award Archives - Penn-Mar

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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Penn-Mar Team Member Betty Huggins-Martin Honored with “Outstanding Direct Support Professional (DSP)” Award

ggorham — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 16:40:33 +0000

The community-based Senior DSP received a citation from Maryland Governor Wes Moore.

Betty poses at the award ceremony with her certificate.

In October, the Maryland Department of Health, along with partners from the Maryland Department of Disabilities and the Maryland Department of Labor hosted a celebration of everyday heroes who go above and beyond to support individuals with developmental disabilities.

Thirty-one “Outstanding Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)” were chosen from over 100 nominations, including Penn-Mar Senior DSP Betty Huggins-Martin. The honorees received individual citations from Governor Wes Moore to say ‘thank you’ for a job well done.

During the event, Department of Disabilities Secretary Carol Beatty recognized the transformational work of DSPs and thanked the honorees for providing outstanding support in the award category of community living.

“Direct Support Professionals support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with developing important life skills that allow for meaningful participation in all aspects of their community life,” Secretary Beatty said. “This can include finding and keeping jobs, enjoying recreational activities, and living safely in their homes and neighborhoods. Direct Support Professionals are the backbone of our community system of services.”

Department of Health Secretary Laura Herrera Scott called the day’s celebration “a small token of the recognition that DSPs deserve every day of the year.”

Betty remembers being completely surprised when she learned that her supervisor, Lauren Martinez, nominated her for the prestigious honor.

“Lauren is an all-around great supervisor,” she said. “She saw something in my work that she felt deserved public recognition. She always makes it her business to tell me when I’m doing a good job and is quick to show appreciation for the efforts of the DSPs on her team.”

Betty takes a selfie with a person she supports.

Only six months after Betty joined Penn-Mar in August 2022 as a community-based DSP out of Westminster, she was promoted to Senior DSP. Describing herself as a “team player,” she said her supervisor knows she is willing to do anything she suggests or asks.

“I know how busy my supervisor is and I want coworkers on my team and other teams to know that if they need something, I will do the best I can to help and accommodate them. I am very connected with staff, and many DSPs at Penn-Mar reach out to me for advice. I like being a ‘go-to’ person for problem-solving.”

The recent award recognizing her passion for helping people in need was “heartwarming” for Betty. She first provided emotional support and personal care for a neighbor when she was only 14 years old and “just kept going from there.”

Before joining Penn-Mar, Betty supported the elderly and those with Alzheimer’s. Seeing them smile when they succeeded in doing something they usually struggled with made all her efforts worthwhile.

“I get the same feeling today,” she said, “helping the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) at Penn-Mar live their best lives.”

Her recent award and the continuing training that Betty has pursued while at Penn-Mar have boosted her confidence and capabilities. She successfully completed a 12-month Professional Development training class, and in February she will obtain her DSP-III Certification, graduating from the Career Ladders E-Badge Academy program.

A natural “go-getter,” Betty pursues additional opportunities to enhance her skills and help her continue to be an outstanding DSP, be it side-by-side training with her supervisor or tuning in to relevant webinars.

And whether it’s helping the people she supports become more independent or devising innovative tools to help them communicate their person-centered wishes, Betty loves that no two days on the job are alike, with every day offering different experiences and breakthroughs.

“I love the direct support work I do in the community,” she said. “Looking ahead, my goal is to be a support team manager.”

That dream, and many more award opportunities, will undoubtedly be in Betty’s future!

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Penn-Mar Human Services’ Greg Miller Wins “Most Admired CEOs” Award Second Time

ggorham — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 20:46:54 +0000

– Maryland’s Top Leaders Recognized Annually by Maryland Daily Record –

September 29, 2025

Baltimore – Penn-Mar Human Services, the region’s leading provider of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), is proud to announce that President & CEO Greg Miller has been named one of 2025’s Most Admired CEOs by the Maryland Daily Record for the second time, having won the award in 2023. The recipients of this prestigious award are exceptional Maryland business leaders who have not only achieved remarkable professional success but show a strong commitment to community service. Their visionary leadership has earned praise from co-workers, board members, and community leaders alike.

“I am delighted to receive this award for a second time, but it truly belongs to the entire Penn-Mar team,” said Miller. “Our success has always been a collective effort. It is the unwavering dedication of our team and boards, the trust and generosity of our partners, and the courage of the people we support that allows us to constantly innovate and advocate for meaningful change. This is a team that strives to be better every day, and this award is a recognition of what we can accomplish together.”

Since beginning his career as a direct support professional (DSP) over 30 years ago, Greg has built an impressive career in human services, culminating in his role as CEO of Penn-Mar in 2012, and has overseen remarkable growth for the organization. Under Greg’s exceptional leadership, Penn-Mar has flourished, now serving over 2,000 adults with IDD annually through the nonprofit’s diverse programs. He has directly influenced the human services industry by helping to lead the shift from outdated “sheltered workshops” and sub-minimum wages to equitable, community-based employment opportunities within local businesses via Penn-Mar’s Customized Employment program. This commitment extends to person-centered initiatives, ensuring services are tailored to individual needs.

His insight was also evident in establishing the nationally recognized “career ladders” program for DSPs, offering education, credentialing, and wage enhancements, resulting in a staff retention rate 30% higher than the national average. In July 2023, under his leadership, Penn-Mar made a historic, $3 million investment in team members, increasing Direct Support Professional (DSP) wages, which continue to climb well above the national average. He also co-led Penn-Mar’s Building Bold Futures campaign, the group’s most successful capital campaign, raising an impressive $7.6 million, despite the global pandemic.

Greg spearheaded Penn-Mar’s Belonging Initiative, a culture-building campaign focused on fostering a workplace where every employee feels truly valued and supported. The program is designed to leverage the unique experiences of the entire team to create a more inclusive and connected environment and further bolster recruitment and retention while improving services for the people Penn-Mar supports.

“It’s hard to imagine a more fitting recipient for the Most Admired CEO Award,” says Penn-Mar Human Services Board Chair Beth Pitts-Madonna. “Greg is a true leader who has a deep understanding of the intellectual and developmental disability community. His profound commitment to the people he serves and their families, coupled with his strategic vision and compassionate approach, makes him an exceptional leader worthy of this recognition.”

Greg’s lifelong commitment to the disability community began in college with an introduction to Target Community & Educational Services. As a DSP, he worked directly with people with IDD to empower them to live life on their own terms. This mission became so personal that he and his wife, Terri, took a significant step and opened Maryland’s first home for children with significant disabilities.

This foundational experience shaped a career trajectory that saw him rise through every level of leadership at Penn-Mar. He spent years in various roles before stepping into the Chief Operating Officer position in 2000, and then becoming CEO, bringing decades of frontline experience to the top leadership role.

Media can contact Roger Mecca at roger@vitaminisgood.com to set up an interview or learn more about Penn-Mar.

About Penn-Mar Human Services

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Two Penn-Mar Team Members Walk Away with Honors at ANCOR Conference

ggorham — Thu, 22 May 2025 15:20:06 +0000

Strong leadership is more important than ever in uncertain times.

Gregory Miller
President/CEO Penn-Mar Human Services

ANCOR (American Network of Community Options and Resources), the leading voice in Washington for community-based providers like Penn-Mar, held their Annual Conference in San Diego last month.

This year was particularly special for two Penn-Mar team members who were publicly recognized for their leadership and commitment to providing supports for people with disabilities. It was a proud moment for our organization and an honor for me to be able to see both women receive the recognition they so deserved at this prestigious industry gathering.

After two years of training, Jen Skelly, our Director of PA Operations, graduated from the ANCOR Foundation Leadership Academy, where she took advantage of its training, mentoring and networking opportunities to help her grow as an influential leader in the field and to foster continuous growth for Penn-Mar’s team members.

At the conclusion of the training, participants were required to create a Capstone Project on the topic of their choice. Jen wanted to focus on something that would directly benefit Penn-Mar. She put all her efforts into a presentation entitled, “Advancing and Sustaining Leadership Development Activities at Penn-Mar.”

Within 24-hours of her presentation she was contacted by organizers at The ANCOR Foundation to develop and co-present a Conference seminar on her training experience called “Reimagining Leadership Development; Insight from the ANCOR Foundation Leadership Academy class of 2025.”

Another Penn-Mar team member, Christal Lovelist, was honored at the Conference as the Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Year for Maryland. Over 500 DSPs from across the nation were nominated for this Award and Christal was one of only 53 chosen and recognized for their hard work and dedication to supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Christal joined us in 2023 and made an immediate impact. An active participant in our Career Ladders Program with DSP-1 Certification, she supports 80 people in our Freeland Maryland Day Program. She is known for her innovative Day Program activities and willingness to cover shifts for Residential DSPs. Christal always goes above-and-beyond to meet the needs of the people she supports with compassion and creativity.

With its 2500 national members and the excellent programming at the annual Conference, ANCOR enhances providers’ ability to support individuals with IDD to be fully included and empowered in their communities. The association is a tireless champion for DSPs. They value the essential services DSPs provide and understand that they are not just a part of what providers do but the main component.

There was a lot of talk at the Conference about “uncertainty” as it relates to Medicaid funding. There is no question that cuts to that revenue stream would have a significant impact on how we deliver our services.

ANCOR does an outstanding job of making sure our federal legislators understand the importance of stable funding for programs that support people with disabilities and we as a provider will continue to collaborate with them to advocate for our fair share in federal budgets.

At Penn-Mar we’re guided by our Core Values. We are not one to walk around saying, “The sky is falling,” even during the toughest of circumstances. Our team members know we have an important job to do and are ever vigilant using the resources we have at hand in the most effective manner possible.

And in times of uncertainty, the strong leadership we cultivate becomes even more valuable as we navigate unknown territory. It can be scary, but it can also open the door to unforeseen opportunities.

My message to all of you following the many conversations last month with fellow industry professionals is that we at Penn-Mar will not be leading with fear but with innovative thinking and problem solving.

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Penn-Mar Human Services Honors Jeff and Cindy Lobach with the 2025 Distinguished Humanitarian Award

nvenn — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 19:15:20 +0000

- York, Pa. Philanthropists Will Be Honored at Penn-Mar’s 33rd Annual Gala -

January 31, 2025

York, Pa. – In 2017, Penn-Mar Human Services, the region’s leading provider of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), established the Distinguished Humanitarian Award to highlight specific individuals who have courageously dedicated their lives to community service and shown unwavering support for Penn-Mar’s ongoing mission and to the region. This year, Penn-Mar is excited to announce that life-long York, Penn. residents Jeff and Cindy Lobach will be honored with the 2025 Distinguished Humanitarian Award on March 1, 2025 at 6 p.m. at Penn-Mar’s 33rd annual Gala fundraiser, taking place at the Marriott Owings Mills Metro Centre in Owings Mills, Md.

Known widely in the York area, Jeff and Cindy Lobach have devoted their lives to service, community involvement, and adventure. Their work on the pro bono Golden Venture project gained international recognition. This landmark volunteer asylum project, undertaken during Jeff’s presidency of the York County Bar Association, resulted in Jeff’s refugee client, along with the client’s wife and daughter, becoming part of the Lobach family. Jeff and Cindy’s philanthropic efforts earned numerous accolades, including bar association awards, Rotary’s Service Above Self Award, the Crystal Stair Award from the University of Pennsylvania, and the Presbyterian Church USA’s Peacemaking Award.

“Jeff and Cindy are the epitome of what it means to Live Courageously,” says Penn-Mar CEO Greg Miller. “Our Distinguished Humanitarian Award acknowledges the people who have dedicated themselves to helping others and stepped up when help is needed most. Jeff and Cindy’s lives are a testament to their commitment to community, family, and possibility, inspiring everyone around them- including me.”

Jeff’s career spans more than forty years as an attorney. Recently, he concluded a record-breaking ten-year tenure as managing partner and CEO of Barley Snyder, where he oversaw the firm’s growth from 55 to 140 lawyers and expanded its presence to seven new markets across Pennsylvania and Maryland. Beyond his professional achievements, Jeff is an Eagle Scout and a committed community leader, serving on and chairing various charitable boards, including WellSpan Health, the regional Scouts Council, and the York Health Foundation. Currently, he is a member of six charitable boards.

Cindy’s passion for service began at age eight when she organized a backyard carnival to raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy. Her volunteerism continued as a Candy Striper and, for over two decades, with the Visiting Nurse Association. A Deacon and the archivist for York’s historic 262-year-old First Presbyterian Church, Cindy is also a trained accountant, served on the board of Lehigh Valley Restaurant Group for thirty years, and oversaw the operation of twenty Red Robin and ten Wingstop restaurants, which she and Jeff co-own with their partners.

The Lobachs are also avid travelers, having explored all 63 U.S. national parks, all fifty states, fifty countries, and every inhabited continent. They especially enjoy camping in their tent at national parks and cherish trips shared with their three sons, Bill, Dave, and Tom, three daughters-in-law, and three granddaughters.

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

About Penn-Mar Human Services

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April 2024 HEART Award Winners

nvenn — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 18:10:32 +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.

Jenny Brower, nominated by Jenn Hobbs

“As you may know, each year the Penn-Mar Gala features a Special Appeal video starring some people we support. This year, two of those people were Jay and Melanie. As a small thank you for their participation in the video, the video stars are invited to attend the Gala. Jay and Melanie were extremely excited to attend, and Jay even brought a date, Ashley.

However, to attend the Gala, Melanie and Jay needed transportation and wanted someone to stick around at the Gala in case they needed some support. Jenny kindly offered to bring Jay and Melanie to the Gala, hang out there, and even volunteer alongside the Gala team if needed, and then bring them home. She then stepped up even further, and when Ashley expressed an interest in having her hair and makeup done, Jenny offered to come over early to help her and Melanie with those items, and then bring all three of them to and from the event. Ashley and Melanie were super excited about having Jenny’s support to get ready.

Jenny’s willingness to do this was also helpful to the team members who work in Melanie’s, Jay’s, and Ashley’s homes, as they did not need to figure out transportation or staffing to support the others who live in those homes who would not be attending the Gala and may have other plans of their own.

Supporting Jay, Ashley, and Melanie in this way is not part of Jenny’s job description. She nonetheless went above and beyond to make their evening special and to ensure that they had a great time. When I thanked her for doing this, she brushed it off and said, ‘I always just see it as this is what we do to ensure the people we support don’t get stressed and get anxiety worrying about if there will be staff to support them.’

I am incredibly grateful to Jenny for always thinking first of the people we support and for doing everything she can to make Melanie, Jay, and Ashley’s evening memorable, fun, and stress-free.”

Maria Engler, nominated by Maricel Border and Tina Chan Sweenie

This HEART Award recipient received two nominations. The submissions have been shortened and combined.

“Maria Engler’s exceptional dedication to the individuals we support and her drive to create meaningful opportunities embodies the core values of Penn-Mar. Maria is always eager to get involved and foster partnerships to create opportunities for the Pennsylvania Community Participation Support. She constantly strives to improve both her skills and the quality of her work. She has played a critical role in the volunteer program and the Penn-Mar Advocacy Collective, serving as a Steering Committee member. She consistently seeks feedback, engages with the individuals we support, their families, and team members to ensure that their voices are heard and respected.

Maria’s extraordinary quality is her innate desire to seek opportunities for the individuals we support. Whether it’s building partnerships with York College, coordinating the Lunch Buddies Program at York and Penn State York Colleges, or vigorously advocating for increased funding for IDD services, she goes above and beyond to empower the individuals we support to pursue their chosen life. She is an example of dedication, as demonstrated by ID/A Day in Harrisburg, where, despite being on crutches and a scooter, she ensured that those interested in advocating were on the Capitol steps and attending meetings. Her passion is the driving force behind her work. She has an unwavering enthusiasm for the individuals we serve and a relentless advocacy for an inclusive environment.

Maria works as an Activity Coordinator at Far Hills Day Program. She searches for different places in the community to find volunteer opportunities that individuals would enjoy doing. Maria does a fantastic job with this! She also seeks out other meaningful community places that might interest individuals. In addition to her job responsibilities, she is willing to step up and do what needs to be done, even if it falls outside her job title. She helps team members and day managers whenever she notices that they need assistance. For example, when team members find it challenging to support one of their individuals, Maria will ask if they need help or time away from their group, and she is happy to provide a helping hand to support the group so that other team members have time for themselves, even if it is just for a few minutes. Maria has also been a tremendous help to day managers by offering her ideas and insights when needed. She is always eager to help in any way she can without hesitation.”

Courtney Fenske, nominated by Jodi Jones and Melanie Szvitich

This HEART Award recipient received two nominations. The submissions have been shortened and combined.

“It is with great pleasure that we nominate Courtney Fenske for a HEART Award. Few realize how much the Human Resources team does to support the organization. Courtney is a subject matter expert in UKG and troubleshoots problems. She maintains the data integrity of our HRIS. She often leads the charge as we continue to learn and optimize UKG, while juggling her full-time work. She is always willing and happy to help with whatever is needed; tracking down answers when we are in a crunch, jumping on a last-minute meeting, or brainstorming solutions to problems. She’s a great collaborator, is eager to explore new and better ways of doing things and brings a positive energy to her work.

Courtney lives and embodies the values of Penn-Mar every day. Her relationships with those she interacts with are built on mutual respect and collaboration. This last year was challenging for her department due to staffing and Courtney took on additional responsibilities. Her organizational skills and systematic approach served her well so she could move through each task and project to consistently meet deadlines for deliverables. She jumps in to assist other team members in Payroll and Technology whenever needed. Courtney has become the go to person for running reports and various needs around data. She goes above and beyond providing guidance and insight to supervisors on completing timesheets. She created individualized spreadsheets for supervisors to follow when an employee is out on disability; this step in the process has greatly improved team members’ being paid correctly while on leave.

In addition to being a pleasure to work with, Courtney is extremely knowledgeable. Whether finetuning an HR process, onboarding a new team member, or troubleshooting a UKG issue, Courtney’s attention to detail and ability to work in a collaborative manner helps lead to a positive result. Her ability to make a difference, even if it’s outside of her core role, is always apparent; she is a doer. She is willing to step forward and assist whenever called upon or on her own when she sees a need. She is a sought-after resource.

Courtney also approaches her work with a focus on the people we support as well as the front-line team members to best support the mission of Penn-Mar. Courtney is dedicated to the work we do and supporting the team.

For these reasons, we are grateful to have the chance to work alongside Courtney and feel she deserves a HEART award.”

Shawn Fuller, nominated by Valerie Cleary and Nadine Gaetani

This HEART Award recipient received two nominations. The submissions have been shortened and combined.

“Shawn works at the Maryland Day Center as a Senior DSP. In this position, he coordinates our community-based activities, volunteer opportunities, and regularly searches for new opportunities to expand our program. Shawn moved to this role during COVID and before our program reopened. This meant that there was no community supports in place for Shawn to use. Because of this, Shawn essentially built this from the bottom to the fantastic energetic program it is today! The core of Shawn’s work revolves around helping the people we support to connect with community partners to identify activities that they are interested in trying. He works with the entire day learning team to make each adventure work. He asks how each trip went so he can tweak any little things to ensure the next trip is more successful. To go a step further, the schedule encompasses all volunteer opportunities with corresponding team members and vehicles. Shawn spends many hours researching trips, as well as seeking feedback from fellow DSPs and the people we support. Along with coordinating trips with DSP’s and the people we support, Shawn is also responsible for managing all Day Program vehicles. This includes all routine maintenance and connecting groups with the vehicle they will be using. He is a man with many hats! There is never a day that his name isn’t called down the hall for someone needing assistance and there he is on his way to help no matter what.

I personally am part of an on-going partnership that Shawn originally started. It is at the Northeastern Senior Center in Mt Wolf. Shawn made the initial trip to the center to see if Penn-Mar partnering with them would be workable. Well, this relationship has blossomed due in part to Shawn’s relationship with the center. We are sending a group to the center on a weekly basis now. I spoke with one of the center’s representatives, and she said the members of the center look forward to seeing the people we support as much as we love attending it. What a phenomenal opportunity for the people we support and the senior center. This meaningful connection is due in part to Shawn’s hard work and determination to provide the people we support with such wonderful opportunities. He deserves the honor of receiving a HEART award, and if you ask anyone at Maryland Central, they will agree too!”

Amanda Glenney, nominated by Nicole Zeigler

“Amanda is a dedicated employee. She is the first one to say yes to anyone needing help, regardless of the circumstances or time of day. She puts her whole heart into her work.

Amanda is currently helping support an individual who needs a lot of extra patience and understanding. While many have shied away from helping support this person, Amanda stays consistent with the support she provides and seeks ways to improve their relationship. She has a non-biased view and is constantly advocating for the person she supports. Amanda will sit with this person and talk things out and educate her on her choices. Amanda is a supervisor of another residential program and has not waivered her willingness to continue to support this person and their team during challenging times.

Although she has her schedule overbooked with work, she still makes time to help her co-workers. If Amanda cannot be physically present to help her coworker, she is always available by phone as a sounding board and is creative with helping to find solutions. Amanda is often the first phone call I make when faced with a difficult situation and need input. She will listen and then pull the facts from the situation and help me work through a solution.

Everyone needs an Amanda in their life!”

Patty Maynard, nominated by Maria Engler

“Patty continually provides exceptional person-centered support. Her person-centered work is apparent in how the individuals relate to her and in their comfort with her care. They seem to all feel heard and valued by her. Patty builds trusting relationships with the people she supports. They often share information with Patty that they are not comfortable sharing with others.

Patty continually seeks new opportunities for the people she supports in the day program. She truly helps people to engage fully in their community. She does this by helping them stay engaged in three volunteer opportunities, which is above the usual number of volunteer opportunities groups tend to participate in weekly. Recently she had supported the group in planning ahead for a day trip that was a little more expensive than usual. They all agreed to save and budget their money leading up to the trip, so they could fully enjoy their day together. Not only is she keeping them engaged, but she is helping them build important life skills.

She consistently communicates with her manager and other relevant team members to keep the lines open when building community connections. If the group is unable to attend a volunteer opportunity, she reaches out to other staff to see how the volunteer opportunity could possibly be filled by another group, so that the place they committed to would have someone still there to complete the tasks. Her concern for this shows that she supports the importance of being consistent with our commitments. It shows to those that offer the people we support volunteer opportunities that we are consistent and dependable.

She is an amazing advocate and has accompanied those she supports to Harrisburg to meet with their legislators and participated in a Legislative Roundtable held at Penn-Mar with one of the gentlemen she supports. Patty’s presence and calm demeanor gave the person she supports the confidence to open up to the legislators about his story. She consistently encourages all the individuals she supports to advocate for themselves.”

Clarita Millares, nominated by Maria Engler

“Clarita Millares is a 1:1 staff member in the PA Day Program. The individual she supports communicates in a nontraditional manner, and Clarita has a supportive attitude towards him. She provides him with opportunities to communicate with others in order to improve his communication skills. She is often seen walking with him and helping him to greet other people in the Day Program. The person she supports has frequent and intense seizures, but Clarita handles them with care and professionalism.

Clarita is always enthusiastic about the activities they do together. She is happy to share in the excitement of his successes and is constantly “bubbling with joy” over how happy he is. Even with the fear of his seizures, she encourages him to participate in his community and live his best life. The smiles he produces while out are reflective of the joy he experiences during their time together. Clarita is a new employee in our organization, and she has been a great support to the person she supports and others.

She is always looking for activities to offer to the person she supports or to others who are interested. For example, she purchased an item she thought the individual would be interested in using, and he was delighted to scribble on the iPad with the stylus. Clarita also encouraged him to volunteer at the Senior Center and other places to see if it would interest him. She frequently tries new volunteer opportunities and leisure activities with him.

Clarita taught him basic sign language, such as “thank you” and “bye,” so that he would be able to build relationships with his peers and others at the Day Program and in the community. Due to her nurturing of his communication skills, the person she supports has become more social and participates more in group activities. Clarita is a kind and dedicated employee who promotes Penn-Mar’s values daily in her work.”

Ruth Rodriguez, nominated by Maricel Border

“Ruth has been an invaluable asset to the field for more than five years, and she consistently exemplifies the company’s core values of integrity, excellence, collaboration, and innovation. On a daily basis, Ruth provides unwavering support to three individuals who each have unique challenges. Despite minimal oversight from her supervisor, Ruth goes above and beyond to ensure that these individuals receive the care and attention they need to thrive within their community.

Ruth is a firm believer in the power of volunteering and community involvement, and she takes her group to two volunteer opportunities each year. One of the individuals she supports requires hands-on assistance in everything he does due to his motorized wheelchair. However, this hasn’t stopped Ruth from taking him and the other two individuals to First Fruit Farm every summer to volunteer. Ruth helps each individual with the tasks they can and want to do, such as picking flowers, plants, and vegetables, folding towels, and watering plants. The group always looks forward to volunteering at the farm and has built strong relationships with the people there.

Ruth also takes her group to the Golden Connections Senior Center, where they have been going for several years. One of the individuals loves to be a greeter but doesn’t communicate verbally. Thanks to Ruth’s help, he can now use a communication board to greet senior members of the center. Meanwhile, the other two individuals engage in different activities at the senior center. Everyone there knows the group and has formed close relationships with them.

Ruth is always looking for ways to support everyone to thrive and engage in their community fully. She encouraged her group to participate in fitness classes at the JCC, which has been especially beneficial for one individual who benefits from the additional physical activity. Even an individual with limited mobility was able to engage in the workouts.

Finally, Ruth has been working with a quiet individual who struggled to express her interests and needs independently. Ruth patiently encouraged her to speak more and offered her different activities until she found something she enjoyed. Over time, the individual gained more confidence and began speaking up about her wants and needs to Ruth and others. This has been life-changing for her and her family, who are incredibly grateful for Ruth’s dedication and support.”

Kelly Saxmann, nominated by Michele Jacobs

“I would like to nominate Kelly Saxmann for the Penn-Mar HEART award. Kelly exemplifies what it means to have heart.

When I first met her, Kelly was working as a part time team member when my son Scott returned to Penn-Mar after COVID. Kelly found joy working with Scott and chose to work regularly as Scott’s 1:1 DSP. Kelly shows patience and compassion daily towards him. She has such a positive spirit in her daily interactions with him and others. She genuinely takes the initiative to help him continue to learn and grow and to make his days a positive, fun, and fulfilling experience.

Sometimes Scott cannot fully express himself in a way he is understood. In these moments, Kelly works very hard to help him feel understood and supported. Kelly can work through difficult moments with him quickly. She recognizes that his actions are a result of not being understood and not who he is.

She always looks for and accentuates on the positive things he does and because of her he looks forward to every day when he can go to Penn-Mar.”

Hope Schneider, nominated by Pat Mason

“From the very first time I met Hope, it was clear to me that she is a compassionate and wonderful human being. Her infectious smile won my daughter Lauren’s heart instantly. What’s more, Hope treats Lauren with utmost respect and never talks down to her like she is a child.

When Lauren started attending the Penn-Mar Day Program, she was already distrustful and unresponsive due to her traumatic experience in another Day Program. One staff member was having a hard time connecting with her, but when Hope started supporting Lauren, she did everything possible to connect with her and gain her trust. Despite the difficulties and challenges along the way, Hope never gave up on Lauren and continued to work hard to build a positive relationship with her. Eventually, Lauren started to trust Hope, and they developed a mutually beneficial relationship. Lauren was always happy and excited to attend Penn-Mar every day.

On one occasion, Hope accompanied Lauren to a birthday event that Lauren was invited to, because I couldn’t take her myself due to prior commitments. Hope went out of her way to pick up Lauren and bring her to the event, and she also made sure that Lauren arrived home safely.

Another example of Hope’s caring personality is when I recently fell and broke my ankle and wrist. To help, Hope called me and offered to bring us dinner. It was a heartwarming gesture that I’ll never forget. These are just a few of Hope’s kind acts towards us, and I am confident that her generosity doesn’t stop there. I can’t think of a better reason to nominate Hope for the HEART Award.”

Lindsay Shafer, nominated by Natalie Finnegan

“Lindsay has been a tremendous asset to Penn-Mar over her years of dedication to this Program. During her years of service, Lindsay has exemplified what it is to be a Direct Support Professional. What prompted this nomination was the small, yet incredibly meaningful step Linsday has taken when preparing meals for programs during their time of grieving. In addition to planning and preparing a meal for a program that recently lost a person supported, Lindsay has added a note of encouragement and support to uplift the team. This has become something that Lindsay has done when someone we support passes and is welcomed and appreciated by everyone. This is just one of the many ways Lindsay demonstrates excellence in her work and compassion for those around her.

Lindsay supports many programs within Penn-Mar and is constantly thinking of out of the box ways to provide positive and self-directed support. One way Lindsay demonstrated this out of the box thinking was exposing a person supported to the experience of a Rage Room. Not only did the person enjoy this experience but they have also had the opportunity to build a meaningful relationship with the business owners that has been ongoing for a couple of years now.

Lindsay is what we aspire to be when we think of Direct Support Professionals. She is always on a path of learning, growing, and thinking of how we can do better today than we did yesterday. The Program is blessed to have such a gem on our team.”

Maria Swift, nominated by Teresa O’Brien

“Maria works in the Penn-Mar West Community Day Services program as a Senior Direct Support Professional and deserves to be awarded for setting the bar high for herself and others.

She consistently demonstrates her ability to be a strong leader. Maria was the recipient of the 2023 Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week Award by the MDOD and DDA.

Maria works hard and her mindset is one that embraces Penn-Mar’s core values by showing integrity and excellence in her daily work. Recently, she participated in several pilot projects, including electronic mileage sheets, PCI refresher course, and deep dive sessions for selecting a data management for the organization. Maria also volunteered to facilitate the monthly Senior DSP meetings so collaboration between teams can be prioritized. Maria fills a role that is much needed to help other DSPs to see their potential and ability to be creative, good problem solvers, and positive teammates.

With a full schedule providing support to those on her caseload, she finds time to be an active member of the organization with special projects, shout outs on Kudos to teammates, and brainstorming creative solutions. Thank you, Maria.”

Wilberforce Yeboah, nominated by Maryanne Kreuz

“Willy works residentially with four gentlemen. He takes each day to demonstrate his dedication as well as initiative in their care. He came to Penn-Mar with no personal care experience but has shown through his behavior and attention that this is where his heart is. Any time he is needed, Willy pitches in whether it’s for meals, showers, household tasks, transportation, or covering shifts. Will goes above and beyond to not only help the men in times of staffing needs, but also several other houses within Penn-Mar. His honesty is greatly appreciated, and he knows his limits and will communicate the need for more information or assistance. Willy is the favorite with the individuals he supports, and they seek his attention for Yahtzee games or just conversation. They know he is dependable and available to them any time they need him.

When Willy first came to this house, there was a person that he supports who was very resistant to male figures working in his home. Willy was resilient and with a kind heart kept working with this person to support them and let them know that he was not going to abandon him, and he was here to stay and to help. Through his genuine kindness and gentle persistence, Willy was able to over a period of 6 months to develop a very strong relationship with this person. Now Willy is his go-to staff when he wants to talk, go shopping, go to the movies, or out to dinner.

Willy takes time each week to meet with the gentleman and discuss what they would like to plan for the week. He takes the time to explore options and provide new experiences for the guys. 

For other staff, Willy has shared his experience and will teach someone who is struggling. He welcomes new staff with an open smile and a ready helping hand. If there are any issues, Willy takes the time to communicate and elaborate his concerns to resolve any problems. His top concern is always for the people he supports. During meetings, he initiates conversations about what the gentlemen need and gives good advice on how to achieve goals. As a new member of Penn-Mar and a new supervisor, I feel comfortable going to Willy and asking not only his advice but for his honest opinion. I am grateful to him for his steadfastness in a profession that is constantly changing. That is why I think Willy Osei would be the perfect person for the HEART Award.”

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Penn-Mar Human Services’ “Special Appeal” Video Wins Major Advertising Award

nvenn — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 16:07:03 +0000

-American Advertising Federation Recognizes Penn-Mar Promotional Video with Silver Addy-

March 12, 2024

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 the nonprofit has been recognized by the American Advertising Federation’s (AAF) Baltimore division with a 2024 Silver Addy Award. Penn-Mar’s Special Appeal video, produced for the group’s 31^st Annual Gala fundraiser in March 2023, was recognized under the category of Audio/Visual Sales Presentation. The award was announced at the AAF’s ceremony on February 29, 2024 at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. The Addy Awards recognize and reward the creative spirit of excellence in the art of advertising.

The Special Appeal video is a staple of Penn-Mar’s Gala, produced to further inspire and inform guests of Penn-Mar’s ongoing mission of empowering the IDD community to Live Courageously. Guests then donate in real time while at the Gala, and 2023’s video proved to be particularly inspirational, securing a record amount of funds. Judges found the video’s message to be especially powerful, delivering a commanding narrative about Penn-Mar’s mission and why donating to the organization is so important.

Filmed and produced by Baltimore-based production company Hartlove-Goodyear, the video concept was developed and coordinated by Penn-Mar’s internal team, including Senior Director of Development Jackie Summers, Director of Marketing & Communications Jenn Hobbs, and Chief Advancement Officer Kathy Rogers. Several of the inspirational people who have found success through Penn-Mar’s services and programs are featured prominently in the video, along with Penn-Mar CEO Greg Miller.

“This award is a testament to both our team’s talent and how powerful our message is when it’s shared in an authentic way,” says Rogers. “Despite a rather modest budget compared to other entrants, the Special Appeal video clearly made a big impression on the judges – just as it did on the guests who watched in in 2023 and responded so generously.”

The AAF Addy Awards are the advertising industry’s largest and most representative competition, attracting more than 25,000 entries every year in local AAF Ad Club competitions.

The press can learn more or gather 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 500+ adults with disabilities daily through an array of customizable services. www.penn-mar.org.

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Penn-Mar Human Services’ Commitment to Team Culture Rewarded With National Honor

nvenn — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 18:53:43 +0000

- Kudos Culture Award Celebrates Excellence in Workplace Culture -

January 18, 2024

Baltimore – Penn-Mar Human Services, the region’s leading provider of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), has been named a 2023 Culture Innovator in the Kudos Best Culture Awards. Kudos is an employee engagement, culture, and analytics platform that harnesses the power of peer-to-peer recognition, values reinforcement, and open communication to help organizations boost employee engagement, reduce turnover, improve culture, and drive productivity and performance. This is the first time Kudos has given an award to Penn-Mar.

“This award is a testament to Penn-Mar’s vow to create an exceptional workplace culture and foster a thriving environment for our employees,” says Paul Schiavone, Chief Human Resources Officer. “It truly reflects our dedication to employee well-being, engagement, and culture. We strive for inclusion and belonging for the people we support, but that dedication also extends to our team members, and we will never stop looking for ways to Live Courageously throughout all facets of our organization.”

Penn-Mar’s dedication to culture has been a priority since the organization’s founding in 1981 and remains a steadfast priority for the organization. This is further validated by the introduction of Penn-Mar’s Belonging Initiative in 2022, which gives Penn-Mar’s more than 500 employees an opportunity to share their individual work environment realities and challenges. It allows them to be more connected to leadership and recognize any areas for improvement to help ensure that Penn-Mar’s culture continues to be dynamic and inclusive.

The Culture Innovator Award highlights the following key areas where Penn-Mar excels:

Workplace Culture: demonstrated commitment and strides toward improving and driving a thriving workplace culture
Measurable Results: strong performance in Kudos activation, participation, and reach data
Innovation: presented creative and unique use cases of the Kudos platform to build culture

Now in its third year, the Kudos Best Culture Awards honor companies in four categories: Culture of the Year, Innovator, Leader, and Engagement Excellence. Winners of the Culture Innovator Award demonstrate an impactful commitment to the employee experience in a unique and modern way and have fostered a strong and supportive culture through creative efforts. These winners are known for thinking outside the box to boost engagement, morale, and regular recognition.

Penn-Mar’s team routinely utilizes the Kudos platform, and it has been a huge hit among employees, often using it to recognize peers with the platform’s awards system. Any team member can recognize a colleague, and managers can also award points alongside recognition. Penn-Mar team members can then cash in their rewards points for gift cards, Penn-Mar swag, or PTO, all while enjoying the recognition aspect of the platform. The posts are viewable to everyone in the organization, and keep teams connected across department, location, and shift, allowing the entire Penn-Mar team to recognize and celebrate accomplishments and applaud each other for exemplifying Penn-Mar’s Core Values.

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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