The League for People with Disabilities is committed to offering individuals the opportunity to gain independence, increase self-sufficiency and to improve the quality of life.
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My League Story, Camp Greentop Highlight |
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My name is Greg Butschky. I have been going to Camp Greentop for 50 consecutive years. I returned home a few weeks ago from a very anticipated week at Camp. Due to COVID, Camp was cancelled last year. I felt really lucky to be able to go this year, even though it was modified. Some of the things we typically do we could not this year. We painted, swam, had water wars, had two movies, Shrek and Jumanji. The highlight for me is always Banquet Night, and this year it was a ‘70s theme, so we made tie-dye tee shirts. When I was younger, I would always cry on Banquet Night, because I knew Camp was over for another year.
A lot has changed over my Camp experience for 50 years, but many things will always stay the same. Everyone is glad to be there each year, and no matter what activities we do, it is always a great time! Soon I will be the “old guy” at Camp Greentop, but I will be looking forward to going for more years! I love Camp Greentop!
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Greg Butschy displaying his artwork seemingly inspired by his tye-dye attire.
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Summer at Camp Greentop was a Success! |
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Summer 2021 at Camp Greentop was an amazing success for campers who attended in person and virtually. Camp Greentop offered three virtual classes each week in June and August and two modified sessions of in-person camp in July.
Campers and staff smile for a photo opportunity.
It was wonderful for campers to enjoy all of their favorite camp activities – water wars, arts & crafts, virtual bingo, and tie-dying!
Camp Greentop has been offering summer, winter, travel, and weekend respite opportunities for individuals with disabilities since 1937. The League’s Camping & Recreation program offers the chance for socialization, building independence skills, and fun! Loved ones can feel confident sending their campers to Greentop knowing that camp staff are capable, accepting, and caring. This is how Camp Greentop can make an impact in the lives of participants and their caregivers all at once.
To hear more about Summer 2021 at Camp Greentop, please see our full report.
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Campers and counselors cool off on a hot summer day with pool games.
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COVID-19 & Reopening Updates from The League |
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The League continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and make decisions regarding our programs and services accordingly. Our top priority is to ensure the health and safety of our dedicated staff and participants in our programs. To check the status of operations of our programs, visit our COVID-19 Update page.
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Please continue to stay safe! |
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On Saturday, August 14, the staff at The League’s SCALE Aphasia Program welcomed participants for a “Sneak-a-Peek” at SCALE’s new home at The League’s satellite Orchard Tree Lane location. The event was a wonderful opportunity for participants and staff to be together in-person safely. This acclimated the participants to the new space and caregivers can now feel confident about the place where their loved ones will soon be.
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The mission of SCALE is to improve the quality of life for people living with aphasia and their families by:
- Providing individuals with aphasia a place to connect
- Offering interactive group activities designed to support and empower members as they re-engage in community
- Providing educational materials, training and support for family members
- Striving to raise public awareness and understanding of aphasia through community outreach and advocacy projects
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Once SCALE re-opens on September 13, SCALE participants will share the space with the Multiple Sclerosis Day program. The two programs will have the opportunity to enjoy programming together. Virtual opportunities will continue for SCALE participants as well, after the re-opening date.
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Students and participants preparing for the Sneak-a-Peek at SCALE's new Orchard Tree Lane location. |
David Kim presenting to the group at SCALE's Sneak-a-Peek event. (Above) |
Members attending Toastmasters presentations at SCALE's Sneak-a-Peek event. (Left)
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Youth Autism Services Reopen with Back to School Season |
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We are happy to be reopening our Therapeutic Integration program, starting back on August 9th, and to support our after school Youth Autism Services participants in a healthy and stimulating routine for this school year. From 3-6pm, youth under the age of 21 will enjoy activities such as music and movement, arts and crafts, and much more!
We are very grateful to have been able to provide our other services throughout the pandemic.
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The Snack Shack is Back in Business! |
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Managed by our friendly and helpful Workforce Development associate Eric, the Snack Shack is open Monday through Friday, 10:00AM-2:00PM.
Eric says he is so glad to be back!
Opportunities with The League Workforce Development program, like this one for Eric, allow participants to build essential skills to prepare for working in the community. They receive mentoring and training from on-site supervisors, job placement support, and coaching to set them up for success!
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Welcome New Staff to The League |
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The League is hiring, and as an #employerofchoice we strive to be the best place to work for our team of dedicated staff. Since July 2021, The League has hired several new staff members to join our growing team.
Here is one of our new staff members to highlight and welcome back:
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Maureen Jeffreys
Vice President, Developmental Disabilities Services
Maureen Jeffreys is currently the Vice President of Developmental Disabilities Services. She is a veteran of the United States Air National Guard and has a passion for human services and servant leadership. Maureen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Trident University International. Maureen is also a recipient of a full scholarship from the Rehabilitation Services Administration as she is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health & Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling at Thomas University in Thomasville, GA. She is a current member of the Chi Sigma Iota International Honor Society for Professional Counselors. Maureen has 14 years of regional experience as a leader in Vocational Rehabilitation and Community Integration. Maureen believes in person-centered practices and her greatest desire is to see people grow and achieve their goals.
Maureen was a manager in our Vocational Services department from 2007 to 2010. For the past 3 years she has worked for Alliance which is now part of the Sheppard Pratt Health System. Maureen has extensive experience and a deep commitment to finding employment opportunities for individuals regardless of their disability. Maureen will oversee Meaningful Day Services (Day Habilitation & Workforce Development), Personal Support Services, Person Centered Planning, Behavioral Support Services and Youth Autism Services.
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Please join us in welcoming all of our new staff members!
The League is hiring, and we currently have open positions.
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Save the Date for the 5th Annual #OMGFOOD Event to Benefit The League |
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We are excited to announce the date for the 5th Annual #OMGFOOD event benefitting The League. The #OMGFOOD event is The League’s signature annual event to raise funds for our work and spread awareness of our mission. The event will feature an exciting silent auction, unique food and beverage tastings, an open bar, dinner, event program, and much more. We hope that you will save-the-date!
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The event could not happen without the tireless efforts of our amazing volunteer event committee and co-chairs. Thank you for all that you do to support The League!
Thank You!
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Co-Chairs of the 5th Annual #OMGFOOD Event Committee |
Kris Meyer & Sharri Rochlin |
Lisa Abrams, Angela Ahmad, Dara Bunjon, Sarah Cusack, Brad Fowler,
Pam Friedman, Mindy Geppi, Jim Hettleman, Julie Hettleman, Ashley Ingraham, Ethan Nochumowitz, Carolyn Olschansky, Jason Perlow, Stephani Renbaum,
Terri Seitz Parrish, Jennifer Walker
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A Message from The League's Board Chair |
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Dear Friends of The League,
I hope everyone had a happy and healthy summer. As the incoming Chair of The League’s Board of Directors, I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for staying in touch with The League and offering your ongoing support of the important work that we are doing in the community. I am thrilled to be the Chair of the 2021-2022 Board of Directors, and am excited to work alongside The League’s Executive Leadership Team and my fellow Board Members to continue to guide The League’s mission and growth in the community.
I would like to take the opportunity to tell you a little more about my League Story.
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My brother Chris was born with Spina Bifida on July 12, 1970. At birth, the doctors told my parents that he would not make it through the week. They even discouraged my mother from seeing him. As time passed, the doctors said he wouldn’t it make through his teens. Chris passed away on January 24, 2016 at the age of 45 years old. The doctors were definitely wrong when he was born.
Chris Urquhart (Right) joins in a Baltimore Blast pre-game pep rally for the "League of Champions" membership campaign.
Chris and his class were the first group of children to be mainstreamed into middle school in the early 1980’s. Chris was part of the “League of Champions.”
He and his best friend, Joey, attended Camp Greentop for several years in the early to mid 80’s. Camp Greentop was the only sleep away camp that could accommodate their specific needs and they had the time of their lives! My mother believes that in addition to the fun that Chris had at camp, he gained greater confidence in all aspects of his life through the programs.
While his time with us was far too short, his infectious smile, ability to always see the positive in every situation and overall personality impacted everyone around him. My brother was my best friend! While he often drove me nuts (I believe on purpose at times), I couldn’t have asked for anything more. I think about him every day and miss him more than you can imagine but I know how blessed I am to have had him for 45 years. He shaped my life in so many ways. His struggles made me more sympathetic to others, willing to help when needed and overall just a better person. I am truly grateful to have had him in my life.
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Nicole Urquhart-Bradley
Chair, The League’s Board of Directors
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Your gift to The League’s Annual Fund allows The League to continue providing important services in our community. |
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You can also mail a check made payable to “The League for People with Disabilities” to:
The League, c/o Annual Fund
1111 E. Cold Spring Lane
Baltimore, MD 21239
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THE LEAGUE'S 2021-2022 BOARD of DIRECTORS
Nicole Urquhart-Bradley, Board Chair • Mindy Geppi, Vice Chair
Ethan Nochumowitz, Treasurer • Barry Gordon, M.D., Ph.D, Secretary
Carol Dodson • Bradley Fowler • James Hettleman • Janice Jackson • Richard M. Katz, M.D. • Kris Meyer
Terri Seitz Parrish • Jason Perlow • Sharri Rochlin • Andrew Slutkin • Andrew Snyder
THE LEAGUE'S EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM
David A. Greenberg, President & CEO • Margretta Ryan, Sr. VP, Finance • Dawn Witherspoon, VP, HR & Compliance • Renée Dash, VP, Medical Programs/Chief Nursing Officer • Rhonda Johnson, VP, Customer Relations •
Lauren Yankolonis, VP, Development • Maureen Jeffreys, VP, Developmental Disabilities Services
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For more information, you can visit our website at www.leagueforpeople.org, and follow us on our Facebook page; “The League for People with Disabilities”.
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