The Arc Baltimore - Advocate Holiday 2018

For people with intellectual and ­developmental disabilities H OL I D A Y 2018

Eric, left, and Teddy Scroggins take a rest after running four miles at Dulaney High School.

Sometimes Direct Support Is a Vigorous Workout

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ric is 23 and thrives on art, movies, running, swimming and lunch at Chick-fil-A. The Dulaney High School graduate pursues each with vigor; for him there is no half way. Three to four miles is an average run three days a week. Every lap Eric swims is like he’s going for Olympic gold.

He receives awards for his drawings, and his photographic memory calls up details of hundreds of films, including their ratings. He sees at least three movies a week.

Eric’s gifts and challenges are all part of his autism. Although he lives at home, he requires one on one help on weekdays to channel his enthusiasm and guide him toward positive interactions to the best of his ability. In early 2017, Eric’s family contacted The Arc for guidance, and it was program manager Trish Daniels’ responsibility to find the right direct support staff member to work with him. �� CO NT INUE D ON PAG E 7

It’s a Big World After All The Arc Baltimore is about possibilities, not limits.

With your help, we open this big world to individuals who have challenges and dreams. Like we all do.

Myra wasn’t sure she could manage a job away from The Arc’s center, but at 60 she now is a valued employee at a busy Baltimore ice cream parlor.

For a long time, Richard Bordner dreamed of visiting Hawaii. Last summer, he bid a happy “Aloha!” as he took off into the world. (See his story on Page 8.)

Navigating the world is not easy for Richard and Katie and Myra, but that’s no reason to stop trying.

No matter what their dreams are, we want people supported by The Arc to achieve them.

At 28, Katie’s cerebral palsy keeps her from speaking, but it doesn’t keep her away from museums and parks and hair appointments.

We hope you will come along for the adventure by sending your most generous gift today. l

Donate now at www.thearcbaltimore.org/donate.

Or send your contribution to 7215 York Road, Baltimore, MD 21212. Thank you!

KEEP IN TOUCH!

Change Change Change—What and Why Medicaid’s Final Rule and DDA expectations have big implications for services In 2014, Medicaid unveiled the “Final Rule,” a significant set of changes that has resulted in a massive overhaul of its rules and regulations. Medicaid is the primary funding source that makes possible The Arc’s services, through and along with State funding from the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). The changes dictated by Medicaid and DDA are now impacting how The Arc Baltimore delivers services and supports for people with disabilities, and the changes will be continuing in 2019 and through 2022. In this article, Executive Director Kathleen Durkin explains what it means to The Arc and the individuals we support.

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wo years ago, The Arc developed a 2020 Vision to communicate with families and partners about coming changes, but details were still emerging —and still are. The DDA continues to roll out guidance, clarifications, and new policies on an almost weekly basis. It’s a lot for professional staff of The Arc and other agencies to keep up with and even more so for people supported by The Arc and their families and friends.

Following are examples of the frequent questions we’ve been getting and what’s changing according to the new rules and requirements.

Q

What happened to the IP? What is this new Person Centered Plan (PCP)?

The PCP, formerly known as the IP, puts the individual with disabilities who wants supports in the driver’s seat. And though it’s about a lot more than just a plan and an annual meeting, that’s still an important part. The individual determines who they do or do not want to be a part of their plan and their meeting and, with the support of the Coordinator of Community Service (CCS), determines their goals and desired outcomes. The CCS works for an independent agency (not The Arc) to provide each person with targeted case management in conjunction with providers, like The Arc, to assure that services are provided in a holistic approach. Arc staff work in collaboration with the CCS to ensure quality programming, but the CCS takes the lead as the case manager.

Ideally, the individual supported, the CCS, The Arc and any other service providers, and other important people in the individual’s life, will be on the same page. The individual will have a clear plan with goals and expectations developed in a person-centered approach over a period of time. This premeeting process will become even more important since requests for supports, staffing, enhanced services, and funding will be determined during that period.

It’s up to all of us working together to keep the individual in that driver’s seat so his or her goals and desired outcomes remain in the forefront.

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Q

My daughter has attended one of The Arc’s day centers for many years, but now is being forced to find work and leave the building frequently for outings and activities. She just wants to stay at the center and that’s where I feel she is safest.

No one is being forced to do anything.

Our day centers are changing to reflect the interests of your family members/ friends. While staying at the center may seem appealing, we’re finding more and more that people enjoy earning a paycheck and socializing with peers in their community. The State’s policy is Employment First. That does not mean Employment Only. The Arc has reorganized staffing to be more effective in job development AND community engagement activities.

On the jobs front, that means we are seeking more job opportunities and learning more about individuals’ talents and interests that could apply in a work setting, in a process known as customization and discovery. In little more than a year, 58 people supported

by The Arc Baltimore have started new jobs. And outside activities are diverse and include movies, bowling, trips around Baltimore, exercise classes, art classes, museums, and shopping, along with work trial opportunities, volunteerism, informational interviews, and employment discovery opportunities.

As you can see, Employment First and the Settings Rule are mandating dramatic shifts, but ultimately, these changes are completely within The Arc’s long-time movement to growing opportunities in the wider community for all those we support.

The Settings Rule and Employment First are about access to the greater community. Settings must be integrated and with opportunities for meaningful community engagement. Settings must be selected by the individual, so really, choice is being promoted and enhanced.

It’s also the case that people based from our centers may end up having a day with a much wider array of services and activities than they used to. Part of their day may be focused on job development or career exploration. Or they may have a job that takes two hours a day. Then they may choose to join friends for a trip to the bowling alley or to a nearby Planet Fitness for a yoga class. Everyone is on a different schedule. It’s not one size fits all. So even though it’s Medicaid’s Settings Rule and DDA oversight that may be driving the press for work and other community engagement, the individual’s goals and preferences as stated in the Person Centered Plan and the ongoing determination of what it is that the individual wants to do is what is paramount. And in many cases, these efforts at job development or the opportunities to go to new places and have new experiences is allowing each person to put together a good life.

Q

My son used to get a paycheck from The Arc for work he did around the center, or when he was at the uniform company in a group enclave. Why isn’t that allowed now and why isn’t he earning any income?

After many years on a contractual janitorial crew, Kelly Watson completed our Career Catalyst Program and got a job at Chick-fil-A and now uses Mobility independently.

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Originally, The Arc provided “enclave” work on The Arc’s payroll as a training opportunity. It was always intended as a temporary training ground until people were “ready to work.”

Providers throughout the nation offered employment enclaves (as we have) in hopes that people would eventually gain competitive employment. However, as an industry, we have found that �� CO NT INUE D ON PAG E 3

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Partnerships Mean Business

asheeda McCrae started her dream job August 22 by overcoming every challenge presented by her low vision. She graduated from the Maryland School for the Blind in 2012 and began receiving services at our center in Dundalk.

Two years ago, she was referred to The Arc’s Business Services Department to find a meaningful job. Rasheeda was adamant that she wanted to work with children, because she already had her 90 hour Child Care Certificate from Dundalk Community College.

With support from The Arc’s business team, she worked a variety of related jobs, including as child care assistant for The Arc’s parent groups and educational series. Last July, she met with the recruiting team at Kennedy Krieger Institute. They were impressed with Rasheeda’s experience and even more excited about her letters of recommendation.

Today she is “extremely excited” about her job as a regular child care aide. For information on The Arc’s Business Services Department, go to the “Hire Our Workforce” page at www.thearcbaltimore.org/programs/hire-our-workforce/ or contact Kimberly Scroggins at 410-296-2272 x 5545. l

Genuine thanks to the following organizations and companies that hired individuals from The Arc in the last six months.

BMORE LICKS BWI-Marshall International Airport D&L Cleanup Didlake FutureCare Sandtown Home Goods — Owings Mills Horseshoe Casino Kennedy Krieger Institute Levindale Geriatric Home and Hospital Martins West Maryland Brand Management Merritt Station Apartments Otterbein Cookies PDP Group, Inc. Shop Rite Sprouts Farmers Market Stella Maris STX Total Maid Services Union Memorial Hospital Up to Date Laundry UPS Walmart at Cockeysville

CHANGE CHANGE CHANGE— WHAT AND WHY CO N TIN U E D F ROM PR E V I O U S PAGE

this model has not been successful in helping people gain competitive employment and has, instead, fostered dependency and isolation. The DDA is encouraging and equipping us to help people find real and meaningful employment as contributing members of their community. However, this takes time and doesn’t happen overnight. In some cases, families are helping us make connections that lead to jobs, if not for their loved ones, for others. We need the families’ involvement and partnership to help open new doors as well. If you can help with this, please contact Erin Lindholm at 410-296-2272.

Q

Why are more people being encouraged and trained to use public transportation to get to work or to the center rather than using The Arc’s vans?

There has been a shift in philosophy regarding transportation; DDA is asking us to provide support to coordinate transportation services while enhancing a person’s ability to access the community. The Settings Rule specifies that providers should facilitate transportation that is the least costly and most integrated while giving priority to the use of public transportation and natural supports (neighbors, family members). In response to this, we are providing travel training and helping people learn how to use Mobility (which is a door to door public transit service). We’ve already begun this initiative and are finding that many are taking new pride in the fact

Myra anxiously left her job in the kitchen at our center in Homeland for a job opportunity at BMORE LICKS, and she quickly became a valued member of the Patterson Park ice cream shop. that they can independently get where they want to go.

Q

Does DDA fund The Arc Baltimore sufficiently or are these “cutbacks” because of budget cuts?

Ultimately, all of these changes will be funded by a new rate system, but that’s not due to budget cuts; it’s due to realigned priorities and “un-bundled” services. The Arc is preparing for huge changes in how the State reimburses us for our services and for what. For example, currently we are reimbursed for someone who attends a center for a day. It does not vary according to what the person is doing within that day. In the future, State billing will be on an hourly basis and we expect to be reimbursed for each person based on what that person does each day, and that could be more than a dozen programs, all at different

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rates. These rate or funding changes will be significant and we want you to be aware that it’s happening because it’s not business as usual. What is usual and unchanged though is the goal for all of us here at The Arc—for people to be as independent as possible and living the lives that they choose.

Because program changes, rate reimbursement systems, and other aspects of Medicaid and DDA guidelines and regulations are continuing to roll out, and they are more explicitly defining how the Final Rule should actually be applied, the Advocate will include updates through 2019. You can also check The Arc website for other updates and examples of how it’s all working and how we are making it work for the benefit of the people we support, their families and all those who care about them. l

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Co-chair Laura Ward, left, with Maria Rosner and her piece “Maryland Blues”

Maryland’s First Lady Yumi Hogan, Nancy S. Grasmick, and Kathleen Durkin

‘WILD’ Fundraiser Is a Roaring Success

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O WILD!, our 17th annual “Art in the Round” fundraiser, was a roaring success as 425 guests succumbed to jungle fever and netted a record $92,000 for The Arc Baltimore’s mission.

At the Grand Lodge of Maryland in Hunt Valley on October 19, we showcased 82 outstanding pieces for auction from more than 60 artists with disabilities. Many of them happily mingled with guests to talk about their work.

Every artist was greeted by special guests Yumi Hogan, Maryland’s First Lady and an artist herself, and state Secretary of Department of Disabilities Carol Beatty. Activities included silent and live auctions, a raffle, and the opportunity for guests to create their own masterpieces under the direction of graduate interns from the Maryland Institute College of Art. Scientific Plant Service, Inc. was the title sponsor, and Laura Ward and Jennifer Brandenburg were co-chairs. The Arc’s Executive Director Kathleen Durkin and Board President Joe Ward were emcees.

Tension mounted as auctioneer Jamey Levinson from Alex Cooper coaxed bidders to up the ante on Maria Rosner’s mixed media work “Maryland Blues.” It went for a record $4,250!

Maria and her husband, Dan, were elated, but there was even more good news for them. “Maryland Blues” was this year’s promotional poster winner, so Robert Jefferson, creator of last year’s poster, helped deliver the $100 prize to Maria. Crystal Wagner’s “The Forest” received the most votes in the People’s Choice Poll prior to the event. Artists get 60% of the sales.

After the live auction, guests enthusiastically contributed directly to The Arc’s Mission Appeal with $45,000 in gifts from $25 to $10,000. They were inspired by the video “Beyond 4 Walls” portraying individuals who are exploring work, volunteer opportunities, and meaningful activities like creating art, visiting museums, and attending plays and movies. The Arc’s goal is to make services outside the four walls of the center a reality for everyone.

As the evening closed, one lucky guest won the Wild Travel Package raffle, and we can’t wait to hear about their trip.l

Make sure to mark your calendar for next year’s “Art in the Round” on October 18th.

Crystal Wagner’s “The Forest”

Board member Jill Vocci and her husband Matt Vocci Scientific Plant Service’s Brian Haga and his wife Kimberly Haga

Mecca Fobb’s “Natural Harmony”

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Zinnia Film’s David Morley, Kathleen Durkin and the raffle winner John Amato

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Director Emeritus Pat Rosner, left, board member J. Patrick Miles and his wife Monica Miles

ART IN THE ROUND

2018 Sponsors TIGER TITLE SPONSOR

Outstanding Support Professionals Honored

JUNGLE SPONSORS

TIGER STRIPES SPONSORS

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very day and every night of every year, direct support professionals are The Arc’s most vital staff members. Since September is Direct Support Professionals’ Month, it was the perfect time to showcase our appreciation at morning and evening banquets that accommodate work schedules. There were nearly 300 guests.

WILD TRAVEL PACKAGE RAFFLE SPONSOR

The retention committee sponsored the September 28 festivities hosted by comedian and actor Larry Lancaster. As always, the highlight was the announcement of the winners of outstanding performance awards in 21 categories. Nominations came from supervisors, co-workers, supported individuals and their families. Awardees received acrylic plaques with the message “You Make a World of Difference.”

Award Winners l = Day Winner l = Evening Winner

RAINFOREST SPONSORS

Most Improved l Trayshawn Gray l Shawnta Gordon Most Dedicated l Yasmine Young l Danielle Gipson Best Attitude l Raedejah Smith l Erica Vince Most Patient l Tonya Chavis Best Sense of Humor l Olimide Adigun l Andrea Brown Best Driver l Ryan Wehner Most Effective Communicator l Brandi Crane l Malachi Easley Best With Family Connections l Jared Knight-Hopkins l Shaurese Mitchell Most Flexible l Trayshawn Gray l Shaneaka Jones Best Paperwork l Shelly Smith l Britteney Williams Most Organized l Melody Sengebusch Best with Medical Concerns l Kasina Dorsey l Tiffany Clark Most Helpful In Transitions l Clifton Alston Jr. Most Creative l Rokeysha Witherspoon Most Resourceful l Eugene Burton

WILDLIFE SPONSORS

Best in Community Engagement l Ngozi Kalu l Justice Smallwood

Acme Paper & Supply Co. Baldwin Law Group, LLP Chason, Rosner, Leary and Marshall O’Conor and Mooney Realtors Rudolph Supply Steam Communications

Best With Individual Supports l Chauntinice Snyder l Valjean Knight III Best In Supporting Self-Advocacy l Anita Carter l Lamont Thompson III (AT) Implementation l Shelly Smith l Brandi Ellis Best With Assistive Technology l Taylor Williamson Best All Around Employee l Comfort Adeniji l Randyn Smallwood

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Free Seminars Provide Lifespan Insights

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he Arc Baltimore’s annual in-depth education series explores the lifespan challenges for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Food and child care are provided, and there is no charge.

Topics for the first half of 2019 are: Tuesday, January 22: “Advocacy” Tuesday, February 19: “Sex & Relationships” Tuesday, March 19: “LGBTQ” Thursday, April 23:

“Attachment Across the Lifespan”

Wednesday, May 22:

“Assistive Technology Fair”

Times are 6 pm to 9 pm at our Seton Employment Center 6151 Metro Dr. Baltimore, MD 21215 REGISTER BY CONTACTING: Swanisha Hinton 7215 York Rd. Baltimore, MD 21212 shinton@thearcbaltimore.org 410-296-2272 ext. 5306 Fax: 443-279-3422

Details: www.thearcbaltimore.org/events/family-education-series/

‘Bay Buddies’ Is a Hit for the 18th Year

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hat do you get when you mix 75 children, two weeks in August, scores of adults, non-stop activities, and amazing donors? It’s Bay Buddies!

Participants in this year’s 18th annual program say it was the best time of the whole summer. Each child has intellectual, developmental and/ or significant physical disabilities and attends one of The Arc’s four partner public schools. This year’s attendance was a record, and 11 participants were new.

Bay Buddies is much more than fun, says Kathleen Durkin, The Arc’s executive director, because it prevents skill regression in the two weeks in August between the extended school year and the fall semester. The student/staff ratio was close to 1:1, and door-to-door accessible transportation and meals were included. Activities were filled with social, physical, and educational importance, and throughout the experience, safety and campers’ special needs were priorities.

A significant challenge is helping families meet the financial burden. This year, the tuition was $1,650 per child, and outstanding support from sponsors meant every family received scholarship aid.

The complex program is coordinated by Swanisha Hinton, The Arc’s Bay Buddies administrator, in collaboration with our host, Living Classrooms, and the social workers and teacher from our four partner schools—Battle Monument and Maiden Choice schools in Baltimore County and William S. Baer and George W.F. McMechen in Baltimore City.

Field trips were held at the Maryland Council for Special Equestrians; Living Classrooms’ Masonville Cove Environmental Campus; Maryland Science Center; and Angel Park, a fully inclusive playground. l

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SPONSORS Baltimore City Schools Baltimore Community Foundation / Children’s Fresh Air Society Fund Baltimore County Schools The Thomas W. Bradley Foundation Eddie C. and C Sylvia Brown Family Foundation Civitan Club of Baltimore Clayton Baker Trust Louis H. Gross Foundation David and Barbara B. Hirschhorn Foundation The Macht Fund of THE ASSOCIATED Maximus Foundation Safeway Foundation The Ellen W. P. Wasserman Foundation Wells Fargo Foundation The Thomas Wilson Foundation

Thanks!

Thank You to Renewing Members and Contributors!

July 1, 2018 to October 31, 2018 Acme Paper & Supply Company Ms. Berlette Adesalu Mrs. Hallie Allen Mr. Joseph Anastasio Ms. Michelle Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Albert A. Anuszewski Mr. Richard Armbruster Asset Strategy Consultants Mr. Aaron Atkinson Mr. Daniel Baird Baldwin Law Group, LLP The Baltimore Community Foundation Baltimore Style BB&T Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Becker Ms. Christine M. Bednego Mrs. Nancy Bernard BGE Mr. Sylvester Bieler Blades & Rosenfeld, PA Ms. Brenda Bodian Mr. William O. Boland Mr. Richard Borchers Ms. Joan Bozel Mr. and Mrs. Edwin J. Bradley, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Bradley, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Chris Brandenburg Mr. and Mrs. Brian Briggs Mr. Walter F. Brooks

Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Bryant, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Howard G. Bullinger Ms. Mary Catherine Bunting Mr. and Mrs. Larry Burley, Jr. Ms. Colleen Rae Calhoon Capital Services, Inc. Ms. Kathlyn Cathell Mr. Parker O. Chapman, Jr. Chason, Rosner, Leary & Marshall, LLC Mr. Samuel Chavez Mr. George Ciscle Classic Food Service Ms. Juanita Clinton Ms. Allison Coffey and Mr. Michael Ogrysko Ms. Victoria Coleman Ms. Janet L. Commarata Ms. Laura Concannon Mr. Michael J. Conelius Mr. James G. Corckran, II Mrs. Arlene Craumer Ms. Barbara A. Crosby Ms. Mary Ellen Crowley Ms. Beth Cushing Mr. Gislin Dagnelie Mr. and Mrs. Erik P. Daly Ms. Suzanne Davenport Mr. and Mrs. Brent Davidson Mr. J. Paul Davignon

Welcome, New Members and Contributors!

July 1, 2018 to October 31, 2018 Mr. John Amato Ms. Ida Barrick Mr. John Bedda Ms. Thomasena Bennett Mr. and Mrs. William Bettridge Mr. and Mrs. John Beynon Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Beynon BGE Mr. Larry Canner Constellation Brands Ms. Regina Fidazzo Ms. Mallory Finn Ms. Mary Helen Fraiji Mr. Matthew Glassband Ms. Sandra Granzow Ms. Charlotte Gyory Ms. Kathryn Halterman Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Hersh Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Higgins Ms. Sara Hobson Mr. Charles L. Jenkins Ms. Colleen Kaufman Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Kaufman Mr. and Mrs. Sean Kelly Mr. and Mrs. Casey Larkin

Ms. Holly Long Mrs. Heather Long Mr. and Mrs. Biclie L. Minter Dr. Alicia Morgan-Cooper Ms. Alyssa Navarrete Ms. Juli Navarrete Mr. Enrique Navarrete Ms. Kelli Naylor Mr. Tom O’Hara Mr. Robert Prowell Ms. Lillian Ross Ms. Susan Schwarz Ms. Melissa Sharlat Ms. Beatrice Shaughnessy Mr. and Mrs. William Sneeringer Ms. India Suter Ms. Dawn Swierczewski Ms. Maureen Van Stone Ms. Joyce VanDyk Mr. and Mrs. George Vintz Ms. Tracy Voelker Ms. Carolyn Warren Ms. Brittany Waterhouse Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Weglein Zinnia Films

Mr. Donald L. DeVries, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Matthew J. Dillon Mr. Ronald Dilonardo Ms. Theresa Dockery Ms. Alicia Doherty Ms. Ruth Dolle Ms. Nancy Doran Duane Morris LLP Ms. Angela Dudley Ms. Angela Dumouchelle Mrs. Kathleen McNally Durkin and Mr. Brian Durkin Dr. Diane Dwyer Ms. Shanette Edwards Mr. Christian Ehrhardt Dr. Kelly Ellis and Mr. Shawn Ellis Ernst & Young LLP Ms. Joanna Falcone Mr. David Fender Mr. Jonathan K. Ferrell Ms. Angel Fobbs Mr. and Mrs. James Franzoni Friendship Creative Printers Mr. Russell S. Gardner Ms. Shirley Garrett Mr. William Gaudreau George R. Ruhl & Son, Inc. Mr. Alexander Gorman Ms. Mary Grablick Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Graham Ms. Jennifer S. Gross Mr. Brian Haga Halo Branded Solutions Mr. and Mrs. Michael Harris Mr. and Mrs. John A. Hayden III Mr. and Mrs. Neal Haynie Mr. Charles Herndon Mr. Richard Himelfarb Mr. and Mrs. Donald Himelfarb Ms. Camille Hinmon Mrs. Patricia Hodge-Mack Ms. Stella H. Holmes Mr. and Mrs. Richard Edwin Hook, IV Ms. Laura Howell Mr. and Mrs. James Hudak Mr. and Mrs. John J. Hudak Mr. David J. Hughes Mr. and Mrs. Earle P. Hurley Inverness Presbyterian Church Mrs. Barbara Israel Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Itzoe Mr. and Mrs. Jay James Mr. George F. Jones Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Jones Ms. Claudia Kairoff Mr. and Mrs. Jared Kelly Mr. Robert S. Killebrew, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Richard Klepper Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Knoerlein Mr. and Mrs. Ernest F. Krebs Mrs. Judy Kuhar Mr. Thomas Kyle Lakespring Associates

Mrs. Virginia Lamp Mr. Maurice Lazenby, III Dr. and Mrs. Philip Levinson Ms. Erin Lindholm Mr. Theodore J. Lingelbach Ms. Sara Lipton Ms. Jean Ludwig Mr. and Mrs. Neil A. MacDonald Macht Fund of THE ASSOCIATED Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Macsherry Mr. and Mrs. John H. Macsherry, Sr. Mr. Naveed Malik Ms. Melinda Maluga Dr. Joseph Marine Ms. Mary Markakis Ms. Stacy Massengill Ms. Kathryn Mayer Ms. Juliana Mayer Mr. and Mrs. Ken Mays Mrs. Dolores Mazan Mr. and Mrs. Connor F. McBryde Mrs. Nicki Sandusky McCann Ms. Patricia A. McCloskey Ms. Isabel C. McCullough Ms. Kate McGuire Mr. Daniel J. Mellin Sr. Melwood Training Center Ms. Diane Mick Mr. Patrick Miles Miles & Stockbridge P.C. Mr. Edward L. Miller Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Mirabile The Mitre Box Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Morgan Mr. Lee Murray Mutual of America Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Naeny Mr. and Mrs. Alvin F. Nehrenz Ms. Demetria L. Newsome Mr. and Mrs. Edmond B. Nolley, Jr. Ms. Sherrie Norwitz O’Conor & Mooney Realtors Mr. Denis O’Donovan Mr. Sean O’Donovan Oak Contracting LLC Mr. and Mrs. William H. Oliver PDP Group, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Dominic Pecora Mrs. Jessica Perrotti Mott PNC Ms. Patricia J. Pohorence Ms. Patty Pontier Ms. Aimee Pontier Mr. Ashton Poole Ms. Nellie Power Ms. Tracy Pruitt RCM&D Mr. and Mrs. Henry Reches Mr. and Mrs. Alan Reed Mrs. Constance C. Reisig Mr. and Mrs. M. Delmar Ritchie, Jr. Mr. Kenneth H. Roberts Ms. Jean Rochevot Mr. Charles Rogers Ms. Geraldine Rosenbaum Mr. and Mrs. James F. Rosner, Esq. Ms. Bridget Roth Rudolph Supply Mr. James D. Russo Mr. and Mrs. William A. Ryan Sr. Safeway Foundation Mr. Ephrem Sahle Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Sand Ms. Milicent Santos SC&H Group Ms. Olympia Scatliffe Schmitz Press Mrs. Amy Schulze

SOMETIMES DIRECT SUPPORT IS A VIGOROUS WORKOUT �� CO N TIN UE D F ROM PAGE 1

Daniels’ approach comes from 29 years at The Arc and an appreciation of human nature. “There is no formula for matching an individual receiving services and a staff person,” she explains. “It’s about quality of life, so I have to believe I will know the right candidate during their interview. Sometimes, I put myself in the parents’ place and wonder what I would do for my own kids,” says the mother of seven children ages 10 to 30.

“Eric needs someone with energy and patience. Especially energy,” she laughs.

That someone is Teddy Scroggins. Trish says, “He was excited and ready to go as soon as we began talking about Eric.”

Teddy has lived in Baltimore all his life and has a master’s degree in human services from Pennsylvania’s Lincoln University. He pursued a doctorate but decided to shift to direct support, like his parents.

“They worked with what they called ‘people with unique abilities,’” he says. His mother was a registered nurse at Spring Grove Hospital Center in Catonsville, which is the nation’s second oldest psychiatric hospital. His father worked at Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center in Jessup, Maryland’s maximum security forensic psychiatric facility.

After 18 months, Eric and Teddy are a pair on a mission. Teddy is twice as old but

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Scientific Plant Service Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Sheckells Mr. David Shenberger Sherwood Consulting LLC Mr. and Mrs. Charles P. Shettle Ms. Donna Sills, Esq. and Mr. Michael Sloneker Ms. Nancy Simms Mr. C. Peter Smith Ms. Janine Spafford Ms. Gina Spagnolo Mr. and Mrs. John Spelman Mrs. Teresa Spurrier Ms. Ann M. St. Clair Mrs. Debbie Staigerwald Steam Communications Mr. Marshall K. Steele Ms. Mary Maas Stemler Mr. Maury A. Sugarman Summit Financial Group, Inc. Mrs. Linda Sundquist Mr. Thomas Sweeney Ms. Anita Tann The Arc United States Mr. and Mrs. Eric Tischer Total Wine & More Mr. Rodney Toulson Ms. Leola Tracey Ms. Margaret M. Ulle United Healthcare Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Uzarowski Ms. Julie Vocci Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Vocci Mr. and Mrs. Michael E. Wagner Mr. and Mrs. William Walker, IV Mr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Ward Mr. and Mrs. Dan Ward Mr. Don Watts Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. The Whiting Turner Contracting Company Ms. Joanne Williams Ms. Robin Williams Mr. Bertram Winchester, III Ms. Rachel Yurko

Gifts in Honor

July 1, 2018 to October 31, 2018 Phyllis and Norman Knoerlein’s 50th Wedding Anniversary Mr. John & Mrs. Francie Macsherry

Gifts in Memory July 1, 2018 to October 31, 2018 Ms. Sandy Anuszewski Mr. Edward Murray Mr. Stanley Press Mr. Dick Reider Ms. Yvonne D. Richards Mr. Nigel Robinson Mrs. Patricia Ann Simms Mr. William H. Spangler Mr. Frank A. Vonasek Mr. Anthony Winnick Ms. Mary Winnick Every effort has been made to ­ensure the accuracy of this list.

If you feel there is an error, please contact our Development Office at 410-296-2272 x 5220.

equally athletic. Where Eric is impulsive, Teddy is laid back; he has a son Eric’s age and a one-year-old daughter. Eric wants things his way but can be vulnerable, so when they’re shopping Teddy holds onto Eric’s wallet—with his permission.

Aside from working out and movies, their routine involves medical appointments, sign language classes, and speech therapy. “Eric sometimes vocalizes sounds that people don’t understand, but they’re just part of who he is,” says Teddy. “Not everyone knows what he says, but I do.”

Teddy and Eric’s family communicate regularly, another vital component of the support plan.

How does Trish Daniels describe the relationship she facilitated? “It’s simply awesome,” she says. l

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Venturing Into the World With a Grateful ‘Aloha’

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ichard Bordner could not think of a single reason to give up his dream to visit to Hawaii.

He has been part of The Arc community for many years, lives with two roommates, and has a good job with the evening janitorial team in the main York Road office. Besides, one of his roommates traveled to the western U.S. last year with the help of The Arc staff.

Community Living Coordinator Melissa Meyers asked Richard to list his preferences (dates, budget, activities, etc.) and meet with Consumer Banking Specialist Susan Plitt to make sure he had the money to cover everything for himself and a staff member.

“I booked the plane tickets and hotel room; everything was a go until the week before takeoff when his staff travel companion became too sick to fly,” says Melissa. Yasmin Williams, who previously worked in Richard’s house, was delighted to be a last-minute substitute.

They stayed at a Waikiki resort that became their headquarters for an ambitious week that included a bus tour of the entire island, time at the beach, a submarine ride, a luau and lots of shopping.

Richard enjoyed meeting some local Hawaiians.

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Exploring the world, says Richard, was “very nice.” l

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The Arc Baltimore’s services are provided without ­regard to race, color, ­religion, sex, age, marital ­status, ­national origin, medical condition or disability.

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At the bottom right of the main page is a sign-up link. l Advocacy Network, distributed as

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Joseph P. Ward, Esq., President Kathleen McNally Durkin, Executive Director Kate McGuire, Chief Advancement Officer Christopher Knoerlein, Editor/ Director of Communications & Grants Jo Martin, Writer Steam Communications, Graphic Design Maryland Relay 800-735-2258 410-583-0060 (voice) Feedback Line: Dial option #8 or ask the operator for assistance Advocate is published by The Arc Baltimore, Inc. 7215 York Road Baltimore, MD 21212 410-296-2272 www.thearcbaltimore.org contactus@thearcbaltimore.org

HO LID AY 2018