At Fello, we believe you know what is best for you. That belief is at the heart of Self-Directed Services, a powerful option for people with disabilities who want more control, choice, and independence.  

Self-direction puts you in the driver’s seat. You have the tools and support you need to live your life on your terms. You decide who supports you, what kind of support you need, and when and where you receive support.  

With Self-Directed Services, you are in charge. Fello is here to handle the behind-the-scenes work, like paperwork and payments, so you can focus on living your life.   

What Is Self-Direction? 

Self-Direction is very different from what most people think of when they think of services for people with disabilities.  

While many people with disabilities choose to get their support through a service provider, that means someone else manages the people who support you, the services you receive, and your schedule.  

But with Self-Directed Services, you make all those decisions. You hire your own support team. You can choose people you already know and trust and decide what they do and when they work.  

“Self-direction means you’re the expert in your own life,” says Matt Morgan, Chief Program Officer at Fello. “At Fello, we’re here to support you, but you’re the one in charge. We handle the details so you can focus on your goals and build the life you want.” 

Leading Self-Direction Services in Maryland 

In 2007, Fello partnered with the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) to bring self-direction to Maryland. With nearly 20 years of experience, we are the largest Financial Management and Counseling Services (FMCS) provider in the state. Today, we support over 3,000 self-directing participants and the 8,000+ employees they’ve hired across Maryland. 

How Fello Supports You 

When you self-direct, you are in charge, but you’re never alone. Fello handles the paperwork and details behind the scenes. As your FMCS provider, we take care of: 

• Paying your employees
• Managing their paperwork and tax documents
• Supporting human resources documents and functions
• Sending payments for items and services in your plan
• Providing monthly budget reports

Fello also uses helpful tools and technology to support you in managing your services. FMS Engine is an online software that helps you track your budget, pay bills, and manage your plan. It’s easy to use and gives you easier access to your data. 

Self-Directed Services means you are in charge of how the money in your budget is spent. When you are approved for Self-Directed Services through the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), you have a budget for paying your employees and vendors. As your FMCS, we keep track of how much you’re spending. We track the financial and human resources details so you can get back to living your life. When you have questions, our team is only a phone call or customer service ticket away. 

What Self-Direction Looks Like 

Meet Kavita. She’s been self-directing her services for over 13 years.  

Kavita chooses who works with her. She manages their schedules, sets wages, and approves payroll. Just like any other employer, she handles the responsibilities and the rewards of leading her team. 

Her long-time employee, Yolanda, has worked with her from the very beginning. Their strong relationship is a perfect example of the consistency and trust that self-direction makes possible. 

Kavita leads with confidence, makes her own choices, and sets goals for her future. She is in charge, and that’s exactly what self-direction is about.  

You Know What’s Best for You 

Self-direction is a flexible, personalized approach that puts your needs and goals first. You make the decisions, and Fello is here to help every step of the way. 

Want to learn more? Visit https://fello.org/selfdirectedservices/ 

At Fello, person-centeredness isn’t just something we say, it’s how we show up, every single day. It’s about creating space for people to live the lives they want, with the support they need to get there.  

In the second episode of Fello Thinking Differently, our own original podcast, we dig into this foundational principle with Matt Morgan, Fello’s Chief Program Officer. Matt brings decades of experience to a thoughtful conversation about what it really means to put people first in every situation.  

If you’ve ever wondered what “person-centered” means in practice, this episode is a great place to start. 

🎧 Listen to Episode 2: Putting People First 

What is Person-Centeredness, Really? 

At its core, person-centeredness is about focusing on what truly matters to the people we support and allowing them to make their own decisions. Rooted in the self-determination movement of the 1980s, this philosophy continues to shape disability services and evolve.  

As Matt puts it:  

“We’re not here to control people or make decisions for them. We’re here to create space for people to be who they want to be, and to give them the support they need to get there.”  

Person-centeredness is about supporting someone to make a choice, not deciding for them. Being person-centered requires asking better questions, listening more deeply, and respecting people’s boundaries and wishes, whether you agree or disagree with their choice.  

Every adult is free to make their own choices about their life, and part of person-centeredness is making sure adults with disabilities are free to make their own informed choices, too. 

In every space, the goal is the same: create room for people to make real choices, take meaningful risks, and build lives that reflect who they are. That belief changes everything. It means we center relationships over routines. 

That’s how we build trust, connection, and belonging. And it’s the foundation of how we do our work. 

Delivering Person-Centered Services Starts with Our Team 

At Fello, we hire for person-centeredness. We look for people who lead with empathy, curiosity, and humility and who reflect our core values.  

“You can tell pretty quickly when talking to people whether they understand the concept of person-centeredness and whether they align with Fello’s philosophy,” says Matt. “People can sometimes be very paternalistic when it comes to people with disabilities, but being person-centered is about that person making their own decisions with support.” 

Person-centeredness is both a mindset and a skill set. It’s something we’re always evolving, strengthening, and practicing together. 

When everyone is aligned in that belief, person-centeredness becomes second nature. It becomes how we show up every day. 

Thinking Differently Sets Fello Apart 

Services for people with disabilities are often built around systems, compliance, or convenience, not around people. “Many of the issues we face in this field are decades-old problems, and we’re not going to solve them with the same old thinking,” says Matt. 

At Fello, we lead with people. We believe: 

• People are the experts in their own lives.
• Support must evolve as people grow.
• Life looks different for everyone, and our work should reflect that.

Because of our approach, we measure success by what matters most to the person, not what’s easiest to deliver. 

Keep Listening, Keep Learning 

Person-centeredness is a constant pursuit. At Fello, we’re always learning, evolving, and challenging ourselves to do better.  

Want to hear more about how person-centered thinking comes to life at Fello? Tune into Episode 2 of Fello Thinking Differently and join us as we continue to explore bold ideas, better ways, and what it truly means to build community together. 

Are you looking for part-time work with purpose? Where every shift makes a genuine difference? 

At Fello, we are hiring part-time and weekend Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who believe that community isn’t just where you live, but how we show up for one another. 

Why This Work Matters 

As a DSP, you’re not just picking up a shift; you’re building relationships rooted in trust, respect, and belonging.  

You support people with disabilities to live life on their own terms, make their own choices, pursue their own goals, and fully participate in their communities. Sometimes it’s sharing a meal. Other times, it’s simply being there when it matters most.  

It’s meaningful work rooted in connection and guided by each person’s goals for themselves. 

Real Benefits for Part-Time Work 

We know the value of flexible, part-time work, and we believe it should come with real benefits. At Fello, we offer excellent support to our part-time DSPs through our total rewards. 

Our benefits for part-time employees include: 

• Paid time off (PTO)
• 12 Holidays + Holiday Pay
• Paid training
• Retirement plans with a 6% company match
• Free onsite primary and urgent care
• Free mental health support through BetterHelp
• Free enrollment in Noom and ClassPass for your health and wellness
• A $2/hour differential for weekend shifts

Join Our Community 

At Fello, you’ll join a passionate group of professionals who care deeply about the people we support and about each other. You’ll be part of an organization that leads with heart, promotes inclusion, and shows up with purpose every day. 

Fello is one of Maryland’s leading providers of services for people with disabilities. Join our community of over 600 employees who champion the rights of people with disabilities and invest in what matters most: real opportunities, strong relationships, and creating inclusive, equitable communities. 

If you’re looking for a part-time role that offers meaningful connection, personal growth, and the chance to make a difference, you belong here. 

Apply now at fello.org/careers. 

We know, it’s only July. With the sun blazing and beach plans in full swing, the holidays probably aren’t at the top of your mind. But at Fello, we start early, because hundreds of families raising children with disabilities are already thinking about how they’ll make the holidays work. And you can help make their season a little brighter.  

Planning ahead means no child gets left behind. 

Why Holiday Giving Matters 

At Fello, we believe the holidays should be full of warmth, connections, and celebrations for every family. When you support our Holiday Giving program, you’re not just giving a toy or gift card, you’re: 

• Easing a parent’s burden; 
• Meeting a child’s unique needs; 
• Supporting the entire household; 
• And, creating a moment of joy built around what matters most: family.

Fello’s approach is personal. Families share what their child truly needs and loves. You help provide gifts matched to a child’s interests and abilities; that’s what makes your support so powerful. Whether it’s sensory-friendly toys, warm winter clothing, or something that supports a child’s hobbies, each gift is chosen with a specific child in mind. 

Every family we support receives:  

• A minimum $100 grocery gift card to make a holiday meal possible 
• Gift wrapping supplies, so parents can share in the joy of giving 
• Support for every child in the household, not just the child with a disability

Here’s what parents told us last year:  

“I cannot thank you enough for shopping and gifting items for my kids. My little girl loved her dress-up clothes and loves that she has a bar for them. My middle loves his outdoor toys and can’t wait to be able to use them. My oldest loved his camping stuff and is excited to bring it along on the next trip. You truly made their holidays!” 

“Thank you so much for the amazing gifts and support for Luke for Christmas! He loved the toys, especially the Sonic toys and arcade game! The clothes are perfect and the jacket received is so nice 😊 The gift cards were also very generous and helpful with groceries. Thank you again for helping make the holidays special.” 

Why are we talking about the holidays now?  

Making the holidays joyful for hundreds of children takes time. Last year, 31 donors helped us provide personalized gifts and grocery cards to 300 children across 138 families in Maryland. And we know we can do even more in 2025. 

Starting in July gives us time to thoughtfully match families and sponsors, gather wish lists, shop for specific needs, and ensure no child is left behind.  

How You Can Help 

You can support the program in two ways: 

1. Adopt and Shop

Sponsor a child or family and shop directly from their wish list. Whether you’re participating on your own, with a friend, or organizing a group effort at work, we’ll guide you every step of the way. You shop—we handle the logistics. 

2. Make a Donation

Short on time? A donation allows us to purchase thoughtful, personalized items and grocery cards for families who need extra support. You give, we take care of the rest. 

Ready to Bring Joy to a family? 

Planning ahead means we can match every family with a sponsor and create a celebration for many children and families throughout our community. 

To sign up or learn more: 

• Visit www.fello.org/holidaygiving 
• Email give@fello.org with any questions. We’re here to help make your giving experience seamless and meaningful.

The holidays may feel far off, but your impact starts now. Join us in making this year’s giving season unforgettable for families who need it most. 

Congress is in the midst of the FY25 budget reconciliation process, a months-long effort to review, revise, and realign federal spending to meet fiscal goals. Lawmakers have been tasked with cutting at least $1.5 trillion in mandatory spending over the next decade, with $800 billion of those cuts coming from Medicaid alone.  

On May 22, the House of Representatives passed its version of the budget reconciliation bill with a narrow 215–214 vote. The bill proposes sweeping changes to Medicaid, with projected cuts of at least $715 billion over the next decade. These cuts would lead to an estimated 13.7 million more people becoming uninsured. The vote fell largely along party lines, with minor revisions made before passage, including a change to move up the implementation date for Medicaid work requirements to “no later than December 31, 2026, or an earlier date specified by the state. 

The House version then moved to the Senate Finance Committee for markup and review, which on June 16 released its recommendations. While much of the Medicaid language mirrors the House version, there are key changes and items we continue to monitor. The Senate is aiming to pass the legislation by the end of this week.  

While these proposals don’t directly impact providers like Fello, they would significantly affect people who rely on Medicaid, many of whom are the people we support.  

Here’s what’s in the bill, what’s changed in the Senate version, and what we’re watching closely.  

What is budget reconciliation? 

Budget reconciliation is a legislative process Congress uses to align spending, revenue, and debt levels with agreed-upon budget goals. This year, lawmakers were tasked with cutting at least $1.5 trillion in mandatory spending.    

Key Changes in the Senate Version 

The Senate Finance Committee released its draft on June 16. While much of the language mirrors the House bill, there are important updates, including: 

Provider Taxes 

• House version: States would be prohibited from introducing or increasing provider taxes, effectively freezing current rates 

• Senate version: Expansion states (those that expanded Medicaid) will see provider tax rates capped and reduced to 3.5% by 2031. Non-expansion states won’t be allowed to increase rates or expand tax bases.  

• Impact: This will restrict how states fund their Medicaid programs and could force cuts to optional services like home- and community-based services (HCBS).  

State Directed Payments (SDPs) 

• States often use SDPs to increase payments to Medicaid providers. The Senate version would cap these payments to align with Medicare rates:  100% for expansion states and 110% for non-expansion states. 

• Existing SDPs will be reduced gradually by 10% each year, until the cap is met. No grandfathering allowed.  

• Impact: This could lower payments for services like HCBS, which directly support the independence and inclusion of people with disabilities. 

Additional Items We’re Monitoring 

Cuts for States Covering Undocumented Immigrants: States that use public funds to provide healthcare to undocumented immigrants will see their federal Medicaid match drop from 90% to 80%. 

Work or Volunteering Requirements: States must require Medicaid recipients who are able-bodied adults without dependents to work, volunteer, or participate in education/training for at least 80 hours per month. While exemptions exist, the administrative burden of tracking and verifying participation could cause coverage disruptions, including for direct service workers. 

Cost Sharing for Low-Income Adults: Adults earning over 100% of the federal poverty level will have to pay a portion of their medical costs. This change could impact caregivers and essential workers with modest incomes, making it harder for them to afford or maintain coverage. 

Pause on Enrollment Simplification Rules: A moratorium until 2035 on two HHS rules designed to simplify and safeguard Medicaid enrollment may result in greater coverage loss, especially for people with disabilities. 

Delay on Long-Term Care Staffing Rule: A new federal rule that would set minimum staffing levels for long-term care facilities is paused until 2035. This delays much-needed reforms that would strengthen support for direct service workers and improve resident care.  

What This Means  

The proposed changes in both the House and Senate versions of the reconciliation bill represent the most significant shift in Medicaid policy in years. If passed as is, the bill could: 

• Limit how states fund Medicaid programs 

• Reduce payments for essential services like HCBS 

• Disrupt coverage for people with disabilities and direct service workers 

• Increase costs for individuals who already struggle to access care 

What’s Next? 

The Senate Finance Committee will now collaborate with the full Senate to review the proposed markup.  

Significant debate and compromises are expected, as many senators remain divided over key tax revisions and proposed cuts to major programs like Medicare and Medicaid, services heavily relied upon by their constituents. Once the Senate casts its final vote on the budget, it will return to the House for further review and markup before heading back to the Senate. While there is no statutory deadline, lawmakers are aiming to pass the reconciliation bill by early August, ahead of the congressional recess and key fiscal deadlines.    

We will continue to monitor every step of the process and keep you informed as more details emerge. As always, our focus remains on the people and communities we serve, and ensuring everyone has access to the resources and support they need. 

From the moment we launched our new name and brand, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Community members, partners, families, and team members have shared how much they appreciate the clarity and purpose behind the change. For many, Fello already feels like more than a new name—it feels like home. 

Celebrating with the Community 

To mark the start of this new chapter, we hosted open houses at our Fello Easton and Fello Linthicum locations. These events gave us the chance to connect face-to-face with the people we serve, our neighbors, and community members. 

These open houses were a chance to meet people where they are, answer questions, and start conversations about what Fello means and where we’re going, together. We’re proud to say that people get it. They see the vision, understand what we’re building, and they want to be part of it.

Why the Change? 

Changing our name was never just about a new logo or name. This transition to Fello was about making our mission clearer, our work more connected, and our vision more focused on the future we’re building together.  

The name Fello speaks to who we are: a community where people belong. A place where services, housing, and opportunities are built around each person’s unique goals. Becoming Fello allows us to show how all the parts of our organization work together to create communities of connection, possibility, and inclusion. 

Now, one month in, we’re already seeing how the name Fello creates space for bigger conversations and bolder ideas. 

What’s Next: Fello Thinking Differently, a Podcast 

Fello Thinking Differently is one of the ways we’re connecting more deeply—with our community, our employees, and everyone curious about what makes Fello different.  

Launched in June, this podcast offers real, honest conversations—not just about what we do, but why we do it. Each episode features voices from across Fello sharing the values, experiences, and big questions that shape our work. It’s casual, candid, and deeply personal—designed to bring people closer to the mission and culture behind Fello.  

In our debut episode, Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO, reflects on the transition to Fello, the evolution of our mission, and why thinking differently is essential to the future of inclusion: 

“It’s important to think differently because people with disabilities need access and equity to services. Sixty-five years ago, kids with disabilities didn’t have access to education, housing, or other resources. While we’ve made immense change and created immense opportunities for people with disabilities, we need to think differently about how we help meet their vision of what their life looks like—not what other people think their life should look like.” 

This podcast isn’t just a new channel—it’s a deeper invitation into what drives us. It’s a reflection of where we’re going next. Listen to Episode 1 now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. 

Future release dates: Stay tuned! We’ll be announcing upcoming episodes soon. 

One Month In—and Just Getting Started 

In our first month as Fello, it’s clear the new name and mission are already making an impact. We’ve laid the groundwork for deeper engagement, stronger partnerships, and a more connected approach to housing and services. This is just the beginning—Fello is built to grow, evolve, and keep pushing forward. And we’re ready to do it together. 

At Fello, our vision is clear: to create communities where people of all abilities are included and truly belong. Our work goes beyond supporting individual people—it’s about reimagining neighborhoods, towns, and cities as the accessible, welcoming places they can and should be.

Through Fello Communities, we’re not just building homes, we’re building inclusive communities one person, one property, one neighborhood at a time.

Why We Build Communities That Welcome Everyone

We believe that housing is more than a place to live. It’s the foundation of a life filled with connection, dignity, and opportunity. That’s why Fello Communities designs, builds, and manages homes that reflect the people who live in them.

“Our work isn’t just about building structures—it’s about building communities we can all call home,” said Ross Benincasa, Senior Vice President of Community Development at Fello. “Our goal is to create communities where people from all walks of life can coexist together and feel equally safe, valued, and connected.”

Through innovative development projects, Fello Communities centers the voices of residents and local partners, laying the foundation for neighborhoods designed to support people of all backgrounds to live side by side.

Who We Build For

Our tenants are your neighbors—teachers, healthcare workers, service industry employees, and corporate ladder climbers. We build housing to serve the entire community, no matter who you are, at every stage of life.

While some of our tenants have disabilities, others do not. Our tenants reflect the communities around them and include everyone from very low-income earners to market-rate renters, local professionals to families transitioning out of homelessness, and big families to single parents moving out on their own.

No matter who you are or where you come from, when you live in a Fello Communities unit, you belong.

What We Build

Fello Communities prioritizes quality in every detail. Our homes offer modern amenities, beautiful living spaces, and easy access to schools, transit, and local resources. But more than that, they reflect our philosophy of inclusion. Every project is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to a home they’re proud to live in.

Our work prioritizes:

• Mixed-Income, Inclusive Housing: Our developments embrace a mixed-income model that brings together residents from diverse backgrounds and income levels.
• Universal Design & Accessibility: Accessibility is not an afterthought—it’s central to every design decision we make. We prioritize creating barrier-free spaces, guided by the lived experiences and needs of people with disabilities.
• Sustainable, Long-Term Impact: We build with the future in mind, focusing on resilient construction and ongoing property management that maintains quality and beauty.
• Partnership & Community: Our partnerships with local governments, funders, and communities ensure our projects have lasting positive effects on the neighborhoods they serve.

Today, Fello Communities includes over 50 properties across the region. Whether we’re renovating a single-family home or creating a new large-scale development, our approach remains the same: thoughtful, inclusive, and people-first.

How We Manage

Fello Communities doesn’t just build housing, we manage it, too. Our growing portfolio across Maryland is maintained with intention, investment, and a deep respect for the people who live there.

Our property management model includes:

• Ongoing maintenance and investment
• Regular evaluation of energy efficiency
• Supportive relationships with residents

We believe in dignity-driven property management, where responsiveness and trust are the standard—not the exception.

The Future of Inclusive Housing: What’s Next

By prioritizing inclusive design, sustainable practices, and community engagement, we’re building more than homes—we’re creating vibrant, welcoming neighborhoods where everyone belongs.

Here’s a look at what’s ahead:

• Easton Crossing: Construction is underway at Easton Crossing, a 6.5-acre mixed-use development on a former grain silo site in Easton, MD. The full development will include 140 residential units, where 30% are affordable housing, plus commercial space and public gathering areas.
• Silo Court: Construction will begin in Fall 2025 on this 28-townhome community. Silo Court will offer a mix of 4-bedroom units with garages and 3-bedroom units. With 25% of units designated as affordable for households earning 85% or below of the area median income (AMI), Silo Court makes housing accessible to all. 
• The Primrose House: Construction is complete for Phase One, which involved rebuilding two outbuildings to provide three new housing units. The project continues The Primrose House’s legacy as a historic house while contributing to Easton’s growth. 
• The Laura House: Construction will begin soon near downtown Easton. This 5,500-square-foot property will be converted into seven two-bedroom apartments, incorporating both affordable and market-rate housing.
• WB&A North: The expansion of an existing property in Severn, MD, is scheduled to begin construction in early 2026. This project will expand an existing duplex into a quadplex, adding two additional 2-bedroom units, one of which will be fully accessible.  
• Nursery Road: Starting in Summer 2025, Fello Communities will construct a fully accessible 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-family home that will support people with disabilities served by Fello.

Looking Ahead

Our work is far from over. Across Maryland, Fello Communities is actively planning and developing new projects that expand access to inclusive housing.

“As we continue to grow and expand, our focus will remain on accessibility, sustainability, and creating communities that reflect the diverse needs of the people who call them home,” said Ross. “We’re not just developing housing—we’re developing opportunities for people to live the lives they choose.”

At Fello Communities, we don’t just build homes. We build belonging.

At Fello, we believe everyone deserves to be part of a connected, inclusive community. That’s why our services are built around real people, real lives, and real goals. 

Today, Fello supports over 4,000 people with disabilities and their families across the state, providing personalized, person-centered services that make a real difference every day.  

Whether you’re just getting started or reimagining what’s possible, our job is to listen first. Then, we create supports that reflect who you are and help you live life your way—with dignity, connection, and purpose. 

What Makes Fello Different 

At Fello, we don’t ask people to fit into our programs—we build our programs to fit people. 

That means we start with your story, your goals, and what matters most to you. Our services are flexible, community-based, and centered on choice and independence. From your very first conversation with us, we’re focused on understanding you, so that every step forward feels right. 

“We don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach,” says Matt Morgan, Chief Program Officer at Fello. “We work with each person to find what’s important in their life and create supports that match their needs, goals, and choices.” 

Services Built to Support Your Life 

With a dedicated team of nearly 650 employees, Fello provides personalized, person-centered services to thousands of individuals across the state. From childhood through adulthood, we partner with you to design supports that reflect your unique goals, needs, and aspirations—helping you live a life rooted in connection, independence, and possibility. 

Children, Youth & Families 
If you’re raising a child with a disability, you deserve support that grows with you. We’re here to help you navigate school systems, build strong networks, and remove barriers so your family can focus on what really matters: thriving together. 

Living Options That Fit Your Life 
Whether you want to live on your own or with housemates, we help make it possible. We support you at home in ways that feel natural and empowering—so your living space reflects who you are and supports where you want to go. 

Community Supports for Everyday Life 
From getting around town to managing a budget or cooking a favorite meal, we help you build the skills and confidence to live independently and stay connected. Our supports are shaped around your routine, your goals, and your relationships. 

Day Services Built Around You 
Your days should reflect your interests, your pace, and your goals. Whether you want to learn something new, make friends, volunteer, or just try something different, our Day Services are here to support the life you want to live. 

Finding Work That Works for You 
We believe you have something valuable to offer. We’ll help you explore your strengths, find the right job, and stick with you to make sure it continues to work for you. This isn’t just about getting hired—it’s about building a career that fits your life. 

Your Behavioral Health Journey Starts Here 
We listen to build trust first. If you’re looking for support with your mental and emotional health, we’re here to understand—not judge—and walk with you through whatever challenges you’re facing. You deserve mental health services that see you fully and support your growth. 

Stay Tuned: Thinking Differently, Together 

We know services only matter when they reflect your real life, and that’s exactly what we do at Fello. Our next episode of Fello Thinking Differently drops on July 9. During this episode, Chief Program Officer Matt Morgan takes you behind the scenes to share how we bring our approach to life. 

You’ll hear about how our person-centered philosophy to creating and facilitating services sets us apart. Being person-centered means things are all about you and your needs and goals as they evolve and change. This episode will be an inside look into the reasons behind our choice to center dignity, independence, and true belonging in everything we do. 

Episode 1 of Fello Thinking Differently is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. 

Ready to Apply? Here’s How It Works. 

Getting started with Fello is simple—and it all starts with a conversation. 

We want to know what you love and what kind of life you want to build. Then we design services around your needs, choices, and goals. Our approach is built to evolve with you, because life changes, and your supports should too. 

Your Path to Personalized Services: 

Step 1: Conversation & Connection 
We start by listening—learning what’s important to you and beginning to build trust. 

Step 2: Follow-Up & Planning 
You’ll meet with our team to co-create a plan that reflects your goals and fits your life. 

Step 3: Team Review 
Our team reviews your plan to ensure we can offer the right supports—and prepare for a smooth start. 

Step 4: Decision & Next Steps 
We walk through your plan together, make any final adjustments, and begin your journey with Fello. 

🎥 Watch our admissions video to see how it works. 

On June 5, 2025, Fello released its first-ever podcast, Fello Thinking Differently, a new way for employees and the public to connect with the people, mission, and impact behind the organization. The podcast was inspired by a desire to create more meaningful and accessible ways to engage with Fello’s work and culture. Designed to go beyond what Fello does, Fello Thinking Differently explores the deeper why behind it all. 

Honest Conversations That Matter

Casual, candid, and personal – Fello Thinking Differently offers more than just updates. It’s a space where Fello’s leaders talk openly about what drives them, how they approach challenges, and what they’ve learned along the way.  These stories bring Fello’s mission to life, helping people connect not just with Fello’s work, but with the people behind it. 

Each episode dives into the purpose driving Fello’s programs, services, and housing development work. Leaders share the values and philosophies that shape their decisions and the vision that fuels Fello’s collective work. These behind-the-scenes conversations offer a deeper look into Fello’s culture, priorities, and long-term goals, making it a valuable resource for anyone who is curious about what sets Fello apart.  

Episode 1: Featuring Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of Fello

The first episode features Fello’s President & CEO, Jonathon Rondeau, reflecting on the organization’s transition to Fello, the importance of staying true to its mission, and the evolution of services over the past 64 years. He reflected on how the world has evolved and why Fello must continue pushing forward: 

“It’s important to think differently because people with disabilities need access and equity to services. Sixty-five years ago, kids with disabilities didn’t have access to education, housing, or other resources. While we’ve made immense changes and created immense opportunities for people with disabilities, we need to think differently about how we help meet their vision of what their life looks like, not what other people think their life should look like.” 

Where to Listen

Fello Thinking Differently gives listeners the flexibility to engage on their own time, in their own way. 

Fello Thinking Differently is currently available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, with more episodes coming soon. Subscribe, follow, and join us as we explore what it really means to think differently.  

At Fello, our work is made possible by our people. Every service we provide, every relationship we build, every milestone we reach is powered by the dedication and talent of our employees.

Each year, Fello hosts Celebration Service, honoring employees who have been with the organization for five or more years. But the event is about more than tenure – it’s a moment to celebrate the culture we’ve built together: the meaningful connections, shared values, and deep sense of belonging that make Fello more than just a workplace.

“Recognizing employees who have dedicated significant portions of their careers to Fello is an opportunity to show appreciation for their energy and ongoing commitment to this incredible place,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of Fello. “These are professionals who are dedicated years of their lives to our mission and vision, and Celebration Service is our way of intentionally saying thank you.”

Honoring Long-Term Employees and the Culture That Keeps Them Here

This year’s Celebration Service took place at Fello Severn and honored 130 team members from across the organization. In true Maryland style, people gathered for a crab feast—complete with steamed crabs and shrimp served by the Executive Leadership Team. Employees also enjoyed a BBQ buffet, games, raffles, a DJ, and an ice cream truck.

Check out more photos from Celebration Service here.

Most importantly, Celebration Service is about people. It creates a space where long-serving employees from all parts of Fello come together to share stories, reconnect, and be recognized not just for how long they’ve been here, but for everything they’ve contributed along the way.

“These long-term employees are leaders across the organization,” said Rondeau. “They understand the ‘why’ behind our work, they guide their newer coworkers, and they are a major part of our culture. Recognizing their hard work and commitment is an honor.”

The event is more than just a gathering—it’s a moment where people can relax, have fun, and feel valued for their everyday contributions.

 At Fello, people stay because this is a place where they’re seen, heard, and valued. Our team members know their work matters, and they feel supported in growing, learning, and building careers with purpose.

Why People Stay: In Their Own Words

Creating an environment where people want to stay starts with building a culture where people can succeed. At Fello, employees have access to real opportunities—whether it’s growing in their roles, exploring new areas of the organization, or gaining the skills they need to keep moving forward.

“When I started at Fello, I worked weekends. I’ve stayed all these years because I want to make a difference while I’m here on earth. I’ve met wonderful people who feel like family. If you want to serve and help people who need someone to care, this is the place—and you will be blessed.” -Janet McQuirter, 22 years at Fello

At Fello, we are intentional about building a place where people want to stay. That means building a workplace that truly supports our employees through thoughtful benefits, resources, paid learning opportunities, and time to recharge. Our total rewards approach is focused on listening to what people need and responding with meaningful ways to make their lives better—at work, at home, and in between.

A Celebration of Commitment

Celebration Service is just one of the ways we show our commitment to our people, not only in their work, but in their lives. We believe that when people feel seen and supported, they grow—and when they grow, the entire community grows with them. This year’s celebration was a powerful reminder of what makes Fello truly special: the people who bring our mission to life every day.