Penn-Mar’s Customized Employment program offers employers “value and talent” 

October 2025 is the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), an annual recognition of the positive impact of people with disabilities in the American workforce.  

This year’s NDEAM theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” recognizes the value and talent that American workers with disabilities add to our workplaces and economy while highlighting their past and present achievements.  

Penn-Mar’s Customized Employment program connects employers with skilled workers who bring talent, reliability, and a fresh perspective to the workplace. The program helps people supported navigate their own unique employment journey and serves individuals referred through the Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) and Pennsylvania’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). 

“All of our job seekers go through an initial Discovery process that explores their interests and skills to help us build a profile of their strengths and preferences,” MD Day Supports Administrator Danielle Gattine said. “From there, we expand our understanding of their employment possibilities and conditions for success, develop a resume highlighting their strengths, and finalize their employment plan before transitioning to the job development phase.” This model personalizes the employment relationship in ways that meet the needs of both employees and employers. 

Penn-Mar has five Job Developers in Pennsylvania and Maryland who research prospective employers in the area. “Their goal is not to look for specific job openings, but rather to develop and create relationships with these companies,” PA Employment Support Manager Jeannine O’Mahony said. “Ideally, the Developers have the opportunity to tour these facilities to be on the lookout for workforce needs that can be customized for a person with IDD and add value to the company by freeing up existing staff to concentrate fully on their area of expertise.” 

Danielle and Jeanine both credit Penn-Mar’s strong connections with local businesses as the main way they find meaningful employment opportunities.  

“We spend a lot of time building trust with employers and educating them about the benefits of hiring a person with IDD,” Danielle said. “Our unique workforce comes to every position with skills, job training, and an on-site coach to ensure that they understand their responsibilities and perform their tasks successfully.”  

Job placements depend on the job seekers’ interests and have included a range of positions in security, administration, schools and government facilities, casinos, bowling alleys, and dog day care centers.  

Several people supported by Penn-Mar have been employed at their current jobs for well over a decade, a testament to the breadth of opportunities available to them and the value they contribute to their employers.   

Cindy Rohrbaugh has been working in the bakery department at Saubel’s in Shrewsbury, PA, a family-owned grocery store, for 17 years. She truly feels part of the family! During the school year, she is also employed part-time by the food service concession at Dallastown High School, a position she has held for 14 years.

“We will never forget when we were told that ‘Cindy’s dream job is to work in a bakery,’ we knew we had to hire her at Saubel’s to fulfill that dream! The Saubel family and everyone who gets to interact with Cindy realizes how fortunate we are to have Cindy as such a loyal bakery

employee. She comes to work with a smile on her face and is a joy to have on the team! We only ever have positive feedback to share about Cindy. Since Cindy is also employed at Dallastown’s cafeteria, we only have the privilege of seeing Cindy on Thursdays, but I can tell you that is a day that myself and the rest of the team looks forward to!”

– Kelsi Saubel (Manager at Shrewsbury Saubel’s) and Betti Saubel (Owner & Manager of Saubel’s Markets) 

Eddie LaRicci has been a valued member of the team at Archetype Frameless Glass in Yoe, PA for 14 years. He helps keep operations running smoothly by cleaning and labeling custom glass samples and preparing them for distribution.

“Having Eddie on our team for over 14 years is a daily reminder of what dedication and consistency looks like. He’s not just an employee, he is family. We enjoy having him here not only for his hard work, but for his incredible knowledge of music, geography, fun facts, and his quick wit.

Eddie has a wonderful sense of humor and is a walking encyclopedia of music; he can name the artist and title for almost any song from the 80s and 90s! He often sings while he works, and his music, positive energy, and fist bumps make everyone smile.   

Eddie is the longest-tenured employee at Archetype Glass. He has helped to shape Archetype Glass in ways beyond his role. He brings a different perspective to the team, and he’s helped us build a culture where kindness and respect are lived out each day. His dedication, humor, and kindness make Archetype Glass a brighter, more connected place. We are very grateful for his work here.”

– Kevin John (President) and Samantha Zeiders (VP Contractor Sales and Project Management), Archetype Glass, Inc.

Tim O’Neil just celebrated his 25th Silver Anniversary working full-time for Bank of America in Maryland as a Service Assistant, where he helps to set up for events and assists with tasks around the office.  

“I cannot imagine our office without Tim. Tim is one of the first teammates I see every morning, and I am always greeted with an enthusiastic smile. Tim is a fantastic employee and always willing to lend a hand for any job, big or small. Tim is reliable, sincere, and dedicated. He takes great pride in his work and is exceptionally welcoming to all teammates. A lot of activities that Tim currently assists with drive positive employee engagement. Tim also volunteers on behalf of BOA in the local community quarterly assisting at local parks and food banks.” 

– Joe Waldron, Bank of America Senior Vice President; Consumer Site Leader

Robert Zerance has spent 18 years with Graul’s Food Market in Hereford, MD, most recently as a Parcel Pick-up Associate handling deliveries. He also assists with cart collection, tending to the plants and water coolers, and freshening up the produce selections. 

“We are lucky to have Robert on our team and are happy to provide a work environment that has made him feel at home over the past 18

years. He’s a very hard worker and incredibly popular; everyone knows who Robert is. We have several staff members who have been here for decades. Having Robert work here for so long only enhances the sense of community in the Hereford store. Everyone who shops here knows who he is and he knows the customers. People look forward to him greeting them as a part of their shopping experience at Graul’s.” 

– Jason Jeffers, Manager at Hereford Graul’s 

“The true success of our workforce comes from the natural support they receive from their co-workers,” Danielle said. “They make sure they have the chances and opportunities to succeed. For me, success is when everyone we support gets a job, loves what they do, and has the opportunity for promotions, raises, and professional development.” 

Jeannine feels that employment success is achieved when the coaches start “fading” because the team members are more experienced and independent. “It’s exciting to see the enthusiasm of the people we support and their sense of accomplishment when they reach this point, when the barriers break down, and they are treated like everyone else on the job.”