As Maryland celebrates Economic Impact Week, October 20–24, we are highlighting how Fello’s impact goes far beyond the services we provide. Every job we create, every home we build, and every program we offer puts resources directly into Maryland communities—supporting local businesses, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening neighborhoods across the state.
With an annual budget of $459 million, Fello is one of Maryland’s largest nonprofits. But it’s not just the size of our budget that matters—it’s where that money goes, and how Fello is actively shaping Maryland’s economy.
Building Maryland’s Workforce
Fello has more than 620 employees and supports nearly 10,000 additional workers through Self-Directed Services. To put this in perspective, 99% of Maryland’s for-profit businesses have fewer than 500 employees.
“Over 10,000 people in Maryland receive a paycheck with Fello’s name on it,” says Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO, “which means Fello makes a major impact on our communities by providing wages.”
Approximately three-quarters of Fello’s budget goes to paying wages for Fello’s employees and the employees of people self-directing their services. This means Fello provides over $300 million annually to employees, making Fello a major employer in the state.
“When our employees and the workers of people self-directing their services shop at local stores and rent homes in local neighborhoods, they are growing and sustaining the local economy,” says Jonathon.
Wages & Payroll
Over 400 of Fello’s employees are Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). This year, Fello increased starting wages for DSP roles to $21.10 per hour—more than doubling their wages since 2017—and gave a 3% raise to employees across the organization. Employees also have opportunities to grow their careers through the DSP Career Ladder, earning higher wages as they complete professional development courses and gain new skills.
Through Self-Directed Services, nearly 10,000 Maryland workers earn $27 million each month, up 8% from last year.
Employing More Marylanders
Our vacancy rate tells another powerful story. As of October 2025, we have a 5% vacancy rate for DSP positions—well below the Maryland average of 25% and the national average of 30%.
This means that more Marylanders are employed in meaningful, stable careers that directly support their communities.
Investing in Employees
Fello provides a comprehensive Total Rewards package, investing in all employees’ health and well-being with affordable health insurance deductibles, and supporting long-term financial security through a 6% match for retirement contributions that is vested from day one.
“We believe in supporting the whole person—physically, mentally, and financially,” says Brandy Stephens, Vice President of People & Culture. “When our team thrives, our communities thrive.”
These investments reflect Fello’s commitment to creating careers, not just jobs—positions where people can build their futures while making a meaningful difference in their communities and keeping talented people living and working in Maryland.
Driving Economic Impact Through Services
Fello’s economic impact reaches across Maryland through our wide range of services and supports. The people we serve live, work, and contribute to their communities—participating in local economies as employees, consumers, neighbors, and business owners.
Self-Directed Services
Through Self-Directed Services, over 3,200 participants hire, manage, and pay nearly 10,000 workers across the state. Each participant in the program functions as their own small business owner, managing their own budgets and employees.
“Participants in Self-Direction are employers, decision-makers, and active contributors to Maryland’s small business landscape,” says Marc Weinstein, Senior Director of Self-Directed Services. “This model puts economic power in the hands of people with disabilities and helps create jobs where they’re needed most.”
The economic influence of Self-Direction is about increasing the income and opportunity flowing directly into Maryland communities, creating jobs, and supporting local businesses.
Financial Support for Families
Through our Children, Youth & Families programs, families receive financial support that helps them access therapies, equipment, and opportunities that keep their children learning, growing, and participating in community life.
Programs like the Family Fund, Project Learn, and Holiday Giving put hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of resources directly into Maryland households, helping families meet essential needs and supporting local businesses.
Fair Wages & Employment for People with Disabilities
People supported through our Workforce Development program earn paychecks, build careers, and pay taxes—becoming active participants in Maryland’s economy.
“Fello works with people with disabilities to identify their talents and interests, build resumes, apply for job listings, and prepare for interviews,” said Laura Degler, Assistant Director of Workforce Development, “We do all this while partnering with local businesses to create inclusive employment opportunities that benefit both employers and job seekers.”
When people with disabilities join Maryland’s workforce, everyone benefits. Employers gain dedicated, enthusiastic employees. Communities become more diverse and inclusive. And the workforce becomes stronger, reflecting the full spectrum of Maryland’s population.
Access to Entitlements Ensures Financial Stability
Fello also helps manage benefits and financial tools such as housing vouchers, ABLE accounts, and other supports that increase financial stability and independence. Together, these programs contribute to a stronger, more inclusive economy—one where people with disabilities have meaningful roles as employees, taxpayers, volunteers, and community members contributing billions to the economy.
Their participation drives economic activity, creating demand for housing, transportation, and public spaces, which spurs innovation and infrastructure improvements that benefit entire communities. At the same time, they expand the customer base for Maryland businesses and support the growth of industries focused on accessibility and inclusion.
Investing in Communities that Work for Everyone
Fello Communities is addressing Maryland’s housing challenges while driving economic growth throughout the region.
“Every construction project creates jobs for Maryland-based contractors, vendors, and workers, circulating income throughout the state and supporting local businesses,” says Ross Benincasa, Senior Vice President of Community Development for Fello Communities.
Every construction project creates jobs for Maryland-based contractors, vendors, and workers, circulating income throughout the state and supporting local businesses. At the same time, these projects provide housing that people can afford in areas with high demand, helping communities remain economically diverse and resilient.
Supporting Local Businesses & Vendors
For Port Street Commons, we made it a priority to work with local businesses—45% of our contractors came from Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and every contractor we hired was based right here in Maryland.
“It was important to us that the project support the community in more ways than one,” said Judi Olinger, Vice President of Housing Strategy, “from creating local jobs to building strong partnerships.”
We’re taking that same approach with Easton Crossing, with plans to once again team up with Maryland-based contractors and keep as much of the work as possible right here on the Shore. When complete, Easton Crossing will feature more than 23,000 square feet of retail space designed to bring new energy and opportunity to the area.
These projects don’t just create housing—they generate construction jobs, support local businesses, and circulate income throughout the state.
Positive Impact of Mixed-Income Developments
Our housing philosophy focuses on increasing access to housing—particularly affordable housing—through mixed-income developments.
By placing affordable and market-rate housing side by side, we create healthier communities, improve access to resources, and strengthen local economies by attracting and retaining residents across income levels.
Future Impact through Housing
While Fello Communities develops housing throughout the region, we are making a significant impact on Easton’s housing market. With the completion of Port Street Commons, ongoing renovations of The Primrose House, and the construction of The Laura House, Easton Crossing, and Silo Court, Fello is adding more than 150 new housing units to the market—creating new opportunities for residents and generating local jobs.
Several projects are in development for 2025 and beyond, adding housing options across the Eastern Shore and Anne Arundel County. Each project represents jobs, local vendor partnerships, and communities designed for economic diversity and inclusion.
Investing in Maryland’s Future
During Maryland Economic Impact Week, Fello’s story demonstrates how a mission-driven nonprofit can be an economic powerhouse. We’re multiplying impact through local hiring, community partnerships, housing development, and workforce support. We’re not just serving people with disabilities—we’re investing in Maryland’s economic future, one job, one home, one partnership at a time.