By Karen Cunnningham, Penn-Mar Sibling [caption id="attachment_14442" align="alignright" width="300"] Karen Cunningham stands with her husband and two sons, while Brenda sits on a chair in front of them.[/caption]My older sister Brenda has been an inspiration to me all my life. She was born with an intellectual...
An updated volunteer model provides a shared experience for people with IDD and corporate volunteers. [caption id="attachment_14420" align="alignright" width="300"] A group of people supported from Penn-Mar, DSPs, and Kelly Benefits employees pose together at First Fruits Farm.[/caption] On a gorgeous fall day, corporate volunteers from Kelly Benefits...
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...
[caption id="attachment_14409" align="alignright" width="300"] Kimberly Palmer[/caption]She's making her mark in a unique way.Kimberly Palmer is accustomed to people commenting on her magenta-colored hair, vibrant clothing styles, and Converse All-Star high-top sneakers with rainbow flames. And when the Penn-Mar Residential Supervisor frequently visits the organization’s Day Program,...
- Carroll County Nonprofit Organizations’ Partnership Proves Power of Community -November 12, 2025Baltimore — A powerful new documentary, "Thriving Together: The Power of Inclusion," is taking an intimate look into the lives of four Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). By showcasing their daily...
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...
We’re excited to highlight a “behind-the-scenes” team member whose work supports our mission, but whose face you might not often see. We want to give everyone the opportunity to learn more about our innovative team and the complex work we do.So, tune in for our monthly Team...
Horror fan Mervin Kearse finally gets the tattoo he’s wanted for 20 years. Friday the 13th was a lucky day for Penn-Mar resident Mervin Kearse.[caption id="attachment_14132" align="alignright" width="300"] Mervin shows off his Michael Myers tattoo on his upper arm.[/caption]Mervin finally fulfilled a dream he’s had for...
“It energizes me and brings meaning to my life.”[caption id="attachment_14112" align="alignright" width="300"] Angie Shaffer[/caption]Angela “Angie” Shaffer first joined Penn-Mar in 2012 as a Direct Support Professional (DSP). She spent two years working in a residential setting before moving over to the Day Program where she...
Assistive Tech will improve students’ job readiness through experiential learning.[caption id="attachment_14122" align="alignright" width="300"] Danielle Gattine and Lila Barchey stand in front of a Maryland Works banner.[/caption]With the support of a $30,000 grant from Maryland Works, Penn-Mar is expanding its Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) Bootcamp program focused on...