Penn-Mar

No Shortcuts to the Future

ggorham — Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:58:33 +0000

Penn-Mar’s five-year strategic plan connects future priorities with the preparation needed to deliver person-centered supports.

Our Board of Directors recently approved Penn-Mar’s FY27 – FY31 Strategic Plan, charting where we need to go over the next five years and how to prepare today for what’s ahead.

Throughout our strategic planning process, we kept in mind that everything around us is changing, including technology, workforce needs, funding, regulations, and how people want to receive support. Penn-Mar needs to adapt while staying grounded in our mission.

Although planning began with a three-year horizon, the scope and interdependence of the work showed that meaningful implementation and lasting results would require five years. We not only asked what we wanted to accomplish, but also what it would take to be successful. The goal is not to try and do everything, but to do the right things, in the right order, and do them well.

This time, we brought strategic planning in-house and made collaboration central from the start. After the passing of Al Webber, our trusted partner for more than 25 years, the Board and leadership team chose to honor his legacy by drawing on expertise within Penn-Mar. I knew if we went this route, it would be an incredible amount of work. And believe me, it was!

Early in the process, a board retreat brought outside experts into the conversation to help us examine industry changes, emerging priorities, and current challenges. Board members and leaders then worked together in focused groups to shape the strategy, using AI tools to explore ideas more deeply.

We also invited directors and teams throughout Penn-Mar to ask questions, share perspectives, and refine the plan. I feel strongly that if we expect people to buy in, they should have the opportunity to weigh in.

The plan is centered on four interconnected strategies, all designed to strengthen Penn-Mar so we can continue providing person-centered supports.

Strategy 1: Use Technology & Data Better

Digital Readiness, Data-Informed Decision Making, & Organizational Effectiveness.

Given our organization’s complexity, we will use emerging technology to build a trusted, shared data foundation and disciplined decision-making process. With support from a business intelligence partner, Penn-Mar will set priorities, strengthen accountability and compliance readiness, use resources effectively, make faster and more accurate decisions, and better track outcomes for the people we support.

Strategy 2: Expand Choice & Independence

Empowering Technology & Service Model Evolution.

By advancing empowering technology, evolving service models, and improving communication, we can strengthen independence, choice, safety, connection, and outcomes for the people we support. We are committed to helping them and our team members use technology to achieve their goals, evaluate additional service options and geographic expansion where appropriate, and strengthen communication with families and guardians.

Strategy 3: Invest in Our People

People-Powered Organizational Readiness & Sustainability.

We will position Penn-Mar for long-term success by strengthening succession planning, talent strategy, performance management, and change readiness. There’s a lot of work ahead to improve how we measure performance, support team member development, and prepare future leaders throughout the organization.

Strategy 4: Prepare for the Right Growth

Growth, Partnerships, Merger & Acquisition Readiness.

It will fall on my shoulders to pursue opportunities that strengthen mission impact, growth, and sustainability while remaining values-aligned and financially disciplined. The goal is not growth for its own sake, but pursuing growth and partnerships that enhance Penn-Mar’s services to people with IDD.

Ultimately, the strategic plan brings every priority back to our mission: building a stronger Penn-Mar that can support people to live courageously for years to come.

I’m deeply grateful to everyone who helped create a planning process that literally broke the mold. Special thanks to Jenn Hobbs, Chief Development & Marketing Officer, and Audra Hurd, Chief Technology Officer, for their key roles in moving this important work forward.

The post No Shortcuts to the Future appeared first on Penn-Mar.

A Family Bond 30 Years in the Making

ggorham — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 20:24:23 +0000

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.”

The post A Family Bond 30 Years in the Making appeared first on Penn-Mar.

Ten Years of Career Ladders’ Impact

ggorham — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 19:59:58 +0000

Certification has “literally changed the culture” of Penn-Mar

Penn-Mar CEO Greg Miller vividly recalls the industry conference where he first heard Joe Macbeth, President and CEO of the National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), describe the people who support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) as skilled professionals whose work deserves recognition.

The message “stirred something” in Greg and became the catalyst for Penn-Mar’s partnership with NADSP. With the initial approval and support from the Penn-Mar Foundation, the Career Ladders program offered a structured pathway combining training, national certification, mentoring, leadership opportunities and compensation growth. Its purpose is clear: to help DSPs build careers while strengthening retention and the quality of support.

The program’s growth was made possible by Kay and Jim Pitts, who established the Michael James Pitts Endowment in 2016 with a $1.5 million gift honoring their son Michael who had received support from Penn-Mar since 2009. Their generosity inspired other families and friends to contribute, helping grow the endowment toward its $10 million goal. Kelly Baker, a former DSP and Career Ladders Program Manager since 2019, helped replace NADSP’s cumbersome Portfolio certification process with its E-Badge Academy. The self-paced online model makes certification easier to fit into demanding work and personal schedules.

With support and autonomy from her supervisor Jen Skelly, Kelly expanded the program’s resources, onboarding, and mentorship to help DSPs progress from DSP I to DSP III certification.

Since 2016, 221 DSPs have earned credentials through Career Ladders. Today, 125 current team members hold certifications, with another 109 working toward theirs. “Investing in our team’s long-term careers protects the trusted, stable partnerships that help the people Penn-Mar supports thrive,” said Kelly.

Kelly is especially proud that Career Ladders creates opportunities that did not exist before. The national credentials stay with DSPs throughout their careers, giving them lasting recognition and mobility.

“I now see myself as a leader…modeling Penn-Mar’s core values and mission.” — DSP Amanda Glenney

The program’s greatest outcome may be the transformation of DSP identity. Kelly has seen participants move from seeing themselves as caregivers to recognizing themselves as skilled professionals who bring greater confidence, intention, and accountability to their work. “Certification is all about being valued and seen, and it creates a huge ripple effect. When the DSPs grow, so do the people they support,” she said.

“The Career Ladders program has… taught me to listen with my whole body, because often, talking is done without words.” — DSP Renee Kephart

“Our certified DSPs have literally changed the culture of our organization,” Kelly said. “The work is demanding, but DSPs repeatedly meet challenges with resilience, compassion, and empathy because they believe the people they support deserve to live courageously. They will try over and over to achieve that outcome. They never give up.”

For Kelly, the 10-year anniversary is an opportunity to measure more than credentials earned. It marks a lasting culture shift: DSPs are better equipped to understand communication, respond to unmet needs, lead with Penn-Mar values, and build stable partnerships that enable people with IDD to thrive.

“I now see every behavior as having meaning, often tied to past experiences or unmet needs rather than just something to manage.” — DSP Whitney Dorsey

Joe Macbeth calls Penn-Mar a national leader in showing that investment in DSPs strengthens the entire support system. “The success of this partnership reflects what is possible when organizations embrace DSPs as skilled professionals whose development directly impacts the quality of supports and services people receive,” Joe said.

Ten years later, Career Ladders has become more than a certification program. It has helped DSPs see new possibilities for their careers while strengthening the support they provide every day. As Kelly puts it, “When people begin to believe in themselves, we see a shift in how they do their work and give support.”

“As a DSP we may not make world impact, but we sure can make an impact on the people we support, one interaction at a time.” — DSP Kim Njuguna

Support the Career Ladders Program

If you're interested in supporting the program, you can learn more about our ways to give.

Support CL

The post Ten Years of Career Ladders’ Impact appeared first on Penn-Mar.

More Choice Starts With More Access: Penn-Mar Showcases Assistive Tech Statewide

ggorham — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 18:44:21 +0000

How Penn-Mar contributed to Maryland’s Technology First Celebration and the conversation about greater independence.

At Maryland’s August 2026 Technology First Celebration, Penn-Mar helped spotlight how assistive and enabling technologies can expand independence, choice, and inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Through presentations, video features, and testimonials, Penn-Mar shared practical examples of how telehealth and virtual reality can help the people we support access healthcare and explore employment.

The annual statewide event celebrates Maryland’s official designation in 2022 as a “Technology First State.” Maryland was the eighth U.S. state to adopt the approach, which encourages considering technology early in support planning for people with disabilities. It promotes person-centered approaches to help individuals live, work, and play in their communities with greater independence, safety, and choice.

The conference brought together technology vendors, state partners, and people with disabilities from across Maryland to explore technology solutions. The goal is to connect families and service providers with innovative tools that can improve daily life for people with IDD.

The theme of the August 2026 Technology First Celebration held in Columbia, MD, was “Technology Solutions: Building My Good Life.”

Allis Kensing, Penn-Mar’s Enabling Technology Manager, has attended the annual event since 2022. This year she was joined by Amie Newton, Enabling Technology Resource Coordinator, and Penn-Mar’s new Chief Technology Officer, Audra Hurd.

And for the first time, Penn-Mar was invited to deliver one co-presented session and two video contributions, sharing its expertise and experience with Assistive Technology (AT) products.

Allis and a colleague from SEEC (Seeking Equality, Empowerment, and Community for people with IDD) presented a session on “Assistive Technology: Not Just a Practical Solution, A Fundamental Right” to share how AT supports choice, independence, and community inclusion.

“AT is a human right, not a convenience,” said Allis. “The issue is not about ability, but an access gap for people with IDD. Technology is part of everyday life, with 95% of U.S. adults using the internet. Research has also found that less than 3% of people with IDD receiving Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services were projected to receive assistive technology services.” Ninety-five percent of U.S. adults now routinely use the internet, yet fewer than three percent of people with IDD receive supports to get help to access it, or to be considered to use the technology.”

The Maryland Technology First Task Force also invited Penn-Mar to share its experience piloting StationMD, a telehealth platform not yet available in Maryland. Penn-Mar Residential Supervisor Emily Finnegan produced and presented a short video featuring testimonials about the program’s impact.

Penn-Mar also presented a video showcasing how Virtual Reality (VR) technology, funded through the Maryland Works Grant, is being used to support employment exploration, skill development, and workforce readiness at an employment boot camp designed for transitioning students preparing to come into adult services. According to Allis, this technology is a great way for a person interested in getting a job to be virtually immersed in different job experiences to help them explore employment options and the skills needed to be successful.

Allis has built a big network with other Maryland providers and the Annual Technology First event provides an opportunity for her to meet with them in person and talk about “the trials and tribulations of using tech.” She describes it as “an exciting place to be to share a full day of discovery and inspiration.”

Allis emphasizes that technology will never take the place of traditional services to people with IDD.

“In our field of human services there will always be the need for human touch and presence,” she said. “Technology will improve the lives of the people we support and help make the jobs of the DSPs easier, but in the end, it is just another tool. It will never replace person-to-person interaction.”

The post More Choice Starts With More Access: Penn-Mar Showcases Assistive Tech Statewide appeared first on Penn-Mar.

More Ways to Give, More Ways to Make a Difference

ggorham — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 20:29:36 +0000

Learn about three flexible ways to support Penn-Mar’s mission.

By Jennifer Hobbs
Chief Development and Marketing Officer

For Penn-Mar and many other nonprofits, year-end giving provides a significant share of the support we rely on throughout the year. It’s also a meaningful time to celebrate what your generosity makes possible and share about the challenges ahead.

While our current climate is difficult – intellectual and developmental disability services are flat-funded in Pennsylvania and experiencing cuts in Maryland – it’s also never been easier for supporters to donate in ways that are flexible, personalized, and designed to work best for both them and the causes they care about.

The bottom line: You can support the work you care about in a way that fits your budget and your plans for the future.

Here are three options worth considering: recurring gifts, donor-advised funds (DAFs), and legacy giving. Each offers different benefits, and each helps create meaningful opportunities for the people and families we support.

Recurring Gifts

Recurring gifts are one of my favorite ways to support nonprofits. Just like my Netflix subscription, my monthly donations happen automatically, so I can consistently support causes I care about in a way that fits my budget.

At Penn-Mar, you can schedule a monthly or quarterly gift online using a credit card, debit card, ACH bank transfer, Google Pay, or Apple Pay. Set an end date or let the gift continue, choose any amount you want, and adjust or stop it if life changes.

When I first became a monthly donor, I wondered whether my modest gifts would really add up. They do. Monthly donors often give for seven to eight years, and their total support can exceed one-time giving by 600–800%. For Penn-Mar, that steady support means more dependable revenue, better planning, and consistent services and opportunities for the people we support – even in uncertain times.

Donor-Advised Funds (DAF)

October 8th was National DAF Day. It was created to encourage awareness about Donor-Advised Funds. DAFs are one of the fastest-growing ways to give because they offer donors meaningful tax advantages.

A DAF can be established through a national provider, such as Vanguard Charitable, DAFgiving360, or Fidelity Charitable; or through a local community foundation. You contribute to the fund, generally reduce your taxable income, and then recommend grants to eligible nonprofits out of those funds. Because DAFs can be invested, they also grow over time and increase the impact of your giving.

You don’t need a large charitable budget to benefit from a DAF; they work well for many people who give regularly. About two-thirds of annual DAF grants are $1,000 or less, and many national providers have no minimum balance requirement. One more important DAF detail: contributions are irrevocable. Once money goes into a DAF, it must eventually go to nonprofits. But if charitable giving is already part of your long-term plans, a DAF can be a practical way to minimize taxes and maximize your impact.

At Penn-Mar, DAF grants provide support for high-quality and innovative programs, emerging needs, and new opportunities, none of which is possible via government funding alone.

Legacy Circle

Penn-Mar’s Legacy Circle is a way to invest in the organization’s future. I think of legacy giving as “funding the future” – helping the organizations I care about continue their work even when I’m no longer here to support them personally.

A legacy gift can also support a cause that matters to you without reducing the assets available to you and your family during your lifetime. For many of us, the largest gift we’ll ever make won’t come through an annual donation or event support, but through our estate plans. People who include Penn-Mar in a will, life insurance policy, or another arrangement become part of our Legacy Circle – a community committed to sustaining our mission.

Many donors never tell nonprofits that they have included them in their estate plans, and about 55% of Americans have no formal plans – leaving their wishes and loved ones unprotected! (Penn-Mar offers a free Make a Will tool to help with that). We don’t ask our Legacy Circle to commit to a specific gift amount or arrangement; we understand that life changes and plans do, too. Letting us know your intentions simply helps us more effectively plan for the future, express our gratitude, and inspire others through your example.

Your Support Makes Our Mission Possible

To everyone who supports Penn-Mar and other nonprofits doing vital work: thank you. Your generosity means that people with disabilities can access Assistive Technology for greater independence; secure meaningful, fairly compensated jobs; participate in their communities; and have skilled, compassionate Direct Support Professionals by their side each day.

There are many ways to support the people and causes you care about. If Penn-Mar is one of the organizations close to your heart, we’re here to help you explore the giving options that best reflect your values and goals. Thank you for being a critical part of our mission!

For more information or help making a gift to Penn-Mar, contact Jenn Hobbs, Chief Development and Marketing Officer, at jennhobbs@penn-mar.org or 443-491-9628.

The post More Ways to Give, More Ways to Make a Difference appeared first on Penn-Mar.

Housing Transition Project is Reshaping Penn-Mar’s Residential Program

ggorham — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 14:58:34 +0000

Single-story homes create an ideal setting for aging in place.

By Jackie Stevens
Penn-Mar Chief Operating Officer

A 2024 U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study puts life expectancy at 76.5 years for men and 81.4 years for women.

About 1 in 9 Americans age 65 and older are living with dementia.¹ People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) may also experience dementia as they age, with some research showing an increased risk among people with intellectual disabilities.² The risk is especially high for people with Down syndrome, with estimates suggesting that 50% or more will develop dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease as they age.³

This need is especially important at Penn-Mar. We currently provide residential services to 190 people, including 65 who are aged 60 or older and 40 between the ages of 50 and 60. For many people who receive residential services from Penn-Mar, these homes and communities remain an important part of their lives for decades. Our responsibility is to make sure their homes can continue to meet their needs as they age.

As people age and their cognitive or mobility needs change, Penn-Mar is reshaping its residential program so they can continue living in familiar communities, surrounded by people they know and trust.

An example rendering of a one-story house.

Penn-Mar began studying these trends eight years ago, looking closely at which community homes could continue to meet residents’ needs as they grew older. That planning led to the Housing Transition Project, formally launched in 2021.

Through the project, Penn-Mar is gradually replacing two-story homes with accessible, one-story properties that better support people as they age. Proceeds from the sales of the existing homes will be used to purchase accessible one-story properties, and we will also build new homes, as needed, to meet the demand.

All of this is to ensure that the people we support will be able to continue living safely, independently, and comfortably in their own homes and communities with the support team they have come to know and rely on.

Penn-Mar owns all of its residential homes, giving us greater flexibility to modify or replace properties as residents’ needs change.

Penn-Mar has adapted existing homes whenever possible, even converting dining rooms and offices into first-floor bedrooms so housemates could continue living together. But as cognitive and mobility needs change, modifications can only go so far. The Housing Transition Project identified 16 two-story homes, seven in Pennsylvania and nine in Maryland to be replaced or reconfigured as accessible, one-story residences.

A progress photo of the one-story (plus a basement for storage only) house in White Hall, MD.

Just in the past two years, we have sold four homes to help us purchase one-story homes. In July, we broke ground at a home in White Hall, MD, the eighth of the 17 homes on the House Transition Project list. When it is completed in December, it will be a fully accessible single-story home (with a basement for storage only) where residents will benefit from its open floor plan for wheelchairs and walkers, a smart kitchen with assistive technology, walk-in showers, and wide doorways.

Significant changes in the real estate market mean that finding the right property is more challenging today than when Penn-Mar expanded its residential program in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Homes in Baltimore and York County are significantly more expensive, with many priced between $600,000-700,000, not including the tens-of-thousands of dollars needed for accessibility upgrades and to meet licensing requirements. New construction projects are also difficult. It took 18 months to get the necessary permits to put a shovel in the ground at Shane Valley.

Despite the many challenges along the way, we have reached the halfway point of our 17 home transitions.

Through every transition, Penn-Mar’s priority is to preserve what matters most: the relationships and sense of home people have built over time. Their needs may change as they grow older, but that shouldn’t mean leaving behind the people and community that are part of their lives.

The Housing Transition Project is helping make sure their homes can change with them.

Footnotes:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Signs and Symptoms of Dementia.” August 14, 2024.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. IDD and Dementia. July 2015.
National Institute on Aging. “Alzheimer’s Disease in People With Down Syndrome.”

The post Housing Transition Project is Reshaping Penn-Mar’s Residential Program appeared first on Penn-Mar.

October 2026 HEART Award Winners

nvenn — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 11:00:00 +0000

The Penn-Mar HEART Award program recognizes team members whose passion and performance leave the mark of their own legacy through exceptional demonstrations of Honesty, Excellence, Advocacy, Respect, and Teamwork. We are proud to announce our latest round of HEART Award Winners! Join us in congratulating these extraordinary team members.

These paragraphs are shortened versions of the original nominations.

Christina Burkhardt, nominated by Nicole Ridenour and Emily Finnegan

Christina Burkhardt received two nominations that show how willingly she shares her time and knowledge. When another program needed help, she spent months supporting its supervisor, strengthening practices, and bringing the program into regulatory compliance while managing her own responsibilities. She brought that same follow-through to a person whose ongoing challenges needed closer attention. Christina worked with his support team, pursued additional medical testing, and continued asking questions until new diagnoses helped explain his needs. She then coordinated appointments and prepared team members to provide more informed support. Helping someone live courageously starts with taking the time to understand them, especially when answers are difficult to find. Christina carries that responsibility into her relationships with the people we support and her colleagues, helping others feel better prepared and supported in their work.

Jonathan Collins, nominated by Callie Miller

Jonathan Collins has a way of helping people feel comfortable, whether through a shared joke, a word of encouragement, or his calm presence when things are difficult. When the person he supports needed hospital care, Jonathan stayed by his side and continued supporting him at home during recovery. He brought both the reassurance of a familiar relationship and the careful attention needed to help his team provide consistent care. His coworkers see that same generosity in his willingness to answer questions, share information, and lend a hand. Penn-Mar’s mission to support people to live courageously includes being there when life feels uncertain. Jonathan offers that support with patience, warmth, and respect, while still finding room for laughter. He knows what the person behind the care needs and helps him feel valued through it all.

Dawn Findley, nominated by Joyce Silfee

When the local library’s ”Club Friendship“ was at risk of ending because of limited staffing, Dawn Findley stepped up to keep it going. She took the lead and welcomed people from agencies across Carroll County, preserving a place where they could enjoy activities, learn, and build friendships. Dawn understands how much those connections matter. She also customized a communication device for a gentleman she supports, helping him identify and greet others. With her encouragement and practice, he began initiating greetings on his own, proud to be the one starting a conversation.

Dawn, thank you for your leadership in helping the people you support be a true part of our community and for shining a positive light on Penn-Mar and our mission.

Joseph Fockler, nominated by Denise Lessner and Kristi Strausbaugh

Joseph Fockler takes people’s interests seriously and enjoys helping them see where those interests can lead. For one gentleman, that has meant practicing magic, visiting a local magic shop, and performing for others at the Day Program. Another person’s love of trains inspired “Train Thursday,” bringing people together to build tracks and share their enthusiasm. Joe has also helped the Penn-Mar Band grow from two participants into a group that welcomes anyone interested. These experiences give people opportunities to develop a skill, contribute something of their own, and build relationships around what they enjoy. That is Penn-Mar’s mission taking shape in everyday life, with people choosing what matters to them and finding the confidence to share it. Joe’s encouragement helps make room for each person’s talents and the possibilities that come with them.

Abigail Ford, nominated by Jennifer Hisey

Abby truly embodies Penn-Mar’s commitment to person-centered support through her intentional, engaging approach with the person she supports. When a gentleman she supports started talking about chicken, Abby followed his interest. Together, they explored recipes, and he chose Chicken Alfredo. She encouraged him to find the ingredients while shopping and work through the recipe, doing as much as he could independently. He proudly served his meal to others and, the following week, was ready to make chicken pot pie. Abby hopes to help him create a cookbook with photos of his accomplishments. This is what supporting someone to live courageously can look like: the chance to make choices, try something unfamiliar, and discover what you can do. Through her patience and encouragement, Abby helped a simple interest become a source of confidence, connection, and pride.

Kelly Gillispie, nominated by Tina Chan Sweenie

Kelly Gillispie saw a deadline approaching and knew people were counting on help. When Penn-Mar’s longtime accountant retired just before tax time, she reached out to her cousin’s accounting firm, Sturgill & Associates in Westminster. That connection led to the firm completing taxes for people we support in Maryland free of charge, addressing a pressing need and easing the burden on the team. Kelly made sure Development knew about the contribution and invited the firm to learn about Penn-Mar’s Golf Classic. Kelly recognized a need for the people we support and our team, and used her relationships to find a solution. The gracious, welcoming care she shows people at Penn-Mar reached into the community and gave a new partner a meaningful way to help.

Janine Harris, nominated by Nadine Gaetani

Janine Harris knows how much courage an everyday step can take. A gentleman she supports once needed someone beside him to move through much of the Day Program because of anxiety. Janine patiently built a relationship with him, offering encouragement as he became more comfortable navigating on his own. Each independent trip is something she celebrates, making sure he knows his progress matters. That attention carries into the activities she plans around people’s interests and the holidays she has worked so those away from family could enjoy a special day. She also makes time to encourage newer team members. Janine helps people live courageously by building the trust that makes trying feel possible. Her pride in their accomplishments reminds them that their efforts are noticed and that someone believes in what they can do.

Jennifer Hisey, nominated by Dawn Allen

Jennifer Hisey’s coworkers call her a visionary because she often sees a way to make something happen before anyone else does. Her question is simple: “How can we make this possible?” When Jen organized an art heist mystery at the Day Program, she brought Day and Residential team members into the fun, recruited an unlikely “thief,” and gave the people we support a mystery to solve together. She also brought Medieval Times to the gym, complete with costumes, games, and a royal coronation. Behind those creative ideas is Jen’s belief that everyone deserves opportunities to participate, explore, and belong. She puts Penn-Mar’s mission into practice by opening up new experiences and encouraging others to help make them happen. Her enthusiasm gives people a reason to join in and helps teams discover what they can accomplish together.

Gerald McKinnon, nominated by Nicole Zeigler

After more than 50 years in the field, Gerald McKinnon still takes the time to learn what matters to each person he supports. Whether they are heading out to fish or enjoying another favorite activity, he builds relationships that help people feel known and valued. He also notices what could make everyday life better. When a table was damaged, Gerald refinished it and created a protective cover with a lip to better support the people using it. His coworkers receive that same care through check-ins, reassurance during long shifts, and help when they need it. Supporting people begins with understanding them and being someone they can count on. Gerald brings that commitment to his work in thoughtful, practical ways, showing how much it matters to keep paying attention to one another.

Natina Newsome, nominated by Tina Chan Sweenie

Natina Newsome saw a year’s worth of photos and an opportunity to celebrate the people in them. Using her graphic design talents and the free version of Canva, she spent countless hours creating the 2025 PMC Day Learning Center Yearbook. She selected photos, edited content, and designed pages that captured accomplishments, friendships, and shared experiences. The project went well beyond her everyday DSP responsibilities, but Natina wanted to make something people and their families could enjoy. Penn-Mar’s mission comes to life in those pages through people trying new things, expressing themselves, and building relationships. Her work gives families another way to see and celebrate those experiences. With the creativity, humor, and care her teammates know well, Natina created a lasting reminder that each person’s story deserves attention and that there is much to be proud of.

Savannah Couch and Megan Odegaard, nominated by Emily Wingerter

Savannah Couch and Megan Odegaard knew something wasn’t right when a gentleman they supported in employment began experiencing changes in his speech and balance. He lived independently, and his family lived out of state, so understanding what was happening took patience, communication, and a willingness to look beyond his needs at work.

Over several months, Savannah and Megan worked closely with him, his employer, and his family. As possible causes were explored and ruled out, they kept advocating for answers and making sure his health concerns received attention. Their responsibilities focused on employment, but they recognized that his well-being needed a broader circle of support.

An eventual diagnosis of ALS brought difficult news. It also gave him, his family, and his support team a clearer understanding of what was happening and an opportunity to plan for his changing needs. Savannah and Megan helped connect them with Penn-Mar resources and kept his family informed and involved during an uncertain time.

They paid attention, followed through, and helped bring the right people together. Because of their shared commitment, this gentleman and his family had people they could turn to as they faced difficult decisions and prepared for what came next.

The post October 2026 HEART Award Winners appeared first on Penn-Mar.

Robert Zerance Retires After Over a Decade of Service on Penn-Mar’s Board

ggorham — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 20:16:16 +0000

“It was an honor to represent the people Penn-Mar supports”

At age four, Robert Zerance was struck by a car, suffered severe brain trauma, and spent 21 days in a coma. Today, he works full-time, holds a fifth-degree black belt in Taekwondo, and earned his red belt in Kenpo Karate. In July, he retired after 14 years of service on the Penn-Mar Human Services Board, where he was the first person supported by Penn-Mar with an intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) to serve on the board.

Robert’s life has been shaped by challenges, some of which were unexpected and some that he deliberately pursued.

He spent eight years living year-round at The Benedictine School in Ridgely, Maryland, where he began to envision the life he wanted and develop the skills that would help him overcome obstacles.

Robert moved into a Penn-Mar community home in 1997 at age 21. For the past 19 years, he has worked five days a week at Graul’s Market in Hereford, MD.

Robert is bold and adventurous. “I have no fear in me whatsoever,” he said. He loves rollercoasters and has experienced the thrill of skydiving five times, flown in a hot air balloon, and ridden in a helicopter.

He is committed to daily exercise and has become a dedicated martial arts competitor. After earning a fifth-degree black belt in Taekwondo, Robert moved to a studio in Shrewsbury, PA to study Kenpo Karate, a practical self-defense discipline that combines Chinese kung fu and Japanese karate. In just two years, Robert earned a red belt, placing him three belts away from becoming a black belt.

David Muikia is the Residential Supervisor at Robert’s community home and has known Robert for the past three years. He describes him as “a gentleman with good character” who is kind and empathetic toward everyone.

When Penn-Mar CEO Greg Miller was looking for a person supported by Penn-Mar to serve on the Penn-Mar Human Services Board, Robert was an obvious choice. Confident, articulate, and committed to Penn-Mar’s mission, Robert went on to serve for 14 years, bringing his own perspective and lived experience to the board. At his final meeting in July, he received an engraved crystal memento honoring his service, and his fellow board members recognized him for his decade of service and contributions.

“When Greg asked me to join the board, I was humbled that he saw value in me,” Robert said. “He said he was impressed with my devotion to Penn-Mar, how I always wanted the best for the organization, and was involved in a lot of things. He also thought I was a good listener.”

Board Chair Beth Pitts-Madonna said Robert brought an important perspective to the board.

“It’s critically important that the people most directly impacted by our work have a voice in shaping our organization’s future. Robert’s board service brought something no one else could bring: his own lived experience as a person supported by Penn-Mar. His perspective ensured that every decision we made was grounded in our mission and the needs of the people we support,” Beth said.

Robert was proud to give his time to Penn-Mar and took his responsibility as a board member seriously. He enjoyed participating in conversations about Penn-Mar’s future but felt it was time to step down. Robert is excited to see the next person supported by Penn-Mar follow in his footsteps and experience what he calls “the honor of serving.”

The post Robert Zerance Retires After Over a Decade of Service on Penn-Mar’s Board appeared first on Penn-Mar.

Central Penn Business Journal Names Penn-Mar’s Jenn Hobbs 2026 “Forty Under 40” Winner

ggorham — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 20:03:02 +0000

Each year, Central Pennsylvania’s leading business publication, the Central Penn Business Journal (CPBJ), announces it’s “Forty Under 40” award winners, recognizing the region’s emerging leaders under 40 who excel in their careers, give back to their communities, and are reinventing the local business landscape.

This year, for the first time, Penn-Mar’s Chief Development and Marketing Officer, Jenn Hobbs, was named an honoree of the award. But for anyone who works with Jenn, this comes as no surprise.

“What truly sets Jenn apart has always been her ability to deeply understand and share Penn-Mar’s ongoing mission,” says Kathy Rogers, Executive Director of the Penn-Mar Foundation, who hired Jenn in 2017. “Her work as an advocate for our mission and for inclusion of others is exceptional. Jenn is a leader people rely on and want to follow while being a great mentor to other emerging leaders at Penn-Mar and within the nonprofit space.”

Jenn joined the Penn-Mar team as an Associate Director of Development, but over the years, her vision, strategic leadership, and passion for our mission helped her grow into her current role as our Chief Development and Marketing Officer in 2025. Today, she leads efforts to secure critical resources, raise public awareness, and expand services that improve quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“No matter what role I have been called to do, the most important mission has been ensuring that the stories of the people we support are told in respectful, authentic, and powerful ways,” Jenn shares. “Whether I am advocating for disability inclusion and support, showcasing Penn-Mar’s growth and initiatives across two states, or leveraging philanthropy and public awareness to support our mission, the goal is to create a community in which every person has the agency to define their own future.”

Her commitment to service extends well beyond her office hours. Jenn serves on several nonprofit boards, including Action for Kindness and the Carroll Technology & Innovation Council. She also spends nearly every Saturday morning during the summer volunteering at the Hampstead Farmers Market to support local vendors and bring neighbors together.

For Jenn, building strong relationships is the foundation of real community change.

“I believe we all have the opportunity to leave our corner of the world better than we found it,” says Jenn. “The greatest catalyst for that impact is making sure the people we surround ourselves with inspire us, challenge our thinking, and help us grow.”

In her time at Penn-Mar, the organization has seen remarkable growth and achievement, supporting more people than ever before across two states. But along with the success, have come the inevitable obstacles. For Jenn, those challenges are just a natural step on the path toward something greater.

“The most valuable lesson I’ve learned from failure and setbacks is that they are always opportunities to learn and evolve,” Jenn reflects. “Some of my greatest personal and professional growth has come from challenges that didn’t go as planned, and those experiences have taught me that perseverance and perspective are more important than perfection.”

The post Central Penn Business Journal Names Penn-Mar’s Jenn Hobbs 2026 “Forty Under 40” Winner appeared first on Penn-Mar.

The Job That Shaped Me: My Time as a DSP

ggorham — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 21:02:26 +0000

How my years as a Direct Support Professional shaped the way I lead today.

National Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week (September 13-19, 2026) is a national observance celebrating the essential contributions of more than 1.3 million DSPs who support millions of people with disabilities nationwide. It’s an opportunity to recognize the dedication of DSPs and raise awareness of the essential work they do.

My wife, Terri, and I were DSPs in the 1980s, and it was the most important experience I’ve ever had.

In college, I knew I wanted to pursue a profession where I could be of service to people. I just didn’t know what form it would take.

Before our first job, Terri and I spent time with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Terri volunteered with Special Olympics, and I had always loved visiting two of my cousins who had disabilities. We had no fear when we started working professionally with the disability population because we just assumed we would find these same positive experiences elsewhere. And we did.

In the spring of my senior year, my family neighbor, Dr. Donald Rabush of McDaniel College, told us about a partnership with Target Community & Educational Services providing community-based services for children who were living in state institutions. Married only a year, we accepted his offer to move into a new Target home in Carroll, pursue our master’s degree, and support three boys with significant disabilities.

One of these boys was Michael James Pitts who would later move into a Penn-Mar home in 2009. I could not have known then how our paths would remain connected. In 2016, his parents, Kay and Jim, established an endowment in his name for the Advancement of Direct Support Professionals. Through it, Penn-Mar created its successful Career Ladders Program, a recruitment and retention strategy that enables DSPs to earn national credentials and commensurate wage enhancements while directly impacting the lives of those we support.

Our work in the Target home gave us an instant family and immersed us in a field that was just beginning to develop. Today, I tell Penn-Mar team members that their role is not to parent the adults they support because they are not working with children. Back then, our situation was different: we supported children with loving parents but also assumed some parental duties, including working with the school systems and making trips to the emergency room for stitches and seizures.

It was a time in our lives when we learned the most about ourselves. The work was demanding, but we considered it an honor. Being DSPs gave Terri and me the chance to reflect on who we were and how we could help others. That experience made me want to lead others in this work and began to shape a bigger question for me: How could I help make this kind of difference for thousands more? I could never have become CEO of Penn-Mar without that experience.

I still miss the hands-on, day-to-day work and problem solving through tears, laughter and everything in between. Those years gave me lasting empathy for our team members. I know how difficult it is when someone calls out and you have to work an extra shift. I understand the job’s many challenges.

While I am proud of what we have built during my tenure as Penn-Mar’s CEO, I am most proud when I see the people we support building lives they have chosen for themselves. Our mission is not measured by the number of houses we operate, or the money raised for our foundation. It’s about helping transform the lives of the people we support.

I will always consider myself a fellow DSP. I understand what this work asks of you, and what it can give back.

During DSP Recognition Week, I hope every DSP at Penn-Mar knows how deeply I respect the work you do. Decades after Terri and I first stepped into that home in Carroll County, I still believe what I learned there: being a DSP is one of the most important jobs anyone can have.

The post The Job That Shaped Me: My Time as a DSP appeared first on Penn-Mar.