With more than 19 percent of adults in Maryland living with a disability, organizations like The Arc Central Chesapeake Region are always looking for future employees who have the knowledge of the community and an eagerness to work in a rewarding career.

Val Prochaska, 54, is a direct support professional (DSP) for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) living in the Eastern Shore. For the last 4 months, he’s worked for The Arc—a nonprofit that creates opportunities, facilitates services and advocates for people with I/DD. As a DSP for the organization’s Workforce Development program, Prochaska’s goal is to not only help the people he supports to be fully included in the community where they work, but also where they live.

For example, Prochaska helped William Holloway, a young man who he supports, move quickly through his initial training at Starbucks. William quickly advanced from customer support to the drive-thru register, and now he’s working on becoming a full-fledged barista, making one of the hundreds of Starbucks coffee drinks.  William’s goal is to move on from one of The Arc’s group homes and live independently, and thanks to the skills he’s picked up with Arc support, he’s one step closer to reaching that goal.

“It’s a joy seeing a person with a disability learn to work and live in the community independently and being part of that process is so rewarding,” said Prochaska.

Prochaska’s role is instrumental in helping the people he supports master the skills they need for their job. He finds his job far more challenging than he imagined and wished he had discovered this career opportunity 10 years ago.

Like most careers, becoming a DSP entails receiving high-quality, intensive training that prepares and qualifies them for challenging work. There are different levels of professional development that provide the knowledge, skills and values comprehension for the profession. 

Becoming a DSP can be ideal for a person interested in a rewarding career helping those people with disabilities live and work in the community. The work hours are flexible with opportunities to work part time or full time, and with schedules that range from morning, evening or weekends. For more information about the profession please visit www.www.thearcccr.org/careers.

Over the last few weeks, we’ve celebrated thousands of student graduates. We hope many will consider one of the most rewarding, professional careers possible – that of a direct support professional and working for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

We know that Gen Zers are driven by purpose, passion and impact. They need human interaction, though they enjoy working independently. They are diverse. All that’s a great fit for a career in direct support.

Our DSPs receive high-quality, intensive training that prepares and qualifies them for challenging work. Certifications are required for professional demands and expectations.

Yet we know that some still view DSPs with less understanding of the work as a career. It may be considered as “caregiving” or a “labor of love” rather than meaningful work requiring skills and training.

Granted, some DSP candidates may want the experience for only a few years while they continue their education, often in a related field like occupational therapy or education. But in our experience, we find many with the intention to remain in the direct support profession. It is rewarding, varied, ever challenging, and has opportunity.

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities lead lives across Maryland that require a range of services. Some may require a DSPs diligence to careful administration of medicine, assistance in doctor’s appointments, and more physical support.

Others need help to learn job skills and gain employment themselves, or they look to their DSPs so they can be involved in social activities with their friends, such as dinner and a movie.

Take for example, Aliza, a DSP for The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc CCR), a nonprofit committed to providing people with IDD the opportunity to gain independence.

What’s special about the people Aliza works with is they are close in age and that’s enjoyable to her.

With more than 19 percent of adults in Maryland with disabilities, organizations like The Arc CCR are always looking for new talent with knowledge of the community and an eagerness to work in a rewarding career.

As our region’s graduates explore career opportunities, we hope that they will consider learning more about becoming a direct support professional. The hours are flexible, with opportunities to work part time or full time, and schedules that range from morning, evening or weekends.

For more information about the profession please visit www.www.thearcccr.org/careers.

Jonathon Rondeau is the CEO of The ARC Central Chesapeake Region. Contract him at jrondeau@thearcccr.org.

Fostering Dialogue Between People with Disabilities and Law Enforcement to Improve First-Responder Outcomes

By Jonathon Rondeau

In 2003, while working as a camp director for a local organization, I was fortunate to meet Ethan Saylor, then 16, a young man with Down syndrome and his mom, Patti, a nurse. I continued to maintain a relationship with the family ever since. I was saddened to learn the news on January 12, 2013, that Ethan, at age 26, had died tragically while being removed and restrained by Frederick County police officers at a movie theater. The turn of events ignited local and state leaders to review and develop better training and relationship-building programs for officers when dealing with people with developmental disabilities. By 2016, The Ethan Saylor Alliance was created and signed into Maryland law. Its goal is to create opportunities for self-advocates to play a role in educating the community about appropriate and effective interactions with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

I’m at an advantage in knowing how to engage and interact with people with I/DD because I’ve personally worked with and alongside people with disabilities for the last 20 years, dating back to my first job in high school. As CEO of The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc CCR), a nonprofit committed to providing people with I/DD the opportunity to gain independence, I’m proud to see our neighbors with I/DD become more active in the community through volunteering, working, and living independently like you or me.  With more than 19 percent of adults in Maryland with a developmental disability, it’s crucial that what happened to Ethan Saylor never happens again.

To begin the process of supporting law enforcement to better understand how to communicate with people with I/DD, The Arc CCR has been meeting with police officers, emergency/medical first responders and sheriffs. We have shared information and strategies on how to read body language, identify cues for listening and understanding, and understand some of the reactions of people with I/DD that can be easily misunderstood.

For example, a person with I/DD may respond to questions with a “yes” as a way to be polite; however, they may not fully comprehend the direction or question. Some may feel uncomfortable making eye contact, or may have vision impairments, which in an emergency situation may be interpreted as disrespect. Two key tips for law enforcement and first responders is to look for a support person nearby for assistance, and to speak clearly, giving one direction at a time.

With the support of a grant awarded to The Arc CCR by the Ethan Saylor Alliance, as well as support from The Arc Maryland, we’ve partnered with the Caroline County Schools, Benedictine and the Chesapeake Center to host a free community event on June 25 at Chesapeake College, that is designed to foster dialogue between people with disabilities, their families and to build on the tips we’ve provided to law enforcement and first responders thus far. Engagement and dialogue between these groups and people with I/DD is instrumental in helping first responders and law enforcement to really understand the importance of how to communicate with these members of the community during an emergency situation.  During the event, people with I/DD will lead an evening of games and activities as a way to start the dialogue.

The Arc CCR is proud of the interest and genuine excitement from Eastern Shore law enforcement and first responders in participating in the event. Many are looking forward to being more engaged with people with I/DD and their families. In addition to the communication strategies they will learn, the event gives first responders an opportunity to get to know members of their community with I/DD on a personal level, and those personal connections will be instrumental in the event of an emergency situation.

It’s my hope that the dialogue will continue. In fact, the Ethan Saylor Grant opens each spring to community-based organizations interested in developing and facilitating positive community interaction programs and activities with I/DD communities and law enforcement, and I encourage other organizations to apply. Together we could share our ideas and improve the safety for people with I/DD in emergency situations. For more information about the event, please visit: Community Improv Event Details

The Arc CCR Celebrates Community Members with Awards Honoring Leadership and Support for People with Disabilities

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc CCR) CEO, Jonathon Rondeau, and former The Arc CCR Board President and current Arc Maryland Board President, Laura Carr, recently presented members of the community with awards honoring leadership and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Chuy’s Tex Mex Restaurant was presented with the Leadership in Social Responsibility Award for being a community partner committed to the full inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, work and play in their community.  Josh Cook, an employee at Friendly’s, received the Outstanding Personal Achievement Award, which recognizes a person supported by The Arc CCR for their dedication to the community they live in. The President’s Award honored The Arc CCR past-President, Steve Brennan, for his deep commitment and leadership to the organization. Patrese Williams, direct service professional who has been employed by The Arc CCR for over 17 years, was acknowledged with the Leadership in Direct Service Award. Tracy Davis, who has been with The Arc CCR for four years as the Director of Fiscal Management Services, was honored with the Leadership in Administration & Management Award for her leadership in moving the organization toward its shared vision. Finally, The Lorraine Sheehan Award for Advocacy was presented to Laura Howell, Executive Director of Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS). In her 15 years of leadership at MACS, Laura has been a steadfast advocate for Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Photo Caption: L-R: Front Row- Nicole Palumbo, kitchen manager, Douglas Degler, general manager, and Tommy Gough, employee of Chuy’s Tex Mex Restaurant; Josh Cook, Friendly’s employee; Steve Brennan, The Arc CCR past-president; Patrese Williams, direct service professional of The Arc CCR; Jonathon Rondeau, CEO, The Arc CCR; Tracy Davis, director of fiscal management services of The Arc CCR; Todd Pulleyn, and Laura Howell, executive director, Maryland Association of Community Services.

Outstanding Employee of the Year, Gilbert John Zucchi Direct Support Professional Award:

Abdul Arasah has been with The Arc CCR, as a Team Leader, for about a year.  Over the course of the year, he has become a model leader and an asset to the agency.  The people Abdul supports have a wide variety of needs, but he maintains a calm and caring attitude whenever he is faced with challenging situations. As a newer team member, Abdul has done an excellent job of balancing the often competing priorities of safety and independence for the people he supports. Abdul has ensured that the home he manages is truly a warm and inviting place. Abdul is technical only responsible for supporting 4 people, but he goes beyond that to meet the needs of others and is willing to help out on any occasion. The people we support know that they can always come to Abdul. Abdul is very self-motivated and a pleasure to work with!

Volunteer of the Year Award:

Michele Tharp came to The Arc CCR in June of 2012, looking for a volunteer opportunity where she could donate her time and talents in support of a mission that was personal to her life.

Michele is a Senior Vice President, Senior Relationship Strategist at PNC and a mom to three boys, one of whom has autism.  She has held a leadership role on The Arc CCR’s Board of Directors for over 6 years. As Treasurer and now Vice President of the Board, Michele has been instrumental in organizational transformation. As The Arc CCR changed leadership and began transforming financial processes and infrastructure, Michele played a significant role in ensuring The Arc CCR balanced both the mission of the organization and its financial long term health.

Over the course of Michele’s tenure, The Arc CCR has successfully expanded housing investments through its subsidiary, Chesapeake Neighbors, has navigated the implementation of a new financial management system, and has nearly doubled in size of the fiscal management program it facilitates.

We thank Michele for her generous contributions to The Arc CCR and to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community.

Our Chief Executive Officer, Jonathon Rondeau, recently had a visit with Yolanda Vazquez at Comcast Newsmakers in White Marsh, Maryland.  They discussed the areas that The Arc Central Chesapeake Region supports, the work and what we do for people with disabilities, some of the help we are seeking, and the upcoming fundraiser events we will be holding.

Comcast Newsmakers is the longest-running news and public affairs platform of any cable operator in the country. Having launched in 1990 with a single production unit near the nation’s capital, Comcast Newsmakers today includes a national edition, regional production serving select Comcast markets, and a growing digital presence.

Centrally focused on issue-based conversations, Comcast Newsmakers welcomes regional and national trailblazers to discuss ideas, assess community challenges and progress, and inspire meaningful action.  Conversations span a broad range of topics, including:

• Community
• Economy and Business
• Education
• General Interest
• Government
• Health
• Local
• Science & Technology

See the complete video:  https://comcastnewsmakers.com/Videos/2019/3/11/The-Arc-of-the-Chesapeake

Thousands of Maryland workers work full-time but don’t earn enough to make ends meet. That’s why the Fight for $15 Maryland Coalition is calling on the state legislature in Annapolis to stand up for its hard-working people and raise the state’s minimum wage from $9.25 to $15.00 per hour by 2023!

A $15 minimum wage means a better Maryland for all of us. Raising the wage would lift thousands of families out of poverty, create new customers and profits for local businesses, and strengthen our neighborhoods.

Kara from The Arc Central Chesapeake Region did a great testimony, she is a Direct Service Professional (DSP) on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.  She spoke freely about her passion for the work she does daily with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, her struggles as a single mother and tough choices she has had to make.  She supports the Fight for $15.00!

The committee room and hallway were packed with advocates for the Fight for $15 bill (HB166) hearing. We are grateful to Del. Diana Fennell and other sponsors for putting together a bill that includes provisions for DD Community Services funding; to ensure that Direct Support jobs do not become minimum wage jobs.

WHY WE FIGHT FOR $15.00

A $15 minimum wage means a better Maryland for all of us:

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc), a nonprofit committed to providing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to gain independence, today announced that two new members have been added to its Board,  William C. Hollis III, who is the founding partner in the firm Hollis, Cronan & Fronk, P.A., located in Easton,  and Tim Jones, who serves as Vice President for Administrative Services at Chesapeake College.

“The Arc Central Chesapeake Region is committed to ensure our board has regional diversity in our leadership. We are excited to have the talent of Mr. Hollis and Mr. Jones, both bring a wealth of experience and insights gained from their past and current leadership roles. They will strengthen our board and commitment to Maryland’s Eastern Shore,” commented Jonathon Rondeau, CEO.

William Hollis joins The Arc Central Chesapeake Region Board from his firm Hollis, Cronan & Fronk, where he provides legal counseling and services to individuals, families and business entities.  He has extensive experience as a litigator trying jury and bench trials in the circuit and district courts, and as a court-appointed attorney for children in divorce and custody disputes.  For 18 years he was employed as a health care executive in hospitals and nursing facilities.  Mr. Hollis has held management positions at every level of hospital organizations including Chief Executive Officer.  He rose to Fellowship status in the American College of Healthcare Executives in the shortest time allowed by that organization’s bylaws.  He has been licensed as a nursing facility administrator in New York, Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia.  Mr. Hollis received his formal education from Saint Michael’s College in Vermont earning his Bachelor of Arts, continuing to Adelphi University in New York where he received his Master of Business Administration, and finally University of Maryland School of Law in Maryland, where he earned his Juris Doctor.  Mr. Hollis is an active member in the community, serving on several boards, including: Mid-Shore Pro Bono, The Hugh Gregory Gallagher Motivational Theatre, Inc., disAbility Coalition of Talbot County, National Rifle Association, Safari Club International, and Dallas Safari Club Member.

Tim Jones joins The Arc Central Chesapeake Region Board from Chesapeake College where he serves as Vice President for Administrative Services.  Throughout his career, Mr. Jones has continually found innovative ways to combine his passion for community improvement with his expertise in organizational and financial leadership.  During his tenure at Chesapeake College, in addition to serving the educational needs of all its residents the college has constructed its first high efficiency building (LEED Platinum) and built and operationalized a 1.76 MW solar photovoltaic array that provides 50 percent of the college’s electricity.  He also, partnered on a battery-storage and microgrid project, and implemented a series of land management practices on campus, designed to improve the water quality of the Wye East River.  Mr. Jones is the current Chair of the the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Talbot County Economic Development Commission, Talbot County Public Works Advisory Board and Quality Matters. Prior to joining Chesapeake College, Mr. Jones was Senior Vice President and General Manager for Sotera Defense Solutions and Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer for Delmarva Foundation for Medical Care, the first external organization charged with overseeing the quality of services delivered through Florida’s Development Disabilities program.  Mr. Jones received his BS in Economics and an MBA from Virginia Tech.  In addition, he has completed graduate level coursework in organizational leadership at both the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and the University of Chicago. Mr. Jones has served on the Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board, the Maryland Patient Safety Center Board of Trustees, as Treasurer for the Board of Trustees for Habitat Maryland, and as Chair of the Finance and Human Resources Committee of the American Healthcare Quality Association.

About The Arc Central Chesapeake Region

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region provides comprehensive programs, services, and advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities over the arc of their life. The Arc is committed to providing people with disabilities the opportunity to live, work, play and fully participate in the world around them. The Arc Central Chesapeake Region provides services in Anne Arundel, Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties and employs over 350 staff.

For more information about The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, please visit. https://www.thearcccr.org/.

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]THE ARC CENTRAL CHESAPEAKE REGION ANNOUNCES CUP OF CARING SERIES

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc), a nonprofit committed to providing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to gain independence, today announced our Cup of Caring Series. Beginning in January 2019, The Arc will be offering monthly coffee talks in each county they support including Anne Arundel County and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The series will be facilitated by The Arc Family Engagement and Navigation Coordinator. Caregivers and interested community members will have a chance to ask questions, to learn and to share information about resources for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their communities and enjoy a free cup of coffee together. All family members are welcome.

Dates and locations for Winter Coffee are as follows:

• January 3 and February 7, 11 am-1 pm, Panera Bread, Forest Dr., Annapolis.
• January 8 and February 12, 11 am-1 pm, Nich’s Coffee Shop, Denton.
• January 15 and February 17, 11 am-1 pm; Rise Up Coffee, Cambridge.
• February 5, 11 am-1 pm; Eastern Shore Food Lab, Cannon St, Chestertown.
• January 3 and February 7, 11 am-1 pm; Commerce St. Creamery, Centreville.
• January 10 and February 14, 11 am-1 pm Panera Bread, Easton.
• January 22 and February 26, 11 am-1 pm; Legacy Bistro, Princess Anne.
• January 17 and February 26, 11 am-1 pm; Pemberton Coffeehouse, Salisbury.
• January 17 and February 21, 11 am-1 pm; Rise Up Coffee, W. Ocean City.

For more information regarding this series, please email Linda Prochaska at lprochaska@thearcccr.org. Free registration is available on our Facebook page, @thearcccr.
Family Navigation and Services are available in the service areas that The Arc Central Chesapeake Region supports with our Family Engagement and Navigation Coordinator at no additional charge.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]