The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc), a nonprofit committed to transforming lives for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and Laura Austin, Board Chair, are pleased to welcome NaToya Mitchell to its Board of Directors.

NaToya possesses over 20 years of experience in nonprofit, private, and government professional organizations that will be a welcome addition to The Arc’s current advocacy efforts to increase access and opportunity for people with IDD.

“The Arc is excited to welcome NaToya to its Board. NaToya is an accomplished and dedicated individual who brings tremendous value to our organization,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO, The Arc. “Her wealth of knowledge and experience with advocacy, self-direction, and leadership will be instrumental to The Arc and overall, to those we support.”

Committed to delivering effective and equitable care for all, NaToya is currently an executive appointee to both the Anne Arundel County Adult Public Guardianship Review Board and the Anne Arundel County Commission on Disability Issues, as well as a current member of the Washington, DC Regional Planning Commission on Health & HIV. As a former administrator for the Maryland Department of Health, she led the Developmental Disabilities Administration delivery model for people self-directing home and community-based supports.

“I am grateful for the opportunity and eager to join The Arc,” said NaToya. “I look forward to working with members of the Board to increase equity, inclusion, and access to opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities within their communities and beyond.”

Reflective of her dedication and commitment, NaToya is the 2021 Arc Maryland Honoree of the Outstanding Advocate of the Year Award, which recognizes and honors advocacy leadership on behalf of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, including systemic change, legal advocacy, and professional endeavors that increase the rights of person with intellectual and developmental disabilities to have inclusive lives.

NaToya Mitchell earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Master of Arts in International Studies with a concentration in International Relations from Morgan State University. She is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in public health from Morgan State University.

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the completion of renovations to their Annapolis Regional Office and Community Hub at 931 Spa Rd. Annapolis, MD. The Arc also unveiled The Ferrier Family Community Room, named after the late Brad Ferrier and Linda Carter-Ferrier.

“Anchored in the Annapolis Art’s District, this reimagined Annapolis Regional Office is more than a collection of offices. It will be a true Community Hub—a place where people we support and their families can access resources, host support groups, receive family navigation services, and make connections easily,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO, The Arc.

He added that the reopening affirms The Arc’s commitment to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the community. “We are excited to deepen our relationships with great local businesses, residents interested in our work, and other organizations whose missions align to our focus on equity and access for people with disabilities,” said Rondeau. The unique 3,900 square feet of accessible space includes upgraded offices, inviting meeting space, and upgraded parklike grounds.

The extensive renovations were revealed during a ribbon-cutting and tour on June 24. Speakers included Jonathon Rondeau, Arc President & CEO; Raj Kudchadkar, Executive Director at the National Coalition of Minority Football Coaches and Board Member of The Arc, Gavin Buckley, Mayor of Annapolis and Steuart Pittman, Anne Arundel County Executive.

Pictured: Front Row (left to right): Anne Arundel County Councilmember Lisa D. B. Rodvien, District 6; Maryland State Delegate Dana Jones, District 30A; Anne Arundel County Councilmember Allison Pickard, District 2; RJ Ferrier (In Services, Ferriers Son); MiKenna Tressler (In Services); Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO The Arc; Maryland State Delegate Shaneka T. Henson, Esq.; Legislative Assistant at Maryland House of Delegates, Aysia Rodriguez

On June 17, 2021, The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc), a nonprofit committed to transforming lives for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and Laura Austin, Board Chair, welcomed Carolina Seldes, founder and CEO of ITnova, an IT and Engineering consulting company that supports Maryland State and the Federal government, to its Board of Directors.

Carolina has over 20 years of experience working with the government sector, including education, aerospace, defense, and transportation agencies. In 2010, Carolina immigrated to the United States from Colombia, with extensive skills in electronic engineering and information technology. In 2011, Carolina founded ITnova after winning a business plan competition sponsored by Anne Arundel Community College where she was taking English and business courses.

“The Arc is excited to welcome Carolina to its Board. Carolina is an inspiring and energetic innovator and entrepreneur,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO, The Arc. “But more than that, as the mother of a child with a disability, a member of the Hispanic community, and the CEO of a minority and woman-owned business, Carolina knows first-hand how vital it is for us to create diverse, equitable, and inclusive opportunities for all people.”

As ITnova’s CEO, Carolina oversees the company’s overall performance and strategy. Under her leadership, ITnova has built an extensive array of services for its clients and is a certified Minority Business Enterprise in several states including Maryland, New York, Philadelphia, Port of Authority of New York, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, Orlando County, Baltimore City, among others.

“I am very trilled to join The Arc and I am grateful about the opportunity,” said Carolina. “I am looking forward to work towards inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace, the school system, and the community.

Carolina lives in Severna Park, and loves to mountain bike, in addition to spending time with her family.

 

Don’t miss your chance to get your 50/50 Raffle Tickets. Last year’s winner took home over $1,500!

Tickets are $20 for 5, or $5 for 1 – the winner’s name will be drawn on May 3rd at Tee It Up for The Arc. You do not need to be present to win. All proceeds benefit The Arc’s program and services.

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 announce the addition of Matthew Teffeau, government affairs manager with Choptank Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, not-for-profit, member-owned, electric distribution co-op located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore serving over 53,000 members, to the Board of Directors, effective March 25, 2021.

Matthew’s extensive legislative experience, coupled with his community affairs, grassroots organization, and nonprofit organization skills, will enhance The Arc’s current advocacy efforts as it works to increase equity and access for people with I/DD.

“We are proud to welcome Matthew to The Arc’s board,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO, The Arc. “Matthew has a strong commitment to the Annapolis and Eastern Shore region, and he will be instrumental in The Arc’s growth and continued work in championing equity and access for the people we support.”

After graduating from Salisbury University in 2010, he worked as a legislative assistant in Maryland’s 1^st congressional district, addressing agricultural and natural resource issues. Matthew’s ability to build strong relationships with Maryland farmers led to a career with the Maryland Farm Bureau as assistant director of government relations. At the bureau, he advocated for Maryland farmers, while working across party lines to pass legislation.

“As a life-long Marylander and native of Preston on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, I look forward to working with fellow board members to continue advancing The Arc’s mission,” said Matthew. “The Arc’s work on behalf of residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities on our Eastern shore and its surrounding support area is vital to ensuring they are visual and valued members and advocating for equal rights for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

Matthew later joined the Maryland Department of Agriculture under the Hogan administration. For three legislative sessions, he had a 100 percent departmental bill passage rate. Last year, The Daily Record included Matthew on its 2020 VIP List, which recognizes Maryland leaders 40 years old or younger for their outstanding professional accomplishments, civic involvement, and commitment to inspiring change.

In his spare time, Matt likes to enjoy the outdoors, go hiking, playing golf and recreational soccer, and most importantly, spending time with his two-year-old daughter Harriet.

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, a nonprofit committed to transforming lives for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), announced today over $42,000 available for Maryland youth through their Family Fund grant. The Arc is seeking applicants that have a child with I/DD under the age of 21 who reside in Maryland. Applications for the Family Fund open March 1, 2021, with awards issued in May of this year.

“We are very grateful for the continued generosity of our community, which makes this fund possible,” said Jonathon Rondeau, CEO, The Arc. “There are effective therapies, services, and adaptive equipment available to support children with disabilities, but these resources are expensive and are often not covered by insurance. With our Family Fund, we work to fill the gaps in access to the supports we know make a significant difference in the lives of youth with a disability.”

The complete application is available on The Arc’s website, www.thearcccr.org/familyfund.

The Family Fund does not cover emergency or crisis requests. If you require emergency funding, please contact resources@thearcccr.org, and The Arc will assist you with appropriate resources.

Created in 2017, the Family Fund provides grants for services and supports not covered by insurance. This grant cycle includes $19,000 of Autism-specific funding, contributed by The Bowen Foundation for Autism in memory of what would have been Bowen Levy’s 19th birthday in November.

“We are excited to widen the reach of the Family Fund, with the support of our affiliate, The Bowen Foundation for Autism,” said Rondeau. “Despite the ongoing pandemic, the amount we have to grant this year to families has increased by $10,000. We are grateful for the opportunity to provide even more support to the community at a time when it is desperately needed.”

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 announce the addition of Jonathan Barnes and Traci Kodeck to the Board of Directors, effective February 1, 2021. The addition of Jonathan and Traci strengthens organizational governance and sustainability as The Arc works toward equity and access for people with I/DD.

“We are excited to have both Jonathan and Traci join The Arc’s board,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO, The Arc. “Jonathan is a staunch advocate for people with disabilities in the workforce, and Traci has dedicated her career to improving the equity of services and access to healthcare for the community. We welcome both of their passion and leadership.”

Jonathan Barnes is a part-time Security Guard for Defensor Security. Jonathan has a strong belief in helping people with disabilities find gainful employment. He is a self-advocate and plays a large role in advocating for the services he and his brothers receive from The Arc.

“I’m excited to join the board because my experience and passion for finding people with disabilities jobs is unique,” said Jonathan.

Jonathan’s leadership experience includes leading several of The Arc’s virtual Day Services, classes designed to encourage people with disabilities to find employment, and volunteer work at his firehouse.

Traci Kodeck is the CEO of HealthCare Access Maryland, a nonprofit that connects residents to public health care coverage. Over the past 20 years, she served a number of roles including the Director of Maternal and Child Health Programs, Chief of Program Operations, Vice President of Programs, and has volunteered extensively in the community.

“As a mother and a long term public health advocate for women and children, I am honored to join the board of The Arc,” said Traci. “As a nonprofit leader, I look forward to providing a unique perspective to the collective board while helping move the mission forward during this challenging time.”

In 2018, Traci received the University of Arizona Alumna of the Year award from the School of Public Health, and in 2019 was named one of The Daily Records Top 100 Women. She is also a graduate of Leadership Maryland.

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc), a nonprofit committed to transforming lives for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), is proud to announce an $18,250 grant from the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County to continue and expand the critical healing and crisis prevention work through Coping with COVID.

Created in Summer 2020, Coping with COVID helps people with I/DD process their emotional response to the pandemic and identify ways to adapt to the many changes and disruptions in their lives.

“Our role as a provider is to proactively acknowledge the challenges and changes people are experiencing, and to help people grieve healthily so they are able to move forward without fear,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO, The Arc. “People with I/DD are already at an increased risk for isolation. Ongoing social distancing could lead to people feeling disconnected from their community, resulting in challenging behaviors and even trauma.”

Coping with COVID consists of small group sessions, led by clinical psychology expert Dr. Karyn Harvey. Each session helps people process their emotional response to the pandemic and identify ways to adapt to their new reality.

“As we are now almost a full year into the pandemic, there is a need to support people to work through the long-term effects this crisis will have. With support from the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County we will be able to continue this vital work,” said Rondeau. “People with I/DD are our friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers. They are a part of the fabric of our community, and the mental health and well-being of our broader community start with the mental health and well-being of each community member.”

About the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County

The Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3), publicly supported philanthropic organization with the long-term goal of building permanent funds that provide support to local nonprofit organizations through grants and special projects. Its mission is to inspire and promote giving in Anne Arundel County by connecting people who care with causes that matter. Established in 1998, CFAAC is one of the largest funders of nonprofit organizations in Anne Arundel County. CFAAC distributed nearly $3 million in 2019 to a variety of nonprofit organizations. Learn more at www.cfaac.org.

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc), a nonprofit committed to transforming lives for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) is excited to announce a $19,000 donation from The Bowen Foundation for Autism to support The Arc’s Family Fund. The donation is in honor of Bowen Levy’s 19^th birthday on November 18, 2020.

“Thanks to our supporters, we are proud to contribute $19,000 to the Family Fund in honor of what would have been Bowen’s 19^th birthday,” said Bryan Levy, Founder of The Bowen Foundation for Autism, and Bowen Levy’s father. “It’s so important for The Bowen Foundation to be able to continue to support local families in the area. Our commitment to Anne Arundel County’s children with Autism has never been more resolute and we are honored to work with the Family Fund. We remain so thankful for the contribution and support of so many amazing people who help us to carry on our mission in memory of Bowen.”

“We are so grateful for the continued support and partnership of The Bowen Foundation for Autism,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO, The Arc Central Chesapeake Region. “This is an incredible investment in the Family Fund at a time when so many families are in desperate need of resources. We are proud to accept this gift in Bowen’s honor.”

The Arc partnered with The Bowen Foundation for the 2020 grant cycle to reach more families throughout the region. The last grant cycle saw over 100 applications and more than $200,000 in requests.

“This generous gift from The Bowen Foundation means that we are able to help even more families in our community this year,” said Rondeau.

Applications for the Family Fund will open on March 1, 2021. More information is available at www.thearcccr.org/familyfund

About The Bowen Foundation for Autism

The Bowen Foundation for Autism is a local organization that seeks to improve the lives of children with Autism in Maryland. As an affiliate of The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, The Bowen Foundation supports grants to local families who struggle to pay for necessary services for children with Autism. Since 2007, the Bowen Foundation has raised more than $300,000 to help families pay for doctor’s appointments, behavioral therapies, safety equipment, learning devices, and other services. www.bowenfoundation.org

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 announce the election of Deena Kilmon, Director of Engagement, to the Board of Directors of the Central Maryland Chamber of Commerce (CMC).

“I am proud to serve my local community through my new role on the board,” Kilmon said. “The chamber is about creating stronger communities by advocating for local businesses, and I am excited to be a part of this important work. I look forward to promoting inclusion and opportunity for everyone in our community.” Deena will begin her term on January 1, 2021.

“We are fortunate to have Deena Kilmon joining the Central Maryland Chamber Board of Directors,” said Kristi Simon, President & CEO, CMC. “Deena’s experience in non-profit management, community engagement, and leadership makes her a perfect fit for the board. We look forward to working with her to strengthen both of our organizations and our partnership in 2021.”

Deena Kilmon is the Director of Engagement for The Arc, where she creates opportunities for children and adults with disabilities, and their families, to connect to resources and engage with the community. Prior to joining The Arc in 2018, Deena served as the Sales & Marketing Director for Chesapeake Harvest. She brings robust experience in marketing having spent four years as an Account Executive at Effectv (formerly Comcast Spotlight), helping local businesses affordably and effectively market themselves. Deena formerly served on the board of directors for the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce.