Congratulations 2024 Celebration Impact Awardees

2024 Celebration Impact

Every year at Celebration Impact, The Arc recognizes people in the community who have made a significant difference on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This year, Celebration Impact will take place on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club on Kent Island, Md.

The Arc is pleased to announce this year’s award winners:

Leadership in Direct Service Award

Junell Nash

Leadership in Administration & Management Award

Kathryn Bucolo

Outstanding Personal Achievement Award

Scott Southerland

Kavita Krishnaswamy

Lorraine Sheehan Advocacy Award

Anatasia Kulick

Phillip Emerson

Leadership in Social Responsibility Award

Call Tracking Metrics

Impact through Leadership Award

Ben & Sarah Harries

Each of the awardees will be honored at Celebration Impact on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, from 5:00pm – 7:00pm with a reception at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club on Kent Island, Md. Tickets to attend are free, but you must register in advance.

Jodie Colombo Promoted to Director of Day Services

Jodie Colombo

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) is proud to announce the promotion of Jodie Colombo to Director of Day Services. In her new role, Jodie will lead The Arc’s community-based Day Services program, which provides opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to participate in volunteer and recreational activities throughout the community that align with their unique desires, interests, and needs.

“I am honored to take on this new role and find new ways of ensuring people with IDD are actively connecting with their communities in the ways they want to,” Jodie said. “I am proud of the incredible work the Day Services team is already doing, and am excited to be leading a team that already has a reputation of going above and beyond in providing fully tailored services.”

Jodie has worked at The Arc for 12 years, from 2008 to 2017 and 2021 through the present. She led The Arc’s Day Services once before with great success. Most recently, Jodie served as our Assistant Director of Children, Youth, & Their Families, supporting families of young children with IDD to access critical resources, connect with their school systems, and become empowered advocates for their children. Jodie has already been serving as the interim Director of Day Services and has demonstrated incredible resourcefulness, dedication, and creativity in the role.

“Jodie is a dynamic leader who embodies the core values of The Arc in her daily work,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO. “She is passionate about the work we do and is excellent at supporting people to make authentic connections throughout the community.”

Jodie’s leadership will focus on improving the quality of services as well as strategic support for our Community Coaches and Day Services leaders, maximizing our impact through providing person-centered, individualized, and meaningful support. We are confident that under her leadership, The Arc’s Day Services will continue to expand and redefine what high-quality Day Services look like.

The Arc Welcomes Ellen Evans to Board of Directors

Ellen Evans joins The Arc's Board of Directors

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc), a nonprofit committed to transforming lives for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and Michele Tharp, Board Chair, are pleased to welcome Ellen Evans to The Arc’s Board of Directors.

Currently the Global Reimbursement Consultant for Medtronic Endoscopy, Ellen has 30 years of experience providing leadership supporting the development and implementation of health policy, healthcare business development, and clinical experience.

“We are pleased to welcome Ellen to our Board,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “Ellen has a diverse background in healthcare policy and business development and will provide tremendous support to our leadership as we continue to grow and strengthen our services, particularly as we expand Behavioral Health.”

Ellen is also a civic leader. She is heavily involved in her community and currently serves on the Board of Directors of Mary’s Center and Apollo’s Dream Foundation/My Tech Clinic. Ellen also dedicates time to Talbot County Empty Bowls.

“The Arc is a unique, innovative driver of positive outcomes for people with IDD in our communities, especially when it comes to producing positive Behavioral Health outcomes,” said Ellen. “I am excited about using my background and expertise to contribute to The Arc’s continuing growth and innovation in the field.”

Ellen earned a BA from the University of Virginia, an MHSA from George Washington University, and a BSN from The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing. Ellen is a resident of Talbot County, Maryland.

Ellen Evans joins The Arc's Board of Directors

Greg Snyder II Testifies on Behalf of HB773

Greg Snyder

Greg Snyder II, Vice President of Engagement at The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, advocated for support on Wednesday for HB773: Individuals with Disabilities and Service-Disabled Veterans Boating Fund.

This legislation would provide more opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and disabled veterans to enjoy accessible boating, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding.

“Boating and recreational watersports are a huge part of Maryland culture and life along the Chesapeake Bay,” said Snyder. “Ensuring that everyone can experience these activities that are so much a part of daily life in our region is an important step in creating a more inclusive community.”

The Arc serves over 3,000 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families throughout the region, supporting people with IDD to live the lives they choose by creating opportunities, promoting respect and equity, and providing access to services.

Throughout the spring and summer, many people in The Arc’s Day Services enjoy sailing with Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating Therapeutic Sailing (CRAB). With the establishment of the Individuals with Disabilities and Service-Disabled Veterans Boating Fund, more people with IDD across the state can share these experiences.   

 

Jonathon Rondeau Joins Governor Moore in Support of HB538

President & CEO, Jonathon Rondeau, was honored to speak today on Gov. Wes Moore's panel to discuss the implications of HB 538: The Housing Expansion and Affordability Act of 2024.

Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) and Board Chair of Chesapeake Neighbors joined Governor Wes Moore on Tuesday to advocate for housing expansion and support Section 7-504 of the Governor’s bill HB538: Affordable Housing Zoning Density and Permitting (Housing Expansion and Affordability Act of 2024).

Maryland is experiencing a housing crisis – no community has enough affordable housing to support the needs of its residents. Recognizing the challenges Maryland is facing, Governor Moore’s bill intends to introduce new tools and resources for developers like Chesapeake Neighbors to leverage as they create additional affordable housing opportunities. Specifically, section 7-504 introduces density bonuses, which allow developers to tailor affordable housing to a community’s needs with greater nuance, which is especially important when seeking to create diverse and inclusive communities.

Today, The Arc serves over 3,000 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families throughout the region, supporting people with IDD to live the lives they choose by creating opportunities, promoting respect and equity, and providing access to services. Building affordable housing has been a natural part of this work since The Arc’s founding in 1961 and has accelerated in recent years in response to the housing crisis.

Recognizing the need throughout the community for quality, affordable, and accessible housing, The Arc founded Chesapeake Neighbors in 2007 to accelerate the development of new affordable housing opportunities for people with disabilities and low-income families. Today, Chesapeake Neighbors has created more than 70 affordable housing units in Central Maryland and the Eastern Shore and specializes in creating mixed-income communities that blend affordable housing with market-rate housing.

“Chesapeake Neighbors believes in small, scattered-site housing, and density bonuses are a resource that allows us the flexibility and creativity to continue developing affordable housing at scale while staying true to our mission,” said Rondeau. “It is essential that organizations like Chesapeake Neighbors also have resources to survive and compete in the housing market – we are an important part of creating a greater housing supply for Marylanders.”

Greg Snyder II Appointed Chair of Anne Arundel County Disabilities Commission

Greg Snyder

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) is proud to share that Greg Snyder II, Vice President of Engagement, was recently appointed to serve as the Chair of the Anne Arundel County Commission on Disability Issues by County Executive Steuart Pittman.

Over the course of his career, Greg has dedicated significant time to advocating for equity, access, and resources for people with disabilities in the State of Maryland and will now have new opportunities to advocate as Chair of the Commission.

“I am honored to take on this new role as Chair,” Greg said. “I am grateful to County Executive Pittman and the Commission for entrusting me with this responsibility to continue advocating for increased access and opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our communities.”

As Chair, Greg will be responsible for leading the Commission and advising the County Executive and the County Council on the coordination and development of government policies, programs, services, and the allocation of resources for people with disabilities. The work of the Commission is vital to promoting and enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities in the region.

“Greg is a champion of self-advocacy, self-determination, and equal rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” says Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “I am excited for the ways Greg will be able to use his expertise and experience to inform his leadership of the Commission.”

Greg joined The Arc in August 2022 and currently serves as the Vice President of Engagement, leading The Arc’s government and community relations and managing the legislative agenda for The Arc and its subsidiaries.

The Arc Takes an Innovative Approach to Healthcare

Health at Work Ribbon Cutting

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region held a ribbon cutting on Thursday to celebrate the launch of its new Health at Work suite at the organization’s Severn location.

Health at Work is an innovative approach to providing greater, more employee-centric healthcare for The Arc’s employees. Starting February 1, The Arc is partnering with ModRN Health to offer on-site health services where employees and their dependents can access primary care and same-day urgent care.

“The Arc believes that access to convenient, affordable healthcare is essential for a healthy life,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO. “Our goal with the new employee benefit is to make it easier for our team members to take care of themselves and their families.”

According to the National Association of Community Health Centers, 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. The lack of access to primary care means people don’t have the support they need to manage chronic health conditions like diabetes.

Alternatively, for people who do have a PCP, accessing same-day appointments can be a challenge.

Through Health at Work, The Arc’s employees and their dependents will have access to convenient, on-site primary and urgent care with same-day in-person and virtual appointments available every Monday through Friday. Not only will this reduce healthcare wait times and costs for Arc employees, but it will also make preventative and ongoing healthcare an accessible and routine part of their lives.

In addition to the health suite, a 24/7 Registered Nurse (RN) will be available by phone, text, and email and will act as an immediate healthcare consultant to help determine the severity of medical situations and determine what next steps are needed.

Through Health at Work, The Arc’s employees can access:

  • Convenient, on-site primary and urgent care located in our Severn location
  • Same-day appointments and testing for illnesses like strep, flu, and COVID
  • Routine well visits and preventative care conducted by an on-site RN from ModRN Health
  • High-quality telehealth appointments with a doctor from ModRN Health
  • Chronic health issue management
  • Prescriptions that can be filled at any major pharmacy
  • Insurance review, prior authorization & claims assistance
  • Care coordination – finding a doctor or specialist, navigating referrals, follow-up appointments, and more

Recognizing that the health and wellness of employees are among the top responsibilities of an organization, The Arc is proud to lead the way in creating greater access to quality healthcare. “We believe that Health at Work is what’s next in the world of primary care,” said Rondeau. “The Arc is proud to offer this innovative service as part of our Total Rewards.”

The Arc Announces Promotion of Megan Lyle

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) announces the promotion of Megan Lyle to Senior Vice President of Administration & General Counsel. In this new role, Megan will lead all aspects of enterprise-wide compliance, legal strategy and operations, information technology, and corporate governance.

“Megan not only has a comprehensive knowledge of laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, she has a strategic outlook and passion for the work we do throughout the community,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO.

Megan came to The Arc in April 2023 as an accomplished Attorney Advisor with over ten years of experience. As the Vice President of Corporate Compliance & Legal Counsel, she immediately provided valuable guidance and resources with a wide range of legal advice and leadership to The Arc and its subsidiaries. This promotion comes after just ten months with The Arc.

“I am honored to take on this new role,” she said. “I am proud of the work my team does in supporting compliance and governance and look forward to providing strategic counsel to strengthen The Arc’s legal strategy and information technology.”

The Arc depends on Megan’s counsel and strategic outlook to guide the organization through the ever-complex regulations and legal issues surrounding human services, housing, and community development.

Megan holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations from the University of Rochester, a Juris Doctor from the University of Buffalo School of Law, and a Master of Laws in Dispute Resolution from the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law.

Port Street Commons in The News

Jonathon Rondeau at Port Street Commons

EASTON — The Arc Central Chesapeake’s 24,000-square-foot Port Street Commons center is growing, with concrete monoliths, the beginnings of the new building, reaching into the sky.

And as the project takes shape, they are getting closer to providing both affordable housing and support for community members with developmental disabilities, Arc leadership said.

“We started construction on Aug. 14, so yes, we are roughly six months in. That estimates the completion is November 4,” said Jonathon Rondeau, the president and CEO of The Arc Central Chesapeake Region.

“It was always designed to be a 14-month build, and we have worked in partnership with our architect, Rauch, and our general contractor, BGC, to keep on top of that,” he said.

To speed up the construction process, everything down to bathroom tile has already been chosen.

“There is no design process at the same time, which is a little bit different. We front load everything. That is where delays are, making decisions on site,” Rondeau said.

He said the design of the building is meant to mirror what it looked like in Easton 50 or 60 years ago, mimicking architectural styles that were common in the area at the time.

It will be three stories tall and have one elevator.

According to Rondeau, the building will provide space for The Arc to continue to grow in their mission.

“The Arc Central Chesapeake has been providing support and services to people with disabilities in the Mid-Shore region for 20 years,” he said. “Over the last five, we have seen a growth in our services by over 80%. The need to have a more established presence here was true when we chose Easton as sort of a central hub for the Mid-Shore and the Eastern Shore as our headquarters 15 years ago.”

The Arc been getting support from the town, county and state inspectors.

“Everyone has been aligned to help us to get on that timeline,” he said.

This facility has two large goals. One is creating affordable housing, which Talbot County needs for people like EMS workers. The Arc has a specific hourly range in mind.

“Fifteen years ago, The Arc started a housing subsidiary called Chesapeake Neighbors, One, to create better housing for people with disabilities, but also realizing that if we are going to create inclusive and equitable communities, they can’t just be people with disabilities,” Rondeau said. “Chesapeake Neighbors’ vision is to create affordable housing for all.”

They have grown from 11 units to over 70. Nine of these will be at Port Street.

“There will be seven two-bedroom apartments and two three-bedroom apartments on this site. It might be for your local Barista or a person who works at Royal Farms. It could be a teacher or childcare worker — people who make $20 to $25 an hour,” he said.

Rondeau said that Talbot County’s median income is $100,000.

So even if someone makes $80,000, they can’t buy or rent easily in the county. Aside from Scotty’s Taxi, there is no public transportation.

Where is all this money coming from to build Port Street Commons?

“We have a capital campaign called Expanding What Is Possible. It officially launched two years ago. We have raised about $5.1 million to date,” Rondeau said. “The total campaign is $8.5 million. Under Gov. Hogan we received $1 million. Under Gov. Moore we have received $1.5 million. And from the federal government with Sen. Van Hollen and Sen. Cardin, we received $750,000.”

He said the Arc is looking to hire direct support professionals. They already have 400 people in that role, but will need more help on Port Street. Applicants do not need a degree, and the Arc will train new employees with 80 or 90 hours. They are looking for people who want to affect change in a person’s life.

“I am excited to be taking a piece of land that really didn’t have a purpose and there will be something meaningful that the community has needed for a long time, particularly Port Street,” Rondeau said. “And there will be a community hub for the people we support, like families with children with disabilities. It will look like a Capital One cafe. The Easton Rotary Club sponsored this room. It will be the Easton Rotary Community Hub.”

Rondeau ended with, “There is a huge need in the community. The building is a catalyst for someone to get services. It allows families to feel like they are safe. And The Arc is investing and putting roots in this community.”

*This article originally appeared in The Star Democrat.

Jonathon Rondeau Spearheads Discussion on Affordable Housing

Jonathon Rondeau (far Right) Speaks at Baltimore Banner Event Discussing Affordable Housing

On Tuesday, legislators and members of the public gathered at The Graduate in Annapolis, MD, to talk about key legislative issues like affordable housing, the budget, environmental challenges, and transportation. Despite the snow, people packed the ballroom to hear Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day and The Arc Central Chesapeake Region President & CEO Jonathon Rondeau speak.

Together, Day and Rondeau discussed challenges surrounding affordable housing throughout the State and the need for creative solutions. Rondeau touted Chesapeake Neighbors, where he is the board chair, as an example of a successful developer taking an innovative approach to affordable housing.

“Chesapeake Neighbors was founded by The Arc in 2007 to focus on bringing more quality, accessible, and affordable housing to the community,” said Rondeau. “The affordable housing crisis isn’t new; the pandemic just exacerbated the problem.”

No community in Maryland has enough affordable housing to support the needs of its residents, and low-and moderate-income renters are spending a disproportionate amount of their income on housing. Low-income renters are already more likely to have increased stress levels from working multiple jobs, navigating disability, raising children solo, and unreliable transportation. They tend to lack access to generational wealth, have a disproportionate amount of debt, and many come from historically marginalized populations. Millennials and Gen Z are slower than previous generations to enter home ownership. With salaries stagnating, more college graduates burdened with debt, and rising inflation, the demand for high-quality, affordable rentals is high.

Rondeau elaborated on the work Chesapeake Neighbors is doing throughout the region.

“Chesapeake Neighbors believes the future of affordable housing is scattered-site, small-scale, mixed-income developments,” he said. “In practice, that looks like dividing a single-family home into multiple units or building additional structures on a subdividable lot. By dispersing housing throughout different neighborhoods, residents from various backgrounds, income levels, and demographics can live side by side, creating truly diverse communities.”

Rondeau also elaborated on the challenges to developing housing in this fashion, highlighting that a significant barrier is the lack of access to funding. State funds prioritize larger developers, something Rondeau would like to see changed.

Secretary Day agreed to the need to develop innovative solutions to tackling the affordable housing crisis and has put together an extensive agenda he plans to pursue during the legislative session.

Attendees left with a better understanding of the challenges facing our community, as well as encouragement that organizations like Chesapeake Neighbors are working with the State to find creative solutions to develop more affordable housing.