The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) is pleased to announce that Greg Snyder, Vice President of Engagement, has been chosen to participate in Leadership Maryland’s inaugural Emerging Leaders professional development program.

Greg is one of 40 leaders selected to participate in this hands-on learning program that will focus on leadership development over the course of six months and will allow for learning, discussion, and networking among key leaders from across the state.

“I am excited to participate and am honored to be included in the first ever class of Emerging Leaders,” said Greg. “Leadership Maryland’s programming regularly provides excellent opportunities for community leaders to collaborate and connect, and I am eager to grow my skills while representing The Arc’s mission and vision.”

The Leadership Maryland Emerging Leader Program will offer a holistic approach to leadership development, designed to support each applicant in increasing their self-awareness and developing the lifelong leadership behaviors, skills, and tools they will need to become more adaptive, inclusive, and impactful leaders.

“Greg is a strategic, driven, and compassionate leader,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “I have no doubt that the Leadership Maryland Emerging Leader Program will allow Greg to continue honing his leadership skills, acting on his ambition, and growing his connections with other promising rising leaders preparing to be the dynamic leaders the future needs.”

In his role as The Arc’s Vice President of Engagement, Greg leads The Arc’s government and community relations while managing the legislative agenda for The Arc and its subsidiaries. He developed and supports The Arc’s Living Boldly self-advocacy group, is Chair of the Anne Arundel County Commission on Disability Issues, a 2023 graduate of Shore Leadership, and is a member of the Central Maryland Chamber board of directors among other commissions, boards, and groups.

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) is pleased to announce that The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation has awarded The Arc a $1 million capital grant to support The Arc’s Expanding What’s Possible capital campaign for the construction of Port Street Commons in Easton, MD. This significant gift brings the total amount raised for Port Street Commons to $6.1 million.

“We are grateful for the Weinberg Foundation’s tremendous gift as a supporter of Port Street Commons,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “This gift will have a major impact in our community, supporting the creation of more affordable housing opportunities, more support services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and dozens of new jobs on the Eastern Shore.”

Port Street Commons will be a first-of-its-kind community space that will house both The Arc at Port Street, which will serve as The Arc’s new Eastern Shore headquarters, and The Residences at Port Street, which will boast nine affordable housing units operated by Chesapeake Neighbors with two reserved for the Talbot Interfaith Shelter. The buildings will incorporate universal design, sustainability features, and provide space for mental health counseling and innovative services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“We are proud to support this important project, which will increase access to services for people with disabilities, as well as mental health counseling and affordable housing, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore,” said Elvis Guzman, program officer at the Weinberg Foundation.

Port Street Commons is under construction in the downtown Port Street district of Easton along the rail trail and is already contributing to the overall economic development and health of the community. The Arc broke ground on the construction of the 24,000-square-foot facility in June of 2023, and it is scheduled to be completed in late Fall of 2024.

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) is pleased to announce that Megan Lyle, Esq. LL.M, the Senior Vice President of Administration & General Counsel, has been accepted into the Executive Alliance, an organization that connects accomplished women on a professional and personal level to expand their impact and influence in Maryland.

“I am honored to be member of the Executive Alliance and make new connections with likeminded leaders in our community,” said Megan. “Women are incredibly powerful leaders, and their skillsets, connections, and insights must be recognized and leveraged in all spaces and places. I’m excited to be part of an organization bringing together female executives from across the state.”

A former litigator with over 10 years of legal experience, Megan has a passion for using her legal expertise and skillset for the greater good. Throughout her career, she has focused on removing barriers for people wherever possible. In her role at The Arc, she uses her legal expertise to support and protect the mission of the organization while making a positive impact in the community.

“Megan is an energetic and well-rounded leader committed to seeing other women succeed at The Arc,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “Her passion for our vision and mission are evident in everything she does, and she is very deserving of this state-level recognition of her dynamic leadership.”

Megan is one of several women on The Arc’s Executive Leadership Team and manages teams related to compliance, legal, and information technology. She 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.

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.

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 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.

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, 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.”

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 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.”