One year ago today, Fello took a bold step forward in our mission. 

For 65 years, we’ve worked toward a Maryland where everyone belongs—where inclusion strengthens communities and people have the opportunity to live the life they choose. Becoming Fello gave a new voice and renewed energy to that enduring mission. 

Rebranding meant more than adopting a new name or logo—it was an opportunity to reflect on who we are, celebrate how far we’ve come, and envision where we’re headed as fellow neighbors, fellow citizens, and fellow advocates. 

In our first year as Fello, we did more than honor that legacy—we amplified it.   

Opening Access for People with Disabilities 

This year, we expanded our efforts to create even more possibilities for the people we support.  

Opening Fello at The Mall 

Annapolis is where our services began 65 years ago, and this year, we continue to invest in the community that started it all. In February, we opened Fello at The Mall—a welcoming, accessible space inside Annapolis Mall where people with disabilities and their families can drop in for resources, support, and connection. Already, more than 1,000 people have walked through the door, leaving more informed, better supported, and reminded that they belong in the community. 

Advancing Wellness for All 

In 2024, Fello launched Health Connection—an on-site clinic providing urgent and primary care to our employees. Just four months after we became Fello, we expanded that resource to the people we support, creating a convenient, affordable pathway to essential healthcare that too many in our community struggle to access. 65 years ago, the conversation around healthcare for people with disabilities was very different. We’re proud to move the needle forward and connect people with disabilities to the person-centered healthcare they need and deserve. 

Supporting Children & Families 

Through Fello’s Family Fund, we awarded $136,071 to 116 families across Maryland this year, helping children with disabilities to access therapies, adaptive equipment, and services that insurance doesn’t cover. At this year’s Golf Fore Kids tournament, our community raised more than $271,000 in support of our Children, Youth & Their Families program. Children with disabilities and their families have more options for success and community integration now than they did in 1961 when we were founded—and we are proud to be part of that change.  

Building Affordable Housing & Inclusive Communities 

Since we opened our first home in the 1970s, Fello has worked to expand inclusive housing opportunities across Maryland. Today, that commitment has grown into more than 150 housing units shaped by our community’s needs and values and designed to create stability and connection for people and families throughout Maryland. 

This milestone year saw the debut of a major community-centered development and the launch of new projects to expand affordable housing and strengthen communities. 

The Laura House Opens 

In April 2026, we unveiled The Laura House—a newly constructed, mansion-style residence featuring seven two-bedroom apartments designed to thoughtfully fit within the surrounding neighborhood, blending affordability with market-rate options.  More than just a building, The Laura House is a place designed for stability, dignity, and long-term belonging. Creating housing has been central to our success from the beginning, and The Laura House is an exciting next step in our story. 

The Beginnings of Silo Court 

Our founders knew in the 1960s and 1970s that true inclusion for people with disabilities in their communities would require a revolutionary new way of thinking about how communities look and feel. Within this first year as Fello, we broke ground on Silo Court, a new community of 28 thoughtfully designed townhomes that prioritize both affordability and quality. Seven of these homes are dedicated to affordable housing, creating opportunities for families to live in homes they can be proud of in a welcoming neighborhood. 

Early Stages of Easton Crossing 

This year, Fello received full approval to develop Easton Crossing, an ambitious transformation of a former agricultural site in Easton, MD, into a vibrant, people-focused neighborhood with mixed-income housing, commercial space, green spaces, and more. Our founders never could have predicted that their vision of inclusive communities for their children with disabilities would someday lead to something as innovative and revolutionary as Easton Crossing. We are proud to be here, still doing the work, and making more inclusive communities a reality. 

Supporting the People Behind the Mission 

Over the last 65 years, thousands of employees have been part of Fello’s story, and our incredible achievements during our first year as Fello were only possible because of the passionate, dedicated leaders across the organization. In our first year as Fello, we continued to invest in our employees, the people who continue to bring our mission and vision to life 65 years later.  

Expanding Total Rewards 

We expanded our Total Rewards package with families in mind, adding two extra weeks of paid family leave for expecting parents, introducing a 529 college savings account open for employees’ children and grandchildren, and increasing PTO rates for part-time employees. Each addition reflects our commitment to supporting our employees as people, so they can continue showing up for the people we support, each other, and our communities. 

Developing Leaders at Every Level 

We launched the Leadership Institute to give every manager at Fello the tools they need to lead more effectively, introduced a Table Talks with Jonathon series to foster open dialogue between executive leadership and managers, and launched our Women’s Leadership Series to connect and support women Directors and Executives across Fello. 

Launching Fello Pulse 

Almost one year to the day since we became Fello, we launched Fello Pulse, an internal platform that gives employees a place to connect, share, and celebrate one another. Whether highlighting achievements, exchanging ideas, or sharing personal updates, Fello Pulse helps build the relationships that strengthen our team and our mission. 

The Next Chapter 

Becoming Fello wasn’t a new beginning—it was the next chapter in a mission six decades in the making.  

One year into this new chapter, our progress reflects what’s possible when people come together behind the shared belief that everyone belongs. United in purpose, energized for the future, and grounded in 65 years of impact, we look forward to continuing to build communities where every person has the opportunity to thrive.  

Despite a cold and rainy start to the day, supporters showed up in full force for this year’s Golf Fore Kids tournament at Queenstown Harbor Golf—umbrellas in hand, ready to support children with disabilities and their families.  

By the afternoon, the clouds began to clear, the sun came out, and the day ended the same way it began: with a community showing up for one another.  

This year’s Golf Fore Kids tournament welcomed 248 golfers and raised an incredible $271,170 to support Fello’s Children, Youth, & Their Families programs.  

Supporting Children and Families 

While the event is built around a day on the course, the impact reaches far beyond golf.  

Funds raised through Golf Fore Kids help children with disabilities and their families access advocacy, resources, inclusive opportunities, and critical support systems throughout the year. For some families, that means guidance in navigating school supports and services. For others, it means connection to community, resources after a new diagnosis, or opportunities for children to build confidence, friendships, and independence.  

At its core, Golf Fore Kids ensures that children and families know they are not navigating these challenges alone.  

A Community That Shows Up 

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who came out and supported this year’s tournament,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of Fello. “The support we saw throughout the day will create lasting impact for children and families across our community.”  

From the course to the clubhouse, the day reflected a shared commitment to equity and access for children and families. “Every golfer, sponsor, and volunteer helped create opportunities for children and families to be seen, supported, and included,” added Sara Pease, Assistant Director of Children, Youth & Their Families.  

The community also generously showed up in moments throughout the day, including a 50/50 raffle that raised $5,380 in support of Fello’s Family Fund, with the winner donating $1,000 of the winnings back to Fello—further extending the impact for children and families. 

Throughout the tournament, golfers enjoyed on-course contests, food and refreshments, and an afternoon celebration as the weather finally turned in everyone’s favor. The day also featured plenty of friendly competition across both the River and Lakes courses, with golfers competing for top honors and contest prizes. 

Fello extends a sincere thanks to every golfer, sponsor, volunteer, donor, and supporter who helped make this year’s tournament possible.  

Tournament Winners 

River Course – First Place

• Bob Park  
• Tim Park  
• Anthony Hanagan  
• Jimmy McCartin  

River Course – Second Place 

• Chris Chick  
• Pat McIntyre  
• Jim Schaefer  
• Doug Gentilcore 

Lakes Course – First Place

• John Shearin  
• John Camden  
• Larry Simmons 

Lakes Course – Second Place

• Matt Ruby  
• Aaron Matty  
• Nick Gary  
• Kenny Gary

Contest Winners 

River Course

• Women’s Longest Drive: Kinsey Shifrets  
• Men’s Longest Drive: Dylan Neperl  
• Closest to the Pin: Lucas Grabbe  

Lakes Course 

• Men’s Longest Drive: Jonathan Heaton  
• Closest to the Pin: Ben Smith 

See You Next Year 

Mark your calendars now—Golf Fore Kids returns on May 10, 2027. We look forward to welcoming golfers and supporters back for another unforgettable day supporting children and families across our community.

This year, as Fello celebrates 65 years of supporting people with disabilities and building inclusive communities, we’re reflecting on the history of the disability rights movement and the milestones that helped shape the work we do today. 

The 1980s were a decade of resilience. Advocates defended hard-won victories while continuing to work toward the changes needed to empower people with disabilities to participate more fully in their communities. 

That determination paid off. The 1990s brought groundbreaking civil rights protections at the national level and meaningful progress closer to home—achievements that continue to shape the lives of people with disabilities today. 

A Victory Decades in the Making 

On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law, marking a historic victory for people with disabilities. The ADA extended civil rights protections across key areas of public life, helping ensure that people with disabilities had the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. 

The victory didn’t come easily. The ADA was rewritten multiple times and faced opposition from some lawmakers and business groups. But advocates understood what the ADA would mean for everyday life—and they refused to let its potential slip away. 

Self-advocates played a critical role. By openly sharing their stories and describing what life looked like without basic protections, they helped lawmakers better understand the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunity. 

The movement reached a turning point on March 12, 1990, when hundreds of advocates gathered in Washington, D.C., to demand action. In a moment that captured the nation’s attention, attendees left behind wheelchairs, crutches, and other mobility aids to climb up the Capitol steps—a powerful symbol of what the law would mean for their dignity and freedom. 

That sustained advocacy carried the ADA across the finish line, earning bipartisan support, expanding civil rights protections, and reshaping public understanding of disability nationwide. 

Taking the Lead 

The momentum created by the ADA energized advocacy efforts nationwide. At the same time, decades of grassroots organizing helped expand access, visibility, and civil rights protections for people with disabilities. 

In Maryland, organizations like Fello helped move that work forward. Founded by families advocating for greater opportunity and inclusion, Fello continued to encourage policies that supported people with disabilities and their families in communities across the state.  

By the early 1990s, Fello’s advocacy was focused on strengthening community support services, supporting the workforce that assists people with disabilities, and promoting full implementation of the ADA in Maryland. 

Fello also supported changes in education. In 1990, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act was reauthorized as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Fello advocated for stronger transition support services from school to work and to adult life, while also supporting more inclusive educational opportunities for students with disabilities.  

As advocacy efforts expanded, so did the self-advocacy movement itself. During the decade, the phrase “Nothing About Us Without Us” became widely adopted, capturing the growing demand for self-determination, representation, and belonging. Decades later, that phrase still rings out at rallies and in legislative halls as people with disabilities work to shape the decisions that affect their lives. 

That spirit continues today at Fello through programs like Living Boldly, where self-advocates continue to speak up, influence policy, and help create more inclusive communities across Maryland. 

From Institutions to Community 

As civil rights protections expanded, the 1990s marked a clear shift away from institutionalization toward true community living. 

In 1955, more than 550,000 people lived in state institutions across the United States. By 1998, that number had declined to approximately 57,000. More people with disabilities were finally living and participating in their communities.  

In 1999, the Supreme Court’s landmark Olmstead v. L.C. decision—built on the foundation of the ADA—ruled that unjustified institutionalization of people with disabilities is a form of discrimination. The decision affirmed that people with disabilities have the right to receive services in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs. 

Change was happening fast—and it was far-reaching. Between 1990 and 1999, the number of people receiving Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) grew by 558% as states expanded alternatives to institutional care.  

Maryland experienced that demand firsthand. Growing waitlists led the state to establish the Waiting List Equity Fund in 1994. In 1998, Maryland launched an initiative to place nearly 6,000 people into services over five years—early steps toward closing a gap that still exists today. 

Fello responded to those needs at the local level. In the early 1990s, Fello expanded our Individual Support Services Program—sending Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) directly into homes to stabilize families in crisis, prevent out-of-home placements, and support people in building the skills they needed to live more independently. 

That work reflected a growing understanding that inclusion starts with community. Having access to support, housing, education, and meaningful relationships gives people the opportunity to live the lives they choose. 

A Decade That Changed Everything 

The 1990s were a defining decade for the disability rights movement.

From the passage of the ADA to the Olmstead decision advancing the right to community living, the progress achieved throughout the decade continues to shape everyday life for people with disabilities today. 

These victories were built on decades of advocacy and a growing understanding that people with disabilities deserve the same rights and dignity as everyone else. The country wasn’t just listening to what advocates had to say—it was acting. 

The progress of the 1990s laid the foundation for even greater change in the years ahead—and reinforced a truth that continues to guide our work today: inclusive communities are stronger communities. 

Next in the series: The 2000s—more inclusive language, the rise of self-direction in Maryland, and the closing of Rosewood Center.