Advocacy And You: Now's The Time

Please consider joining one of our new Advocacy Impact Teams - if you haven't already. Plus, take advantage of an education program on January 19th at 6:30, Advocacy and You: Now's the Time!, to learn more about the challenges we can expect in the upcoming General Assembly and how you can be an advocate for the funding, programs, and policies affecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Both of these opportunities are intended to strengthen our impact on the legislative process during the upcoming MD General Assembly (running from January 13th-April 11th) - and prepare for Developmental Disabilities Day in Annapolis on February 10th (if you can plan to attend).

Also, note the actions required to participate -- contact information to sign up for the impact team on the flyer and rsvp for the education program.

Developmental Disabilities Day In Annapolis

This year's theme is "Equal Rights and Opportunities." Please join us as citizens with developmental disabilities, families, providers and advocates convene in Annapolis to meet with legislators about critical disability issues at Developmental Disabilities Day in Annapolis.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

10 AM - Registration & Cont. Breakfast, Legislative Briefing & Program

After briefing, we will meet with Legislators

Loews Annapolis Hotel- Atrium & Ballroom

126 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401

If you would like to attend or need more information, please contact Nina Georgopoulos at 410-296-2272 ext. 5210. If there is enough interest in transportation, we will provide a bus to Annapolis. Please be sure to let us know if you are interested.

We will cover all fees for those registered through us.

Calendar Delivery Day In Annapolis

Advocates from The Arc Baltimore delivered legislative calendars to all of the delegates and senators from Baltimore County and Baltimore City during the first week of the legislative session. Each month featured a story from a different chapter of The Arc and how it acted as a catalyst for change. The Arc Baltimore's story featured Matthew Wedin's act of heroism where he helped many people in his apartment complex to evacuate because of a large fire. Matthew and fellow self-advocate Tara Lilley, distributed the calendars and introduced our agency to all of the legislators.

Matt Wedin and Tara Lilley Pictured with Delegate Richard Metzger and

Senator Jim Brochin

The Arc Maryland Meets With Governor Hogan

Employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is a huge priority for The Arc family at the local, state and national levels. Representatives of The Arc were pleased to meet with Governor Larry Hogan recently in Hagerstown, Md. The meeting was an opportunity for the Governor to hear from families, an employer in Baltimore County (Acadia Glass), an employee of Acadia with disabilities, and two local chapters with The Arc Maryland about the importance of employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We thank The Arc Washington County for facilitating the meeting and we thank the Governor for a terrific meeting. This article is courtesy of The Arc Maryland.

Pictured left to right: The Arc Maryland Board Chair Richard Dean, Shawn Kros, Neil Christoper, Erik Anders, Governor Larry Hogan, Blackie Bowen, Troy Van Scoyoc, Cristy Marchand, Department of Disabilities Secretary Carol Beatty.

Twenty Five Families Were Adopted This Holiday

The holidays are a special time of year and we are grateful for all the contributors who made it possible for families connected to The Arc Baltimore to enjoy a wonderful holiday with their loved ones. Some picked up gifts that were donated by groups who "adopted" them and purchased something for everyone. Others came in to see the room full of donated toys and clothes for kids and adults, and they are selecting items for their families. We were able to help over twenty-five families this holiday season. The wishes of many of the families were fulfilled. Thank you from us to you!

Happy New Year!

Resolution anyone? Start the New Year off with a resolution to support the work of The Arc Baltimore. Make a gift now, or join our Circle of Giving monthly giving program. Designate a SMALL gift for electronic transfer from your credit card or checking account and by the end of the year, it will have a BIG impact. Click here for the form to enroll in monthly giving.

Sprout Film Festival

The Arc Baltimore and Towson University will co-host their 4th annual Sprout Film Festival that showcases entertaining and memorable films featuring and created by people with developmental disabilities. All ages are welcome to take part in a screening of shorts, music videos and documentaries.

Saturday, April 23, 2016

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Towson University

Tickets available soon

Become A Golf Sponsor

Join our title sponsor, Scientific Plant Service and many other wonderful companies who sponsor our golf tournament year after year. Click here to see a list of last year's golf sponsors.

The 22nd Annual Golf Tournament is being held May 17, 2016. Registration details are coming soon. Golfers receive a continental breakfast and lunch as well as 18 holes of golf that include several special holes and many opportunities to win door prizes and awards. Get ready for an 8:00 AM shotgun start at Diamond Ridge and Woodlands Golf Courses.

If you would like to become a sponsor, please contact Lauren Seabolt at 410-296-2272 ext. 5220.

Help From & For The Arc Baltimore

There may be more than you think that The Arc Baltimore offers you - Resources For You - and more ways that you can help, not just financially, but through your connections - Connections We Need. We want you to take advantage of all resources The Arc Baltimore has to offer beyond direct support programs and how you can help get the community involved.

We Want Your Business

The Arc Baltimore is looking for local businesses willing to hire (or develop an internship opportunity) for employees with developmental disabilities. Our employees are ready and willing to start their career with your business. Help us make that happen by contacting our Employment Services Division or call 410-296-WORK.

Enews Subscription

The Arc has three monthly enewsletters (Catalyst, Reaching Families, and Volunteers & Interns) and an Advocacy Network with as-needed alerts. Subscribe to one or all.

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