Governor Moore’s FY26 budget includes several significant cuts to services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), which will negatively affect their access to opportunities, their support systems’ financial security, and home- and community-based organizations like The Arc.
Action Alert: The Arc encourages all Marylanders with IDD, their families, support systems, and fellow community-based organizations to attend the Developmental Disabilities Coalition rally:
Emergency Rally to Protect Developmental Disability Services
📅 Date: Monday, February 3, 2025
⏰ Time: 7:00 – 8:15 PM
📍 Location: Lawyers Mall, Annapolis, MD (Directly in front of the State House, 100 State Circle)
👥 Who Should Attend? People with disabilities, families, service providers, and all who care about the future of Developmental Disability services in Maryland.
Over the last several years, Maryland has made historic investments in services for people with IDD to improve the quality, flexibility, and customization of those services. People’s lives are complex, and these investments brought greater self-determination and autonomy for people with IDD to live the lives they choose for themselves. Simply put, reducing funding for these key services now is unacceptable.
The proposed revision of the Dedicated Hours Policy to require providers to exhaust Shared Hours in Community Living first will significantly impact the day-to-day lives of people with IDD. Being able to provide Dedicated Hours means people with IDD living with housemates don’t always have to do everything together. Withholding access to Dedicated Hours also goes against the spirit of the federal Community Rule that requires people to have choice in their daily activities.
The governor’s budget doesn’t only involve revisions and reductions; it also includes eliminating entire services like the Low Intensity Support Services (LISS) Program. This change would negatively impact hundreds of people seeking a chance at support. The lottery for support through LISS is a lifeline for people and families who deserve access to quality-of-life-enhancing services they can’t get elsewhere.
Cutting funding now means Community Living will become less person-centered, and LISS will cease to exist. Even if there are some cost-containing measures that are necessary, The Arc recommends a slow ramp to implementing any changes with opportunities for discussion and community input to ensure continuity of services.
The Arc remains opposed to the proposed budget cuts in Governor Moore’s budget related to services for people with IDD as they currently are.
We are pleased to announce that our President & CEO, Jonathon Rondeau, has been elected Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Anne Arundel County Affordable Housing Coalition (AAAHC). As a strong advocate for equitable and inclusive housing, Jonathon brings a wealth of experience to the board and a deep commitment to expanding affordable housing opportunities in Anne Arundel County.
“Housing is more than a basic need – it’s the foundation of opportunity, stability, and inclusion in everyone’s life,” said Rondeau. “The AAAHC’s work creating meaningful solutions to the housing problems in our communities has profound impacts in people’s lives, and I am eager to work alongside them in creating equitable access to high-quality housing for all residents of Anne Arundel County.”
Founded over 30 years ago, the AAAHC plays a vital role in advocating for policies and funding that enable the creation of affordable housing throughout Anne Arundel County. The Coalition encourages innovative programs and zoning flexibility while supporting both public and private efforts to develop smarter, affordable communities.
“Jonathon’s leadership and passion for community development will be a tremendous asset to our Board,” said Trudy McFall, Chair of the AAAHC. “He has demonstrated a strong commitment to affordable housing and brings a visionary approach that aligns with the Coalition’s mission to expand affordable housing options and create thriving communities across Anne Arundel County.”
As a self-sustaining membership organization, the AAAHC brings together a diverse range of stakeholders, including nonprofit organizations, developers, builders, advocates, public officials, and other professionals, to share ideas, network, and advance innovative, affordable housing strategies.
Jonathon’s service on the Board aligns with The Arc’s work developing affordable, accessible, and inclusive housing throughout the region. Jonathon’s leadership marks an exciting step for the Coalition as it continues to champion policies and programs that ensure affordable housing is accessible to all.
The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) is excited to announce the Family Fund will begin accepting applications on February 1, 2025. This year, The Arc plans to distribute $113,000, setting a new record for the most money distributed by the Family Fund since its founding in 2017.
What is the Family Fund?
The Family Fund is a grant designed to provide financial assistance and essential resources to families navigating the complexities of raising children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Many effective resources, therapies, and services make an incredible difference in the quality of life for children with IDD but are not covered by insurance and are out of reach financially for the families who need access to them the most.
“Too many families struggle to afford the resources their children need,” said Sara Pease, Assistant Director of Children, Youth, & Their Families. “We founded the Family Fund, so families don’t have to choose between meeting their child’s basic needs and accessing the critical resources and support they deserve. In the eight years we’ve awarded these funds, we’ve seen incredible outcomes from the children it has supported.”
The Family Fund has grown from distributing $14,000 in its first year to awarding nearly $95,000 to 107 children in 2024 for therapies, respite care, educational assistance, camps, and more. To read more about some of the families the fund has supported in the last year, click here.
What will the Family Fund Support?
The Family Fund supports life-enriching opportunities that are not covered by insurance, including specialized speech therapy, equine therapy, customized leg braces, swimming lessons, music lessons, and more.
What matters most is the impact on your child’s quality of life. Applications that clearly demonstrate impact on the child (and family) are more likely to be funded. Please note: The Family Fund will not support requests for home improvements or renovations, bill or utility payments, groceries, personal care items, debt repayment, or prior funded services.
Who Is Eligible & How Can I Apply?
The application for the Family Fund will open on February 1 and close on February 21. To be eligible, families must:
Have a child with IDD under the age of 21 as of January 1, 2025.
Live in one of the nine counties supported by The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (Anne Arundel, Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Wicomico, Worcester).
Complete and submit the online application before February 21, 2025.
The Arc’s team is committed to ensuring every eligible family has the opportunity to receive the support they need. If you require assistance completing the online application or English is your second language, please contact our Family Navigator at resources@thearcccr.org prior to February 21, 2025.
Tips for a Strong Application
Once received, applications are reviewed by a committee, and applicants will be notified of a decision (including no funding) by March 22, 2025. Applications should be as complete and detailed as possible, highlighting the impact requests will have on the child and family. To view a sample application, please click here.
When completing your application, we strongly recommend you:
Be thorough: Provide detailed and accurate information about your request.
Share costs: Include specific costs that support your request – like exact model numbers, cost per session, etc. These details will help the committee determine an appropriate award amount if you are awarded partial funding.
Share impact: Use the application to explain how the grant will make a difference in your family’s life and for your child in particular.
A Growing Legacy of Support
Since 2017, the Family Fund has granted more than $250,000 to hundreds of children with IDD, including dedicated funding for children with autism provided by The Bowen Foundation for Autism. Each year, the Family Fund serves more families and distributes more funding, reflecting both the increasing needs within our community and the generosity of those who support the program.
“We are incredibly grateful that the community sees the need for this program and understands the importance of ensuring that children and families have access to these critical resources,” said Caroline Slobodzian, Director of Development. “The Family Fund has grown tremendously every year, including the creation of an endowment fund with the goal of ensuring these supports continue in perpetuity.”
Every dollar raised for the Family Fund is granted back to the community.
The Arc Central Chesapeake Region’s award-winning Total Rewards program is a cornerstone of our investment in our employees, highlighting the transformational changes we’ve made over the last five years, prioritizing quality and affordability. In 2024, The Arc earned three national awards from Health Rosetta for our innovative, cost-effective, and high-quality healthcare for employees.
One of the most innovative and strategic additions to The Arc’s Total Rewards package is Health at Work. Launched in February 2024, Health at Work provides on-site primary and urgent care health services to all employees free of charge, regardless of whether they are enrolled in The Arc’s medical insurance plan. Employees’ spouse/partner/dependents who are enrolled in medical insurance through The Arc also have full access to Health at Work.
“Health at Work reflects our commitment to putting employees first,” said Brandy Stephens, Vice President of People & Culture. “By bringing high-quality, accessible healthcare directly to our team, we’re investing in their well-being and building a healthier, more empowered workplace.”
February 1 marks the one-year anniversary of Health at Work. This milestone represents a significant achievement in providing more convenient and compassionate healthcare for The Arc’s employees and their families.
What is Health at Work?
Launched in partnership with ModRN Health, Health at Work offers free on-site urgent and primary care with same-day in-person and virtual appointments available every Monday through Friday with some early hours and late hours during the week.
Health at Work clinics are located in The Arc’s Severn and Easton offices; employees and qualified dependents can also access this vital service virtually, removing any barriers to care.
In addition to the health suites, a 24/7 Registered Nurse (RN) is available by phone, text, and email and acts as an immediate healthcare consultant to help determine the severity of medical situations and determine what next steps are needed.
Through Health at Work, Arc employees and qualified dependents can access:
Convenient, on-site primary and urgent care
Same-day appointments and testing for illnesses like strep, flu, and COVID
Routine well visits and preventative care
Telehealth appointments with a doctor from ModRN Health
Chronic health management
Prescriptions that can be filled at any major pharmacy
Care coordination – finding a doctor or specialist, navigating referrals, follow-up appointments, and more.
Why Health at Work?
Over 100 million Americans – nearly one-third of the nation – do not have access to a primary care provider (PCP). Not having a PCP means that many people rely on costly urgent care or emergency room visits when they have a standard medical issue or they go without treatment. The lack of access to primary care also means people don’t have the ongoing support they need to manage chronic health conditions like diabetes.
In a healthcare landscape where so many are without essential health services, Health at Work is making a tangible difference. With convenient access to both urgent and preventative care, employees no longer have to rely on costly urgent care and can avoid the long wait times they would experience with a typical provider.
Over the past year, Health at Work has conducted over 500 appointments for employees and their dependents for a wide variety of health needs. From preventative check-ups and routine bloodwork to chronic condition management and same-day testing for illnesses like strep and COVID, the program has shown both versatility and value.
Sayyed Hussain, RN from ModRN Health, is a key part of the program’s success. Valued by employees for his compassionate approach, Sayyed takes time to get to know employees, hear their concerns, and educate them about their health, ensuring they feel heard and cared for during every visit.
“Being part of Health at Work has been incredibly rewarding,” said Sayyed. “The opportunity to build trust with employees and support their health in a meaningful way has been an honor. Seeing the positive impact on their lives and well-being motivates me every day.”
Health at Work Success Stories
The program’s impact is evident in the experiences shared by employees and their qualified dependents. Many describe how Health at Work has not only improved their health but also removed the stress and frustration of navigating traditional healthcare systems.
One Direct Support Professional (DSP), Tammy Minarik, shared:
“It was so convenient. I had to have bloodwork done, and not only did Sayyed see me early since he was available, but it was also quick and gentle. I was in and out… that wouldn’t happen at a typical doctor’s office.”
Another DSP, Amber Banos, highlighted the personalized care:
“I’ve been there for a couple of things, and Sayyed is so patient. He spent two hours with me once because I’m a hard stick, haha. It’s a wonderful service to have. I’ve even texted him after hours, and he’s responded.”
Ashaundi Spencer, DSP, emphasized the program’s efficiency and accessibility:
“This is one of the best benefits The Arc has. It’s been better than going to my own doctor’s office. Sayeed checks up on me, reminds me of appointments, and gives referrals when needed. It’s so easy to communicate with him, and he responds right back. I can get appointments the next day or even the same day.”
A Model for Employee-Centric Care
As Health at Work enters its second year, it stands as an example of how organizations can prioritize the health and well-being of their teams while fostering a supportive, inclusive workplace culture. Health at Work demonstrates The Arc’s commitment to employee-centric care by removing barriers and ensuring that employees have access to the resources they need.
To learn more about Health at Work or start accessing this benefit today, review our Total Rewards Guide.
At our core, The Arc is driven by our vision of creating communities where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are included and empowered. That work extends beyond supporting individual people – it’s about reimagining neighborhoods, cities, and towns as accessible spaces where everyone belongs.
The communities we envision are possible, and Chesapeake Community Development is a critical partner in making these communities a reality.
“Our work began with providing affordable and accessible housing to people with IDD in communities across the region where everyone feels like they belong,” said Ross Benincasa, Senior Vice President of Community Development for Chesapeake Community Development. “We are proud to bring the same energy and vision around inclusion, access, and belonging to all of the residential, retail, and commercial spaces we are developing in 2025 and in the years to come.”
Building for the Future
Like all aspects of The Arc’s enterprise, Chesapeake Community Development has grown exponentially in recent years, with a robust portfolio of development projects, including Port Street Commons, which opened in 2024. With more than 180 units slated for completion by 2030, we anticipate that well over 200 families will be living in a home built by Chesapeake Community Development within the next 5 years.
“As community leaders, we listen to the families in our neighborhoods when they tell us about wanting to live somewhere safe and affordable that is also close to community resources, amenities, transportation, and their workplaces,” said Benincasa. “With the success of Port Street Commons in Easton and our years of experience creating housing for people with IDD, we have a reputation for creating exactly what our communities need and want for themselves.”
What’s Next for Chesapeake Community Development
Chesapeake Community Development has numerous properties in various stages of development, all of which are part of the vision for building more accessible communities that provide housing, resources, and opportunities for economic self-sufficiency.
2025 marks the beginning of demolition and site work for two transformative projects in Easton, MD – Easton Crossing and Silo Court.
Easton Crossing is located on a 6.5-acre former agribusiness site in the heart of Easton, MD. Demolition is anticipated to begin in February, with Phase One construction beginning in 2026. The mixed-use development was designed with input from the community and will feature over 120 residential units. Approximately 30% of the units will be affordable, with the remaining 70% offered at market-rate. Additionally, 20,000 square feet of commercial space will line the Rail-to-Trails, promoting economic growth while creating a vibrant community hub. With green spaces, a fishing pond, and a dog walking trail, Easton Crossing blends residential, commercial, and recreational elements to reflect the aspirations of Easton’s residents.
The construction of Silo Court will begin in Fall 2025. The 28-townhome community will offer a mix of 4-bedroom units with garages and 3-bedroom units, appealing to diverse family sizes. Communal spaces like a gazebo, green areas, and direct access to Rails-to-Trails will encourage outdoor activity and connection. With 25% of units designated as affordable for households earning 85% or below of the area median income (AMI), Silo Court strikes a balance between affordability and modern living.
Chesapeake Community Development continues Phase One construction of The Primrose House, located in Easton’s Historic District, anticipating the completion this spring. This phase of construction involves rebuilding two outbuildings to provide three new housing units. The project continues The Primrose House’s legacy as a historic boarding house while contributing to Easton’s balanced growth.
Construction of The Laura House will start soon near downtown Easton. This 5,500-square-foot property will be converted into seven two-bedroom apartments, incorporating both affordable and market-rate housing. Scheduled to open in Fall 2025, The Laura House exemplifies Chesapeake Community Development’s commitment to scattered-site, small-scale solutions that foster inclusive communities.
In Anne Arundel County, Chesapeake Community Development will soon begin construction on two properties – WB&A North and Nursery Road.
The WB&A North Expansion in Severn, MD, is scheduled to begin construction in early 2026. This project will expand an existing duplex into a quadplex, adding two additional 2-bedroom units, one of which will be fully accessible.
At Nursery Road, Chesapeake Community Development will construct a fully accessible 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-family home that will support people with IDD served by The Arc. Supported by Arundel Community Development Services (ACDS), this project prioritizes accessibility and independence, with construction starting in Summer 2025.
A Vision of Inclusive Growth
As Chesapeake Community Development launches these ambitious projects, it’s clear that the future holds more inclusive opportunities for communities across the state. These developments are more than just buildings—they are vibrant spaces designed to foster connection, opportunity, and growth. By blending affordable and market-rate housing, incorporating thoughtful design elements like green spaces and accessibility features, and engaging local communities in the planning process, Chesapeake Community Development is setting a new standard for what housing can achieve.
Travel Percentage: Limited w/access to agency vehicle
Job Shift: As Needed
Description
The Arc supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to live the lives they choose. Everyone has unique needs, goals, and personalities, so there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to our supports.
We are searching for someone who is the perfect fit to support four women who each have IDD and live together in a single-family home in northern Anne Arundel County.
Who You’d Be Supporting
The four women in this house have lived together for years and are very comfortable with each other. While three of the women do not use words to communicate, you will quickly come to understand what they’re thinking and feeling based on their facial expressions (there’s a lot of smiling in this home!) and movements. One of the women does use words to communicate, and she is a kind, knowledgeable, strong-willed person who, with a little motivation, is eager to explore her community.
All of the women have unique personalities and enjoy spending time together. They love listening to music and they love being spoken to and included in conversations, even if they don’t respond with words.
What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
Two of the ladies have families that do not live close by, but the other two have families who are very involved in their lives, so you might interact with them from time to time. To maintain everyone’s health and well-being, there are many doctor appointments during the week, and sometimes even urgent care or hospital visits.
All of the women are wheelchair users and require your support for all aspects of personal and intimate care, cooking, dressing, and bathing. There are always two Community Support Assistants in the home on weekends and in the evenings. Because only one of the women tends to stay home during the day, there is only one Community Support Assistant present during the weekday morning and daytime hours.
What You Bring to the Table
While this position does not require any prior experience as a direct support professional working with people who have IDD, the ideal candidate will be someone who is comfortable managing (or learning how to manage) wheelchairs and motorized wheelchairs of different sizes, manual and electric Hoyer lifts, G-tubes and specialized diets.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate for this position is someone willing to jump in and help with anything and everything that is needed. If you are someone who excels in building relationships, especially with people who do not use words to communicate, if you are patient, adaptable, empathetic, and willing to learn, then you might just be the perfect fit to work with these four wonderful women.
This position requires a high school diploma or GED, though at least one year of experience working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is preferred. Candidates must also possess a valid Driver’s license with no egregious records and complete all required Arc and Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) trainings, becoming trained as a Certified Medication Technician if you are going to administer medication. This position includes paid professional development and continued education, as well as a competitive total rewards (benefits) package.
About The Arc Central Chesapeake Region The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) is a dynamic regional organization providing person-centered supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, work, and connect with their communities. We advocate for equity and access for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live self-determined lives and foster opportunities towards self-sufficiency.
The Arc highly encourages all employees to become fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and other communicable diseases.
We are proud to announce that Jonathon Rondeau, our President & CEO, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Waterfowl Festival. The Waterfowl Festival is a highly anticipated annual event that highlights art, conservation efforts, and the rich heritage of the Eastern Shore. Jonathon’s appointment underscores his exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing inclusive, community-focused initiatives that address the diverse needs of the region.
“I am honored to join the Waterfowl Festival Board of Directors and contribute to a tradition that exemplifies the spirit of the Eastern Shore,” said Jonathon. “Part of advancing the Waterfowl Festival’s mission is advocating for greater inclusion and accessibility, bringing people with disabilities to the table, and supporting the vast economic impact the event has on the region. I am excited to be a part of it.”
The Waterfowl Festival has been a fixture on the Eastern Shore for over five decades, attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually and providing a significant economic boost to Talbot County and beyond. Recognizing the impact of the Festival, The Arc has been a major sponsor of the Community Impact Breakfast for nearly five years. The breakfast, hosted in partnership with Waterfowl and Talbot County Economic Development, brings together leaders from all sectors.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jonathon to the Waterfowl Festival Board of Directors,” said Deena Kilmon, Executive Director of the Waterfowl Festival. “His passion for fostering meaningful connections and building inclusive communities is what we need as we work to make Waterfowl accessible and impactful for all.”
Jonathon’s work with The Arc emphasizes the importance of building inclusive communities, exemplified through projects like the recently opened Port Street Commons in Easton. Jonathon’s vision aligns with Waterfowl’s commitment to community and impact, and his presence on the board marks an important step toward integrating broader perspectives into the planning and execution, paving the way for a more inclusive and accessible future for this time-honored event.
On Tuesday, The Baltimore Banner hosted its second annual Inside the Legislative Session event at the Graduate Annapolis, bringing together Maryland’s top policymakers, business leaders, and community advocates to address the state’s most pressing policy challenges. Among the key discussions was The Debate over Housing and Community Development: The Rise of YIMBYism, which included Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc).
This panel delves into the growing “Yes in My Backyard” (YIMBY) movement, which champions new, creative housing development initiatives as a solution to Maryland’s housing affordability crisis. With Maryland facing increasing demand for diverse, affordable, and inclusive housing options, this conversation could not come at a more critical time.
Why YIMBYism Matters
The YIMBY movement seeks to break down barriers to housing development, advocating for thoughtful policies that increase housing supply and address affordability. The YIMBY movement is a direct response to the “Not in My Backyard” NIMBY movement where people admit the need for more resources in their communities but have significant reservations about implementing the solutions near their own homes.
The YIMBY approach aligns with The Arc’s vision to create inclusive communities where everyone, including people with disabilities, has access to safe and affordable housing.
Jonathon brings a wealth of experience, drawing on The Arc’s successful community development portfolio, such as the recently opened Port Street Commons in Easton, which combines affordable housing, office space, and community resources in one innovative development.
About The Panel
The Inside the Legislative Session event offered a unique platform to hear from state leaders and policy experts about issues shaping Maryland’s future. The housing and community development panel was moderated by Hallie Miller, housing reporter for The Baltimore Banner, and included other distinguished speakers such as:
Jake Day, Maryland Secretary of Housing and Community Development
Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, President & CEO of Global Refuge
Michael Sanderson, Executive Director, Maryland Association of Counties
Vaughn Stewart, Maryland State Delegate
Attendees gained valuable insights into how Maryland can address housing affordability, encourage sustainable development, and foster inclusivity in growing communities. Inside the Legislative Session also featured a conversation with Governor Wes Moore about the state’s budget.
The Arc’s Role in Building Inclusive Communities
At The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, community development is about more than constructing buildings—it’s about creating opportunities and empowering people. Projects like Port Street Commons and upcoming Easton Crossing exemplify The Arc’s commitment as an enterprise to addressing the diverse needs across the communities we serve.
Through these efforts, The Arc is shaping the conversation around housing affordability and demonstrating the positive impact of inclusive, community-focused development.
As Maryland grapples with housing affordability and accessibility challenges, discussions about YIMBYism and the topics covered during the panel are essential for crafting effective solutions. By participating in events like Inside the Legislative Session, The Arc continues to advocate for policies and projects that benefit everyone in our communities.
On Thursday, January 9, 2025, 33 members of The Arc Central Chesapeake Region and The self-advocacy group, Living Boldly, joined other chapters of The Arc from across Maryland at Calendar Day 2025. Held annually on the second day of the Maryland Legislative Session, advocates and members of The Arc gather at Lawyers Mall in Annapolis, equipped with calendars and enthusiasm, to advocate for the rights and well-being of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
What is Calendar Day?
Calendar Day is an annual tradition that brings together The Arc community from all across Maryland to raise awareness and advocate for people with IDD, honoring the grassroots spirit and legacy of The Arc. Advocates and supporters visit their legislators and members of the administration to distribute calendars highlighting the impact of each chapter of The Arc. These calendars showcase personal stories from people with IDD and their families, and includes important legislative dates, special chapter events, and even birthdays of lawmakers—helping to build relationships and keep key issues top of mind throughout the legislative session.
Calendar Day is about much more than just distributing calendars. It’s about making connections and ensuring the voices of people with IDD are heard.
“Calendar Day is a celebration of the power of advocacy and connection,” says Rylie Shewbridge, Director of Government Relations at The Arc Central Chesapeake Region. “It’s about bringing people together—advocates, families, and legislators—to ensure that the needs of people with IDD remain a priority in our state.”
Calendar Day provides a platform to influence public policy and ensure that important issues such as behavioral health, access to services, and disability rights remain at the forefront of legislative agendas.
The Importance of Legislative Engagement
The Maryland General Assembly plays a crucial role in shaping laws that affect Marylanders with IDD, and the annual 90-day session gives lawmakers the opportunity to create policies that can improve the lives of people with disabilities. By meeting directly with elected officials, events like Calendar Day help connect advocates and lawmakers, ensuring the needs of people with IDD are prioritized and that policies continue to promote inclusion and equity.
In preparation for the event, the 33 advocates who attended also participated in a Legislative Advocacy Training on January 7, which equipped participants with the tools to effectively communicate with legislators and members of the administration and provided insights into the critical legislation for the 2025 session. Armed with these skills, advocates are confident and ready to make a real impact on issues that affect people with IDD.
A Unified Voice for Change
Calendar Day 2025 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration and advocacy. By coming together as a community, The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, alongside other chapters across the state, is working tirelessly to champion policies that support inclusion, opportunity, and equality for all. As calendars are shared and conversations unfold, The Arc is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live the life they choose.
Living independently for the first time is a big step for anyone – and it’s one Noah and his family have especially been looking forward to. In December, 25-year-old Noah moved out on his own for the first time.
With support from The Arc’s Living Options & Services team, Noah now lives in a group home in Linthicum, MD, with roommates and the support he needs to live the life he envisions for himself.
What is Living Options and Services?
Supporting people like Noah to be active and engaged in the community starts with ensuring they have the support they need at home.
In The Arc’s Living Options & Services program, people live independently or together in homes throughout the community. Every home offers private bedrooms and shared living spaces as well as dedicated Direct Support Professionals (DSP) providing anywhere from 18 to 24 hours of support every day.
DSPs support people in every facet of their lives, such as accessing healthcare, attending medical appointments and follow-ups, building and maintaining relationships with housemates and friends throughout the community, facilitating daily living activities like cooking and laundry, and actively engaging in the community on weekends through activities like attending religious services and participating in social clubs or events.
The Arc’s team gets to know each person and matches people to tailored living experiences, ensuring that roommates and the home itself align with people’s needs and preferences.
“We don’t have 100% occupancy with our houses all the time because it doesn’t make sense for people to live with someone who isn’t compatible with them or in a home that isn’t going to meet their needs,” says Niki Jones, Director of Living Options & Services. “We would rather support people in finding their forever home – or as close to it as we possibly can. It’s a far more person-centered approach.”
Both Noah and his family appreciate The Arc’s person-centered approach as he prepares for the exciting new adventure of living independently.
Preparing for Independence
To ensure a seamless transition, The Arc’s team worked closely with Noah and his family throughout the process. Michelle, Noah’s mother, expressed her appreciation for the support and guidance they received, saying, “I enjoyed meeting the employees—everyone was helpful. If I had a question, it was redirected to the right person immediately. I never felt in the dark.”
Noah and his family first became familiar with The Arc during his transition from high school to adult services. After exploring various options, they felt The Arc was the best fit. “Noah started with The Arc right after COVID,” Michelle recalled. “We loved how included he felt and how well we were kept up to date about changes as things opened. Noah has a team of people behind him. All of them are working together on his behalf. He has lots of help finding a job, not just housing. It’s a true lifestyle he’s living now.”
In the months leading up to Noah’s move, his family worked hard to prepare him for this exciting new step. They encouraged him to take on more responsibilities at home and talked to him about living with new housemates. Noah has quickly bonded with his new roommate, describing him as his best friend. He’s most excited about the independence that comes with this next chapter. “He’s ready to make his own choices and even his own mistakes,” Michelle shared. “He’s really owning it.”
Michelle and her husband are equally excited about the opportunities this transition opens for their entire family. For over 20 years, they put their dream of living on a boat on hold to focus on Noah’s needs. Now, as empty nesters, they are ready to revisit that dream. “Now that both of our kids are out of the house, we’re going to sell our home and buy a boat,” Michelle said. “This is the thing we’ve wanted to do forever, and now that we know our kids are secure and surrounded by people who support them, we can also feel secure accomplishing our dreams.”
Dedicated Support from The Arc
Noah has the support of his DSP Melissa, who works closely with him to help him access the community and be as independent as possible.
“The most you can hope for is that your child meets people who care about him, want to help him, and see his value,” Michelle said. “Melissa is one of those people. She’s enthusiastic about Noah and excited to see what he can do.”
This new chapter represents much more than a move – it’s an opportunity for Noah to build a fulfilling, independent life and for his family to embrace their own future with confidence and joy. The Arc’s Living Options & Services program creates opportunities for people throughout the community to live the life they want.
