What if you could hire your own employees, set your own schedule, and decide exactly how your support fits your life? That’s self-direction—a program that gives people with disabilities more choice and control over their services.  

In Episode 10 of the Fello Thinking Differently podcast, Marc Weinstein, Fello’s Senior Director of Self-Directed Services, explores what self-direction offers: independence, freedom, and the rewarding challenges that come with it. The episode also features Lauren Sheeder, a Self-Directed Services participant with Fello, who shares how the model changed her life and her son’s. 

Listen Now: YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify 

The Power of Self-Direction 

Self-direction puts people with disabilities in charge. Think of them as the CEO of their own support services—interviewing and hiring employees, managing budgets, and deciding how their support works day to day. 

“[With self-direction], you’re not worried about a program telling you that you can’t do that. ‘No, I’m the boss, and you’re going to make this happen,’” said Marc. 

But self-direction isn’t just about managing services—it’s about opening opportunities for exploration and personal growth. Whether it’s catching a movie, going on a date, or taking a spontaneous day trip, participants have the freedom to make those choices—and the support to make it happen. 

“[Self-direction] helps people live a spontaneous life like you and I want to have,” said Marc. 

Self-direction means ownership. Participants set employee schedules, adjust priorities, and make both big and small decisions about their support. It takes effort—but most participants wouldn’t have it any other way. 

“It’s work. It’s a lot of work. But it’s worth it,” said Lauren. 

A Way of Living 

For many people, self-direction isn’t just a service; it’s a shift in what’s possible.  

“I can go to the YMCA. I can go swimming now. I couldn’t do that before because I didn’t have someone to assist me in changing clothes or getting in and out of the pool safely. It’s really important, and it’s been really good for me emotionally as well as my confidence,” said Lauren. 

That independence creates space not just for personal growth, but also for a deeper connection to the community. 

“For myself, I wouldn’t have imagined being able to be a part of some of the things I do now. I take part in my child’s school activities. I’m part of the PTA. He’s in the Cub Scouts—I’m part of committees for Cub Scouts. I get to go and do things with him with the support of my staff because otherwise I would really struggle,” said Lauren. 

Self-direction expands what participation looks like: at home, in school, and across the community. Lauren discovered this firsthand—after seeing what the model did for her son, she decided to try it for herself.  

“Since my son has started Self-Directed Services, there has been a huge improvement in safety concerns and behavior management,” said Lauren. 

People First 

For 20 years, Fello has offered Self-Directed Services, supporting thousands of people across Maryland. What began with hundreds of participants has grown into a model serving more than 3,500 people today.   

“It’s really an evolution of services for people. They previously didn’t have a lot of say in what their lives looked like. This is just a movement towards self-determination,” said Marc. 

At its core, self-direction reflects a simple belief: people know what they need.  

Fello’s role is to support that by providing the structure and administrative support that allows each person to design services around their goals and priorities. 

“For Fello, we’re rooted in people-centeredness. Whatever we do is for the person. They drive that. Self-direction takes it to the next level,” said Marc. 

Take the Lead 

There’s no one path to independence, and self-direction isn’t the right fit for everyone.  But for those interested in having a greater choice and control, self-direction offers something powerful: the ability to live life your way.  

“Self-direction has really been a benefit for myself and my child, and I know a lot of other individuals who are in self-direction, and it’s made a huge difference for them. So, if you’re able to put the work in or you have a team behind you to put the work in, it’s definitely worth it,” said Lauren. 

Listen to the Full Conversation 

Listen to Marc and Lauren talk about the potential of self-direction for people with disabilities. Tune into Episode 10 of Fello Thinking Differently today. 

Listen Now: YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify 

For the second year in a row, Fello’s Family Fund has hit a new milestone, awarding $136,071 to 116 families across Maryland. Each grant helps children with disabilities access therapies, educational opportunities, and other services that build skills and confidence. Behind every grant is a family breathing a little easier—knowing they have access to the support that helps their children grow, thrive, and belong. 

About the Family Fund 

Since 2017, the Family Fund has provided critical support to families by funding therapies, communication tools, and services that insurance doesn’t cover.  

“Making an impact in the community starts with making an impact in people’s lives. That’s why we started The Family Fund—to support Maryland families raising children with disabilities by funding services, therapies, and communication tools that insurance doesn’t cover. Each grant improves a child’s quality of life, strengthening their family and building a better community for all,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of Fello. 

By removing financial barriers, these grants help families access the supports they need to set a foundation for independence, connection, and opportunity. 

Reaching More Families 

This year, the Family Fund awarded 70 fully funded grants and 46 partially funded grants, giving families access to the resources they need to learn and grow. The funding distributed this year increased by over 20% from 2025 and continues to grow steadily each year. 

“Families know what their children need—sometimes they just need the resources to make it happen,” said Jessica Sauers, Director of 2Gen Initiatives. “That’s what the Family Fund does. It closes the gap between what families envision for their children and what’s actually within reach.” 

Making Every Grant Count 

Families can apply for grants of up to $2,000 to help cover costs for therapies, adaptive equipment, and other services that improve their child’s quality of life. The application process is designed to be straightforward and supportive, giving families a chance to share their child’s needs and explain how a grant would make a meaningful difference in their lives.  

This year, The Family Fund received 474 applications—the largest in its history—from families across every county in Maryland.  Requests for specialized therapy and adaptive equipment topped the list of most requested and funded services. 

A committee of more than 30 Fello employees evaluated the grant applications and collectively recommended funding—an approach that ensures fairness, accountability, and decisions reflective of Fello’s values. 

“Over the past several years, the number of grants fulfilled by the Family Fund has increased fivefold, a reflection of both rising costs for families and growing need for therapies and services,” said Sara Pease, Assistant Director of Children, Youth & Their Families. “This growth shows how important the Family Fund is, and why continuing to expand resources is critical.” 

Powered By Generosity 

The Family Fund is funded exclusively by generous donors committed to removing barriers for families. Every dollar distributed this year came from supporters who believe children with disabilities deserve access to the services, programs, and experiences that help them thrive.  

“From equine therapy to summer camps, the Family Fund empowers children with disabilities to learn new skills, gain independence, and grow with their peers,” said Caroline Slobodzian, Director of Development. “Because of our generous donors, families have access to the resources that can truly transform their lives and aren’t able to afford without the Family Fund.”  

Every gift is an investment in access, opportunity, and inclusive communities across Maryland. 

Learn more about the difference donors make in the lives of Family Fund recipients by exploring Because of You. 

Home is more than a place to live—it’s where people feel safe, connected, and valued. It’s where neighbors look out for each other, where communities take shape, and where people have the opportunity to build the lives they choose. 

Fello Communities brings that vision to life. By building homes and investing in neighborhoods across Maryland, we’re creating places where people don’t just live—they belong. 

Built for Belonging  

For nearly two decades, Fello Communities has been building high-quality homes with the stability and support people need to live well. 

Today, we’re creating neighborhoods and communities where people of all abilities and backgrounds can live, connect, and belong.  

By pairing housing with community-focused development, we’re helping neighbors build relationships, access the services they need, and feel part of the place they’re proud to call home. It’s an approach that has shaped Fello Communities into a force for housing equity. Guided by the belief that neighborhoods influence outcomes as much as homes do, we invest in communities—strengthening infrastructure, enhancing service, and creating spaces for neighbors to come together.  

More Than a Home  

The Laura House in Easton, MD, is a reflection of what’s possible when housing is designed with belonging at the center. 

Nearly fully leased, the 6,000+ square-foot mansion-style building features seven two-bedroom apartments, with a mix of affordable and market-rate options. Inside, spacious apartments feature modern finishes inspired by Easton’s historic character, while the design prioritizes comfort, accessibility, and quality.  

What makes The Laura House stand out isn’t just the building—it’s what it represents.  

It brings together people with different backgrounds, incomes, and experiences in one shared place. And it demonstrates how thoughtful, inclusive development can expand access to high-quality housing without sacrificing community character. 

Housing Can’t Wait  

Maryland’s housing shortage is growing. Today, Maryland needs 100,000 homes—a number that could grow to 590,000 in the next 20 years. 

When there aren’t enough homes, prices go up, and choices go down—leaving Marylanders on lower incomes unable to afford safe and quality housing. People with disabilities and historically underserved communities are especially at risk of housing insecurity.  

But solving the housing crisis isn’t just about building more units. It’s about building the kinds of communities where people can live near their work, access services, and stay connected to what matters in their lives. 

Building What Comes Next   

Fello Communities is making that possible, building quality homes in vibrant communities that bring people together and empower them to shape their futures.   

“With over a hundred housing units built and eight major development projects underway, Fello is committed to creating new opportunities for Marylanders to live their lives the way they choose in the communities where they want to be,” said Ross Benincasa, Fello Community’s Senior Vice President of Community Development. 

That vision is grounded in a simple idea: when people have access to stable housing, strong communities, and access to support—everything else becomes possible. 

Most people don’t think of Fello as an economic engine. But they should.  

Fello moves $465.6 million through Maryland’s economy—nearly half a billion dollars flowing through working families, local businesses, and communities across the state. That’s the economic force behind our mission to support people with disabilities and build a more equitable Maryland.  

At Fello, our work is grounded in a simple belief: when people have the support they need to build the lives they choose, entire communities grow stronger. Our 2025 Economic Impact Report brings that belief to life—showing how investing in people with disabilities doesn’t just change individual lives, it fuels economic growth across the entire state.  

The numbers tell that story.  

$465.6 Million Moved through Maryland 

In fiscal year 2025 (FY25), that economic activity translated into stable wages for working families, growth for local businesses, and the kind of community investment that builds long-term resilience across Maryland. 

$67.3 Million in Tax Revenue to Drive Maryland’s Future 

Fello’s economic activity generated $67.3 million in tax revenue in FY25—money that funds schools, community services, public safety, and everything else that makes our state a great place to live and work. 

2,602 Quality Jobs Supported 

Fello supported 2,602 jobs across Maryland, generating $177.9 million in labor income. Our 676 direct employees and nearly 2,000 workers hired through contractors and vendors earned stable wages—the kind of economic security that strengthens families and transforms communities. 

Building a Stable and Skilled Workforce 

Over the last eight years, Fello has doubled Direct Support Professional (DSP) salaries, launched a DSP Career Ladder to create advancement pathways, and invested $6.4 million in our award-winning Total Rewards benefits package. When employees are valued, they stay—and the results speak for themselves: a 5% vacancy rate, 15% lower than the national average, and a skilled, committed workforce ready to support people with disabilities in building lives in their communities. 

Empowering Small Business Owners 

As the largest provider of self-directed services in Maryland, Fello helps over 3,500 people with disabilities direct their own services—enabling a population largely excluded from economic participation to become employers and contributors to Maryland’s growth. The 9,500+ DSPs hired by self-directed services participants gain steady employment and financial security, strengthening both families and communities across the state. 

Investing in Community Development 

Through Fello Communities’ capital investments, we contributed $21.3 million to Maryland’s economy and supported 89 construction jobs. More than the numbers, though, is what they represent—affordable housing, support for local businesses, and vibrant communities where neighbors help shape their own futures. 

Economic Investment Rooted in Belonging 

Our economic report proves what’s possible when we invest in people with disabilities. Hundreds of millions of dollars are circulating throughout the economy. Thousands of jobs sustained and created. Local services are improving neighborhoods across Maryland. 

But what matters most is what it all means—people with disabilities as an integral part of economic life. That’s inclusion. That’s equity. 

“The results of our 2025 Economic Impact Report prove that supporting people with disabilities in living the lives they choose isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s essential to a thriving economy,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of Fello. “As we continue to expand our services and footprint, we look forward to continuing to play an active role in Maryland’s growth.” 

Read Fello’s 2025 Economic Impact Report Now