While nonprofits are often recognized for their mission-based achievements and results, the economic impact as dynamic organizations is often overlooked. Nationally, nonprofits employ roughly 10% of the workforce and contributed $1.4 trillion to the economy in the first quarter of 2022.

What does that look like at a local level? In honor of Maryland Economic Development Week, The Arc Central Chesapeake Region is sharing some of the ways we contribute to a healthy economy.

Growth in Numbers

Over the last five years, The Arc has experienced significant growth in services, leadership, outreach, and infrastructure. In 2017, The Arc had an annual budget of $30 million. Today, The Arc’s annual budget is just over $150 million.

The Arc was founded in 1961 to provide service and supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Anne Arundel County. We now proudly support nine counties throughout Maryland, and in fiscal year 2022, The Arc created over 3,000 opportunities for people to live, work, and connect with their communities.

Growth in Services

For more than 20 years, The Arc has provided fiscal management service for people in Self-Direction, a state-wide initiative. This allows people to have greater control over when and how they receive their services and who provides them. In this program, people with disabilities act as their own small businesses, hiring, training, and paying their own support teams.

Since 2016, The Arc’s Self-Directed Services has grown to 1,900 participants, and has participants throughout the state of Maryland, employing more than 5,500 people.

Growth in People

The Arc employs a staff of people who support every aspect of the organization, from direct service, operations, finance, branding, and infrastructure.

Today, The Arc employs just shy of 500 employees and, because of growth, is actively hiring for a wide variety of roles every day.

Growth in Programs

During the pandemic, we all recognized the need to better prioritize access to mental health services. That includes mental health counseling and services available for people with disabilities. With a small grant, The Arc formed a therapy group, Coping with COVID. What started as a small time-limited grant has now developed into a foundational, permanent program, Behavioral Health.

Since 2020, The Arc has expanded the program to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the region we serve, and growth plans include hiring an additional one clinical team member per quarter.

Growth & Expansion

The Arc has a deep commitment to Maryland’s Eastern Shore. In response to community need, we are developing a new 24,000-square-foot Eastern Shores headquarters in Easton, MD, located on Port Street. This will be a first-of-its-kind community space that incorporates universal design and provides space for mental health counseling, innovative services, and nine affordable housing units to be managed by The Arc’s subsidiary, Chesapeake Neighbors.

By revitalizing and connecting Easton’s waterfront district to its thriving downtown via the Port Street corridor, the project will directly impact the local economy. In addition to the temporary construction jobs it will create, The Arc anticipates 35 new, full-time positions as part of the project.

As economic engines, nonprofit organizations help shape the long-term character and stability of the communities where we operate.

Every year, The Arc works with the community to ensure we can support as many lives as possible during the holiday season. By partnering with local businesses and sponsors, we lessen the burden on families by supplying holiday gifts to both the child with a disability and their siblings.

The Arc’s Holiday Giving allows families to ask for items that are specific to their child’s interests, needs, and abilities The Arc also supports each family with a $100 grocery gift card to help prepare a holiday meal, and wrapping paper to wrap the gifts.

This year, The Arc will support 250 kids through the program. Applications will open October 1, and close on October 15. If your family needs support, click here for more information.

If you would like to support a child or family this holiday season, please reach out to us at give@thearcccr.org. The Arc will provide you with a specific list of items requested by the family, and will coordinate all the details of gift pick up and distribution to families.

October marks National Disability Employment Awareness (NDEAM) Month. Employees with disabilities are integral to every workforce, and this month’s theme for NDEAM is “Disability: part of the equity equation.”

Too many people with disabilities face obstacles to entering and remaining in the labor market due to discrimination, lack of accessible transportation, workplace accommodations, quality education, and disability-exclusive policies.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the contributions of our workers with disabilities, educates society about disability employment, and sheds light on the inclusive policies and practices that people with disabilities need to thrive in the workplace.

“People with disabilities are like everyone else and deserve a chance to create opportunities, make their own money and participate in their community,” said Laura Degler, Assistant Director, Workforce Development. “People can and want to work.”

The Arc’s workforce development team partners with the people we support to identify what kind of work they are interested in, prepare resumes and prep for interviews, and coach them while on the job to ensure they have the support they need to be successful.

For Chris, that means celebrating his eight-year anniversary working in the produce department at Wegman’s. He recently received recognition for his years of dedicated service. In that time, Chris has provided incredible customer service, helping people find the items they need, and always ensuring shelves are fully stocked.

And, for Ebrianna (Bri), that meant taking on a new role last month. Bri accepted a position with Giant, tending the salad bar. She ensures the food is well stocked, and the hot bar items are always at the perfect temperature. Bri loves that her new job gives her the opportunity to interact with customers and colleagues, and she particularly loves earning her own paycheck.

“We build relationships with employers throughout Anne Arundel County and the Mid-Shore and educate them on the value of hiring someone with IDD and the importance of equity and inclusion,” said Degler. “We help employers learn how to coach, train and communicate with their new employees. Often, employers ask if we have another great candidate because the person with IDD has been such a great employee!”

With the passing of another National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, we want to take one more opportunity to thank The Arc’s DSPs.

The work DSPs do every day is critical, and we wanted to take a moment to highlight just a few examples of the ways our DSPs show up for the people they support time and time again. This year alone, we’ve heard countless stories of how our DSPs support people to live, work, and connect in their communities.

Just a few ways that DSPs have made an impact this summer:

• In Day Services, Cathy Maxfield, Tammy Minarik, and Deidra Price supported people who wanted to organize a bowling league, including team shirts and trophies.
• Several DSPs in Living Options & Services who worked with The Arc’s External Relations Team to get Bowie Baysox tickets donated for a large group to go to a game this summer.
• LaTeetra Branche found connections between people’s interests and goals in their person-centered plans to connect them with volunteer opportunities at local organizations like the BARCS animal shelter in Baltimore.
• Michael Hook, whose long-term goal was to find a new Scorekeeper position, landed a job this summer with the support of his Employment Advisor.

The Arc’s DSPs have been there for the little moments, too, like supporting Megan as she learned how to use an air fryer she was gifted so she could cook a meal for her fiancé.

Despite how difficult connection has been because of the pandemic, The Arc’s DSPs have continued to find new ways for the people we support to connect with friends and family both in-person and virtually. They have also used resources to improve people’s lives, like connecting with the Behavioral Health team to ensure support and safety for the people we support as they navigate their jobs, relationships, and day-to-day lives.

The Arc’s Executive Leadership Team served all attendees. The events were open to all employees and people we support and were well-attended.

Additionally, The Arc’s supported all DSPs with a bonus, recognizing the critical role they play in our daily operations. There is no Arc without our DSPs’ resilience, creativity, and dedication. Being a DSP isn’t for everybody, but it’s clear that this organization is full of people who have found their calling, and it shows in the exceptional dedication they bring every day.

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc), a nonprofit committed to transforming lives for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), and Michele Tharp, Board Chair, are pleased to welcome Allison Whiteman Taylor and Jane Plapinger to The Arc’s Board of Directors.

Allison possesses over 10 years of experience in public health and policymaking at both governmental and healthcare-related organizations which will be a welcome addition to The Arc’s current advocacy efforts focused on increasing access and opportunity for people with I/DD.

“We are excited to welcome Allison to our Board,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “Her substantial background in government relations, as well as her expertise in public policy and legal analysis in the health care sector, will enhance our Board’s ability to continue to expand our services and look to the future of what’s next for people with disabilities.”

Currently, Allison is the Director of Government Relations for Kaiser Permanente in Maryland, one of the largest nonprofit healthcare and insurance providers in the country. Previously, she served as Counsel to the Senate Finance Committee in the Department of Legislative Services where she advised Senators on bills relating to Medicaid, behavioral health, and consumer protection. Prior to 2018, Allison worked for several years at the Maryland Department of Health both as the Director of Governmental Affairs and the Chief of Staff for Public Health Services.

Additionally, The Arc welcomes Jane Plapinger to its Board of Directors. Jane possesses over 40 years of experience in public health at nonprofit, governmental, and hospital organizations that will be a welcome addition to The Arc’s current advocacy efforts to increase access and opportunity for people with I/DD.

Most recently, Jane served as the Executive Director of the Maryland Coalition of Families, a Maryland nonprofit dedicated to improving behavioral health services and building a family-driven network of information and support. Prior to 2014, Jane served as the President & CEO for Baltimore Mental Health Systems and before that worked as the Assistant Commissioner in the Bureau of Planning, Evaluation & Quality Improvement for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

She earned a Bachelor of Human Biology from Brown University and a Master’s of Public Health from Columbia University’s School of Public Health. Jane was recognized with the Executive Leadership Award in 2021 by the Family-Run Executive Director Leadership Association (FREDLA).

“Jane’s dedication to building community and family-driven networks in the public health and behavioral health sector is an excellent asset to our Board,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “Her extensive leadership experience means she will bring a comprehensive perspective as we continue to expand our behavioral health services.”

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc), a nonprofit committed to transforming lives for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), is pleased to welcome Scott Reifsnyder and Gregory Snyder II to The Arc’s Executive Leadership Team. Both are joining The Arc at a critical moment in time as the organization prepares to head into its next strategic plan, Leading Boldly.

Scott Reifsnyder possesses over 17 years of experience as a Chief Financial Officer (CFO), managing the financial health of nonprofit and private organizations experiencing growth and change. An innovative and strategic leader, Scott thrives when supporting organizational growth and spearheading financial initiatives.

“We are excited to welcome Scott to our Executive Leadership Team,” says Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “It is essential to have a leader like Scott who values creativity, collaboration, and progress as The Arc continues to expand services, implement new initiatives, and grow across the region.”

Scott comes to The Arc from Nexterus, a company focused on providing solutions around global supply chain management, and currently serves as treasurer of the Board of Directors at The Coordinating Center, a Maryland-based nonprofit supporting people with disabilities. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting from Washington Adventist University and attended the University of Maryland Global Campus.

At the same time, The Arc is also welcoming Gregory Snyder II as the Chief of Staff. In this role, Greg will partner with The Arc’s executive leaders on strategic priorities and lead governmental relations, using his expertise and passion for policy to support activities and projects related to The Arc’s capital campaign and strategic plan.

“Greg has dedicated much of his professional and personal life to public service and disability rights, including serving on our Board of Directors for several years,” said Jonathon. “His energy and leadership will allow us to continue to expand and seek new opportunities to meet the needs of the communities we serve, and I look forward to working with Greg in his new role.”

Prior to joining The Arc, Greg worked at Bellamy Genn Group as the Senior Government Relations Associate. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Keep Punching, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing and eradicating brain cancer. Greg received The Daily Record’s 2020 VIP List Award, recognizing successful professionals under 40 in Maryland, and was recently appointed to the Anne Arundel County Commission on Disability Issues by the Anne Arundel County Executive for his work fostering respect, equity, and opportunity for people with disabilities.

“Scott and Greg are both action-oriented leaders who will support The Arc’s continued transformation and growth,” said Jonathon. “As we embark on our next strategic plan, “Leading Boldly”, I am excited to welcome two community-minded leaders like Scott and Greg.”

This year the Community Support Grant (CSG) program managed by Arundel Community Development Services (ACDS) has awarded $2.12 million in funding to 74 community-based organizations, including $25,000 for Project Learn and the Project Learn Leadership Academy… 

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The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) congratulates Catie Comer, Vice President of Advancement, on being recognized as one of The Daily Record’s 2022 Leading Women Under 40. The award recognizes women who are 40 or younger for their professional accomplishments, commitment to their communities, and excellence in their fields…

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Every year at Celebration Impact, The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) recognizes people in the community who have made a significant difference on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The employees, organizational leaders, and people supported who were recognized…

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The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) congratulates Catie Comer, Vice President of Advancement, on her acceptance to the Shore Leadership Class of 2022. Over the course of the year, Catie will complete the hands-on professional development program dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of local business and community leaders on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

The Arc’s services extend to nine counties on the Eastern Shore, and Catie is eager to make connections, inspire conversations, and increase awareness of how issues impact people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the region. “There is so much more we can be doing as a community to help people with disabilities live the lives they choose for themselves,” said Catie. “I am excited to work with my classmates to create more opportunities to connect people with disabilities to the community.”

Under Catie’s leadership, The Arc has seen incredible growth, increasing annual giving by more than 180% and increasing brand awareness across the region. With Catie’s support, The Arc is poised to continue setting fundraising records, and successfully launch a large capital campaign. “I love working with our donors, connecting them to the work they make possible every day. I am excited to connect with fellow leaders who are ready to do more for the community.”

As The Arc continues to expand and support more people on the Eastern Shore, building strong connections with like-minded change-makers is a key step.

The Arc congratulates Catie on this recognition of her leadership and success in her career, along with all other members of the Shore Leadership Class of 2022.

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 for self-sufficiency. To learn more, visit www.thearcccr.org.