THE ARC CENTRAL CHESAPEAKE REGION RECEIVES $10,000 GRANT FROM COMCAST NBCUNIVERSAL FOUNDATION TO BUILD DIGITAL LITERACY LEARNING MINI LABS

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 a $10,000 grant awarded from the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation to build two digital learning mini labs in their Severn, MD, headquarters.

“When you think about the world today, a lack of digital literacy can be marginalizing,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO, The Arc. “Without access to develop digital literacy skills, people with disabilities are at risk of exclusion. These labs provide access to technology, allowing people to learn digital skills and give them an opportunity to explore their interests.”

The labs are a tool for people in The Arc’s Workforce Development and Day Services programs to develop the digital skills needed to explore interests, possible career paths, and connect with the community.

“At Comcast, we understand the importance of providing people of all abilities with the digital tools and resources that will help them stay connected and be successful,” said Misty Allen, Vice President of Government & Regulatory Affairs for Comcast’s Beltway Region. “We are proud to support The Arc Central Chesapeake Region’s labs and help these individuals find greater independence in their daily lives.”

This grant from the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation is in recognition of Comcast’s commitment to the communities where its customers and employees live and work.

About the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation

The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation continues the work of the foundations founded by Comcast Corporation and NBCUniversal to provide charitable support to qualified non-profit organizations. The Foundation invests in programs intended to have a positive, sustainable impact on the communities we serve. Its mission is to empower communities to thrive by helping to provide access to technology, relevant digital skills and training, and inspiring volunteerism and service. More information about how Comcast NBCUniversal supports the communities it serves is available at comcast.com/community.​

THE ARC CENTRAL CHESAPEAKE REGION AND ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY EXECUTIVE ANNOUNCE $45,000 AVAILABLE IN COVID-19 FUNDING FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

 The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc), a nonprofit committed to transforming lives for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) is partnering with Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman to offer grants to families with children with disabilities or special medical needs who are adversely affected by COVID-19.

The program will provide short-term, in-home supports to children (ages 0-21) with disabilities living in Anne Arundel County. Families are eligible to receive up to $500. The Arc will begin accepting applications for the program on Friday, November 13, 2020. Families may apply for the funding through December 31, 2020.

“We are thrilled to partner with Anne Arundel County to provide this incredible funding for our community,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO, The Arc. “This program will help parents who need additional support for their child due to the pandemic, and is a much-needed resource for so many families in our community at this time.”

Parents can apply for funding to provide childcare to complete necessary personal tasks such as medical or other critical appointments, childcare to help as they recover from COVID-19, support to provide supervision during virtual learning so parent(s) can work, childcare to complete basic tasks that cannot be completed with their child, or childcare to allow for a mental break.

The funding will support at least 90 families in Anne Arundel County. The Arc will facilitate the program and administer all funding.

Families can apply at www.thearcccr.org/familysupportsgrant through December 20, 2020.

The Arc Raises Over $110,000 at Tee It Up for The Arc

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc), a nonprofit committed to transforming lives for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), announced today that the 22nd annual Tee It Up for The Arc golf tournament raised over $110,000 – a new high for the event.

The tournament, postponed from May 2020 due to the pandemic, took place on Monday at The Golf Club at South River. Ben Harries of BGC/Gardiner & Gardiner chaired the event for the second year in a row.

“We are very grateful for the support of the community, which was a critical part of the success of Tee It Up for The Arc,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO, The Arc. “Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the community really embraced us, and embraced this event, allowing us to raise much needed revenue for our programs and services.”

The tournament raised over $30,000 more than in 2019, and sold out in just under 48-hours. The Arc’s staff and The Golf Club at South River made significant changes to the tournament to ensure social distancing measures and to keep all golfers and staff as safe as possible.

“I am very grateful to the community for stepping up to help a great organization, like The Arc,” said Ben Harries, Owner of BGC/Gardiner & Gardiner and Chair of Tee It Up for The Arc. “I am incredibly proud of this year’s tournament – both the golfers and the staff of The Arc made the best of a challenging situation – and I’m excited that we raised a lot of money for people with I/DD,” Harries said.

The tournament’s winning team was the D’Camera group, with a score of 58. You can view photos from the tournament, here.

Earlene Moberly Receives Recognition from Governor in Celebration of DSP Week

As a part of DSP Recognition Week this year, the Maryland Department of Disabilities and DDA requested nominations for DSPs who go above and beyond to support integrated community employment and/or full community participation and membership for people with disabilities.

The Arc is proud to announce that Earlene Moberly is one of 30 DSPs from across the state who will receive a citation from Governor Larry Hogan. Her dedication to advancing The Arc’s mission, as well as her professionalism, positivity, kindness, and generosity makes a difference in the lives of the people we support.

Earlene has been an Employment Advisor with The Arc for over 7 years. In her role, Earlene supports Greg who owns his own vending machine business, Greg’s Rainbow Services.

Earlene empowers Greg to operate his business successfully in the community. Together they stock the machines and keep track of inventory. Earlene takes Greg shopping to replenish his supplies – all the while reminding him that this is his business and that she is there to support him.

Said Debbie, Greg’s mom, “Earlene is professional in every way. She interacts successfully with Greg’s clients and is very conscientious about promoting his business. She excels at allowing Greg to be independent in performing the work, reminding him of the next task only when necessary. We have noticed a marked improvement in Greg’s job performance.” 

Earlene has also been a great mentor to Greg outside of his business by supporting him during lunchtime. Not only does she help him make healthy choices, she ensures that his food is prepared in a manner he can eat. Since they have begun working together, she has helped Greg lose weight, and maintain his weight loss.

“Earlene optimistically promotes Greg in a positive light to everyone around him,” said Debbie.

While the pandemic has placed Greg’s business on old, Earlene has continued to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by lending support in The Arc’s Community Living program. Throughout the pandemic, she has stayed in contact with Greg and is looking forward to returning to business.

*This photo of Earlene and Greg was taken prior to The Arc’s mask mandate.

Get Your 50/50 Raffle Tickets!

Don’t miss your chance to get your 50-50 Raffle Tickets. Last year the winner took home over $1,000! Tickets are $20 for 5, or $5 for 1 – the winner’s name will be drawn on September 28th at Tee It Up for The Arc. You do not need to be present to win. To reserve tickets, fill out the form below. All proceeds benefit The Arc’s program and services.

Join Us in Celebrating DSP Week

The Arc strives for people with disabilities to be fully included in the community where they live, and Direct Support Professionals (DSP) are at the forefront of that transformative work. They support people in their homes, in the workplace, and in the community. They empower people to make their own choices, engage them in the community, and encourage them to find and pursue their passions.

Throughout the pandemic, our DSPs have gone above and beyond to not only continue to facilitate services but to keep the people they support safe and healthy. They upheld stringent safety and hygiene measures, kept spirits up, and found ways to keep people engaged in their community all while adapting to a “new normal”.

Next week, September 13-19, we are celebrating DSP Week – a national movement devoted to highlighting the transformative work that our DSPs do on a daily basis. Over the course of the week, we will showcase the variety of roles a DSP plays in the life of the person they support. From helping someone with their day-to-day needs, cooking healthy meals, accessing medical care, employment support, or social activities, DSPs are the backbone of the services we provide.

Follow us on Facebook and get to know a few of these incredible staff members and the hard work they do every day.

The Arc Closes Regional Offices Effective September 30th

The Arc Welcomes New Board Members

In 2018, The Arc Central Chesapeake Region’s Board of Directors strengthened our commitment to Anne Arundel County and Maryland’s Eastern Shore through a robust strategic plan. In the last two years, we have seen an increase in the number of people served on both the Western and Eastern Shores. Specifically, on the Eastern Shore, we increased the number of people we serve by more than 30% by reopening a shuttered group home in Easton and opening a new group home in Preston. We launched new initiatives and continue to run outreach activities all across the Eastern Shore, including the Lower Shore.

COVID-19 has affected us all and has changed the way we conduct our business operations. Following guidance from the CDC and local health officials, most administrative and management employees continue to telework. These measures have significantly reduced the utilization of our Headquarters in Severn, and Regional Offices in Annapolis and Easton.

After careful consideration, we have decided to close our Annapolis and Easton Regional Offices effective September 30, 2020. The Arc will end our lease on Brooks Drive office in Easton, with our three Eastern Shore administrators working remotely for the remainder of the pandemic. This Fall, we will begin to reimagine the Annapolis space for post-COVID-19 operations.

The Arc will resume exploration for a long term location to house our Eastern Shore operations following the pandemic. Closing our two Regional Offices does not change The Arc’s commitment to the people we support or the services we provide across the nine counties we support. Rather, we are using this time to reassess our future needs and develop a long term strategy for our Regional Offices. The Arc continues to actively process admissions for all programs across Anne Arundel County and the Eastern Shore. In July alone, we had about 10 new people join or enhance their services with us.

We are still here, ready to serve. Our Headquarters in Severn is open daily from 8:00AM to 4:30PM, and our phone lines are open. You can reach us at 410.269.1883 or info@thearcccr.org. Or, you can visit our website, www.thearcccr.org, for more information.

Now is the time for a discussion of inclusion, diversity and compensation

Imagine a diverse and inclusive society where essential workers are compensated based on the true value of the services they provide and people with disabilities are recognized for the true value they bring to a business.

According to the results of the workforce study conducted by Jeff Trice Consulting, on behalf of The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, and made possible by a Rural Maryland Council grant, the above does not describe our present society.

The study focused on employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) as well as the employment of Direct Support Professionals in Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Kent, Dorchester, and Caroline counties. Information was gathered through listening sessions, interviews, questionnaires, conferences, meetings, and extensive online investigation over a six-month period. The resultant report publicly released July 16, explores five key findings and proposes a series of recommendations with associated strategies for consideration.

Engaging this rural community during the study has helped elevate the conversation and grow awareness about opportunities for people with disabilities in the workforce. The current clouds of social change, job loss, and economic uncertainty sparked by the COVID-19 crisis may offer challenges to attaining that imagined future of inclusion for all. However, a time of extreme uncertainty also creates an opportunity to pause, reset, and design the more inclusive, equitable future we envision for our community.

Attaining true inclusion in the rural workforce, as well as in our society-at-large, will require a clear and unified message about the value of hiring people with I/DD, who have proven to be a positive influence on co-workers, customers, the community, and a company’s bottom line. Crafting a clear message that focuses on abilities, rather than disabilities, enables advocacy efforts, welcomes participation, and moves the workforce towards true inclusion.

Moreover, the COVID-19 crisis has put a new focus on the need for DSPs. These essential workers face risks that far outweigh the pay. Research shows a stagnation of wage growth in this field, with a discouraging growth rate (adjusted for inflation) of just $0.45/hour over a 10-year period. People who serve people with disabilities often do this work as a labor of love or commitment to their fellow human beings. They should be compensated based on the true value of the services they provide. As our population ages and requires additional services, the need for DSPs will only increase.

Now is the time to bring the discussion of diversity, inclusion, and equity to the forefront. More than ever, people are realizing we are all in this together and that true solutions will be found in transparent conversations, collaboration, and partnerships. This study has started the conversation in our rural community; people are responding and engaged, and they want to know more. Change will happen when our unified voice impacts funding and policy decisions.

We have an opportunity to design something different and amazing and equitable and inclusive workforce on Maryland’s Upper Eastern Shore, where everyone’s contribution is valued.

At 10 a.m. on Sept. 15, The Arc will be hosting a virtual seminar to discuss the findings of this study in-depth and to open conversations with the community on the importance of inclusive workforce practices and valuing our workforce.

Original article in The Capital on August 25, 2020.

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region Announces President & CEO Jonathon Rondeau Wins The Arc US’s National Conference of Executives Award

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc), a nonprofit committed to transforming lives for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and Board Chair Laura Austin, announced today that Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO, was awarded the 2020 Rising Star award from the National Conference of Executives (NCE).

The Rising Star is part of NCE’s Distinguished Professional Award series, presented annually at The Arc US’s Convention in October. This award recognizes an executive from The Arc US chapter network in their first five years of leadership who have made substantial contributions to their chapters and communities.

Since joining The Arc three years ago, Rondeau has transformed the organization, bringing a clear vision to The Arc’s operations, and overseeing the development and implementation of a strategic plan that included aggressive growth in services and infrastructure.

“I am thrilled to share that Jonathon has won the 2020 Rising Star award,” said Board Chair, Laura Austin. “Since he started in 2017, The Arc is in a very different place. Jonathon has used his tenacity, decisiveness, and creativity to grow and strengthen The Arc community. His authenticity has fostered an open and encouraging environment, where people are confident and comfortable in their ability to innovate. His thoughtfulness on how The Arc approaches services has made the people we support feel like valued members of the community. And, his work ethic has inspired his colleagues to continue to find passion in their work every day.”

Rondeau was recognized in particular for his leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic. “I could go on and on about the ways Jonathon has impacted The Arc, but none is more evident than his leadership through this pandemic,” Austin said. “Our community is facing unprecedented challenges and disproportionate effects from this virus. With the decisiveness and thoughtfulness that is his trademark, Jonathon took early action and has done everything possible to ensure that The Arc comes out of this strong.”

Rondeau is in his third year as President & CEO and brings nearly 20 years of experience providing leadership across diverse organizations to create opportunities for self-sufficiency and independence for people with disabilities and those traditionally underserved.

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region Announces Upper Shore Workforce Study in Renewed Commitment to Serving The Eastern Shore

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The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc), a nonprofit committed to transforming lives for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), today announced the findings of a nine-month study on employment opportunities for people with I/DD and Direct Support Professionals (DSP) on the Upper Shore of Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

This project was conducted in partnership with a Rural Maryland Council Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund grant and Jeff Trice Consulting, and is part of The Arc’s commitment to the Eastern Shore.

The study identifies opportunities for businesses to be more inclusive, diverse, and accessible, and identifies employment gaps for DSPs. The study sets benchmarks for businesses seeking to diversify their workforce and offers solutions to seek undiscovered talent in their own communities.

“Since 2018 The Arc has reaffirmed our commitment to providing services for people with I/DD on the Eastern Shore,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO, The Arc. “The findings in this report highlight our early successes in employment, and shows the opportunities to increase employment for people with I/DD and DSPs on the Eastern Shore.”

The Arc will host a virtual seminar on September 15, 2020 at 10:00AM to discuss the findings in-depth and will facilitate conversations with local businesses on the importance of inclusive workplace practices.  More information on the seminar will be available on The Arc’s website in August. You can read the full report here.

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

About the Rural Maryland Council
The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) brings together citizens, community-based organizations, federal, state, county and municipal government officials as well as representatives of the for-profit and nonprofit sectors to collectively address the needs of Rural Maryland communities. We provide a venue for members of agriculture and natural resource-based industries, health care facilities, educational institutions, economic and community development organizations, for-profit and nonprofit corporations, and government agencies to cross traditional boundaries, share information, and address in a more holistic way the special needs and opportunities in Rural Maryland. www.rural.maryland.gov

About Jeff Trice Consulting

Jeff Trice Consulting takes a holistic approach to helping organizations and people achieve optimum results-by thinking differently, looking at things from a new perspective, and having new conversations. We help build connections, grow relationships, and create a positive energy that gets people talking. Jeff’s background in workforce development, economic development, and business ownership positions him to help organizations create measurable, real-world change, achieve better outcomes, and make critical decisions when facing defining moments. 

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