ggorham, Author at Penn-Mar

Leading Courageously: Penn-Mar’s Blueprint for the Future

ggorham — Wed, 06 May 2026 19:23:39 +0000

Find out how we’re building the next strategic plan for Penn-Mar.

Gregory Miller
President/CEO Penn-Mar Human Services

As each new fiscal year approaches, many of us at Penn-Mar are already making notes of things we want to accomplish, attain, or do differently in the coming months. Setting more ambitious future goals often requires a structured plan to help track our progress over months, and sometimes even years.

For the last 30 years, we have been guided by a thorough Strategic Planning process. This important work continued in the last week of April when our Board convened to help us explore where Penn-Mar directs its efforts in the next 2-3 years, and how we continue growing in the ways that matter most.

But before putting the finishing touches on our Strategic Plan, we want everyone involved to weigh in before we ask them to buy in.

To help us create a realistic vision of how the organization can become more than we are now — and what actions will be required to make that happen — we scheduled experts from PAR (Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources) and MACS (Maryland Association of Community Services) to kick-off the Board meeting with an overview of the critical issues that confront our industry today.

In the months leading up to this meeting, our Directors and Leadership Team have analyzed our current Strategic Plan by charting our execution of strategic goals to-date and providing recommendations for new initiatives going forward.

Once the Board reviews these initial recommendations, they and the Leadership Team will form sub-committees to surface priority issues to ensure we focus on what is most important for the organization.

Throughout this process, we need to be realistic about the financial resources we can expect from our state and federal governments. Public funding continues to be restrained, and it’s important to factor that ongoing reality into our planning.

The State of Maryland recently cut our budget by 2 percent, which puts a tremendous burden on us to creatively cover the shortfall through private donations, grants, innovative programming, and cost-effective ways to meet our mission on a day-to-day basis. Continued support from our community has never been more essential, as these partnerships help ensure we can sustain the life-changing services Penn-Mar provides.

Retaining our amazing team members at Penn-Mar is a top priority. As our services evolve, finding better, more efficient ways to do our work will remain a shared priority across the organization.

One of the things we’ve learned over time is that the best strategic priorities don’t stay on paper. They become part of how we work every day.

Our “Belonging” initiative is a good example. What began as a focused effort to strengthen connection across our team is now part of who we are as an organization.

Right now, we are building a plan that strengthens how we drive change without losing sight of our core support. It lays out clear priorities and shared accountability across the organization.

We will be focusing on new strategies specific to technologies, data analysis, and efficiencies that will strengthen and equip our organization for the future.

Our current Plan established the need for us to develop a technology leadership position for Penn-Mar, and we subsequently equipped our residences with introductory Smart Home technology that is helping the people we support greatly simplify their lives.

These tech advancements are growing like a snowball rolling downhill, and we need to pay attention to what impact they could have on our services. And one can only imagine how Artificial Intelligence (AI) will enhance these services going forward!

To help the people we support Live Courageously, we need to be Leading Courageously.

All organizations will rise or fall depending on how they are led. The good news is Penn-Mar’s leadership continues to ensure that our mission is never compromised, even when events outside our control intervene.

I am grateful to our Board for helping us to develop the best Strategic Plan possible to protect the organization’s future and I look forward to sharing it with our Team Members and supporters in the Fall.

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Penn-Mar Prioritizes Educational Investment for Team Members

ggorham — Tue, 05 May 2026 15:00:56 +0000

Nurturing growth, learning, and professional excellence across the organization.

By Jackie Stevens
Penn-Mar Chief Operating Officer

Jen Skelly at her ANCOR Leadership Academy graduation.

I vividly remember the day I met and interviewed Jen Skelly in 2002 for a Residential Program Manager position. When I asked her the tried-and-true question, “Where do you see yourself career-wise in 5 or 10 years?” she answered, “Truthfully, I’d like to be a stay-at-home mom.”

That unexpected answer told me everything I needed to know about her integrity and transparent nature. Fortunately for Penn-Mar, Jen has been with us for 24 years and counting!

Last October, Jen transitioned from Director of PA Operations to a newly created position as Director of Talent Development. She is now responsible for designing, planning, and implementing Penn-Mar’s team member and leadership development strategy and programs for the organization.

For years, Penn-Mar has made a strong investment in the Career Ladders Program for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), which Jen helps lead. The program creates a clear path for team members to grow through training, certification, increased pay, and new opportunities.

A few years ago, we started to expand that focus. Guided by Greg Miller’s belief that “everybody deserves a great boss,” we built on existing leadership programs like Coach Approach and began creating more consistent training and support for team members in supervisory roles.

Currently, Jen and the Learning and Development team are putting the final touches on a two-day personal leadership training series built on the premise that you can’t expect to lead others well if you don’t have a solid foundation in leading yourself. This course will soon be available to all Penn-Mar team members.

Jen’s passion and commitment to continuous training have made her a tremendous role model for the people she supervises. She eagerly embraces new ideas that she gets from external training classes and workshops and applies them where the people she supervises can be more successful in their own roles.

Most recently, she graduated from the ANCOR Foundation Leadership Academy, which she said “offered fresh perspectives and new insights, challenged me to think differently, and deepened my appreciation for the importance of connecting with others.”

Jen is now serving as a Mentor for other Academy participants. This experience continues to shape how she leads, evolves internal programs, and how Penn-Mar thinks about the future of investment in our team.

While her new role is focused on investing in growth and development internally, Penn-Mar as an organization is very intentional about pursuing outside educational investments for team members as well. Below are just a few recent examples of these networking, mentoring, and professional development programs.

Ally Comerci stepped into Jen’s former role as Director of Operations PA and participated in several internal training development programs to prepare her for this new position. A recent graduate from the PAR Excellence Leadership Program, she shares one of her biggest takeaways:

Ally Comerci (second person to left of PAR logo) poses with her graduate class.

“Historically, I have felt the need to have one or the other: either a business mindset, or a person-first mindset. This program, specifically the business acumen, exposed me to how I can have both simultaneously: a business mindset while always keeping people and mission at the center of the mindset. It has helped me develop my broader operational perspective, allowing me to focus less on daily execution and more on oversight, coordination, and organizational impact.”

Vanessa Whitman, Director of Operations MD, has worked under Jen for many years and was recently accepted into the ANCOR Foundation Leadership Academy which will kick off April 21st at the ANCOR Connect ’26 Conference in Boston. She shares why Penn-Mar’s investment in team members’ continuing education is important to her:

Vanessa Whitman (first row, third from right) poses with her ANCOR Leadership Academy class.

“Personally, continuing education motivates me to stay current, improve my skills, and grow within my role. Knowing that Penn-Mar encourages advancement and provides opportunities to learn makes me feel supported and invested in, which increases my dedication, job satisfaction, and long-term commitment to the organization. Ultimately, a team that is continually learning is better equipped to empower the people we serve, and being part of that kind of environment is something I value.”

Jes Blais, LISS Manager, graduated a month ago from the Dale Carnegie Build Confidence and Leadership Skills program, picking up two additional awards along the way:

“I ended up winning two awards during the Dale Carnegie course — the Crashing Through Award and the Breakthrough Award. What made them really meaningful is that the participants vote for the winners each week, so it felt good knowing the people in the room saw that growth in me. My biggest takeaway from the training was learning to step outside my comfort zone and get comfortable with being uncomfortable. It’s already helped me have more open, honest conversations with the people around me.”

Whitney Levy, DSP, has been accepted into the DSP Ambassador Program and is headed to Salt Lake City in May to train and network in this national initiative aimed at empowering DSPs to become effective advocates for the direct support workforce:

“I aim to expand my capacity to lead with clarity, empathy, and purpose while making a meaningful difference in the communities I serve. Penn-Mar’s investment in continuing education and career development is meaningful to me because it shows a genuine commitment to its team members both personal and professional growth. It reinforces that this is a place where I can build a career, not just have a job.”

Brandi Jones, DSP, has been accepted into ANCOR’s DSP Ambassador Program and will be joining nearly 40 of the nation’s leading DSPs in Washington DC this fall to enhance their ability to tell their stories about the vital role they play in the communities they serve:

“My field of study in college was Law. Having the opportunity to learn how to properly advocate for the people we support is amazing. I learned so much through the Career Ladders program, and I’m excited to be able to dive deeper into person-centered supports through advocacy. I am passionate about working with the people that I support and if I could ever lobby/advocate on their behalf with lawmakers, it would be an honor.”

All these investments in professional development allow us to deliver on our mission to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). If team members have supervisors invested in their development. the more likely the people we support will have consistent people in their lives to help them Live Courageously!

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When Support Comes Full Circle

ggorham — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:52:44 +0000

Volunteers at Penn-Mar are giving their time, energy, and heart to others in the community.

April is National Volunteer Month, and the spirit of generosity is alive and well at Penn-Mar.

Over the years, Penn-Mar has received support from families, individuals, and small businesses who have generously shared their time, talent, and resources. Many corporate volunteer teams also offer hands-on assistance with landscaping and the refurbishment of physical spaces at our offices and community homes.

We’ve highlighted many of our generous volunteers over the years, but what you may not realize is that some of the people we support are doing that same work every day.

Lisa Hendrix,

Lisa smiles at the camera while standing behind the cash register in the gift shop.

a Westminster Community Development Services participant, has volunteered one day a week at Carroll Lutheran Village Senior Living and Care community gift shop in Westminster for the past two years. She helps with cleaning and socializes with customers. She has also been working on improving her business skills and building her confidence by engaging with customers.

According to Senior Direct Support Professional (DSP) Maria Swift, Lisa is independent by nature, so it took her a while to feel at ease greeting and assisting Gift Shop customers. “I’ve seen so much growth in her since she started at the gift shop. The position has greatly improved her communication skills, and now she feels very comfortable chatting with her regular customers, which boosted her confidence. She is also learning to count by fives and tens while working the cash register,” said Maria.

In fact, Lisa said that “working the cash register is my favorite task of the day!”

Mark Ruppersberger,

Mark smiles at the camera and holds a thumbs up as he stands in front of a large stack of pallets that’s almost taller than he is.

a Penn-Mar resident since 2020, is a popular volunteer at First Fruits Farm, a nonprofit, Christian ministry that provides fresh, nutritious food for the hungry.

His DSP Brett Goldstein praises him as one of the hardest working volunteers there. “Mark is entrusted with many tasks at the Farm,” he said. “He is most famously known as the ‘Stack Boss’ because he is responsible for stacking and organizing all the bread loaf pallets, sometimes well over 100 pallets a day. He also boxes the bread and ensures that all the boxes are placed in a specific amount and order.”

Senior DSP Becca Lee, who also supports Mark, says “Mark is a volunteer SUPERSTAR and a bit of a goofball. He’s always making people laugh.”

He also spends a few hours each Wednesday volunteering at the ReStore Donation Center in Westminster benefitting Habitat for Humanity, and has given his time at the Hereford Library, York Food Bank and Talmar Farms in Towson, Maryland.

Mark enjoys his volunteer activities. “It feels good helping the poor and homeless who need fresh food and affordable household items.” He likes that it gets him out of the house where he can “be with people and do something productive.”

Miriam Klopcic

Miriam smiles as she prepares food in a kitchen.

has been with Penn-Mar since 2017. Her volunteer activities are frequent and varied! “Through her efforts in volunteering, she was able to land a job at Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Shrewsbury, in which she is now flourishing,” said Jessica Patchel, Day Program Manager at Penn-Mar North.

In her free time, Miriam volunteers at Life Path Christian Ministry Rescue Mission in York alongside Katrina Cooper, a former Penn-Mar employee, who works with her to serve hot lunches, bag snacks, and prepare “Oliver” meals for the homeless.

The Ministry recently honored Miriam and Katrina at a volunteer appreciation event, recognizing them for preparing 15,000 “Oliver” meals in just one year and cited Miriam’s 1,079 volunteer hours over two years.

Angie Shaffer, a Penn-Mar DSP who worked with Miriam for the past four years, said Miriam’s work is noticed by the people she volunteers with. “Miriam is very focused and diligent,” she said. “She is very independent and needs minimal prompting to complete her tasks.”

Miriam also gives her time to Grace Fellowship Church in Shrewsbury where she volunteers at their Fall Fest and Christmas breakfast held at their Dream Center, and for almost three years she has volunteered for Meals on Wheels at the Central York County Senior Center in New Freedom.

Her non-food-related volunteer activities include helping to care for rabbits at the annual York Fair in July, cuddling cats at the SPCA, and assisting with preparing Operation Christmas Child’s gift boxes to be sent to children all over the world.

“I like helping people in need,” said Miriam. “I’m happy to work hard and like being part of a team, socializing, and getting to do fun stuff.”

According to Becca Lee, Penn-Mar is always looking for new volunteer opportunities for the people we support. “The experience gives them a positive outlook on life and when they return home, they know they’ve done something important for the day.”

At the end of the day, it’s not just about the hours they give. It’s about being part of something, showing up for others, and knowing they made a difference.

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Amanda DeStefani Nationally Recognized for Person-Centered Supports and Championing Self Advocacy

ggorham — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:56:17 +0000

Amanda DeStefani Builds Programs Around People. Now She’s Being Recognized for It.

From L to R: Ally Comerci, Amanda DeStefani, and Vanessa Whitman pose together while Amanda holds her award.

On April 23, American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), a leading national association dedicated to advancing the future of supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), presented 57 Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Year Awards at their Connect ’26 Conference in Boston. Penn-Mar DSP Amanda DeStefani was one of the award winners.

Amanda didn’t see it coming. Back in February, her supervisor, Jen Hisey, pulled the Penn-Mar Central Day Program team together to share the news. That’s when Amanda found out she had been nominated and selected as ANCOR DSP of the Year in the Person-Centered Supports 2026 Special Category.

“I was totally shocked,” Amanda said. “I didn’t know anything about the awards or the fact that I was nominated so I was extremely excited and proud. Most of all, I was proud of the people our team supports who share their preferences and ideas every day to help us create fun and innovative person-centered programs.”

One of those examples was featured in Amanda’s award profile in the ANCOR Conference booklet on pg. 12:

“After reading Charlotte’s Web, the people Amanda DeStefani supports decided to create their own puppet show. Amanda made sure everyone had a role in bringing production to life, supporting people to choose characters, write dialogue, and design scenery. When one man joined the project late, Amanda smoothly folded him into the process, making sure his ideas became part of the story as well.”

Amanda shakes a person’s hand on stage as she accepts her award.

Amanda and her group worked very hard to bring the production to life. She helped cast members learn their lines and was amazed when one person memorized her part instantly with no help from her coaches.

Amanda’s group designed and sent invitations to other program departments as well as to Penn-Mar managers and leadership, encouraging them to support the two-day performance in the Penn-Mar Central Day Program gymnasium.

The event was such a hit that the group is considering putting on a show about The Little Mermaid.

“The people we support in the Central Day Program are very into reading, crafts and cooking,” said Amanda. Recently they wanted to make grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, so Amanda turned the request into a learning experience, taking them to the store to compare prices and purchase the ingredients.

Each day is shaped by what the group wants to explore, from trips to the library to visits to the state capitol. On one visit to a pet store, Amanda challenged the group to pretend they were buying a cat and figure out what they would need to purchase on a $500 budget to feed and care for the pet.

Since Amada joined Penn-Mar as a DSP in 2023, she has been a fierce advocate for the people she supports.

She leads a self-advocacy group made up of team members and the people Penn-Mar supports for sharing concerns about issues affecting those with disabilities. A recent conversation explored the need for wider spaces in public restrooms to allow people using wheelchairs to maneuver them more easily and doors with push pads for easier access. That resulted in each person in the group composing and mailing letters to their legislators, imploring them to address the issue.

Amanda’s supervisor and nominator, Jen Hisey, said it best about why Amanda deserved to win:

“Amanda is the epitome of what it means to be person-centered. Whether she’s helping someone identify letters and numbers, reading a book, or leading the advocacy club, Amanda takes her role seriously and does everything she can to ensure a person’s voice is heard and that their needs are met. It is because of the quality of support she provides that she was nominated for this award. Several of the people she supports have varying degrees of dementia. Her attention and care have helped them to remain safe and engaged. She’ll tell you she’s not creative, but I’m always excited to see what she comes up with next!”

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Penn-Mar Human Services’ Direct Support Professional Named One of Best in the Nation

ggorham — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:31:35 +0000

– DSP Amanda DeStefani Wins ANCOR’s 2026 Award for Person-Centered Supports –

April 17, 2025

Baltimore – Penn-Mar Human Services, the region’s leading provider of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), is proud to share that the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) has named Penn-Mar Direct Support Professional (DSP) Amanda DeStefani a winner of the 2026 ANCOR Direct Support Professional of the Year Awards, in the special category of “Person-Centered Supports”.

By prioritizing person-centered support, Amanda has empowered individuals to move beyond the sidelines and create new bonds with the community. As a quiet yet powerful leader, Amanda models best practices for her colleagues, mentoring new team members while advocating for the DSP workforce at the state level. For instance, when a staff member connected with an individual who rarely left the building, Amanda encouraged that staff to take the lead. With support, the individual began going out into the community every week, a breakthrough Amanda facilitated by stepping back and recognizing another’s strengths. This ability to lift others up is a testament to her leadership style.

Her innovative spirit also reflects Penn-Mar’s commitment to growth and improvement. Within her day program group, she consistently introduces meaningful, skill-building experiences, from mock job interviews to community caroling, helping ensure each person she supports builds confidence and independence.

“Amanda represents the very best of what it means to be a Direct Support Professional,” said Greg Miller, President and CEO of Penn-Mar Human Services. “Her ability to listen deeply and turn a person’s interests, whether it’s a love for literature or a simple request for an ice cream social, into a path for growth and self-advocacy is remarkable. She doesn’t just provide support, she creates a platform for people to lead their own lives with confidence and dignity.”

Beyond creative projects, Amanda emphasizes inclusion, ensuring no one feels left out, which is why she also leads Penn-Mar’s self-advocacy group, where she encourages the people in the IDD community to identify issues important to them. For example, on Developmental Disabilities Day, she helped participants prepare talking points for lawmakers, motivating them to share their views. For those hesitant to speak, Amanda respectfully advocated on their behalf, ensuring their concerns were represented.

Her recognition by ANCOR serves as a testament to her dedication to the DSP profession and her unwavering commitment to the Penn-Mar mission to help others Live Courageously.

For more information, please contact Roger Mecca at roger@vitaminisgood.com.

About Penn-Mar Human Services
Penn-Mar Human Services is a nonprofit that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to Live Courageously, whether that’s securing a job, being an active member of their community, building independence, or developing new relationships. Penn-Mar accomplishes this by supporting people on their own unique personal journeys. Founded in 1981, Penn-Mar operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in northern Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. They support 400 adults with disabilities daily through an array of customizable services. www.penn-mar.org.

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Penn-Mar’s Kathy Rogers Named One of Maryland Top 100 Women For 2nd Time

ggorham — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:34:40 +0000

– Maryland Daily Record’s Annual Awards Recognize State’s Most Impactful Women Leaders –

April 10, 2026

Baltimore – Penn-Mar Human Services, the region’s leading provider of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), is honored to share that Kathy Rogers, executive director of the Penn-Mar Foundation, has been named one of The Daily Record’s 2026 Maryland Top 100 Women. This is the second time Rogers has won the award, the first time happening in 2024.

“I am truly humbled to be named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women for the second time,” says Rogers. “Leadership is most meaningful when it is used to lift others up, a philosophy that sits at the very heart of our mission at Penn-Mar. I am proud to represent our team and continue this journey of service alongside other inspiring women.”

In her role as Executive Director of the Penn-Mar Foundation, Rogers supports the work of Penn-Mar Human Services by securing the financial resources needed to provide innovative and high-quality supports for people with an IDD, and she has been instrumental in leading The Penn-Mar Foundation’s dramatic economic growth in the past decade. In 2016, the Foundation had $4 million in funds. Today, thanks to the extraordinary generosity sparked by the $7.5 million Building Bold Futures campaign, which Rogers helped to design and lead, contributions to the General and Michael James Pitts Endowments, and strategic investment performance, the Foundation proudly manage more than $20 million.

This growth has elevated the Foundation from a vital safety net to a true strategic partner, enabling transformative investments that align directly with Penn-Mar Human Services’ long-term plan. “For the last 10 years, Kathy has been an indispensable member of our team, and I have had the distinct honor of collaborating with her on some of our biggest moments,” says Penn-Mar Human Services CEO Greg Miller. “Over this time, my admiration for her exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and transformative vision has only deepened. Kathy exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism—through her strategic management, profound community influence, and inspiring role as a mentor and guide to her colleagues and emerging leaders across our organization.”

Rogers has over 20 years of leadership experience in marketing, public relations, philanthropy, advocacy, and community development for national organizations across Washington, D.C. and greater Maryland. Rogers joined Penn-Mar in 2016 as the group’s chief development officer, after a decade with the American Diabetes Association. Outside of Penn-Mar, Rogers was

appointed by the Governor of Maryland to serve on a State Advisory Council. She also serves on several local non-profit boards, including the Baltimore Women’s Advisory Board of the Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) and is a graduate of the GBC LEADERship Class of 2010.

Since 1996, The Daily Record’s Maryland’s Top 100 Women has recognized high-achieving Maryland women making an impact through their leadership, community service and mentoring. Winners are selected by past Top 100 Women and business leaders based on professional and community involvement, corporate and nonprofit board memberships, and mentoring experience, among many other categories and qualifications.

The press can speak with Rogers or get additional info by contacting Roger Mecca: roger@vitaminisgood.com.

About Penn-Mar Human Services

Penn-Mar Human Services is a nonprofit that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to Live Courageously, whether that’s securing a job, being an active member of their community, building independence, or developing new relationships. Penn-Mar accomplishes this by supporting people on their own unique personal journeys. Founded in 1981, Penn-Mar operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in northern Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. They support 400 adults with disabilities daily through an array of customizable services. www.penn-mar.org.

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Crystal Rich’s Journey: From Family Caregiver to Empowering DSP

ggorham — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:44:09 +0000

Crystal Rich brings her drive and heart to help people grow and live more independently.

Crystal Rich assumed responsibility early in life for the daily care of her great-grandmother, who suffered from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Recognizing the value of her experience, she began considering how others might benefit from her insights.

After finding traditional school “boring,” she completed the GED High School Equivalency test and graduated at 17 from Carroll County Public Schools. From there she resumed her part-time job at a fast-food restaurant while she figured what to do with her “crazy drive,” as she puts it.

Crystal launched her professional journey in hospice care before transitioning, at age 19, to an Assisted Living Home. There, she earned her Medical Technician Certification and spent nearly two decades working in home care.

Alongside her healthcare career, Crystal obtained a Pennsylvania license to practice as a hair stylist and cosmetologist, though she viewed salon work primarily as a personal hobby while continuing to seek more stable opportunities for her family.

In November 2025, Crystal joined Penn-Mar as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at its Westminster Supported Living unit where she is part of a team that supports six people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), ages 25 to 70, facilitating their transition to independent living.

When she arrived for her job interview, the position she initially applied for was filled. Fortunately, her current position had just become available. “I feel like this was all meant to be,” she said. “I had no idea when I accepted the job all that it would entail but once I got here, I hit the ground running. Every day I learn as much from the people I support as they learn from me!”

Most of the people Crystal supports came from homes where they lived with family members and parents who, as they aged, began exploring other options for transitioning their loved ones with IDD into independent living.

Penn-Mar’s Supported Living Program provides tailored learning experiences and guidance to help people with disabilities pursue their safe, happy, and healthy independent living objectives.

“This is a very unique program that was developed for developed for people with IDD who are ready for more independence but still need support in their day-to-day lives,” Crystal said.

She noted that things are so different — and better — today for people with IDD. Crystal sees that progress every day. More people are getting out into their communities, volunteering, and working through Penn-Mar’s employment programs.

Crystal describes her daily responsibilities in Supported Living as “constructive chaos.” She meets with the members of her group at their homes and basically goes with the flow depending on their needs for the day which may involve medical appointments, unforeseen illnesses, or volunteering and employment commitments.

A significant component of her role involves teaching essential life skills such as cooking, laundry, and housekeeping. Once foundational skills are achieved, they move on to financial topics like responsible spending and bill management. “We want them to be free-spirited and open-minded about learning and making solid decisions,” said Crystal.

Crystal’s “crazy drive” ended up leading her to her true career destination.

In April, Crystal will travel to Clearwater, Florida to accept her associate degree from Ultimate Medical Academy. She is also preparing to participate in Penn-Mar’s Career Ladders Program to earn her NADSP E-Badge Academy certification.

“People with IDD are amazing and so much more than their disabilities,” said Crystal. “I’m excited to watch the people I support grow in their independence and experience more of what life has to offer. I love being part of that every day.”

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Four Years of Fashion Inclusivity: Penn-Mar Human Services and Jemicy School Disability-Inclusive Fashion Show Returns for 4th Year

ggorham — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 19:44:47 +0000

– “70’s Chic” Will Be the Theme of This Year’s Annual Event Now Open to the Public –

Baltimore – Penn-Mar Human Services, the region’s leading provider of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), will welcome family, friends, and, for the first time, the general public to the fourth-annual Penn-Mar and Jemicy School Inclusive Fashion Show, on April 10, 2026 at 5 p.m. at the Jemicy School, located at 11202 Garrison Forest Road in Owings Mills.

This year’s fashion theme will transport guests back to the age of rhinestone cowboys with a focus on “70’s chic” fashions created by several Jemicy students, designed specifically for the unique needs of 18 people supported by Penn-Mar, who will also model the clothing in the runway show.

Since the event’s beginning in 2022, Jemicy students have been creating original clothing pieces tailored to the unique needs and preferences of each Penn-Mar model, prioritizing both comfort and ease of use. During the runway show, models will highlight the accessible aspects of the student’s designs, all of which blend functionality with style. For many people with an IDD, the simple act of getting dressed can be a daily hurdle. By incorporating magnetic closures, sensory-friendly fabrics, and seated-cut silhouettes, these student designers are providing more than just clothing—they are providing dignity and autonomy.

“This show continues to be a celebration of inclusivity and creativity, showcasing how fashion can be for everyone,” says Penn-Mar Human Services’ CEO Greg Miller. “The designs created by the talented students at Jemicy School highlight the power of design to bring both confidence and comfort to the people we support. This event proves that fashion can be both functional and beautiful for all, while teaching the next generation of creators that true innovation begins with empathy.”

Jemicy School is a Maryland-based, college preparatory independent school that has been educating students ages 5-18 with dyslexia or related language-based learning differences for over 50 years. The school tailors its approach to fit the unique learning styles of each student, much like the way individuals with IDD navigate and adapt to daily life. Similarly, Penn-Mar empowers individuals to reach their personal goals and thrive in a world that often overlooks the need for inclusive solutions that address their specific needs.

The press is encouraged to attend the fashion show, but if they are unable to come to the runway event itself, the runway show will also be streamed live on Penn-Mar’s Facebook page.

The press is encouraged to attend but must RSVP by contacting Roger Mecca: roger@vitaminisgood.com. Photos and video of the event will also be made available.

About Penn-Mar Human Services
Penn-Mar Human Services is a nonprofit that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to Live Courageously, whether that’s securing a job, being an active member of their community, building independence, or developing new relationships. Penn-Mar accomplishes this by supporting people on their own unique personal journeys. Founded in 1981, Penn-Mar operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in northern Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. They support over 400 adults with disabilities daily through an array of customizable services. www.penn-mar.org.

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From a Film Festival Debut to “Rhinestone Chic” Runway Designs

ggorham — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 17:03:04 +0000

The Jemicy School and Penn-Mar continue their Fashion Show collaboration.

A Jemicy student designer and a Penn-Mar model pose together.

Last October, students from The Jemicy School in Owings Mills traveled to New York for the debut of their documentary, “Fashion with a Purpose,” at the largest annual high school film festival, All American High School Film Festival (AAHSFF).

The documentary, produced by Jemicy’s film department, highlighted inclusion through the unique perspectives of students with language-based learning differences. It follows Penn-Mar models with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) as they share their clothing preferences, are fitted for adaptive clothing, then step onto the runway alongside the Jemicy students who helped create those designs.

Five Penn-Mar models featured in the film were even able to visit New York City for the very first time to attend the documentary screening. They traveled with Jennifer Hisey, Penn-Mar’s Community Supports Day Program Manager, and three other Penn-Mar team members.

The trip started off smoothly, but an unexpected turn changed everything.

“Unfortunately, we missed almost the entire screening because protests in Times Square caused street closures. Although we arrived in the city on time and could see the parking garage ahead, it took us nearly two hours to park the van,” Jennifer said.

Because of the delays, the Penn-Mar models made it into the theater with only minutes to spare.

They thought they had missed everything, but little did they know, they arrived at the perfect time. The music in the film shifted just as they entered the theater. On screen, Penn-Mar models were walking with confidence in adaptive designs tailored to their needs. At that exact same time in real life, those very same models walked down the aisle of the theater.

A Penn-Mar model stands while Jemicy designers take measurements on her outfit.

As the models made their way to their seats, a quiet rumble moved through the audience. One of the models looked up at the screen and called out, “That’s me!”

“It was so impactful,” said August DiMucci, Jemicy art teacher, who attended alongside the student filmmakers. “That’s when it hit all of us. It just hit all of our hearts and made us teary-eyed.”

After the screening, the groups reconnected downstairs. There were hugs, photos, and a lot of catching up. For some, it had been more than a year since they had last seen one another.

“The loving reaction from the students was an amazing moment for the people we support,” said Jennifer. “The ones who saw themselves on the big screen were so excited. They felt like movie stars! It was a beautiful moment for all of us and one that we would have missed had we arrived on time as planned.”

This year’s annual Penn-Mar x Jemicy Inclusive Fashion Show is coming up quickly. It’s scheduled for April 10 at the Jemicy Upper School Auditorium, where 14 Penn-Mar models will be walking the runway in personalized adaptive clothing styled by 12 amazingly talented Jemicy School fashion designers.

The 2026 collection embraces the theme “rhinestone chic,” reflecting many models’ interest in Western-style clothing. The lineup will feature rhinestone accents, floral prints, fringed jackets, cowboy hats and belts, and lots of recycled denim donated by the Jemicy community.

New this year – the Fashion Show is open to the public as a free event. If you can’t attend in person, the show will also be live streamed on Penn-Mar’s Facebook Live. We can’t wait to see you there, whether that’s in-person or digitally!

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Be the Reason Someone Gives: Become a Champion

ggorham — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:57:01 +0000

Champions turn everyday moments into powerful reasons for others to give.

By Tina Chan Sweenie
Penn-Mar Associate Director of Development and Volunteer and Donor Engagement

Give Local York is coming up, and this is one of the easiest ways to make an impact in just one day. Hundreds of local non-profits have raised millions and advanced their impact through the Give Local York (GLY) 24-hours of community-driven giving.

The 2025 campaign alone involved nearly 13,000 people from across south central Pennsylvania who, in only 24-hours, raised $5.58 million for local causes that strengthen the community.

Penn-Mar will be participating in the 2026 event for the eighth consecutive year. This year’s event is held from 7 pm on April 30 to 7 pm on May 1.

We’re looking for Champions to help share Penn-Mar’s mission during Give Local York. As a Champion, your job will be to spread the word about Penn-Mar by creating your own Penn-Mar/Give Local York fundraising page with photos and a fundraising goal and connecting with 10 or more people from your networks to share what Penn-Mar means to you. Don’t worry if you don’t have any fundraising experience — we’ll equip you with everything you need!

By sharing your story, you will help others understand the difference Penn-Mar makes every day to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and why it matters so much to give back.

You’ll get the chance to work with Penn-Mar’s corporate Champions, individual supporters, and all of the employees at Nexterus, a New Freedom company that has selected Penn-Mar Human Services as its Charity of the Year.

To inspire you to become a Champion, here are a few reasons why our current Champions have already signed up:

“What inspires me about Penn-Mar is their purpose and dedication to provide every type of support to their residents. I chose to become a Champion to be involved in supporting Penn-Mar and their mission to be there for their residents.”

— Lesley Redmond, Bank of America

“Working directly with the individuals we support has shown me how powerful it is when people are given the opportunity to live courageously, pursue their goals, and be valued as full members of their communities. When our community invests in Penn-Mar, they’re investing directly in people — people with dreams, talents, and stories worth celebrating, just like you and me. Being a Champion lets me amplify that message and share the pride I feel in the mission we all work toward”

— Alexa Wheeler, Penn-Mar team member

“Becoming a Champion for Penn-Mar represents an opportunity to support a respected local organization driven by a genuine passion for service and dedication to its clients and the broader community. The organization embodies a “small-town,” family-oriented spirit that fosters a welcoming and safe environment, empowering clients and their families to build confidence, independence, and a true sense of belonging.”

— Jorgen Post, Post Supply

“I chose to become a Champion because Penn-Mar’s mission reflects the kind of community I want to be part of — one where everyone has the opportunity and is empowered to live their best lives. Their commitment to helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities build independence, meaningful relationships, and fulfilling lives is inspiring.”

— Charmaine Nyman, Barley Snyder

“When it came time to choose our Charity of the Year, we realized it didn’t get much more “local” than our neighbors on Far Hills Drive. We first met Bill and Ashley while visiting a coffee truck in the Nexterus parking lot; hearing Bill’s story quickly inspired many members of our team. That connection ultimately led us to select Penn-Mar as our adopted charity for 2026. As a Champion supporter, we’re proud to partner with Penn-Mar in empowering individuals to live courageously and pursue their best lives.”

—Nexterus

We’d be thrilled to have more Champions on board for the Give Local York campaign. To get started, please send tinachansweenie@penn-mar.org your answers to the following questions so we can highlight your involvement on our social media channels and in our newsletters:

First and last name (as you would like it to appear in print)

Why you chose to become a Champion – what inspires you about Penn-Mar and our mission?

Any personal story or example that shows the impact of our organization

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