The Arc Southern Maryland

The Arc SoMD offices are closed today 1.7 and no transportation will be provided due to inclement weather.

Looking to connect with other parents who have a child with a disability?

Come together with other parents to discuss topics such as: school and adult support services, advocacy, disability rights, policies, funding sources, transportation, medical facilities and to offer emotional support to each other.

Please RSVP to lwaldbauer@arcsomd.org

The Arc Southern Maryland is pleased to announce the recipients of the following 2018 awards, presented at The Arc Southern Maryland’s annual Awards Banquet on December 7th:

2018 Volunteer of the Year – Roberta Parran (center) of Calvert County Parks and Recreation

2018 Educator of the Year – Jennifer Haley-Walker (left), Transition Specialist with St. Mary’s County Public Schools

2018 Employer of the Year – Crothall Services

2018 Meritorious Service Award – Comcast

2018 Meritorious Service Award – Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation

Meritorious Service Award – Bonnie Elward (center) of Southern Maryland Community Resources

Meritorious Service Award – Kara Jordan, Special Olympics volunteer

 

 

Not pictured:

  • 2018 Professional of the Year – Christina Semego, Coordinator of Community Services with the Charles County Health Department
  • 2018 J. Patrick Collins Award – Ahna Miller, Community Coordinator with End Hunger in Calvert County

These awards recognize members of our community for their partnership and support of The Arc’s mission to create opportunities for independence and personal success for people with different abilities in inclusive communities. The award recipients are individuals or businesses whose actions have had an outstanding impact for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “We are grateful for the foundation of support within our community which has allowed us to continue the work we do for people with disabilities throughout Southern Maryland. The dedication shown towards creating opportunities for the people we support is unrivaled. It’s truly a gift to our organization and community as a whole,” says Terry Z. Long, CEO of The Arc Southern Maryland.

Each year, over 300 of the people supported or employed by The Arc gather for dinner, dancing, and awards at The Arc’s annual banquet. Six of the thirteen awards (some with multiple recipients) recognize individuals or businesses within the community and the remainder recognize the efforts and achievements of people supported or employed by The Arc. For the complete list of award winners, photos, and descriptions, click here.

A special thanks to the Greater Waldorf Jaycees for sponsoring and hosting this event and to Jennie Parran, our Executive Assistant, for organizing the event each year.

 

Each year, over 300 of the people supported or employed by The Arc gather for dinner, dancing, and awards at The Arc’s annual banquet. Six of the thirteen awards (some with multiple recipients) recognize individuals or businesses within the community and the remainder recognize the efforts and achievements of people supported or employed by The Arc. Read more about all the 2018 award winners below.


Community


Volunteer of the Year – One award for overall agency to an individual who has provided outstanding volunteer service to The Arc Southern Maryland and toward helping citizens with developmental disabilities. 

Roberta Parran (center), Volunteer of the Year Award Winner

Awarded to: Roberta Parran, Calvert County Parks and Recreation.

Roberta works at the Community Center in Sunderland. We would like to thank her for all of her support and hard work, shown to our staff and individuals we support. Every day, Roberta greets the individuals with a smile and shows compassion to them. Whenever we have functions at the community center, she always shows her support and asks if there’s anything we might need. If we have to relocate to another community center, Roberta is always willing to go with us to make the transition easier for the individuals we support. Her support and kindness are greatly appreciated!


Educator of the Year Up to one award per county to the teacher, counselor, or support services person who has made outstanding contributions in advocating for the inclusion of students with cognitive and developmental disabilities in regular education settings.

Jennifer Haley-Walker (left), Educator of the Year Award Winner

Awarded to: Jennifer Haley-Walker, Transition Specialist, St. Mary’s County Public Schools.

Jennifer has been a great advocate, partnering with The Arc to provide supports to students that are transitioning from school into adulthood. She has been instrumental in making the transition process a priority for St. Mary’s County students. Jennifer has been able to grow the Summer Work-Based Learning Program, which has provided students with a hands-on experience of different job skills. We want to thank Jennifer for all that she does for the individuals that we support.


Employer of the YearOne award for overall agency to the employer who has shown significant dedication towards employing people we serve.

Lawrence Langhorne (left), accepting award for Crothall Services, Employer of the Year Award Winner

Awarded to: Crothall Services.

Crothall Services provides contractual environmental services for University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center. Under the leadership of Director Langhorne, Operations Manager, Mrs. Greenwood, and an Arc mentor, a program has evolved over the last four years. This program allows paid employment opportunities for volunteers that demonstrate potential to meet expectations. This opportunity is in addition to other volunteer opportunities, to gain work experience and consideration for competitive employment which is open to the public. Crothall has the same expectations of everyone ans recently referred to two individuals from The Arc as “outstanding individuals.” Thanks to Crothall Services for providing this opportunity to the people we support!


Professional of the Year – One award for overall agency to the non-Arc employee who has shown commitment towards improving the welfare of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through his/her chosen profession.

Awarded to: Christina Semego, Coordinator of Community Services, Charles County Health Department.

Christina assists with the transitioning of youth to the Community Supports program at The Arc. She has a good rapport with the individuals, providers, and family members and helps to facilitate the transfer process. She always responds quickly to anything that is requested of her. Christina is appreciated as a valuable partner to The Arc’s Community Support program in Charles County.


J. Patrick Collins Award – This award recognizes an individual or group that has provided outstanding service in a variety of ways over an extended period of time to The Arc.

Awarded to: Ahna Miller, Community Coordinator, End Hunger in Calvert County.

Ahna Miller is a part of End Hunger’s Culinary Training program. The program trained the people we support in food prep and cooking and helped to prepare them for employment opportunities within the community. There was a celebration ceremony at the end of this program, with all the graduates receiving a certificate of completion. Thanks to Ahna for partnering with us to bring these individuals into the program and for all of her support and kindness!


Meritorious Service – Up to ten awards agency-wide to individuals or groups in the community who have distinguished themselves through a service, activity, or achievement which has substantially benefited citizens with developmental disabilities.

Chris Comer (center), accepting award for Comcast, Meritorious Service Award Winner

Awarded to: Comcast

Comcast has partnered with The Arc to help create and support our Tech Coaching Center. This partnership began in 2016, providing the funds to purchase the technology which would help train the people we support in digital literacy. The Comcast learning lab at our Prince Frederick office location has become very popular with with people we support. They use the lab to write resumes, check emails and social media, find directions, search for recipes, create presentations, and more. Many do not have a computer at home and the lab gives them the opportunity to use one. Comcast has also helped The Arc to promote the lab. Through partnerships with us at the local level, and with The Arc US at the national level, Comcast has reached out to other chapters to provide assistance. The Arc values the partnership with Comcast and looks forward to continuing it!

Bonnie Elward (center), Meritorious Service Award Winner

Awarded to: Bonnie Elward, Executive Director, Southern Maryland Community Resources.

Bonnie is the Executive Director for Southern Maryland Community Resources, a nonprofit that connects individuals with disabilities to recreational opportunities in the community. Bonnie has made it her mission to help bridge the gap between individuals with disabilities and their community. With Bonnie’s many partnerships within the community, many of the people we support have has more opportunities to participate in exercise programs, bowling nights, movie nights, monthly dances, game nights, and an annual prom – many for free or little cost. Having this connection with Bonnie is truly a great asset to The Arc!

Scott Mellinger (left), accepting award for Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, Meritorious Service Award Winner

Awarded to: Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation

Dominion’s foundation has supported us through grants and sponsorship of our events – including our annual Trick-or-Treat Trot 5K/1K and our Pat Collins Golf Classic. They also have a match program which matches donations given by their employees. This year, they increased their sponsorship of our Trot and were our largest donor for the event.

Kara Jordan, Meritorious Service Award Winner

Awarded to: Kara Jordan

Kara was employed with The Arc in the past but left to further her education. Since leaving in 2016, she has continued to support The Arc with volunteering her time helping out with Special Olympics. She assists staff at practices for the athletes and also travels to Towson for the final games. Kara follows The Arc’s van to Towson and assists with anything that is needed. Kara has been a huge asset to these athletes and has developed friendships with many of them. The Arc wants to thank Kara for her continued support!


People We Support


Personal Achievement – One award for overall agency to an individual served by The Arc Southern Maryland who has set goals, either short or long term, and has accomplished them. An important focus of this award is on personal persistence and diligence. The recipient of this award serves as a model for other people we support and must have demonstrated, among other characteristics, a responsibility for his or her own actions. One award recipient and up to two nominees may be recognized.

Awarded to: Erica Young

Erica Young works at Tiffany’s Bakery and is focused on her future. In addition to increased responsibilities at work, she has also advocated for additional hours. She has focused on personal growth and started journaling every day and researching subject matters that are beneficial to her well-being.

Charles Windsor (right), Personal Achievement Award Nominee

Nominee: Charles Windsor

Charlie lives in St. Mary’s County and received Vocational and Residential services from The Arc. Charlie has struggled in the past with accessing his community. He has made great strides in many areas of his life. One of the most notable achievements has been becoming competitively employed. He has a job delivering mail at the St. Mary’s County State Carter Building. Charlie also volunteered at numerous places, including Meals on Wheels, the Cedar Lane assisted living home, and the St. Mary’s County Adult Medical Daycare Center. Charlie also enjoys his time in the community by visiting the gym, watching Redskins games, and participating in Special Olympics. 


Outstanding Employment Achievement – One award for overall agency to an individual served by The Arc Southern Maryland who ranks outstanding in the following areas: productivity, attendance, attitude, punctuality, and appearance. One award recipient and up to four nominees may be recognized.

Awarded to: Deyon Greenfield

Deyon has been working for Giant for seven years as a cart attendant. His job performance reviews are outstanding with notes that he is an “outstanding young man, always dependable, wonderful worker, and a pleasure to have him.: Despite inclement weather conditions and the high volume of carts everywhere, he maintains a pleasant and courteous attitude. Deyon’s personal work ethic is consistently demonstrated by punctuality, appropriate attire, consistent performance of duties, and a courteous attitude. Giant has said that he is proving to be a role model for others.

Bonnie Stillman (center), Outstanding Employment Achievement Nominee

Nominee: Bonnie Stillman

Bonnie is very busy working two jobs. She has been working at Chuck E. Cheese since 2013 on weekends and works on Fridays for MVA cleaning services since 2015. Bonnie works with a tutor on Mondays for reading and takes a math class on Thursdays. She volunteers at The Greater Waldorf Jaycees, polishing silverware and she also bags groceries at a local food pantry. One of her hobbies is to make jewelry to give out for gifts. She is a member of her choir and photography club. As you can see, Bonnie is a very busy person! She also loves her family, friends, and being a devoted aunt.


Citizenship – One award for overall agency to an individual with developmental disabilities who has become an active member of his/her community. The award recognizes someone who, through responsible action and a positive sense of purpose, makes a real contribution. They are not only seen as having value, but giving value to his/her community. One award recipient and up to two nominees will be recognized.

Amy Smallwood (center), Citizenship Award Winner

Awarded to: Amy Smallwood

Amy receives Day Services from The Arc three days a week. She starts her day assisting in the office with filing in the records room. On Wednesdays, she attends the Work Readiness class. Amy also participates in photography, choir, and plays the piano at church. She always greets everyone with a smiles and loves cooking, seeing her family and friends, and helping others. Her goal is to one day live independently. 


Employees of The Arc


Tom Fisher Outstanding Direct Service Professional – These awards, named in honor of The Arc Southern Maryland’s first Executive Director, recognize one part-time employee and one full-time employee who provide direct support services to individuals we serve. The recipients selected will have shown a sincere and genuine concern for the welfare of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Jacqueline Loy (center), Tom Fisher Award Winner

Awarded to (full-time): Jacqueline Loy

Jackie is an outstanding professional, colleague, and leader. She always put the needs of the individuals we support first and goes above and beyond to provide superb services. Jackie also assists with Personal Supports after her scheduled shift to make sure the services are provided. She also has completed a volunteer training program at Medstar St. Mary’s so that an individual we support could maintain his volunteer position. Jackie genuinely has great concern for the welfare of the individuals we support and is well-deserving of this award.

Michelle English (center), Tom Fisher Award Winner

Awarded to (part-time): Michelle English

Michelle has been employed with The Arc for 11 years, working in Residential Services. Her position is an Overnight Awake staff but she also fills in evening and morning shifts when needed. She has a great rapport with her coworkers and the people we support. Michelle loves to cook for the individuals that live in the group home where she works and always makes sure that they are taken care of before leaving her shift. She is a great asset to the Residential Services program!


Humanitarian – One award for overall agency to a staff person or individual we support who, through a single outstanding action or an ongoing pattern of actions, puts the welfare of others first and foremost.

Michelle Gilroy (center), Humanitarian Award Winner

Awarded to: Michelle Gilroy 

Michelle is a Vocational Support Professional for the MVA in Charles County. She has been working at the MVA since The Arc received the contract ans assists with the staffing. Michelle has to make sure that this contract is fulfilled even if it is a holiday or we have inclement weather. When her shift is over at the MVA, she helps to cover other positions when staff are off. Michelle communicates well with staff from other agencies, families, coworkers, and managers to accomplish goals in a timely manner. She is a team player who truly cares about the individuals we support!


Jerry D. Kiracofe Leadership – This award is named in honor of the second Executive Director of The Arc Calvert and recognizes a staff person for his/her leadership qualities as exemplified by Jerry Kiracofe.

Cathy Dickerson (center), Jerry Kiracofe Award Winner

 Awarded to: Cathy Dickerson

Cathy has been employed at The Arc for many years. Residential Services has recently gone through a transition and she has gone above and beyond to support the new team leaders and managers. Cathy has been a key player in training, interviews, site visits, and the support and mentoring of new employees. She is a strong advocate for the individuals that we support and a role model for all our staff. She travels to all three counties to help out and assist staff when needed. Cathy is a huge asset to Residential Services and to The Arc!


Employee of the Year – One award for overall agency to a staff member who has made the greatest contribution to the agency by his/her professional and personal efforts. One award recipient and up to five nominees may be recognized.

Ophelia Gray-Anunihu, Employee of the Year Award Winner

Awarded to: Ophelia Gray-Anunihu

Ophelia has done an amazing job with the Day Program at our Prince Frederick location and the Mt. Hope Community Center. She is a team player who looks at challenges with a positive attitude of how to make it better. Ophelia also has a great rapport with families, staff, and the community. She has assisted an individual that we support with moving to a new location and even staying with her at night until she went to sleep. Ophelia wanted to make sure this individual was comfortable in her new home. She consistently encourages the individuals we support to work towards their goals. She is trily an asset who is a valued employee of The Arc!

Left to right: Joyce Gantt, Mary Mason, Terry Z Long (CEO), Ophelia Gray-Anunihu, Beverly Smith

Nominee: Joyce Gantt

Joyce works in the Day Program at our Prince Frederick office location and works in Personal Supports. Joyce also has helped out many times with Residential Services. She assists where she is needed and makes sure that the individuals we support are active in the community. Her kindness and putting the individuals first makes her a valued employee!

Nominee: Beverly Smith

Beverly works at our Prince Frederick office location in the Day Program. She also works evenings and weekends in Residential Services when needed. She does an amazing job and is always willing to help out where needed. She makes sure that the people we support are taken care of, involved in activities throughout the day. She is an outstanding employee who has been with The Arc for ten years. Thank you, Beverly, for all of your hard work and dedication to the individuals we support!

Nominee: Mary Mason

Mary works in Residential Services in Charles County. She always goes the extra mile to make sure that the people that live in the home where she works are taken care of and have what they need. She also helps out in other group homes in Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s counties. She is a huge asset to Residential Services, going the extra mile for the people we support!


 

 

In the fall of 2017 the first seeds of opportunity were planted when a series of conversations began between The Arc Southern Maryland (SOMD) and another nonprofit, End Hunger in Calvert County. End Hunger had already provided culinary and commercial kitchen management training for individuals in our area who were unemployed or underemployed and then assisted them with career placement. 

In the summer of 2018, The Arc SOMD identified four individuals’ culinary/kitchen interests for the café management training program which teaches the skills necessary for working in a cafe, bakery or other hospitality environment. In addition to job skills, the program provides students with the opportunity to develop and grow their life skills, including conflict resolution, interview skills, customer service and more. Our students attended class for six weeks, studied, got to practice in a commercial kitchen and finally took a two-day final exam. We are so proud of this group who all passed their exams and graduated with a National Restaurant Association ServSafe Food Handler Certification.

We are so thankful for this opportunity and we continue to nurture it. On the day of graduation, we received the great news that our local hospital and medical care center, CalvertHealth, wanted our graduates to apply for food service positions and we are ready to watch them bloom!

Congratulations to Connie Willoughby, The Arc Southern Maryland’s Manager of Community Supports in Charles County. Connie was recognized October 11th at the Maryland Police Correctional Training Commission’s 18th Annual Instructor Awards and Training Conference as Non-Academy Instructor of the Year for the Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy.

Connie has trained over 400 law enforcement & corrections professionals to recognize and properly manage situations involving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Connie was nominated by the Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy. The Arc Southern Maryland is proud of Connie and thankful to have her as an integral part of The Arc Southern Maryland team.

iNgage Church of Waldorf  is a ministry that desires to impact the community that they call home. So this June, when Archelle Bowen, of iNgage, reached out to The Arc, she hoped to connect with the local non-profit to do just that. On June 23rd, “iNgagers” volunteered to assist throughout the community, to “paint the town green,” helping local causes and donating a total of $10,000.

The Arc Southern Maryland supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in many ways – one of which is through their residential program. The non-profit has 30 homes in which residents have the support of staff to help them lead independent and fulfilling lives. It’s a beneficial program for people with IDD which helps empower these individuals to live independently, while still having support in the areas of their lives – such as assistance with medical appointments, budgeting, or meals – where they may need it. However, these homes each come with a lot up-keep costs and labor hours. The Arc quickly realized that one simple way iNgage could make a difference was by coming out to The Arc’s “Balfour” residence and putting a fresh layer of paint on their walls.

On the big day, volunteers arrived at the residence, ready to spend hours of their Saturday brightening the home of four individuals supported by The Arc. A few layers of paint go a long way in helping The Arc to make a residence truly feel like home to the people they support. Yet, the paint wasn’t the only way iNgage brightened the residents’ day. They also presented a generous gift of $1500 to The Arc. “Donating their time already makes such an impact for an organization like ours and the people we support. Their generous gift will go a long way towards helping us to do what we do each and every day for people with IDD,” said Terry Z. Long, CEO of The Arc Southern Maryland.  iNgage plans to work with The Arc again on future projects. “Simply because we believe in seeing people grow, lives transformed, and communities impacted,” iNgage declared on their Instagram.

Each June, chapters of The Arc from across Maryland gather at The Arc Maryland’s statewide convention to celebrate the work of advocates and agencies that support The Arc’s mission to create opportunities and foster inclusion of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Each chapter recognizes one special individual as their “Outstanding Volunteer of the Year.” This year, The Arc Southern Maryland selected David “Scott” Mellinger, who was recognized at the convention with an award and a Governor’s citation.

“Volunteers, like Scott, are such an important part of what we do here at The Arc. Discovering someone that is willing to generously contribute their time and resources to our organization has been a blessing,” said Terry Z. Long, CEO of The Arc Southern Maryland “Despite Scott’s busy schedule which keeps him away from home nearly 250 days of the year, Scott has contributed so much to The Arc. It goes to show what a little bit of time and a lot of heart can do.”

Scott has been a member of The Arc’s Board of Directors for three years. The board consists entirely of volunteers who generously donate their time to supporting the organization. In his time on the board, Scott has helped to foster a relationship between The Arc Southern Maryland and Dominion Energy. Dominion has since sponsored a number of events and awarded a grant to The Arc which helped them purchase supplies – such as flashlights, crank radios, meals ready to eat (MREs), and water – which would sustain each of The Arc’s 30 residential sites across Southern Maryland, in the event of a weather related emergency. In addition to volunteering his time and fostering relationships for the organization, Scott often supports The Arc’s events and makes generous contributions himself. If that wasn’t enough, Scott even has connected with Dominion Energy’s donor matching program, which matches their employees’ contributions to organizations like The Arc, making double the impact for their cause.

When asked about his experience as a volunteer helping to support people with diverse abilities, Scott replied with a humble and heartfelt tone, “I wish I could do more. They deserve everything I can give and more.”

Tyler Bell was recognized with a Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS) Achievement Award on May 23rd, 2018.

Tyler Bell, 23, receives supported employment services with The Arc. He has been employed at Panera Bread and has worked on the lawn crew with The Arc. While in high school, he volunteered as an assistant football coach. It has since been his dream to coach others.

Tyler started working at World Gym in January of 2019 and quickly became a standout employee. World Gym was so impressed with his work that they’ve purchased new shoes, company shirts, and a World Gym coat for him as an incentive. Tyler has begun working out at World Gym and has learned from them about healthy eating habits. He has now set his sights on becoming a trainer at World Gym, where he can help others, teaching them what he has learned. He is working hard towards his goal. Not only is he an excellent employee, earning top scores on his monthly evaluations, but he also loves his job and it shows!

Tyler has recently achieved a personal goal of saving for and taking a driver’s class, passing his test just last week. He will be taking the test for his learner’s permit soon. Once he gets his driver’s license, Tyler’s next goal is moving into his own place!

Congrats, Tyler, on all of your achievements!

The Arc Southern Maryland to host 16th annual golf fundraiser
Pat Collins Golf Classic to be held June 15th at Chesapeake Hills Golf Course

The Arc Southern Maryland will hold its 16th Annual Pat Collins Golf Classic on June 15th at Chesapeake Hills Golf Course. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start. The tournament includes a chance at a hole-in-one prize of $10,000, sponsored by The Gott Company, a continental breakfast, a lunch catered by Adam’s Ribs, door prizes and raffles.

The tournament is held in honor of Pat Collins, a former board president for The Arc. Collins worked tirelessly for years to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Southern Maryland. “The Arc Southern Maryland sponsors this tournament as a living memorial to my father,” said John Collins, son of Pat Collins. He continued, “Those who serve as sponsors, players and supporters allow The Arc to carry on the mission to which my father was committed.”

“Our annual golf tournament continues to be our most successful fundraiser each year thanks to the support of our community. We are so grateful to our supporters for enabling us to continue to create opportunities for people with diverse abilities,” said Terry Z. Long, CEO of The Arc Southern Maryland. “Last year, we were proud to add a team of the individuals we support, making this a truly inclusive event,” said Long.

Tournament proceeds will be used to support The Arc’s services, including their residential program which provides safe and supportive housing for people with IDD, their vocational program which helps people with IDD to obtain and retain jobs, and their transition programs which provide essential skills and hands-on career exploration for high school students to be successful as they transition into careers or continued education.

The Arc Southern Maryland would like to recognize the sponsors that have already offered their support through this event – The Gott Company, Community Bank of the Chesapeake, PSA Insurance & Financial Services, Scott Mellinger, ALCO Pharmacy, SMECO, & Dr. Amin of Lexington Park Family Dentistry.

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