven’t been keeping up with us on Facebook, we’ve had some exciting and engaging activities happening in our Day Program this month! There’s always something meaningful and fun happening at The Arc of Howard County. We love creating experiences that spark joy and connection. | Above: We also welcomed Echoes of Nature, who brought some fascinating animal guests including owls, snakes, rabbits, and more! The people we support were curious, engaged, and full of great questions as they learned about these amazing creatures. | | Below: Our Book Club is in full swing, and this month’s pick is "Who Is Dolly Parton?"—a big hit! Led by our awesome staff, Michael, the club has become so popular that we’re running out of seats! It’s more than just reading, it’s about building community, sharing ideas, and creating a true sense of belonging. | | |
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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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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