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. | |
Our League Story, Community Development Services | |
Every Monday morning, Holly, Ricky, Robbie, and Justin arrive at the McDonald’s on Frederick Road in Catonsville to start their day. But they aren’t there to order a McGriddle – each adult in The League’s newly-established Community Development Services (CDS) Program has arranged their mobility ride so that they can meet at the restaurant and then travel together to a Patapsco Horse Farm operated by the Maryland Council for Special Equestrians (MCSE). | At about 9:30, they collect their packed lunches and leave the Golden Arches to head to the scenic grounds of the Patapsco Horse Farm and begin their volunteer work. A typical Monday morning schedule of farm chores includes sanitizing the water troughs, hosing down the indoor riding arena, sweeping the stable halls, cleaning the outdoor riding arena, and corralling the roaming goats. Holly, Ricky, Robbie, and Justin agree to divide and conquer the tasks expediently so that they can spend more time completing their favorite activity: grooming and interacting with the gentle retired horses. | |
With a combined experience of over 25 years in the field, the MCSE team is dedicated to providing enriching equine-facilitated therapies to children and adults with disabilities. Their career-based vocational training aligns with our Meaningful Day Services goals by fostering self-esteem and confidence through hands-on equine facility skills. The MCSE program operates in conjunction with the Baltimore County Recreation and Parks Therapeutic Recreation Services as a fully accessible facility and nonprofit organization. |  | The League’s collaboration with MCSE was suggested by CDS participant Justin based on his prior experience with the farm and genuine love of animals. Even when shoveling waste from the outdoor riding arena, he gushes about how happy he is to be caring for the horses on a continuous basis. The fresh air and vast expanse of tree-lined fields bring a sense of peace and purpose to the animals, volunteers, and adults with disabilities. Community partnership opportunities like these are mutually beneficial to the organization and the men and women in The League’s programs. | |
The applied experience bolsters independence, endorses self-sufficiency, and improves the overall quality of life for everyone involved. | |
End of Summer Program Highlights | |
Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Attended CLUB1111! | |
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Royalty graced the building at August’s CLUB1111 when Chandra Smith, then Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2023, came to dance with Board members Terri Seitz Parrish and Janice Jackson. The trio partied and mingled with over 300 guests from all over the DMV Region. Congratulations to Chandra for recently winning the national Ms. Wheelchair pageant in Grand Rapids Michigan and being crowned Ms. Wheelchair America 2024 and thank you to the volunteers who made her experience at CLUB1111 memorable!
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Kids with Autism Visited Ravens Training Camp! | |
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On Friday, August 18th, children in the Youth Autism Services Program visited The Ravens Training Camp in Owings Mills to watch the team practice and meet their sports heroes thanks to the generosity of Senior Coordinator, Community Relations, Drew Meyer. Sports play a big role in the recreational activities at The League because they provide avenues for wellness, strategy, communication, dexterity, and teamwork.
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Everyone really enjoyed themselves at the camp but for Kaliel, a teenager in our afterschool program, the experience was transformative. Kaliel loves sports and is typically very reserved in his mannerisms; however, at the training camp, his support counselors noticed that he became more animated in his conversations and engaged in his surroundings. He called out players, cheered (loudly), mimicked their warm-ups, and even knew some of the plays! Everyone who knows Kaliel was excited to see this transformation manifest even further and help him grow. This past Sunday, Kaliel and five of his support staff watched the Ravens defeat the Texans from the Upper Deck of M&T Bank Stadium! Thank you again to Drew Meyer for making it possible for this Ravens fan to cheer on his favorite team at the stadium!
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MS Day Members Increased Membership and Wanderlust! | |
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Since June, 5 new individuals have joined the MS Day Program! They are very excited to move into their expanded space over at Orchard Tree Lane in the next few months. Last week, the group started a new art project that involves creating a scrapbook of artwork depicting each participant’s favorite place. In Week 1, each member designed “inspiration pages” for Jamaica in honor of John’s favorite place.
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Meaningful Day Hosted a Brunch! | |
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Adults in the Meaningful Day and Adult Medical Day Programs held a brunch on Friday, August 11th where they watched the documentary Crip Camp and enjoyed a buffet of French toast. Participants and staff members led an in-depth discussion about the film and were able to connect over the topic of disability equality and self-advocacy. Everyone looked dashing in white as they spent the day together eating, chatting, and taking pictures.
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Recurring giving is one of the simplest ways to stay engaged with The League. If you join the GEM (Give Every Month) Club, not only will you be continuously supporting social interaction, skill-building, and advocacy efforts for individuals with disabilities, but you will also receive exclusive League news updates and opportunities for interaction with the adults and youth that we support. For $20 a month, you can help cover the cost of luncheons and celebrations where meaningful connections are made.
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The League is an Employer of Choice! | |
Any way you slice it, The League has an AMAZING staff! The Employee Culture Committee celebrated Watermelon Day earlier in August with a buffet of watermelon treats and music. Employees stopped by and filled their plates with watermelon, candy, and cookies. | |
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Several volunteers came together to make the Youth Autism Services’ Back-to-School Drive a resounding triumph for the children in the program! Board Chair Mindy Geppi and fellow Board Member Dr. Oyediran joined individuals in the assembly of supplies for the upcoming school year. Volunteers from Amazon and First Financial Federal Credit Union pulled their efforts in stuffing all of the backpacks so that every child has the tools needed for successful learning.
Corporate partnerships are important to the vitality of our programs because they enable our staff to produce large-scale events and activities for the participants. If your company is interested in volunteering at The League, please reach out to Kait Wieler, Volunteer Coordinator, at kwieler@leagueforpeople.org.
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The League would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the generous benefactors of the Hettleman Golboro Endowment Fund for designating the funds to the supplies drive! | |
Fall Fashion at The League's Storefront | | |
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Fall is the season of layering. When the morning chill burns off with the afternoon sun, you need that one piece of clothing that satisfies that typical Maryland weather. What better way to dress comfortably than with a lightweight League triblend hoodie? You will be prompted to set up a username and password to access the Storefront and can have your purchases mailed directly to you or shipped to The League’s main campus at Cold Spring Lane for pick up for no additional cost. | |
Mark Your Calendar for the Active Together Challenge! | |
Save the Date for Tastes, Toasts, & Triumphs! | |
A Concluding Note from Our President & CEO | |
Dear Friends of The League, | |
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With the start of the new school year, summertime is coming to a bittersweet end. As the children with autism get back into their school routines and adults in the Meaningful Day Program begin their fall semester at CCBC, The League has resumed its routines in all of our programs as we have planned for a fall full of activities for our participants, staff, volunteers, and donors.
Though the seasons are changing, some things remain constant at The League. Participants in our Adult Medical Day, SCALE Aphasia, and MS Day Programs are still getting together for stimulating social activities and spending time outside when the weather allows. Participants and community members of our Wellness Center are still using our warm water therapeutic pool and exercise equipment of for wellness goals. Employees of League Industries are still fulfilling large government contracts and settling into their new Towson business park space while preparing the upcoming volume of year-end mailing agreements.
All of the positive things currently happening at The League align with a vast history and network of support, dedication, and innovation. Over the summer we lost a very notable figure in our history. The League for People with Disabilities is grateful to Mr. Harvey M. ‘Bud’ Meyerhoff, for his years of leadership and support. He was Board President from 1962-1965 as well as a Board Member from 1959-1966. Born in 1927, Mr. Meyerhoff shared in the milestones of The League, celebrating its 90th anniversary of bettering the Baltimore disability community when he himself was 90 years old. Our 96-year legacy of advocacy, accessibility, and opportunity for people with disabilities has been made possible by incredible individuals like Mr. Meyerhoff, and you!
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Pictured left: John Meyer, Harvey Meyerhoff, and David Greenberg at the #OMGFOOD Event on 10/19/2017 celebrating The League's 90th anniversary. | |
Thank you for your continued support of our mission! | |
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David A. Greenberg
President & CEO
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Your gift to The League Fund allows The League to continue providing important services in our community.
Together, we are able.
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You can also mail a check made payable to
“The League for People with Disabilities” to:
The League, c/o The League Fund
1111 E. Cold Spring Lane
Baltimore, MD 21239
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THE LEAGUE'S 2023-2024 BOARD of DIRECTORS
Mindy Geppi, Chair • Nicole Urquhart-Bradley, Immediate Past Chair • Barry Gordon, M.D., Ph.D, Vice Chair
Ethan Nochumowitz, Treasurer • Jason Perlow, Secretary
Carol Dodson • James Hettleman • Ashley Ingraham Watts • Janice Jackson • Kris Meyer
Oyebukola Oyediran, M.D. • Terri Seitz Parrish • Andrew Slutkin • Andrew Snyder • Chris Zegal
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THE LEAGUE'S EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM
David A. Greenberg, President & CEO
Renée Dash, VP, Medical Programs/Chief Nursing Officer
Maureen Jeffreys, VP, Community Programs • Michelle Johnson, VP, Youth & Recreation Programs
Rhonda Johnson, VP, Facility Operations • Margretta Ryan, VP, Finance
Dawn Witherspoon, VP, HR & Compliance • Lauren Yankolonis, VP, Development & Marketing
| For more information, you can visit our website at www.leagueforpeople.org. | |
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