The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a significant uptick in both the positivity rate and hospitalizations. As of this morning, the COVID-19 positivity rate in Maryland is 17.58%. While the current COVID-19 variant does not appear to be as severe to people as previous variants, the new positivity rate and other COVID-19 data are concerning. Considering this latest development and with a focus on the health and safety of our employees, the people we support, and other stakeholders, The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) will temporarily adjust our standard operations beginning Wednesday, December 29, 2021.

---

Limited Office Operations & Temporary Office Closure in Annapolis

While our core hours will remain in effect, operations at our Severn HQ and Easton Regional Office will be limited. In addition, we are limiting the number of People & Culture and Finance team members who will be on-site during office hours. Our Annapolis Regional Office and all Community Hubs will be closed through January 7.

Community-Based Day Services

Beginning Wednesday, December 29 through Friday, January 7, all Day Services will move to virtual-only services. Because The Arc’s Day Services are exclusively in the community, we believe this pause is necessary to ensure the health of everyone who participates in this service.

Behavioral Health

Beginning Wednesday, December 29 through Sunday, January 9, all Behavioral Health services, including behavioral support services and counseling, will only occur virtually.

Non-Essential Meetings and Trainings

All non-essential in-person meetings and trainings will be postponed until after January 10. In addition, all employment interviews will be conducted virtually through Sunday, January 9.

The Arc will continue to monitor the situation carefully as it unfolds and will put other protocols in place as necessary. While we anticipate resuming normal operations on Monday, January 10, we will provide an operational update to all stakeholders by Friday, January 7. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact info@thearcccr.org or call 410.269.1883.

Thank you for your cooperation, support, and patience as we continue to navigate the pandemic together.

For 15 years, The Arc Central Chesapeake Region has made sure that children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families don’t have to go without Christmas. This year, The Arc was joined by M&T Bank in making its Holiday Giving program a success.

Volunteers from both organizations convened at The Arc’s headquarters in Severn to wrap gifts for 200 local children and their families on December 17. M&T Bank employees adopted seven of the benefiting children, purchasing gifts on their holiday wish list. As the lead sponsor for Holiday Giving, the bank also donated $10,000 in gift cards for parents to ease the burden of preparing for the holiday season.

The Holiday Giving program began with about 40 kids and has grown each year, explained Catie Comer, director of development and communications for The Arc Central Chesapeake Region. This holiday season, Holiday Giving helped 189 kids and their families.

“Our program focuses on children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their siblings, and we really pride ourselves on taking care of the whole family,” Comer said. “So, we’re not just buying toys or gifts for the child with a disability; we’re taking care of all their siblings, and we provide a $100 gift card for groceries so they can put together a holiday meal.”

M&T Bank has been involved for five years. Many employees, like Jason Weisberg, vice president of M&T Bank’s Chesapeake region, like to be active participants.

“As an organization and then personally, a lot of our people adopt kids, actually purchase the gifts,” he said during the event on December 17. “And then today, [they] are going to be volunteering their time. M&T as an organization gives its employees 40 hours of paid volunteer time, so today we’ll have about 20 people here to coordinate all the gifts for pick-up for the parents.”

Read the full article: https://severnaparkvoice.com/stories/mt-bank-the-arc-central-chesapeake-region-partner-to-bring-christmas-to-families,36269?

Media Contact: Talon J. Sachs
Vice President of Strategic Communication for The Arc
410.384.4942 | tsachs@thearcccr.org

 

Severn, MD (December 21, 2021) – The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) is looking to distribute $35,244 received from a Community Support Grant to families of children with disabilities or special medical needs that have been adversely affected by COVID-19.

In August 2021, The Arc received a $50,000 Community Support Grant designed to provide in-home services for families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Anne Arundel County. Each family that qualifies is eligible for up to $500 of in-home support.

“This funding provides support to families who need childcare so they can work while their child receives virtual services,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “It can also be used to support families to complete basic tasks they can’t accomplish with their child, take a mental health break, or recover from COVID-19.”

In June of 2021, Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman announced this year’s Community Support Grant Program awards, totaling $1,863,000 in funding. The grants went to 52 nonprofit organizations in Fiscal Year 2022, with the funds coming from Anne Arundel County through the County Executive’s Community Support Grant, facilitated by Arundel Community Development Services.

Research conducted by various sources in the US and abroad shows that families of children with disabilities have been especially overwhelmed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While we have been able to allocate funds to many families in need, there are still funds available that can make a significant difference for families during the holiday season,” said Rondeau.

To qualify for a Family In-House Supports Grant from The Arc, families must have a child with an intellectual or developmental disability under the age of 21, reside in Anne Arundel County, and complete and submit an online application located on The Arc’s website.

For more information, visit www.thearcccr.org/familysupportsgrant or email familysupportsgrant@thearcccr.org. 

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, learn, 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. To learn more, visit www.thearcccr.org.

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Talon J. Sachs
Vice President of Strategic Communication for The Arc
410.384.4942 | tsachs@thearcccr.org

 

Severn, MD. (December 8, 2021) – The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) congratulates the Leadership Maryland Class of 2021 who completed the professional development program dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of its local business and community leaders.

“Leadership Maryland provides a profound experience for leaders across all sectors. As the CEO of an organization that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, I found my time with Leadership Maryland invaluable to furthering our mission,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc and Leadership Maryland Class of 2013 graduate. “I hope that the Class of 2021 had a similar experience, one that has empowered them to make a significant impact within their communities.”

Among the graduates this year is The Arc’s Director of Engagement Deena Deese Kilmon. Deena was one of 49 applicants chosen by committee to complete Leadership Maryland’s eight-month hands-on learning program. The class participated in an orientation and closing retreat that bookended five, two-day sessions focused on Maryland’s five main geographic regions and the most vital issues impacting economic development, education, health and human services, criminal justice, the environment, and multi-culturalism/diversity across the state. Originally selected to be the Class of 2020, the cohort was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“With the events of the past two years, our communities greatly need connectedness, shared vision, and resilient leadership, which makes our mission of empowering a diverse network of local leaders more important than ever,” said Renée M. Winsky ‘05, president and Chief Executive Officer, Leadership Maryland. “With the understanding, connections, and clarity of purpose gained from their program experience, the 49 members of the Class of 2021 are now better poised to make a positive impact, and we look forward to seeing all they’ll accomplish for our state.”

Leadership Maryland honored Deena and the entire Class of 2021 at its 28th annual graduation ceremony held December 7 at the Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport.

About The Arc Central Chesapeake Region
The Arc Central Chesapeake Region provides services and supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through living options, workforce development, and fiscal management services. Serving Anne Arundel County and the Eastern Shore of Maryland, The Arc provides an innovative, person-directed approach across the arc of a person’s life with a focus on equity and self-determination. Visit www.thearcccr.org

About Leadership Maryland
Leadership Maryland is a professional development program dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of its local business and community leaders. Each year, as many as 52 diverse and accomplished executives from Maryland’s public and private sectors are selected to come together as a class for an eight-month hands-on learning program focused on the state’s most vital social, economic and environmental issues. The first Leadership Maryland class graduated in 1993, and the organization’s alumni network now consists of more than 1,300 leaders from all industries and regions of the state. To learn more, please call Leadership Maryland at 410-841-2101 or visit www.LeadershipMD.org

Dear Friends,

Thanksgiving in my family is a time to reflect on the past year. While last year may not have been the year we hoped for, we remained steadfast in our commitment and now, nearly twenty-one months into the pandemic, we begin to see hope for a more vibrant post-pandemic world.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, there have been a number of opportunities. The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) continues to grow, meeting our mission in new and dynamic ways. Through the generosity of our donors, the dedication of our employees, and the trust of the people we support, The Arc continues to provide person-centered supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, work, learn, and connect with their communities.

No one achieves success without the support of others. I am thankful for the opportunity to lead a community of changemakers who encourage each other, rise to meet challenges, think critically, care deeply, and strive to do better together. I also am grateful for our donors and partners who believe in our mission. Together, we are building a shared future where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are active and fully included members of their communities, have access to the resources and supports they need and strive to live self-determined lives.

Thank you for your trust and commitment to The Arc. I wish you and your family a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.

With gratitude,

Jonathon Rondeau
President & CEO

In this Eye On Annapolis podcast, President & CEO Jonathon Rondeau sits down with host John Frenaye to talk about The Arc, its mission, culture, and why it’s such a great place to work!

Continue reading

MEDIA ADVISORY

Media Contact: Ross Benincasa
Rivers and Roads Consulting
443.720.0080 | ross@riversandroads.com

 

THE ARC CENTRAL CHESAPEAKE REGION HOSTS A COMMUNITY MEETING ABOUT FUTURE PLANS FOR PORT STREET COMMONS

WHAT: The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) will host a Community Meeting to introduce its development plans for Port Street Commons. This is an opportunity for community members and grassroots organizations to meet Arc leadership and the project planning team to learn about The Arc’s future plans in Easton at the site. The public is encouraged to attend.

“The Arc has had a presence in Easton for the last 17 years and we are committed to continuing that,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO, The Arc. “Though we currently have an office and Community Hub in Easton, the next phase of our vision will extend our existing model of support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities while creating mixed-used space for the entire community.”

After a brief presentation on the development, community members will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session, facilitated by Rivers and Roads Consulting, to ask questions and engage in focused discussions about the project. The Arc’s Chesapeake Community Development is the developer of the project in partnership with general contractors BGC and architects, OTJ Architects.

WHO: Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO, The Arc, OTJ Architects, River and Roads Consulting (Discussion Facilitator)

WHEN: Thursday, December 9, 2021, 5:30PM

WHERE: Eastern Shore Conservation Center, 114 S. Washington Street, Easton, MD 21601. Street is available, as well as a parking lot at the rear of the building that is accessible from Washington Street.

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, learn, 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. To learn more, visit www.thearcccr.org.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Talon J. Sachs, Vice President of Strategic Communication for The Arc
410.384.4942 | tsachs@thearcccr.org
 

THE ARC CENTRAL CHESAPEAKE REGION WELCOMES BRET MINARIK TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SEVERN, MD, (November 4, 2021)—The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc), a nonprofit committed to transforming lives for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), and Laura Austin, Board Chair, are pleased to welcome Bret Minarik to The Arc’s Board of Directors.

Bret possesses over 30 years of financial management experience in nonprofit and private organizations that will be a welcome addition to The Arc’s current advocacy efforts to increase access and opportunity for people with I/DD.

“We are excited to welcome Bret to our Board,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO, The Arc. “His extensive experience in supporting nonprofit leadership, spearheading financial initiatives, and understanding the modern healthcare landscape will be instrumental to The Arc and those we support.”

Committed to delivering effective and equitable care for all, Bret has supported organizations in the health care sphere for years with his robust financial acumen. Currently, he is the Chief Financial Officer of Bay Community Health (BCH), a federally qualified medical care and behavioral health services center in southern Anne Arundel County. Prior to BCH, Bret was the Chief Financial Officer at HealthCare Access Maryland and supervised all financial operations for the multi-million dollar nonprofit organization.

“I look forward to contributing to The Arc’s ongoing commitment to address the diverse needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Bret.

Bret is a Certified Public Accountant and earned a Bachelor of Economics and an accounting certificate from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He is also a parent of an adult with disabilities who receives supports funded through the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration.

About The Arc Central Chesapeake Region
The Arc Central Chesapeake Region provides services and supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through living options, workforce development, and fiscal management services. Serving Anne Arundel County and the Eastern Shore of Maryland, The Arc provides an innovative, person-directed approach across the arc of a person’s life with a focus on equity and self-determination. www.thearcccr.org

# # #

 

 

 

Easton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC): According to your website, “The Arc’s mission is to serve children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Anne Arundel County and the Eastern Shore by creating opportunities for people with disabilities to live, work, and play where and how they choose.” What would you add to that?

Jonathon Rondeau (JR): It’s also important to note that each Arc in Maryland is separately run and incorporated. So, for the last 17 years, The Arc Central Chesapeake Region has been providing services mainly in the Mid Shore region. Since 2018, we have expanded the number of people we serve by 82%. So, part of our strategy now is how to have a greater physical presence as well.

EEDC: And how are you doing that?

JR: We have had a presence in Easton for the last 17 years and are committed to continuing that. Over the last year and a half, we’ve been exploring locations to develop an Eastern Shore headquarters in Easton. Late spring of this year, we identified a lot on Port Street within the Port Street Redevelopment Plan, and we’ve purchased that property. It’s our vision that this would not only be our Eastern Shore headquarters but also create a community hub, which is where people with disabilities and their families could get resources, participate in support groups, that sort of thing. We’re also creating a mixed-use model where there would be eight affordable housing units. The Arc has a housing subsidiary called Chesapeake Neighbors that will be managing these units.

EEDC: How interesting. How far along are you with the housing plan?

JR: We are in the concept phase of that, which will be done in the next couple of weeks. And then, we will be going out to key community members to get people’s input. Our ultimate goal is to break ground and start construction sometime in 2023.

EEDC: How will The Arc be soliciting the community’s response?

JR: This fall, we will have some listening sessions to share our plans with the community and get their feedback. We haven’t scheduled those dates yet, but they’ll be more than one opportunity to give their opinion.

EEDC: How can people find out when these will be?

JR: People can reach out if they’re interested in participating in one of those sessions by emailing me at:  jrondeau@thearcccr.org

EEDC: So, what attracted you to the Port Street Redevelopment area?

JR: The property we purchased is right on the Rails-to-Trails that’s being developed. Initially, we were looking and wanted to be downtown. And so this location has the beauty and the flexibility of not only the Easton Parkway because our services are multi-jurisdictional, but also the fact that you can easily walk from this location downtown. It’s sort of the best of both worlds.

I also think that it’s huge that, while the Port Street Redevelopment plan has been in development for many years, our research shows that a lot of developers are also looking at that location. So it seems to be the right location and right time for us to be doing the same.

EEDC: How large is this new headquarter going to be?

JR: It will be about 24,000 square feet, which includes the eight affordable housing units.

EEDC: How many people are currently employed at The Arc?

JR: The Arc as a whole organization has about 400 employees, and we have 30 employees that work directly on the Eastern Shore.

EEDC: What about you, Jonathon? Are you from the area?

JR: I’ve lived in Maryland since 2003 and currently live in Baltimore County. I’ve been with The Arc for a little over four years.

For more information about EEDC, visit https://eastonedc.com/

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) is hosting an Open House for our downtown Easton Regional Office & Community Hub on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, from 4-6:00PM at 18 N. Hanson Street, Easton, MD 21601. Community members will have the opportunity to meet organizational leadership, learn more about our programs and services, and hear about our future plans in Easton.

“We are happy to offer a place where people we support and their families can attend educational opportunities, host support groups, and receive family navigation services all within easy walking distance of downtown’s amenities and services,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO, The Arc. “In addition to our current programs, it is our intention to collaborate in this space with like-minded organizations whose missions align to our focus on equity and access for people with disabilities.”

The Arc currently supports over 50 people on the Eastern Shore with an array of services supporting children and adults with disabilities. Representatives of these programs and organizational leadership will be on hand to discuss plans for the expansion of these services in the Mid-Shore region. Families are welcome to attend; accessible parking is available on site.

About The Arc Central Chesapeake Region
The Arc Central Chesapeake Region provides services and supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through living options, workforce development, and fiscal management services. Serving Anne Arundel County and the Eastern Shore of Maryland, The Arc provides an innovative, person-directed approach across the arc of a person’s life with a focus on equity and self-determination. www.thearcccr.org

 # # #