Child-centered services can transform the lives of children and families. At The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, we prioritize supporting the children, youth, and families who experience the most need, removing the barriers families face in supporting their children.
Thousands of children in our community rely on very specialized, costly support but cannot access these resources because their families cannot afford them. Every day, these families must make the difficult choice of balancing their child’s needs with their family’s financial well-being.
And that’s where you come in – for kids with disabilities in your community, the Family Fund is one of the only resources they can turn to because the Family Fund helps parents pay for things insurance won’t cover. All kids deserve access to the resources they need, and your support of the Family Fund creates greater equity for kids with disabilities in your community.
The Because of You is a collection of stories that show the incredible impact you’ve made over the last year.
This Veterans Day, The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) is proud to celebrate employees who have served our country, like Nicole Woodson. Nicole is a U.S. Army veteran and Direct Support Professional (DSP) supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in The Arc’s Living Options & Services.
Nicole’s journey from military service to community support services is a familiar story for many service members who return from active duty, and we asked Nicole about how her experiences in the Army have shaped her work at The Arc.
A Foundation of Strength and Service
Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Nicole was drawn to helping others early in life. She worked with people with disabilities before joining the Army at the age of 23, hoping to find a career that would provide stability and a meaningful path forward.
As an E4 Specialist stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, she served four years in the 3rd Infantry Division and was deployed to both Iraq and Kuwait. The military quickly taught Nicole how to adapt to circumstances and get to know people quickly. Working in logistics taught her discipline, organization, and how to adapt on the fly, skills she uses daily in her work with The Arc.
“My interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills show up frequently in my work at The Arc,” said Nicole. “Recently in the house where I work, when time was running short and we needed to move a bit faster, I was able to take charge and make things easier for people to get out the door on time. I feel like, because of my experience in the military, I’m comfortable being in control so I can support them better.”
Adapting to New Challenges
Nicole’s time in the Army instilled in her not just technical skills but also strong leadership and emotional resilience. This background gives her a unique skillset for de-escalating challenging situations and reading emotional cues. She describes this as “hyper-vigilance,” a habit formed through years of training. Today, these qualities help her create a supportive, stable environment for the people she works with as a Community Support Assistant.
“The people I support are like family to me,” Nicole shares. “I can sense when things might go wrong, and I’m always looking out for them, ensuring they’re safe and happy.”
Working at The Arc is also fulfilling in many ways for Nicole personally as a disabled veteran who has had to adapt to being part of the disability community. While Nicole started working at The Arc to give back to her community, she’s been surprised to see just how much she has received in return.
“Part of why I choose to come to work every day is because of how the guys help me with my own unseen disabilities,” she said. “Being with them is like therapy for me sometimes. They are something special, and I love seeing them every day.”
When people with disabilities support each other, incredible levels of connection, trust, and support are possible. Each day brings new opportunities for Nicole to use her strengths and connect with others, lifting spirits and inspiring those around her.
Honoring Veterans Who Keep Giving Back
Nicole’s commitment to growth has never stopped. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree through a VA program, aiming to become a social worker or service coordinator to continue giving back to her community. Her studies, combined with her military background, add even more depth to her interpersonal skills and help her empathize with those she supports.
“Psychology classes have made me even more of an empath,” she explains. “I adapt to how people are feeling, and that makes me a better support for them.”
Nicole’s journey is a reminder of the ongoing contributions veterans make in their communities long after they have left the military. Her dedication to serving people with disabilities is only enhanced by the skills she honed during her military service, and she is an invaluable part of The Arc’s team.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe, supported, and happy,” said Nicole. “My job at The Arc lets me make that a reality.”
Returning veterans have a multitude of skills and experiences they can use to impact their communities, and The Arc is proud to support our employees who are veterans, in the reserve, or related to active and former service members for the ways they continue to show up for our mission and vision.
This Veterans Day, we honor Nicole and all veterans whose commitment to service extends well beyond their time in uniform.
Easton’s Waterfowl Festival is a more than 50-year tradition of celebrating wildlife art, conservation, and Eastern Shore life. The festival serves not only as a celebration of art and heritage but as a major economic driver for the Town of Easton and Talbot County. Every November, the event attracts tens of thousands of visitors, generating significant revenue for local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, galleries, and shops.
“The Arc is proud to once again sponsor the Community Impact Breakfast at Waterfowl,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “This important event brings together leaders from across all sectors, highlighting the vital connections between community development, the arts, conservation, and economic growth.”
Friday morning, nearly 200 people, including legislators, local business leaders, Festival VIPs, and community members, gathered to sip mimosas and listen to speakers, including both Rondeau and Carl L. Anderton, Jr, Director of Rural Economic Strategy for the Maryland Department of Commerce.
Rondeau connected the Waterfowl Festival back to The Arc’s work in the community and highlighted the organization’s most recent success – the opening of Port Street Commons the day before. “A key component of community development is providing economic opportunities for all,” he said. “There’s so much synergy between the festival’s goals and The Arc’s work as an enterprise.”
This powerful connection between the festival and The Arc’s efforts highlights how community services can intersect in meaningful ways to support the growth of a more inclusive and connected community.
On Thursday, November 7, 2024, nearly 200 community leaders and supporters gathered to celebrate the opening of Port Street Commons with an official ribbon-cutting. The event honored the many people who brought Port Street Commons to life as well as the incredible social and economic impacts the project will have throughout the region.
Port Street Commons is a 24,000-square-foot space that includes offices, community spaces, and affordable housing designed to support a diverse range of needs in the community.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place almost 18 months to the day after the groundbreaking in June 2023, when the first shovel was put into the ground. Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc), spoke proudly of the incredible collaboration and dedication it took to achieve this and noted that the project’s significance goes far beyond the building itself.
“The building behind me is an incredible accomplishment, but the building itself is not what we’re here to celebrate,” said Rondeau. “Today, we are celebrating The Arc’s continued growth and expansion on the Mid-Shore and how Port Street Commons is the next step of many toward creating the inclusive communities we all deserve to live in.”
Celebrating Inclusion, Opportunity, and Access
Thursday’s Ribbon Cutting was filled with optimism as speakers highlighted how Port Street Commons will enhance accessibility, equity, and opportunity in the community. Megan Cook, Mayor of Easton, recognized the project as a milestone in the town’s ongoing commitment to economic development, revitalization, and community well-being. She commended The Arc for its visionary approach to creating mixed-use spaces that cater to both social and economic needs.
Among other speakers were Pete Lesher, Vice President of the Talbot County Council, and Julia Glanz, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Housing & Community Development. Both praised Port Street Commons for addressing the region’s housing shortage while providing critical services. Carol Beatty, Secretary of the Department of Disabilities, also underscored the project’s role in expanding services to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including a behavioral health suite for essential mental health care.
The program concluded with remarks from Rondeau, who expressed his gratitude for the community’s support and highlighted Port Street Commons’ potential to foster lasting positive change.
“With projects like Port Street Commons, we are building a future where inclusion is the norm, housing and services coexist, and everyone has the opportunities they deserve to live the lives they choose for themselves,” he said.
Rondeau went on to express his gratitude for the community’s support and highlighted Port Street Commons’ potential to foster lasting positive change.
Following the program, all of the speakers and several key supporters joined Rondeau to cut the ribbon before everyone toured the building. Guests eagerly explored the space, admiring firsthand the building’s modern design and emphasis on accessibility.
What is Port Street Commons?
Port Street Commons is more than just a building; it’s a hub for community, inclusion, and opportunity. The 24,000-square-foot facility boasts space for two key resources:
The Arc at Port Street – Part of the building is The Arc at Port Street, the new Eastern Shore headquarters for The Arc Central Chesapeake Region. The space includes a Professional Development Center, a Community Hub for Day Services, a Behavioral Health Suite for mental health services, and a Health at Work clinic offering free on-site medical care for employees. This expansion is expected to create 30 new jobs over the next three years and will allow The Arc to better serve the growing needs of the region.
The Residences at Port Street – A separate wing holds The Residences at Port Street, which includes nine affordable housing units. Developed in partnership with Chesapeake Neighbors, these two- and three-bedroom rentable units are set aside for moderate-income families, making 65% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the Town of Easton. The units include universally designed options for people with mobility challenges and modern amenities like energy-efficient appliances, in-unit laundry, and free Wi-Fi. Tenants were selected through a competitive lottery process that drew over 200 applicants in the first 24 hours. The Residences at Port Street is a necessary and long-awaited addition to the community’s affordable housing market.
A Lasting Legacy
The ribbon-cutting ceremony not only marked the completion of this major project but also represented an investment in the future of Easton and the broader Mid-Shore region. The building will serve as a lasting symbol of collaboration, inclusion, and opportunity, impacting people with disabilities, low-income residents, and the entire community.
Rondeau summed up the event with a message of hope and commitment: “I am incredibly grateful for the partnership and collaboration of the community throughout this project. I am proud that The Arc calls Easton—and Talbot County—home. We are building a future where inclusion is the norm, and everyone has the opportunity to live the life they choose.”
With its new headquarters, innovative housing options, and focus on community integration, Port Street Commons’ success offers a model for how inclusive community development initiatives can meet the needs of diverse populations while fostering stronger, more resilient communities.
The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) and Michele Tharp, Board Chair, are pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to the board of directors. Arnold Farmer, Jessie Su, and Al Szydlowski began their terms on November 1, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to support the enterprise’s work throughout the community.
“We are excited to welcome Arnold, Jessie, and Al,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “Each of them is a strategic leader with valuable expertise and a deep commitment to our mission and vision. Their leadership will play an essential role as The Arc continues to grow and strengthen our services across the region and communities we serve. I look forward to the meaningful impact we’ll achieve together.”
Arnold Farmer is an Audit Senior Manager at SC&H Group LLC, managing over 20 audit engagements annually. He conducts detailed reviews of attest engagements, offering leadership valuable recommendations by interpreting complex accounting rules and helping clients navigate financial decisions effectively. With his deep knowledge of complex financial regulations and collaborative nature, Arnold brings unique experience to The Arc’s enterprise as it continues to grow.
Jessie Su is the Associate Director of Alumni Relations at Johns Hopkins University’s Carey Business School, focusing on alumni engagement and developing regional networks. Her talent for creating collaborations among students, alums, and industry experts fosters dynamic professional networks that drive positive change. Jessie brings the ability to develop strong relationships and brings a unique perspective that can enhance strategic initiatives and drive positive change for The Arc.
Al Szydlowski is the Senior Vice President Anne Arundel & Howard County for Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc., and has extensive experience in commercial and middle-market banking, offering a strong background in financial solutions, capital access, and strategic planning. He has managed large portfolios across multiple institutions, specializing in mergers, acquisitions, and tailored financial solutions. His expertise in assessing financial health and structuring complex lending will be invaluable for supporting The Arc’s enterprise growth and sustainability, enhancing its mission and community impact.
Arnold, Jessie, and Al join a diverse group of community leaders from across the region who bring expertise from nonprofit leadership, healthcare, government, and business. Together, the board collaborates to set a dynamic and transformational vision, identify and pursue key opportunities aligned with The Arc’s strategic plan, and partner with leadership to govern the organization.
For more information about The Arc Central Chesapeake Region and its Board of Directors, click here.
We are proud to announce our reaccreditation from the Standards for Excellence Institute on Tuesday at the 2024 Maryland Nonprofits Annual Conference. The Arc is one of only four Arc chapters achieving this esteemed accreditation, which recognizes organizations that uphold the highest standards of ethics, effectiveness, and accountability in nonprofit governance, management, and operations.
“This recognition is not only about the transformative work we do; it’s about how we do our work and our dedication to ethical and effective practices across all levels of our enterprise,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “Our reaccreditation by the Standards for Excellence Institute reflects the tireless efforts of our team, the leadership of our Board, and the support of our community partners.”
The Standards for Excellence accreditation, first awarded to The Arc in 2008, reflects an enterprise-wide commitment to rigorous standards across areas essential to nonprofit performance. Each reaccreditation cycle evaluates organizations on six major areas, including Mission, Strategy and Evaluation; Leadership; Legal Compliance and Ethics; Finance and Operations; Resource Development; and Public Awareness, Engagement, and Advocacy. Accreditation signifies that The Arc not only meets but exceeds the legal benchmarks for nonprofit operations, driving increased public support, financial stability, and community trust. The current reaccreditation highlights The Arc’s sustained dedication to these principles, providing a structured foundation for continued excellence in serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and communities throughout Maryland.
Port Street Commons, a new 24,000-square-foot building that will house The Arc Central Chesapeake Region’s new Eastern Shore Headquarters, is set to celebrate its grand opening on Thursday, November 7. The completed project includes both The Arc at Port Street, The Arc’s new headquarters, and The Residences at Port Street, which have nine units of affordable housing. Port Street Commons will provide both services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and safe, affordable housing for moderate-income earners in the Easton community.
The ceremony on November 7 will honor the many supporters who invested in Port Street Commons and acknowledge the transformative impact the project will have on the community.
“We are so grateful for the support we’ve seen at every level,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “Port Street Commons exists because of the generosity of the community and their belief in our vision for a more inclusive future.”
The Arc’s Capital Campaign Raises Over $6.1 Million
In total, Port Street Commons raised over $6.1 million, reflecting the community’s generosity that brought the project to life. The initiative received widespread support, including funding from federal, state, and local governments, in addition to individual stakeholders, community organizations, and foundations.
Notably, the federal government invested $750,000 in the project, championed by Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, while the State of Maryland invested $2.5 million. The Arc also received $1 million from The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation in addition to funding from the Talbot County Council, Rural Maryland Council, key community-based organizations like the Easton Rotary, and countless individuals throughout the region.
“Port Street Commons is a testament to what we can achieve when the community comes together with a shared vision and purpose,” said Caroline Slobodzian, Director of Development. “We are immensely proud of Port Street Commons, but even more, we are grateful for the network of partners, donors, and supporters who believed in this project and made it possible. As we look forward to the ribbon cutting on November 7, we celebrate the spirit of collaboration that has brought us to this moment.”
Together, we are expanding what’s possible for people with disabilities and building a future where everyone can live, work, and connect in inclusive, supportive environments.
Join The Celebration on November 7
Mark your calendars and join The Arc for the ribbon cutting on Thursday, November 7, at 10:00 am. Port Street Commons is located at 480 Port Street, Easton, MD 21601.
“This is an open event, and we invite the entire community to attend,” said Jonathon. “Come tour the campus and see what you’ve invested in and the exciting work that is going to take place here.”
Speakers for the event include Easton’s Mayor, Megan Cook; Talbot County Council Vice President, Pete Lesher; Deputy Secretary of the Department of Housing and Community Development, Julia Glantz; and Secretary of Disabilities, Carol Beatty.
Child-centered services are life-changing for the children and families who use them. At The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, we prioritize supporting the children, youth, and families who experience the most need with the right combination of resources, removing the barriers families face in supporting their children.
Families raising children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often face unique and significant challenges. These can include high medical costs, educational needs, and access to specialized services and equipment that may not be covered by insurance. The financial burden can be overwhelming; that’s where the Family Fund steps in, offering vital support to families across our community.
“Too many families struggle to afford the resources their children need,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO. “The Family Fund, along with many of the programs we offer through our Children, Youth, & Their Families services, remove the barriers – financial or otherwise – that often prevent families from accessing essential services and resources for their child(ren).”
What is The Family Fund?
Founded in 2017, The Family Fund is a grant designed to provide financial assistance and essential resources to families navigating the complexities of raising children with disabilities. 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 most.
“We founded the Family Fund to ensure that families do not have to choose between meeting their child’s basic needs and accessing the critical resources and support they deserve,” said Sara Pease, Assistant Director of Children, Youth, & Their Families. “In the seven years we’ve been doing this, the fund has grown dramatically, and we’ve seen incredible outcomes from the families and children it has supported.”
The Family Fund has grown from $14,000 in its first year to nearly $95,000 in 2024, granting support to 107 children for things like riding therapy, respite care, educational assistance, specialized therapies, and more. To read more about some of the families the grant has funded, click here.
Why Your Donation Matters
Since 2017, the Family Fund has granted more than $200,000 to hundreds of children with disabilities. The Family Fund is 100% funded by generous donors throughout the community who understand that families don’t always have the financial means to access the resources they need the most.
“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 fund has grown tremendously every year, including the creation of an endowment fund last year with the goal of ensuring this legacy of support continues in perpetuity.”
This year, the Family Fund seeks to raise $100,000 to distribute to children and families in early 2025. Families begin applying for the fund on February 1 of each year, and a committee – made up of employees from every level of leadership at The Arc – reviews each application in detail before awarding the funding. Every dollar raised is granted back into the community.
What Your Donation Can Fund:
Educational Resources: Grants for tutoring, therapy, and other resources to enhance a child’s learning and development.
Adaptive Equipment: Financial help for devices and tools that improve daily living.
Healthcare Costs: Support for therapies and essential health services that ensure children get the care they need.
Family Support Services: Respite care and other services that help families maintain their well-being while caring for their children.
Can We Count On Your Support?
The Family Fund relies on generous contributions to raise the funds that will be distributed to families in 2025. “We need your help,” said Slobodzian. “Every dollar given to the Family Fund directly benefits a child in your local community. The more we raise, the more children and families we can support – and that is the ultimate goal.” It’s easy to give to the Family Fund.
Visit our website to make a secure online donation to support the 2025 Family Fund or Family Fund Endowment.
As we approach the Thanksgiving season, a time of reflection and gratitude, I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest thanks. This year has been one of extraordinary progress, growth, and achievement for The Arc’s enterprise, and none of it would have been possible without your unwavering support, dedication, and passion.
The Arc is fortunate to be surrounded by a community that shares our passion for creating opportunities for people with disabilities to live, work, and connect in communities that are inclusive and welcoming to all.
In 2024, we are grateful to celebrate the following accomplishments, milestones, and community impact:
Saving our Employees Thousands on Medical Costs In February 2024, we launched Health at Work, an on-site health suite providing free urgent and primary care for employees and their dependents. This initiative saved employees and The Arc thousands on copays and medical fees. We also kept health insurance premiums the same for employees for a third year in a row while simultaneously improving our insurance offerings.
Winning 3 National Awards for our Total Rewards In August 2024, The Arc was recognized with three national awards from Health Rosetta for outstanding employee health benefits: America’s Top Health Plans, Top Health Plans of the East, and the Walk the Talk Award. The Arc was selected from over 2,000 candidates across the country for these prestigious awards!
Increasing Direct Support Professional Starting Wages to $20.00/hr Back in 2018, starting wages for DSPs were only $9.88/hr. With the most recent incremental wage increase in July 2024, DSP starting wages are now $20.00/hr. This means that over the last seven years, The Arc has officially doubled DSP starting wages!
Investing in Career Ladders & Pay Mobility for DSPs In April 2024, we launched the DSP Career Ladder, a self-paced professional development journey for DSPs who want to enhance their skills. Each certification level within the program comes with a pay increase, bringing starting wages for DSPs with all three levels of certification up to $23.50/hour!
Employing Over 600 People Statewide This fall, we reached the 600-employee milestone! We continue to grow to meet the needs of our communities and scale our services to reach more people. Of our 625+ employees, more than 400 are DSPs providing services to more than 4,000 people across Maryland.
Celebrating our Incredible 6% Vacancy Rate For the majority of 2024, The Arc has enjoyed a vacancy rate of only 6% for DSP positions, which means 94% of our DSP positions are always filled. This is impressive on a national scale because other organizations in Maryland are regularly reporting 20% vacancy rates and providers nationwide are averaging vacancy rates of 30-40%.
Launching More Services & Housing with Port Street Commons Port Street Commons is a new 24,000-sq-ft space in Easton that will open this winter and provide more services, more housing, and more resources to communities on the Mid-Shore. With 9 affordable housing units, new community spaces, and 30 new jobs created over 3 years, Port Street Commons will allow The Arc to reach new people, expand both Day and Behavioral Health Services, provide housing, and boost Easton’s economic development initiatives for years to come.
Purchasing Two New Community Development Sites Chesapeake Community Development has purchased two properties in Easton this spring that will be developed into Silo Square and Easton Crossing over the next six years. These properties will boast over 150 new housing units and townhomes as well as retail, dining, and green spaces.
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Behind each of these successes are passionate teams, generous donors, and forward-thinking community members ready to do more for our communities.
As we turn our attention toward gratitude and thankfulness at the end of the year, I find myself continually thankful for the ways our employees, people we support, donors, vendors, partners, and leaders come together to make these incredible milestones possible.
Thank you for your continued support, passion, and commitment to The Arc’s mission.
With gratitude,
Jonathon Rondeau President & CEO The Arc Central Chesapeake Region
Voting is a profound way for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to experience full inclusion in their communities. It empowers people to actively participate in shaping the policies that affect their daily lives, ensuring their voices are heard.
Voting is a constitutional right for everyone. As the presidential election approaches on November 5, it’s important to remember that people with IDD deserve an equal opportunity to cast their vote. While physical and systematic barriers still exist, there are more ways than ever before for people with IDD to access the polls or vote remotely.
People with IDD have the right to:
vote in private without help
bring someone to help them vote
seek help from poll workers trained to use an accessible voting machine
vote during the early voting period
have an accessible polling place with machines for voters with disabilities
vote by mail-in ballot or email ballot
Voting Is An Essential Part of Self-Advocacy
Self-advocacy is when people with IDD represent themselves, their ideas, and their own best interests to advocate for changes in their lives and their communities. The Arc’s self-advocacy group, Living Boldly, provides access to critical information so people with IDD can form their own ideas and opinions – and that includes opinions about elected leaders.
During the Living Boldly bi-annual meeting in September, guest speakers highlighted how voting is a fundamental responsibility of being a United States citizen and an essential part of living in a democracy where everyone’s voice matters. By voting, each person contributes to shaping the future of their community, state, and country.
For people with IDD, being able to vote is essential because decisions made by elected officials directly impact areas like healthcare, education, and accessibility. Voting gives each person the power to influence these critical issues and ensure the needs of people with IDD are considered when shaping future policies.
Making Your Voice Heard at the Polls
For people planning to vote, here are some key dates to keep in mind.
October 24-October 31: Early voting period. Polls are open 7:00am-8:00pm. You can register to vote as long as you have proof of a Maryland address.
November 1: Deadline to request an email ballot. Requests must be received by 5:00pm via mail, or by 11:59pm via fax or online.
November 5: Election day. Polls are open 7:00am-8:00pm. You can register to vote as long as you have proof of a Maryland address.
You can find more information on how to vote at the Maryland State Board of Elections at www.elections.maryland.gov.
