human services Archives - Penn-Mar

Be the Reason Someone Gives: Become a Champion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— Lesley Redmond, Bank of America

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

— Alexa Wheeler, Penn-Mar team member

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

— Jorgen Post, Post Supply

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

— Charmaine Nyman, Barley Snyder

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

—Nexterus

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

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

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

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

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Penn-Mar Gala Unites Local Community

ggorham — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 18:48:24 +0000

Annual fundraiser featured game-changing matching gift challenge.

By Kari Ebeling
Penn-Mar Director of Development and Special Events

Kari Ebeling and Greg Kahlert stand together at the Gala.

With more than three decades of experience producing large‑scale fundraising events, I’ve learned that every gala has its own personality, its own rhythm, and its own set of challenges. Stepping into my first solo Penn-Mar Gala this year, what stood out most was not the complexity of the work, but the way this organization, and the community around it, shows up when it matters most.

Penn-Mar’s 34th Annual Gala, held March 7th at the Marriott Owings Mills Metro Centre, stands as the cornerstone of our fundraising efforts. Thanks to the dedication of our incredible volunteers, the enthusiasm of loyal friends and supporters, and the energy of 500 sold‑out guests, the evening once again felt like a homecoming. Together, we raised more than $800,000 in support of our mission, a result that reflects what is possible when this community comes together with purpose.

With the need for philanthropic investment growing across the nonprofit sector, one of my goals each year is to keep the Gala feeling fresh while not losing sight of why we gather in the first place. This year, our production team focused on reinforcing Penn-Mar’s mission through consistent verbal and visual storytelling, so guests could feel who we are from the moment they walked into the ballroom.

Jenn Hobbs (L) and Kari Ebeling (R) smile and pose together in front of a Gala backdrop.

Lighted personalized photo centerpieces, a moving pre‑program photo montage, and the participation of the people we support in our Special Appeal video kept the focus on real lives and real stories. Those moments reminded everyone in the room why Penn-Mar’s work matters.

There were many standout moments for me this year.

Our sponsor family grew significantly, increasing from 22 sponsors in 2025 to 31 this year, a testament to the community’s belief in our mission.

We were especially honored to present Penn-Mar’s 2026 Distinguished Humanitarian Award to The Kahlert Foundation in recognition of its longstanding commitment to strengthening communities and expanding opportunities for people and families.

The Foundation also inspired the room that evening through a generous $200,000 matching challenge during the Special Appeal, encouraging guests to give in support of Penn-Mar’s mission. With their match, the appeal ultimately raised $450,000, supporting the renovation of our new Penn-Mar West Day Program location in Carroll County.

The Kahlert Foundation’s partnership continues to make a meaningful difference, including support for our Career Ladders program, which provides training and advancement opportunities for our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), the dedicated team members who make our work possible every day.

Kari Ebeling and Bill Wagaman, a person supported by Penn-Mar, smile and pose together at the Gala.

Volunteerism was also celebrated. We presented Northrop Grumman’s Sykesville team with the Jonathan R. Kinsley Impact Award for their hands‑on work enhancing Penn-Mar residences, from power washing and trimming trees to carefully tending garden beds. Their service is a reminder that support comes in many forms, and every act makes a difference.

And of course, a heartfelt thank‑you goes to Michael Adcock, who served as our MC and kept the program running seamlessly. Many know him as our dynamic auctioneer, whose talents have helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for Penn-Mar over the years.

As I reflect, I’m filled with gratitude and pride. This event succeeds because of the people behind it: the sponsors, volunteers, donors, staff, and guests who believe in what Penn-Mar stands for. And, true to form, as the last guests departed, our team was already dreaming, planning, and imagining how to make next year even better.

Thank you to every sponsor, volunteer, donor, staff member, and guest who helped make this year’s Gala a celebration of courage and community. I can’t wait to see what we’ll create together next!

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We’re Here: Then, Now, Always

ggorham — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 19:15:08 +0000

Recognizing the lasting presence, progress, and promise of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Gregory Miller
President/CEO Penn-Mar Human Services

The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) selected “We’re Here: Then, Now, Always” as the theme for this year’s National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Building on last year’s campaign, the message reminds us that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have always been part of our communities and always will be. By connecting the past, present, and future, the theme highlights a simple but important truth.

While the lives of people with IDD have significantly improved since 1987 when then President Ronald Reagan first proclaimed the designated month, millions still face barriers every day that make it harder to access the resources, relationships, and opportunities needed to flourish.

National data gathered by peer organization AbleLight reflects these ongoing challenges:

Some 710,000 people with IDD are on waiting lists for Home and Community Based Services (US Congress).

Less than 1 in 5 adults with IDD have paid employment in their communities (National Core Indicators).

Less than 3 in 10 adults with IDD participate in community groups or activities (National Core Indicators).

The work our team members do every day at Penn-Mar is critically important to serving a need. I often remind them that someone born today with IDD will require our support services 21 years from now. Since 1981, we have been ready and more than able to answer this need.

Penn-Mar’s services over the years have evolved from “taking care” of people with disabilities to providing them with person-centered support that allows them to live courageous lives of their choosing.

In our early days we were often removing people with IDD from horrible living situations to a much better environment, but we were still the ones “calling the shots.” Today, the people we support call the shots. We empower them to make good decisions by providing education, experiences, and exposure to opportunities that help them to choose and achieve the life of purpose they deserve.

Long ago we closed our Sheltered Workshop program and have embraced an “Employment First” mentality to help people with IDD pursue skills training, paid employment and career advancement.

Our Day Programs have branched out with a multitude of community-based offerings, ranging from restaurant, shopping and museum trips; to nature walks and fitness center workouts; to church attendance and volunteer engagement.

At Penn-Mar, “the future is now” as we have increasingly streamlined our services with assistive technology (AT) tools, Smart Home designs and equipment, and a transformative multi-purpose space at our new Washington Heights building.

Our mission at Penn-Mar is to promote courageous living and leadership for everyone connected to our organization. We do this by continually looking for innovative ways to make our services even better. When our strategic planning process begins next month, our board will be addressing more exciting changes for the future.

Jill Jacobs, Executive Director of NACDD sees National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month as “a reminder that people with IDD are always here, and that all of us have a responsibility to keep learning, engaging, and building communities where everyone belongs – every day of the year.”

Amen to that!

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Thinking Outside the Big Box

ggorham — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 19:26:48 +0000

After 30 years in retail, Daniella Amos found renewed purpose supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Daniella Amos

After three decades working in the retail field, Daniella Amos started to feel like she was ready to take a leap and explore different careers that excited her and gave her purpose.

In the 18 years she spent with BJ’s Wholesale Club managing two store locations and 12 years with Lowes, her responsibilities ranged from customer service to inventory control. In the appliance and paint departments she supervised, moving heavy equipment and 20-gallon paint cans were regular requirements of the job.

People were always telling Daniella what a “sweetheart” she was. Her customers loved her and would often stop her on the street or at a local event to tell her what “a kind and giving heart she had.”

One day she was approached by a man who was shopping in the paint department at Lowes. He watched how she helped a customer and asked her if she had ever thought about counseling children. “We could use someone like you in the Baltimore County School District,” he said.

While she had never thought of working in support services, she knew that the physical demands of her current job were starting to take a toll, not to mention the stress to continually increase sales, open new credit card accounts, and resolve customer complaints involving anything from damaged products to expired coupons.

Daniella Amos and a person supported take a selfie.

It must have been fate that while scrolling her Facebook feed, she saw an ad for Penn-Mar Human Services hiring Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). “Something pulled me in,” she said.

Daniella was hired in April 2022, and her supervisor Rhonda Morano said, “From day one, Daniella immersed herself in her work and quickly demonstrated strong commitment and capability.”

Daniella admitted that when she first considered the DSP position, she thought “support” meant doing everything for people. She soon learned that Penn-Mar’s person-centered approach gives people with IDD a voice to articulate their own wants and needs.

“Our job is to give them the support and independence necessary to achieve their dreams,” she said.

Daniella began her career in the Penn-Mar Central Day Program as a DSP group staff before transitioning into one of the Community Direct Support (CDS) groups. Currently, she supports four individuals in the community each day, consistently seeking meaningful, engaging experiences and volunteer opportunities.

Rhonda praises Daniella for her flexibility and dedication, noting that in addition to her regular 40 hour week in the Day Program, she has stepped in to support 11 residential homes as a substitute.

During her first year at Penn-Mar, Daniella felt “blessed” to be selected to attend the DSP Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS) Conference where she took advantage of the “eye opening” training workshops and informal discussions with fellow DSPs from Penn-Mar and other human services organizations.

Daniella Amos and a person supported take a selfie.

She is a 2024 Professional Development Program graduate and a Leaders in Our Midst award recipient. She is also currently enrolled in the Career Ladders Program to enhance her learning and to eventually mentor the next generation of Penn-Mar DSPs.

Daniella says that her community trips with the people she supports to places like the African American Museum and Negro Baseball League Museum have even connected her to her own culture. And her participation with Penn-Mar’s advocacy group has increased her understanding of the many advancements that have been made over the years to promote equality and inclusivity for people with IDD.

“I definitely found the right career,” Daniella said. “I want to help everyone feel their worth. It takes a strong person to do what DSPs do, to find ways to overcome challenges and form meaningful relationships. In many ways, my retail experience prepared me for this, and there’s no question I have gotten more out of my career here at Penn-Mar than what I signed up for.”

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Team Member Spotlight: Teresa O’Brien

ggorham — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 20:08:56 +0000

Each month, we highlight a “behind-the-scenes” team member whose work supports our mission, but whose face you might not often see on our social media pages.

We’re excited to help you get to know our innovative team and the complex work we do.

So, tune in for our #TeamMemberSpotlight, where our team members share in their own words a bit about themselves!

What is your job title?
Support Team Manager with Penn-Mar West in Westminster, MD

How long have you been with Penn-Mar?
I will be with the organization for 38 years in September 2026.

How did you get connected with Penn-Mar?
I began working with Change, Inc in 1988. In 2020, Change, Inc became a part of Penn-Mar. While working for Change, Inc in the early 90s, I collaborated with Penn-Mar on work contracts.

What was your previous work experience prior to Penn-Mar and how did it prepare you for your current role?
I have been supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) since I was 12 years old. At that time, I worked summer camps for the Arc of Carroll County. I also babysat for a man who had a developmental disability. He is the main reason I decided to learn about the field. While attending college, I worked for the Arc in their residential program. All of these experiences in direct support gave me understanding how to best support Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and manage caseload duties.

What does your work entail?
My work entails supporting people to live courageously in pursuit of their best life by meeting the expectation of Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) while still maintaining a community based person-centered program. I support DSPs to make sure they understand what a meaningful day should look like for the person they are supporting and ensure they have the resources they need to support a group of four individuals each day. One of those resources involves maintaining company vehicles by scheduling repairs and digging vehicles out of the snow. I make connections in the community to create volunteer opportunities, inclusion in community events, and environments to implement other meaningful activities. I develop and maintain relationships with families and other residential agencies. And so much more…

What’s an average day like for you?
I start my day early, reviewing my calendars. Those who know me, know that I use about three calendars. I just need to organize this way to keep from missing anything. I move to reading emails… I usually have emails to address from residential staff or families from the evening before. According to the day, I move on to the priority list. As I write this, today was approving timecards, filling in the comment section on those timecards, and completing billing which is approving daily logs. I like to make comments in the daily log to the DSPs on what they could add in future logs or share my appreciation for how support was provided. Today, I have a few 1:1 sessions. I do enjoy these sessions even when a DSP might not have much to share with me. This gives me opportunity to ask them questions to spark ideas they may want to implement with the people they support. Of course, there is a meeting or two (or three!) It is currently the season when many annual Person Centered Plannings (PCPs) are due for the caseload I support. I have two amazing Senior Direct Support Professionals (SDSPs) who help with this piece. It is in my role to support them to develop the skills needed to complete this task and prepare them for their next role hopefully within Penn-Mar.

What’s one thing you wish people realized about your job?
Managing a program that is 100 percent community-based requires you to be able to problem solve and pivot in the direction that the wind blows… sometimes literally. What do you do when you have a great day planned at the park and it rains? What do you do when the county buildings are closed for a holiday, but services continue? Managers who work in Community Development Services (CDS) full-time need to juggle many balls in the air. And we do it well!

In another life, your career path is….
In another life, I would like to increase my courage and be more like Olivia Benson from Law & Order. She is a character who supports the Special Victims Unit. She supports people with some unimaginable and horrifying situations. I would like to be as brave as she is to become someone’s shield and support system.

Why is Penn-Mar’s mission important to you?
I want to be a part of a team who supports people to live courageously in pursuit of their best life. The person with IDD that I babysat early in my life at one point moved to Virgina in mid 1980s. My parents took me to visit him, and we went to McDonald’s for lunch. One of the customers at McDonald’s asked my mother how she was allowed to bring him in the McDonald’s? She told my mother that she worked in a group home and they were not allowed to take the people with IDDs out in the community. This comment always stuck with me. I want to support people to experience as much as they can.

What is one thing you wished the general public knew about people with IDD?
People with IDD have a lot of interesting things to say. Be patient and listen.

What is your favorite quote or mantra?
“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see” by St. Mother Teresa

Any hidden talents or fun facts someone wouldn’t know about you?
Fun fact: One time in middle school, I snuck in the science lab and freed a live frog that was scheduled to be dissected by my class that afternoon.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, you’d visit…
I would love to see Itay. I have been invited a few times but unfortunately the timing wasn’t right.

In your spare time, you’ll be found…
Outside!!! Walking the reservoir by my home. Working in the flowerbeds, swinging on my bench swing.

A book, movie, TV show, sports team, etc you love:
When time allows, I do enjoy reading. I just finished an interesting book, Sociopath A memoir by Patric Gagne, PHD. I also enjoy watching the earlier seasons of The Walking Dead.

Something fun, interesting, or meaningful about yourself:
This question reminds me that I need to make time for some fun. My last big trip was to Costa Rica in 2023. Ten nights sleeping in eight different places. We only had reservations for a rental car and the first two nights of the trip. The rest was up to my boys to find an Airbnb… thank goodness they spoke Spanish. What a trip!!

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Turning Personal Goals into Real Supports

ggorham — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 18:38:09 +0000

Cindy Rohrbaugh’s Personal Outcome Measures (POMs) assessment helped turn her goals for independence into a plan.

Cindy Rohrbaugh poses with her father, Glenn.

Since 2014, Cindy Rohrbaugh, 45, has lived with two Life Sharing families. The Life Sharing program at Penn-Mar’s Pennsylvania residential program provides an alternative to traditional group homes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), where they can instead live with a qualified family or individual.

Raised by her late mother and grandparents, Cindy first came to Penn-Mar in 2005 when she moved into a community home. A routine request for her birth certificate revealed the name of her birth father, Glenn, who was living in a Penn-Mar residential home and working in what was then Penn-Mar’s workshop Day Program.

“I grew up without a dad in my life, but I was still curious to know him,” Cindy said. They reunited at her Penn-Mar home, an encounter that left them both utterly “speechless.” Glenn, who is now in his 70s, works in competitive, community-integrated employment, receives support services from Penn-Mar, and enjoys spending time with Cindy. They’re both grateful for the miracle that brought them together.

Cindy’s journey with Penn-Mar has provided her with residential choice, close friendships, long-standing employment opportunities, and community inclusion through its innovative person-centered approach to support services.

Penn-Mar conducts an annual Personal Outcome Measures (POMs) assessment for its residents to help identify their goals and measure progress toward achieving them. The process helps uncover what truly matters in a person’s life: their passions, relationships, health, safety, and personal rights. Through a structured interview, the assessment also identifies the supports needed to help them reach those outcomes.

Cindy Rohrbaugh poses at one of her part-time jobs, working at Saubel’s Bakery in Shrewsbury.

Overall, Cindy feels that things are going very well in her life at Penn-Mar. She has formed strong relationships with her Life Sharing family, team members, and friends. Her life has also been enriched by meaningful employment opportunities with the help of Jeannine O’Mahony, Penn-Mar’s PA Employment Support Manager.

“For the past 17 years, Cindy has been successfully employed part-time at Saubel’s Grocery Store in Shrewsbury. She also works several days a week for Chartwell’s Food Service’s contract with the Dallastown School District cafeteria, and she picks up additional shifts at Saubel’s when school is closed,” Jeannine said.

In her POMs assessment, Cindy specifically expressed two priority areas she wanted to address: a desire to improve her use of her environment and to participate more in the community.

“Cindy values independence,” said Natalie Finnegan, Community Support Manager. “She wants to be able to take advantage of all the resources in the community that interest her. This was an opportunity for us to start thinking outside the box.”

Transportation can be a hurdle to overcome for people with disabilities who have medical appointments, work, and social commitments. Penn-Mar provides transportation on weekdays to its day programs, workplaces, and homes. But Cindy must source other transportation to fill prescriptions, keep up with her doctor’s appointments, and take advantage of community events.

She has learned to problem-solve in most of these situations, but her POMs assessment revealed that this was an area of high importance to her that needed further discussion and input from Penn-Mar. She is now working with her team to investigate using Uber as a different means to help her be more independent.

From left to right: Natalie Finnegan, Cindy Rohrbaugh, and Jeannine O’Mahony.

Cindy appreciated her support team’s patience while going through the POMs assessment and felt it opened her eyes to other possibilities that she could consider with the help of person-centered supports. Recently, Cindy and Natalie reviewed the assessment again to identify what work was still needed to meet her goals.

“Penn-Mar is always looking for opportunities to improve and enhance our services,” Natalie said. “The results of Cindy’s assessment made perfect sense. It validated her need for independence and demonstrated why it is so important for us to create an individualized plan for her and all the people we support at Penn-Mar to reach their goals and build the life they want.”

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Breaking the Groundhog Day Funding Cycle

ggorham — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 17:16:41 +0000

How innovation and advocacy keep Penn-Mar moving forward despite frozen budgets.

Gregory Miller
President/CEO Penn-Mar Human Services

Are you feeling trapped in these endless cycles of freezing days and nights? When Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this February and predicted six more weeks of winter, it felt all too familiar.

Certain aspects of routine, like waking up to the “Big Chill” every morning, can feel like the “Groundhog Day” movie theme of “eternal recurrence.” Each year at this time, our work with government legislatures over funding takes on that same repetitive rhythm. The conversations are familiar. The challenges are predictable. And too often, the outcomes are as well.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro recently delivered his 2026-27 budget address, and funding for our services will basically remain the same. That leaves little room to absorb rising costs or cost-of-living increases for our amazing workforce.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s FY 2027 budget reflected the financial crisis the state has been battling. It includes an overall increase of just eight-tenths of one percent, alongside nearly $900 million in targeted cuts and cost-saving measures. For providers like Penn-Mar, that means another “Groundhog Day” moment in an all too familiar funding cycle.

February and March are intense months for us. We work diligently with both state governments to keep the funding from sliding backwards and to secure every dollar needed to sustain essential services. At the same time, we are engaging our Corporate Partners to secure sponsorship revenues for our March Gala, which funds the innovations that push us beyond basic services.

There are two sides to our annual funding story.

The hard work involves our advocacy efforts to keep legislators in Annapolis and Harrisburg keenly aware that the budgeting decisions they make have a profound impact on our ability to do our life-changing work every day. We are dependent on government funding, but it is becoming more challenging to get traction when year after year the process and outcomes are unchanged.

We deeply appreciate the bipartisan support expressed by governors and legislators for the work Penn-Mar does to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). But the frustration comes from competing with hundreds of other constituents who are also looking for critical resources. We understand that there is only so much money to go around, but the status quo in funding our services has been, frankly, exhausting.

While we remain fully committed to delivering exceptional day-to-day support, the most energizing work we do involves creating change that allows us to take greater control of our future. We refuse to remain stuck in a “Groundhog Day” cycle defined only by basic services funding.

Innovation is one of our core values. It’s transformative and serves as a key driver in our efforts to secure the outside funding needed to develop programs and services beyond the basics. These initiatives greatly enhance the quality of life for individuals with IDD and their dedicated team members.

Innovation strengthens the services we provide, enhances career tracks, and creates incentives for our team members. It’s what excites our partners, families, friends, and donors to generously support the Penn-Mar mission.

Critical to that support is the thoughtful guidance and vision of our Penn-Mar Human Services and Foundation Boards that has enabled us to grow despite routine and often disappointing “Groundhog Day” funding cycles.

If there is an “eternal recurrence” we welcome, it is our shared commitment to keep moving forward, innovating, and advocating, no matter how predictable the funding cycle may be.

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Team Member Spotlight: Matthew Muench

ggorham — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 16:42:58 +0000

Each month, we highlight a “behind-the-scenes” team member whose work supports our mission, but whose face you might not often see on our social media pages.

We’re excited to help you get to know our innovative team and the complex work we do.

So, tune in for our #TeamMemberSpotlight, where our team members share in their own words a bit about themselves!

What is your job title?
Associate Director of Development

How long have you been with Penn-Mar?
In April it will be 10 years.

How did you get connected with Penn-Mar?
A friend of mine recommended that I apply.

What was your previous work experience prior to Penn-Mar and how did it prepare you for your current role?
I’ve spent 20 years working in the nonprofit sector, where I built experience in grant proposal writing and learned the value of strong data practices. That background prepared me well for my role at Penn-Mar, which has challenged me, taught me a great deal, and helped me grow professionally in ways I hadn’t experienced before.

What does your work entail?
My work focuses on managing our constituent database to support fundraising and communications, researching and writing grant proposals, compiling data, and managing the behind-the-scenes segmentation and scheduling of our online communications.

What’s an average day like for you?
No two days are really the same. One day I’ll spend time in our constituent database, another I’m focused on grants, and another I’m working on data requests/reports.

What’s one thing you wish people realized about your job?
The critical role good data, collaboration, and effective grant proposal writing and management play in advancing Penn-Mar’s mission.

In another life, your career path is . . .
I would like to be a film studies professor, but I’m happy with the way my career path went.

Why is Penn-Mar’s mission important to you?
Penn-Mar’s mission matters to me because it’s rooted in dignity and independence, and supports people in living courageously and pursuing their best life.

What’s one thing you wished the general public knew about people with IDD?
I wish the general public would understand that people with IDD want the same things everyone does. They don’t need to be pitied or treated as “other.” They want to belong, to be respected, and to live happy, fulfilling lives with dignity, kindness, and love.

What is your favorite quote or mantra?
“Keep your eye on the donut, and not on the hole” – David Lynch

Any hidden talents or fun facts someone wouldn’t know about you?
Oddly enough, I’m a surprisingly good hula hooper. I’m probably rusty now though.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, you’d visit . . .
I’d like to see Petra in Jordan

In your spare time, you’ll be found . . .
Watching a movie at the Charles Theater in Baltimore

A book, movie, TV show, sports team, etc. you love:
My favorite movie changes daily, but at this moment it’s Paris, Texas by Wim Wenders.

Something fun, interesting, or meaningful about yourself:
I appreciate simple routines and quiet.

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Support That Endures

ggorham — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:16:23 +0000

A Decision That Helped Us Worry Less About Tomorrow.

By Chris Otto
Penn-Mar Parent and Legacy Circle Supporter

Mandy Otto poses with her parents at one of her favorite places, Disney World!

It can be an emotional time for parents when their children grow up, spread their wings, and begin to live more independently. For parents of a child with a disability, that moment often carries extra weight. Along with pride and hope comes the added responsibility of navigating complex systems of support to ensure their child can live a meaningful adult life.

Our daughter Mandy was born with Williams Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects physical development, learning, and various health issues. People with Williams Syndrome are often friendly, outgoing, and deeply connected to music, all of which describe Mandy perfectly.

When Mandy was just 18 months old, we moved north of Baltimore to Hydes, Maryland. She lived with us until she was 40, but we knew long before that it would not always be the right long-term plan. We wanted Mandy to have a safe, supportive home where she could continue to grow in independence while being surrounded by people who truly cared about her.

That search led us to Penn-Mar 26 years ago where we met Greg Miller. From the very beginning, we felt a sense of trust. As my husband John and I toured the day program and residential homes, we noticed the care, cleanliness, and attention to detail. More importantly, we saw the respect between staff and the people they support. I remember turning to my husband and saying, “This is it. We don’t need to look any further.”

Mandy moved into her Penn-Mar home in January of 2019. Like any major transition, it came with challenges. The pandemic in 2020 made those early months especially difficult, but the patience and empathy shown by her staff made all the difference. They helped Mandy adjust, feel safe, and truly settle into her new environment.

Over the past two years, Mandy has dealt with some health challenges as well. On one occasion, she needed an ambulance to take her to the local ER. The dedication of her staff was just unbelievable. They constantly visited her in the hospital and created a new diet plan to aid in her recovery. The communication between the staff and our family during this time was amazing.

Today, Mandy has a full life. She has friends, participates in day program activities, works several days a week at the local YMCA, and has become more independent and patient.

Most importantly, knowing Mandy has support gives us peace of mind. We no longer carry the fear of what might happen if we were suddenly unable to care for her. We know Penn-Mar will be there. That confidence is what led our family to include Penn-Mar in our estate plans and become part of the Penn-Mar Legacy Circle.

We are ordinary people. I retired after a career as a nurse in radiation oncology, and my husband retired from the National Cash Register Corporation. Like many families, our lives have revolved around our child. Including Penn-Mar in our plans felt like a natural extension of that care. It is a way to help ensure that the organization that supports Mandy today will be there for her and for others in the future.

The Legacy Circle is a community of people who have chosen to include Penn-Mar in their estate plans, often by naming the organization in their will. It is not about recognition or status. It is about continuity. It brings together families and supporters who share a commitment to making sure Penn-Mar endures to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for generations to come.

For our family, this decision was about hope. Hope that Mandy will always have a community that knows her, supports her, and values her life. And hope that Penn-Mar will continue to be a place where people with disabilities can live courageously.

The post Support That Endures appeared first on Penn-Mar.

34 Years of Transformation: Penn-Mar Human Services’ Gala Fundraiser Returns

ggorham — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 17:56:56 +0000

– Nonprofit’s Most Significant and Anticipated Event Welcomes 500 Supporters From Two States –

February 9, 2026

Baltimore – Penn-Mar Human Services, the region’s leading provider of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), will proudly welcome 500 friends, benefactors, and supporters to its most important fundraiser of the year, the 34th annual Gala, happening on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 6 p.m. at the Marriott Owings Mills Metro Centre in Owings Mills, Maryland. The Gala also marks National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month by bringing the community together to raise life-changing funds for those with IDD in the region.

Since its 1992 debut, the Gala has evolved into a cornerstone of Penn-Mar’s fundraising efforts. While public funding provides a foundation, it only covers a fraction of the specialized care Penn-Mar offers, and the Gala bridges a critical gap. Coming off a 2025 Gala that saw over $575,000 raised, this year promises to be even bigger, featuring a record of 30 sponsors, growing from 19 just two years ago.

“The Gala remains the heartbeat of Penn-Mar’s fundraising, transforming private donations into life-changing programs and expanded services,” says Penn-Mar CEO Greg Miller. “Without the support of others, and their unwavering belief in our mission, our ability to help the IDD community simply wouldn’t be possible. Working together with a common goal has led us to new successes and greater accomplishments, and most importantly, our ability to help others Live Courageously.”

One of the greatest highlights of the evening is the presentation of the Distinguished Humanitarian Award, honoring those who have courageously dedicated their lives to community service while showing unwavering support for the organization’s mission. This year, Penn-Mar is proud to recognize The Kahlert Foundation. Rooted in the legacy of co-founder William E. Kahlert, the Foundation has become a transformative force in philanthropy, distributing more than $200 million to over 350 nonprofits. Penn-Mar has been one of those grateful beneficiaries, receiving $834,000 since 2016, which includes a $400,000 gift in 2025, the Foundation’s largest-ever single contribution to the nonprofit.

These landmark funds are strategically divided to fuel two of Penn-Mar’s greatest priorities. $200,000 will strengthen the Career Ladders Program, which provides Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) with professional training, skill development, and career advancement opportunities, while the other $200,000 will serve as a match for the Gala’s impactful Special Appeal, which will fund Penn-Mar’s new building in Carroll County.

The Special Appeal continues to play a vital role in the Gala, raising $166,000 in 2025. With The Kahlert Foundation’s generous match, 2026’s Special Appeal should be especially impressive.

“The Kahlert Foundation’s philanthropic goals are perfectly aligned with our mission to help others Live Courageously and they embody the spirit of the Distinguished Humanitarian Award,” says Miller. “From advancing education and healthcare to championing causes that uplift individuals and families, the Foundation’s legacy reflects our commitment to empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live their best lives.”

Penn-Mar is also proud to recognize the Northrop Grumman’s Sykesville team with the Jonathan R. Kinsley Impact Award, named in memory of long-time Penn-Mar supporter Jon Kinsley, who passed away in 2023. This award acknowledges those who have selflessly dedicated their time and efforts to the group’s ongoing mission.

This remarkable group has volunteered countless hours to greatly enhance Penn-Mar residences, home to people with IDD, and supported by the nonprofit. Northrop Grumman’s commitment to excellence is evident in every project they undertake. From power washing and tree trimming to meticulously tending garden beds, the team approaches every task with equal passion. This hard work has done more than maintain properties. It has created safe, beautiful environments that truly feel like home for the people Penn-Mar serve.

This year’s MC duties are being handled by Michael Adcock of the renowned Adcock Auctioneers, who handle the event’s always popular live auction. The live auction will feature stunning jewelry, concert tickets, a rare bottle of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon, and destination packages like a fantastic wine cellar dinner for 10 at Antrim 1844, including an overnight stay for the lucky winner. There will also be the popular silent auction, filled with fabulous items, including sports memorabilia, fine art, spa packages, and unique keepsakes.

Guests will enjoy a premium raw oyster bar followed by a formal four-course gourmet dinner expertly paired with select wines. The celebration continues with live entertainment from the popular band Black Tie.

For additional details regarding sponsorships or ticketing, please contact Kari Ebeling at kariebeling@penn-mar.org.

About Penn-Mar Human Services

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

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