The Arc Central Chesapeake Region Announces Rebrand and Name Change to Fello

— New name and brand reflect organization’s evolution and enduring commitment to people with disabilities —

Linthicum, MD, May 21, 2025 – The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc), a leader in providing support services and fostering inclusive communities with and for people with disabilities, today announced it is rebranding to Fello, effective immediately. 

Founded in 1961 by parents who wanted their children with disabilities to have the same rights and opportunities as any other community member, the rebrand and new name allows Fello to go even deeper into its mission and serve the unmet needs of more people in the communities it serves. While the organization is rebranding with a new name, there will be no changes to its facilitated services, self-directed services, behavioral health, and housing and community development work.

“The people we support are at the center of everything we do and that will never change,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of Fello. “The name Fello is a strong reflection of who we are and what we do as fellow neighbors, fellow citizens, and fellow allies working together toward a shared vision – for people with disabilities to live the lives they choose in communities that are equitable, accessible, and fully inclusive. We embrace innovation and continued growth and will continue to be at the forefront of adapting to the evolving needs of the community as Fello.”

Today, Fello serves over 4,000 Marylanders, employs nearly 650 team members, and manages almost 100 units in 43 properties throughout Anne Arundel County and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. 

As part of the rebranding and name change, Fello has separated from The Arc Maryland and the national Arc network. As the organization moves forward, its purpose remains clear: to champion inclusion, opportunity, and choice for people with disabilities. This next journey brings new possibilities to continue building strong, supportive communities across Maryland. 

Fello’s housing and community development subsidiaries, Chesapeake Neighbors and Chesapeake Community Development are now unified under one name, Fello Communities. Fello Communities will continue to develop inclusive, affordable, and accessible housing where people can choose how and where they live.

In addition to Fello Communities, Fello’s services offer personalized support for people with disabilities, including services for Children, Youth & Their Families, Living Options & Services, Community Supports, Day Services, and Workforce Development. Each program is designed to meet people where they are and grow with them over time. 

Fello is Maryland’s largest provider of Self-Directed Services supporting more than 3,000 participants and their 8,000-plus employees across the state. Participants hire and manage their own employees while Fello handles payroll and administrative responsibilities.

Fello Behavioral Health provides trauma-informed and person-centered mental health services tailored to people with co-occurring mental health and developmental disability diagnoses. Licensed clinicians work closely with each person and their support teams to deliver care. 

“At Fello, we are building a future where equity and inclusion are the norm, housing and services coexist, and everyone has the opportunities they deserve to live the lives they choose for themselves,” Rondeau continued. “Our team members are truly dedicated to breaking down barriers to ensure everyone has their own choice and access to the support they need, regardless of geographic boundaries or other lines and we’ll be able to do this moving forward as Fello.” 

Fello’s award-winning culture is rooted in innovation, compassion, and opportunity. The organization’s Health Connection program, Direct Support Professional Career Ladder, and comprehensive Total Rewards package reflects its deep investment in employee development and well-being. 

About Fello 

Fello champions the rights of people with disabilities and invests in what matters most: real opportunities, strong relationships, and inclusive, equitable communities. Fello partners with people with disabilities to provide support services, develop inclusive housing, and create spaces where people feel genuinely connected—not just accommodated. Founded in 1961, Fello continues to lead with heart and purpose, building inclusive communities where everyone belongs. Learn more at www.fello.org. 

# # #

A PDF version of this release is available here

Mixed-Use Residential Development Planned in Easton

EASTON — Two mixed-use developments will be built on the former Perdue grain facility on Brookletts Avenue. These developments will provide affordable housing opportunities and commercial use for the town of Easton, developers said.

The project’s developers are Chesapeake Community Development, a subsidiary of The Arc focused on creating equitable, accessible and inclusive committees.

Jonathon Rondeau, President and CEO of The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, said the project will be a thriving neighborhood that will support the various housing needs of the community by offering quality affordable and market-rate rentals.

“When you look at a six-and-a-half-acre site, there’s a real opportunity to think more broadly, but also to say, ‘how do you really affect the community rather than just building something that’s part of the community?’” Rondeau said. “But how can it be a foundation of the community?”

The Arc is a nonprofit organization with a mission to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

About 15 years ago, The Arc decided to create housing opportunities for people with disabilities, which is how Chesapeake Community Development and Chesapeake Neighbors were created.

Though the focus was to establish affordable housing for people with disabilities, the need for affordable housing became so essential that the organization changed its mission to create affordable housing opportunities for all.

Rondeau said they manage about 70 units in Anne Arundel County and the Eastern Shore, including the Primrose and Port Streets Commons. The Arc’s subsidiaries seek to create opportunities for people from disadvantaged backgrounds to access services.

Rondeau said mixing affordable and market-rate housing makes development financially viable by allowing subsidies for affordable units through market-rate rents.

He said though Talbot County has a high median income, there are a lot of families that live significantly below the average income. Rondeau said that there is a range of people who have a full time job but make less than $30,000 a year.

Workers like baristas and education professionals are people who do important work in the community and should be given the access to live in the area as well, Rondeau said.

Ross Benincasa, a consulting partner and vice president of community development, said the need for affordable housing was great in the area.

“Our vision is to bring a vibrant multi-purpose space to the community that incorporates a wide range of amenities and resources, including much-needed housing,” Benincasa said in a press release earlier this month.

Rondeau said they will be hosting a community meeting at the Brookletts Place Senior Center on July 10 at 5 p.m. to hear the concerns and ideas from the local community. He emphasized that community involvement is crucial to addressing any concerns and helping design a development that can meet the people’s needs.

“We, The Arc and Chesapeake Neighbors and Chesapeake Community Development want to be part of the community and be part of making Easton an inclusive and equitable community,” Rondeau said. “And projects like this allow us to do that, and we hope that the community can help be part of that.”

See the original article published in the Star Democrat here.