APRIL IS AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH!

The League for People with Disabilities is committed to offering individuals the opportunity to gain independence, to increase self-sufficiency, and to improve the quality of life.

My League Story, Youth Autism Services: Dennis D.

The following story was submitted by the Director of The League's Youth Autism Services Program, Willie Smith, Jr.

From the moment he first walked through our doors, Dennis has embodied the spirit of growth, resilience, and an unyielding eagerness to learn.

Like many new participants in the Youth Autism Services Program (YAS), Dennis was a bit reserved when he first joined us, taking cautious steps into an unfamiliar environment. But with the unwavering support, encouragement, and love from our dedicated team, he found his place within the YAS family. Over time, we watched in awe as his confidence blossomed. Now, when Dennis enters our program, he does so with a radiant energy—his head held high, a big smile on his face, and a warm greeting for everyone he meets. He not only knows the names of his peers and instructors, but he also actively engages with them, initiating conversations and forming genuine connections.

One of our favorite moments each day is Dennis's arrival because he never fails to share a snippet of his world with us. Whether his day at school was exciting, frustrating, hilarious, or just “meh,” he shares it wholeheartedly, making us feel like a part of his journey. His openness and willingness to express himself are just a few of the many qualities that make him shine.

Dennis's growth doesn’t stop there—he embraces every opportunity to learn and push beyond his comfort zone. He approaches new experiences with an open heart and a determined mindset, constantly surprising us with his willingness to step up, take initiative, and even step into leadership roles during the program. Seeing him grow into a leader among his peers is nothing short of inspiring.

But Dennis's journey is not his alone. Behind his success is the unwavering love and dedication of his mother, whose support is evident in everything he does. The time, effort, and care she pours into nurturing his growth complement the work we do here, creating a powerful foundation for his continued success.

“We are endlessly proud of Dennis—

the young man he is today and the one he is becoming."

His story is a testament to what’s possible with patience, encouragement, and a belief in oneself. And if his journey so far is any indication, we can’t wait to see all the incredible things he will accomplish in the future!

Learn About The League's Youth Autism Services

Tastes, Toasts, & Triumphs was a Triumph!

We hosted Tastes, Toasts, & Triumphs, an evening to benefit The League, on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore!

All proceeds from the event support the critical services offered at The League.

Watch the Evening's Program

Spring Program Updates

Members of The League's SCALE Aphasia Program are focusing on personal health advocacy by listing different health professional titles, role playing scenarios, and researching tools to track their health.

Participants in the Adult Medical Day Program created paintings in the style of different artistic movements for Tastes, Toasts, & Triumphs' Online Auction. Proceeds from the auction are directly supporting League programs!

More than 400 guests at CLUB1111 are enjoying the 10-year Anniversary celebrations that every month brings! They are being treated to new merchandise and accessories, specialty mocktails, exclusive temporary tattoos, and festive wardrobe prompts.

On Sunday, March 30th, participants and staff members from the Meaningful Day Program attended St. Elizabeth School's Bull, Shrimp, & Oyster Roast in support of their community partner. They even saw some familiar faces volunteering at the event!

League Employees Kick Off Baseball Season!

On Friday March 28th, The League's Employee Culture Committee hosted an Orioles Grand Slam Celebration for staff members to kick off the start of baseball season! Staff members enjoyed games, music, stadium concessions, hotdogs from Don's Dogs, and a homerun of a giveaway from Fanataics!

Explore Career Opportunities with The League

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month!

Through the hands-on support of our volunteers, participants in our programs have expressed themselves through creative projects, filled the elevated outdoor garden beds with vegetables and herbs, practiced important interview skills to earn their dream jobs, bonded over mocktails at CLUB1111, and more!

On the heels of Tastes, Toasts, & Triumphs, we especially want to thank our Board of Directors for their direction and leadership, our Event Committee for their creativity and dedication, and our event volunteers for their helpfulness and positivity!

Our individual volunteers, corporate partnerships, and networks of connections with volunteers make The League's mission possible. If you, your school, company, or organization is interested in making a difference with The League, please contact Kait Wieler, Manager, Community Engagement, at kwieler@leagueforpeople.org.

Get Involved with Us

Upcoming Events

APRIL 22-24

Come and get your hands dirty with our avid horticulturalists for an annual spruce up of The League’s outdoor garden and courtyard, which are essential parts of our campus used for many of our programs. Our Mindful Giving Wishlist of supplies is live and ready for you to dig your hands into to support these beautification projects just ahead of Earth Day!

Purchase Supplies

JUNE 2-6

Express your creativity alongside our participants and celebrate masterpieces from our ongoing Art Therapy sessions. At the Summer Art Soiree, you can create something alongside a participant served by The League, or support their on-going creativity at our closing Soiree Showcase. You can purchase art supplies or volunteer for the event!

Volunteer for the Art Soiree

A Concluding Note from Our President & CEO

Dear Friends of The League,

These April showers haven't dampened our spirits at The League! Operations in our thirteen programs and services are ramping up for warmer and sunnier weather on the horizon.

Many of the participants in our Meaningful Day Programs are eagerly anticipating the return to our outdoor volunteer sites where they can dig their hands into the soil and meaningful work! Without these important local partners, the adults in our programs would not have constructive ways to enrich Baltimore. I invite you to watch our 2025 Showcase Video to learn more about the ways that we are working and playing hard together in our communities.

Lastly, I want to thank everyone who contributed to the success of Tastes, Toasts, & Triumphs! It was an impactful evening that introduced our work to many, and reinforced our mission for even more. I'd like to extend my gratitude to the evening's sponsors, tasting partners, and our Community Partner Honorees, Helping Up Mission and T. Rowe Price! Together, we are making a difference!

I am looking forward to celebrating The League's 98th birthday at the end of this month with our employees, participants, and supporters! Our impact is one of independence, self-sufficiency, and joy for thousands of people of all abilities. I hope to keep our momentum strong as we approach our centennial in 2027!

Take care, and be well!

Sincerely,