Fello’s offices in Linthicum, Severn, Annapolis, and Easton, and all programs are OPEN today, December 2, 2025, and will operate during standard hours.

All essential employees must report to work in person at their designated program location.

• All Direct Support Professionals will report for their shifts as scheduled. Please reach out to your manager immediately if you have questions about your shift.

All non-essential employees must report for their workday as scheduled.

• Notify your manager immediately if you are running late or are unable to report for work.
• Non-essential employees may be allowed to use accrued PTO rather than report to work.
• Please reach out to your manager immediately if you have questions about your shift.

For nearly two decades, the Snowflake Ball has been one of Fello’s most beloved annual traditions: a night dedicated to celebrating the relationships, joy, and connection that define our community.  

The Snowflake Ball will return on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the BWI Hilton. Registration opens December 1, and tickets are expected to sell out, so make sure you get your tickets early. 

An Evening of Celebration & Connection  

The Snowflake Ball brings together people with disabilities, their guests, and Fello employees from across the region. It is an opportunity to reconnect, share stories, and celebrate together with an evening of fun.  

This year, we have 200 tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis.  

Joselyn Hall, a Receptionist at Fello Linthicum, is excited to attend her first-ever Snowflake Ball. “I’m looking forward to meeting the people I support at the front desk every day outside of work—DSPs, Fello team members, people in Day Services, and office staff,” she said. “I’m looking forward to just having a good time and taking pictures!” 

That spirit of connection and celebration is what the Snowflake Ball is all about.  

At Fello, community isn’t just something we talk about. It’s something we create together. 

How to Register 

Registration opens December 1, 2025. The Snowflake Ball is open to anyone who wants to attend. Tickets are $40 per person, and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) attend for free when accompanying someone they support.

Attendance is limited to 200 guests, so mark your calendars—we’ll share registration details and more information on December 1st!

Tickets Include: 

• Dinner: A delicious buffet, including vegan and gluten-free selections. 
• Dancing: A lively DJ playing your favorite songs and plenty of space to enjoy the music with friends. 
• Photo Booth: Fully accessible, designed so everyone can participate and capture memories of the night. 
• Raffle Prizes: Every guest receives a raffle ticket, and exciting prizes are drawn throughout the evening. 

Recommended Dress: 

• Semi-formal or festive attire: Wear something that makes you feel great and ready to celebrate!

If you have questions about the event or difficulties registering, please contact events@fello.org.  

Giving Tuesday is a global day of generosity held each year on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It’s a chance to support the causes and communities that matter most.  

This year, Giving Tuesday falls on December 2, and Fello’s goal is to raise an additional $10,000 for our Family Fund, a grant program that provides Maryland families with access to the therapies, programs, and resources that their children with disabilities need, but insurance doesn’t cover.  

You can be part of the next child’s story of possibility this Giving Tuesday by generously supporting our Family Fund, knowing you are making a real difference in the life of a child in your community. 

What is the Family Fund?  

Founded in 2017, the Family Fund helps families access the life-changing services, therapies, and resources their children with disabilities deserve that are out of reach financially.  

“Families often have significant out-of-pocket costs and expenses, and it is a real financial barrier to access the resources and experiences their children need,” said Sara Pease, Assistant Director of Children, Youth & Their Families. 

The Family Fund is more than a grant program—it’s a lifeline for families across Maryland. 

The Impact Only You Can Make 

The Family Fund is 100% supported through generous donations, grants, and community partnerships. Since its founding, the Family Fund has supported hundreds of children across Maryland and has awarded nearly $400,000 to improve the quality of life of children with disabilities. 

“Every dollar donated goes directly to families, making a real, tangible difference in the lives of people right here in our own community,” said Sara. “The Family Fund represents the heart of what we do at Fello—removing barriers and creating access.” 

By easing the financial burden on families, the Family Fund ensures that children with disabilities can be a part of their communities with the support they need and deserve.    

Every Grant is a Story 

By third grade, Trey began to pull away from other children. He wanted to connect, but starting conversations, reading social cues, and building friendships felt overwhelming. Equine therapy offered a way to build confidence and communication skills—but it was financially out of reach for his family.  

Thanks to the Family Fund, Trey was able to begin therapy without his family sacrificing essentials like groceries or bills. Today, he has a new confidence, new skills, and new ways to connect with others.  

“To the donors, I would just say thank you,” said Trey’s mother. “They are part of the reason why my son is able and capable of doing great things today.” 

Trey is just one of the many lives transformed through the Family Fund.  

On Giving Tuesday, be sure to check out the stories of Tanner and Karleigh, who have each gained new skills, confidence, and opportunities to participate more fully in their communities.  

Their journeys are a reminder that every gift, no matter the size, opens doors for children with disabilities and their families. 

You Can Be Part of a Family’s Story 

This Giving Tuesday, you have the power to create more stories like Trey’s. 

Donate Today: Every contribution brings us closer to our $10,000 goal. Your gift, no matter the size, will directly benefit children and families in our community. Click here to donate now. 

Share Our Work: Connect with us on social media and share our mission with friends and family. You can also share this blog or tell others why you support the Family Fund. 

Together, we can ensure that every child has access to the therapies, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed. 

One year after opening, Port Street Commons is already reimagining what’s possible when it comes to creating community and fostering inclusion. 

In Episode 6 of our Fello Thinking Differently podcast, Judi Olinger, Vice President of Housing Strategy, and Keenan Troxler, Assistant Director of Property Operations, reflect on the first year of Port Street Commons.  

Together, they discuss the sense of community that has come to define Port Street Commons, and why leaders across Maryland are looking to it as an example of what is possible when housing development puts people first. 

Not Your Traditional Developer  

At Fello Communities, tenants are more than residents—they’re neighbors and members of a community. That philosophy guides every aspect of our work, from property management and tenant services to maintenance support and leasing partnerships. 

“At Fello Communities, we certainly do strive to be the best landlords ever, the best property management company of all time,” said Keenan during the interview. “We want to offer the premier tenant services and experience for all of our tenants…I can certainly attest that the team we have truly thinks with their heart.” 

From responsive and supportive Maintenance Technicians to leaders who approach the design, construction, and pricing with the best interests of residents in mind, Fello Communities is redefining what it means to develop housing. Port Street Commons is an example of heart-driven leadership creating a lasting impact in a community.  

We’re Successful “When We Change People’s Lives” 

At Fello Communities, success isn’t just measured in occupied units; it’s measured in the lives we impact. 

“Our teams go above and beyond what’s required to truly meet the needs of our tenants,” says Keenan. “For instance, not too long ago, we hosted a back-to-school social event at Port Street Commons, where we were able to provide back-to-school supplies for eight of the children living there. Things like this set us apart from traditional landlords and also from the traditional tenant experience.” 

Creating positive tenant experiences goes far beyond responding quickly to maintenance requests and answering questions about leases. It means being there when it counts.   

Whether it’s a kindergartener starting school or a senior seeking accessible housing, Fello Communities strives to create an experience where residents feel supported and valued. Judi recalls an early team discussion about success: 

“When we hired new Maintenance Technicians, we asked, ‘What does it mean for us to be successful?’ One of the guys looked up and said, ‘When we change people’s lives.’ That’s what we’re talking about when we’re talking about the impact we strive to create.” 

It’s More Than a Building. It’s a Community 

Port Street Commons isn’t just housing; it’s a thriving, interconnected community. Neighbors know each other’s names, families gather on the playground, and the nearby Rail Trail connects residents to the broader Easton community.  

“We want to try to build personal relationships with each and every one of our tenants,” said Keenan. “And everybody knows each other…I think it’s just amazing how we’ve been able to form this cohesive community within the building.” 

Fello created Port Street Commons with a vision of it being a space where everyone could feel like they belong. “It has exceeded every expectation we had,” said Judi.  

Affordable Housing Can Be Beautiful Housing 

Port Street Commons offers nine affordable units, including two accessible units and one reserved for families transitioning out of homelessness in partnership with Talbot Interfaith Shelter. Each unit is thoughtfully designed with 42-inch counters, granite countertops, in-unit washer/dryer, and high-quality finishes—proof that affordability doesn’t mean compromising on quality. 

“When people walk into our units for the first time, they are stunned,” Keenan says. “You would never know it’s an affordable unit. This is about creating opportunity for everybody.” 

Units provide affordable housing options for working families who might otherwise be priced out of the area. 

What’s Next for Easton 

The success of Port Street Commons is inspiring the next wave of Fello Communities projects: 

• Laura House – A 7-unit mansion-style home in downtown Easton, including two affordable units and one for Talbot Interfaith Shelter. 
• Silo Court – A two-acre development with 28 townhomes, a mix of three- and four-bedroom units, 25% reserved for families earning 85% AMI or below. 
• Easton Crossing – Transforming a 6.5-acre grain silo site into a mixed-use development with 117 residential units, parks, retail, and 30% affordable housing. 

Each project builds on the foundation laid by Port Street Commons: intentional, inclusive, and community-centered housing.  

Join Us in Building What’s Possible 

Port Street Commons shows what happens when housing is designed around people, not profit. It’s a place where neighbors become a community, and residents thrive in spaces that are welcoming, supportive, and beautiful. 

“Our job isn’t finished,” Keenan reminds us. “But developments like Port Street Commons are a glimpse of what’s possible when organizations like Fello think differently.” 

Learn more at fellocommunities.org and listen to Episode 6 of the Fello Thinking Differently podcast.