Posted on October 27, 2026
Near or Far, Team Offutt Stands by Laura
Since Laura Offutt joined Penn-Mar’s Day Program in 1995, her family has supported her journey every step of the way. After three decades with the organization, her brother Perry says Penn-Mar has become an important extension of the Offutt family.
Born in the 1970s, when many children with disabilities were placed in state institutions, Laura grew up at home with her brothers, Perry and William, and parents who were determined that she would have every opportunity to enjoy a full and happy life.
When Perry and William left for college, Laura’s parents began looking for the right environment to support her continued growth. Penn-Mar’s Day Program became the first step in a long-term support plan for their daughter. In 2001, Laura moved into a Penn-Mar home, where she has spent the past 25 years building a life alongside roommates who have become her best friends.
Laura’s parents, Jim and Bardelle, also supported Penn-Mar generously with their time and resources. They joined the organization’s Legacy Circle community, which recognizes those who have chosen to include Penn-Mar in their estate plans, and Jim also served on the Penn-Mar Human Services Foundation board.
Laura remains deeply connected to her extended family, joining them for holidays and vacations. To Perry’s children, James and Caroline, she is affectionately known as Aunt LaLa.
A Baltimore native, Perry moved to New York City for work after college and chose to raise his family there. He is currently a Partner at Morrison, a global infrastructure investor.
With Laura’s continued well-being always in mind, Perry has found meaningful and sustainable ways to stay involved with Penn-Mar despite his geographical distance.
“Our family has always been committed to Penn-Mar because they are committed to my sister,” said Perry. “My wife, Ellen, and I have many causes we care about, but Penn-Mar’s mission is number one.”
Beyond the mission itself, Perry remains focused on the funding needed to attract dedicated staff and provide essential support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). That concern has motivated him, he said, to “get and stay involved with Penn-Mar, doing every little thing I can to get others excited or involved with the mission to ensure Penn-Mar’s success now and in the future.”
Perry turned commitment into action by joining the organization’s Family Connections Council, a volunteer advisory group made up of family members and siblings of people supported by Penn-Mar. The Council gives families a voice and highlights the many ways they can stay connected to the organization’s mission.
It serves to strengthen engagement, build meaningful connections among families, gather feedback from those closest to Penn-Mar’s services, and identify resources that support people with IDD and those who care for them.
“Joining the Family Council has been a great way to contribute,” Perry said. “With my family and work obligations this was a sustainable way for me to stay involved with Penn-Mar.”
Tina Chan Sweenie, Associate Director of Development, Volunteer and Donor Engagement, says Perry’s involvement reflects the many ways families can not only remain engaged with Penn-Mar, but also with one another.
“For three decades, Penn-Mar has been like an extended family to the Offutts,” she said. “Perry always tries to be there for us and understands the importance and power of planning, connection, and family stewardship. He knows firsthand how Penn-Mar’s impact extends beyond one person’s support. It’s transformative and has a lasting impact on siblings and future generations.”
For Perry, that commitment is simply part of what family does. “Life has ups and downs,” he said. ”But Team Offutt will always be there supporting and loving each other.”