The Arc is one of the most dynamic organizations in the region, responding in real-time to the vast, varied needs of our communities. In 2024 alone, more than 625 employees supported 4,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and impacted thousands more throughout the State of Maryland over the course of the year.

With its significant growth and extensive footprint, The Arc is a major driver of economic impact throughout the region. Through its enterprises – The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, Chesapeake Neighbors, and Chesapeake Community Development – The Arc not only employs hundreds of people but also contracts with and supports many local, Maryland-based businesses, further boosting the state’s economy.

“Organizations like The Arc Central Chesapeake Region are powerful economic drivers in Maryland,” said Abbi Ludwig, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Maryland Chamber of Commerce. “Their growth, strategic investments in the local community and innovative programs not only strengthen our local economy, but demonstrate how businesses can drive both economic and social impact, all while helping build a more inclusive, thriving state”

Economic Impact Through a Growing Workforce

A key aspect of The Arc’s contribution to Maryland’s economy is its robust workforce. The Arc is a major employer with more than 625 employees as of October 2024; nearly 100 of those positions were added over the past 18 months. In September alone, the organization hired 60 new team members.

“As our workforce grows to meet the evolving needs of our communities, each new employee creates a direct and positive impact on their local economy,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “Beyond expanding our ability to deliver critical services, every new hire contributes to local businesses, stimulates consumer spending, and strengthens the economic fabric of the communities we serve.”

While The Arc employs over 600 people who oversee and execute Arc-facilitated services in the community, The Arc also provides Self-Directed Services to more than 2,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, each of whom acts as a small business owner with their own pool of employees.

“When you look at scale and impact, there are over 2,000 participants in Self-Direction who collectively employ nearly 6,000 people,” said Jonathon. “So on any given payroll, there are close to 7,000 people across the state who receive a paycheck with The Arc’s name on it. The Arc pays out more than $11.7 million to both our employees and the employees of our Self-Directed Services participants every payroll cycle. That’s a constant stimulation to Maryland’s economy.”

Economic Impact Through Supporting Local Businesses

Together, The Arc, Chesapeake Neighbors, and Chesapeake Community Development create opportunities for people to live, work, connect, and receive services. A major component of this work is creating safe, affordable housing for people with disabilities and the greater community. Renovating and building new housing is a critical component of economic sustainability for our communities, and the enterprise’s community development initiatives put Maryland businesses to work.

“As we develop more housing throughout the region and support the residents who live in those units, we naturally partner with a wide range of local businesses,” said Ross Benincasa, Senior Vice President of Community Development for Chesapeake Community Development. “It takes partnerships of every kind to get a brand-new building up and running or modernize a single-family home.”

A prime example of the economic impact The Arc’s enterprise is having on a region is through Port Street Commons. Located in Easton, MD, the 24,000-square-foot new construction cost roughly $10 million and required more than 30 different businesses, from contractors to landscapers, cleaners, furniture warehouses, local print shops, and office suppliers, to collaborate on the project.

“Because this development was located in Easton, it was very important to us to source as many vendors as possible from the Mid-Shore,” said Angie DeMoreland, Director of Executive Operations for The Arc and project manager for the construction of Port Street Commons. “In total, 45% of the contractors for this project are locally owned small businesses on the Eastern Shore, and 100% of the contractors were Maryland-based.”

With more community development work to come in the future in Easton and beyond, The Arc’s enterprise will continue to partner with more Maryland businesses and invest the dollars we spend on community development initiatives back into other Maryland-based businesses of all sizes, impacting hundreds of Maryland employees and business owners.

Economic Impact Through Services

Annually, The Arc supports more than 4,000 people across the State of Maryland. With a current budget of $315 million, the enterprise accounts for 15% of the total Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) annual budget.

The Arc is a significant driver of economic impact not only at the state and regional levels but also for individual people and small businesses throughout the community. Through its services, The Arc empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live more independently, engage in meaningful work, and contribute to the local economy.

The more than 2,000 participants in Self-Directed Services each act as an individual small business with their own budgets and employees. “The participants in Self-Directed Services are not only managing their own lives but are also integral parts of Maryland’s small business landscape,” said Jonathon. “They are creating jobs, generating income, and contributing to the local economy in ways that ripple throughout their communities.”

At the more individual level, The Arc’s team supports more than 85 people in varying stages of employment. By facilitating access to jobs, education, and community engagement, The Arc helps create a more inclusive and vibrant economy where everyone can participate and benefit.

“Work is a profound way for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to experience full inclusion in their community,” said Jonathon. “Beyond the individual financial impact, employment strengthens the community as a whole, as people have greater economic independence and contribute to the local economy through their spending power.”

The Arc also generates economic impact for families through programs like the Family Fund and Holiday Giving, which are designed to support families financially.

“Too many families struggle to afford the resources they need for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Jonathon. “These programs reduce financial stress, giving families the financial breathing room they need, and ultimately leaving more room in their household budgets to support long-term economic stability.”

In 2024, the Family Fund distributed $95,000 to families with children with disabilities to access critical resources and therapies, while the Holiday Giving program supported 300 children.

Celebrating Maryland Economic Development Week

Maryland Economic Week in Maryland is held annually in October, sponsored by the Maryland Economic Development Association. The week is designed to increase understanding of economic development’s contribution to the state’s business climate, job retention and growth, the tax base, and the overall quality of life in Maryland. While economic impact is at the forefront of conversations during this time, The Arc generates significant economic impact all year long through its rapid growth and collaboration with every level of business.