press release Archives - Penn-Mar

Four Years of Fashion Inclusivity: Penn-Mar Human Services and Jemicy School Disability-Inclusive Fashion Show Returns for 4th Year

ggorham — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 19:44:47 +0000

– “70’s Chic” Will Be the Theme of This Year’s Annual Event Now Open to the Public –

Baltimore – Penn-Mar Human Services, the region’s leading provider of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), will welcome family, friends, and, for the first time, the general public to the fourth-annual Penn-Mar and Jemicy School Inclusive Fashion Show, on April 10, 2026 at 5 p.m. at the Jemicy School, located at 11202 Garrison Forest Road in Owings Mills.

This year’s fashion theme will transport guests back to the age of rhinestone cowboys with a focus on “70’s chic” fashions created by several Jemicy students, designed specifically for the unique needs of 18 people supported by Penn-Mar, who will also model the clothing in the runway show.

Since the event’s beginning in 2022, Jemicy students have been creating original clothing pieces tailored to the unique needs and preferences of each Penn-Mar model, prioritizing both comfort and ease of use. During the runway show, models will highlight the accessible aspects of the student’s designs, all of which blend functionality with style. For many people with an IDD, the simple act of getting dressed can be a daily hurdle. By incorporating magnetic closures, sensory-friendly fabrics, and seated-cut silhouettes, these student designers are providing more than just clothing—they are providing dignity and autonomy.

“This show continues to be a celebration of inclusivity and creativity, showcasing how fashion can be for everyone,” says Penn-Mar Human Services’ CEO Greg Miller. “The designs created by the talented students at Jemicy School highlight the power of design to bring both confidence and comfort to the people we support. This event proves that fashion can be both functional and beautiful for all, while teaching the next generation of creators that true innovation begins with empathy.”

Jemicy School is a Maryland-based, college preparatory independent school that has been educating students ages 5-18 with dyslexia or related language-based learning differences for over 50 years. The school tailors its approach to fit the unique learning styles of each student, much like the way individuals with IDD navigate and adapt to daily life. Similarly, Penn-Mar empowers individuals to reach their personal goals and thrive in a world that often overlooks the need for inclusive solutions that address their specific needs.

The press is encouraged to attend the fashion show, but if they are unable to come to the runway event itself, the runway show will also be streamed live on Penn-Mar’s Facebook page.

The press is encouraged to attend but must RSVP by contacting Roger Mecca: roger@vitaminisgood.com. Photos and video of the event will also be made available.

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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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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Penn-Mar Human Services Names The Kahlert Foundation as Recipient of 2026 “Distinguished Humanitarian Award”

ggorham — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 20:27:10 +0000

– The Kahlert Foundation Will Be Honored at Penn-Mar’s 34th Annual Gala –

January 20, 2026

Baltimore – Penn-Mar Human Services, the region’s leading provider of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), has awarded its 2026 Distinguished Humanitarian Award to The Kahlert Foundation. Started in 1991, the Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in Maryland and Utah, two states that have played a close role in the lives of the Kahlert family. Penn-Mar CEO Greg Miller will present the Distinguished Humanitarian Award to The Kahlert Foundation at Penn-Mar’s 34th Annual Gala, on March 7, 2026 at the Marriott Owings Mills Metro Centre in Owings Mills, Maryland.

The Award recognizes the Foundation’s extraordinary philanthropic leadership and broad multi-region impact. Rooted in the legacy of William E. Kahlert, Greg Kahlert’s father and co-founder of Maryland-based global manufacturer EVAPCO, the Foundation has grown into a deeply impactful family foundation, distributing more than $200 million to over 350 nonprofits since its inception.

“The Kahlert Foundation’s philanthropic goals are perfectly aligned with our mission to help others Live Courageously,” said Greg Miller, CEO of Penn-Mar Human Services. “From advancing education and healthcare, to championing causes that uplift individuals and families, The Foundation’s legacy of philanthropy reflects Penn-Mar’s mission to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live their best lives, and we are honored to recognize their tireless efforts.”

In addition to supporting hundreds of nonprofits throughout Maryland and Utah, the Kahlert Foundation also has a proud history of supporting Penn-Mar, awarding $834,000 to the nonprofit since 2016, including a 2025 gift of $400,000, its largest-ever single gift to the nonprofit. These recent funds will be equally divided: $200,000 will be used for a challenge match at the upcoming Gala appeal to directly fund Penn-Mar’s growth and expansion in Carroll County, while the other $200,000 will be utilized for Penn-Mar’s highly successful Career Ladders Program, an educational initiative designed to provide Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) with professional training, skill development, and career advancement opportunities.

“The Kahlert Foundation is incredibly honored to receive this recognition,” shared Greg Kahlert, President & CEO. “Since its inception, our goal has been to invest in organizations that advance our communities and support our nonprofit partners to expand and enhance their critical work. We are humbled to join the ranks of past Distinguished Humanitarian Honorees and are grateful for the opportunity to highlight our Foundation’s mission alongside the mission of Penn-Mar.”

Media can contact Roger Mecca at roger@vitaminisgood.com to set up an interview or learn more about Penn-Mar, The Kahlert Foundation, and this significant news.

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.

About The Kahlert Foundation
The Kahlert Foundation provides grants to non-profit organizations to improve the quality of life and well-being of the community in the areas of health care, education, veteran organizations, youth programs, and human services. In 2026 , more than $30 million will be gifted to hundreds of charities in the states of Maryland and Utah.

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Penn-Mar Human Services Names Jen Skelly as Director of Talent Development

ggorham — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 16:27:06 +0000

– 23-Year Penn-Mar Employee Will Lead Nonprofit’s Professional Development Strategy –

October 21, 2025

York, Pa. – Penn-Mar Human Services, the region’s leading provider of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), today announced the appointment of Jen Skelly as its new director of talent development. Jen is a 23-year veteran of the organization and will lead the agency’s professional development strategy to foster a culture of growth and support for all team members.

Jen began her career at Penn-Mar in 2002 as a residential program manager, rising through the ranks to most recently serve as the director of Pennsylvania operations. Her new role signifies a strategic organizational change, aligning the Learning and Development department more closely with the broader mission of individual and supervisory leadership growth. She will work directly with the HR team to execute a comprehensive talent development strategy.

“For 23 years, Jen has been devoted to advancing her own professional development to better support our team’s growth,” said Penn-Mar CEO Greg Miller. “Jen has a truly person-centered approach to developing employees, always trying to understand their individual motivations and using that insight to help them achieve new career goals. I have no doubt that her leadership will be transformative for our staff and, ultimately, for the people we support.”

Jen has always shown a devotion to professional growth at Penn-Mar. Her past accomplishments include the creation of the 10-month-long, invitational Professional Development Program (PDP) in 2020. This program provides rising Direct Support Professionals (DSP) with essential skills to prepare them for career advancement within the organization. She has also overseen the expansion of the DSP-focused Career Ladders program and the launch of the Front-Line Supervisor program.

In 2025, Jen’s personal commitment to her own growth was recognized when she graduated from the ANCOR Foundation Leadership Academy, a two-year program created to nurture emerging leaders in the field of disability services. For her final project, she developed and presented a plan entitled, “Advancing and Sustaining Leadership Development Activities at Penn-Mar.”

“I am incredibly grateful to Penn-Mar for supporting my own professional journey, which has helped me grow as a leader,” says Jen Skelly. “I want to honor the organization by developing programs that empower our team members to grow in their own leadership capacity, which in turn ensures we are providing the highest quality of support and helping the people we serve live their most meaningful lives.”

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 Human Services Selects Ally Comerci to Lead Pennsylvania Operations

ggorham — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 15:11:16 +0000

– 11-Year Penn-Mar Employee Will Oversee Group’s Services and Programs Across State –

October 7, 2025

Baltimore – Penn-Mar Human Services, the region’s leading provider of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), today announced the promotion of Ally Comerci to director of operations for the organization’s work in Pennsylvania. In her new role, Ally will oversee all day-to-day programs and services, ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality, person-centered support for the IDD community.

In her new role, Comerci will expand her responsibilities to include the supervision of the Pennsylvania quality team, nursing, and behavior specialists. She will also lead the Pennsylvania administrative support team.

A dedicated member of the Penn-Mar team for 11 years, Ally brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of the organization’s mission to her new leadership role. She previously served as Assistant Director in Pennsylvania, where she was instrumental in the design and oversight of programs and services, and her strong leadership and in-depth knowledge of Pennsylvania’s operations have been key to Penn-Mar’s success in the Keystone State. Comerci’s commitment to the IDD community and professional growth is further demonstrated by her current participation in the Leadership Excellence program offered by the Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disability Institute (PAR).

“Ally’s long history of experience and demonstrated excellence in leading people and teams at Penn-Mar make her the ideal person to step into this role,” says Penn-Mar CEO Greg Miller. “Her deep knowledge of our Pennsylvania programs and unwavering commitment to the people we support, will be invaluable as we continue to grow and enhance our services. I am confident that she will thrive in this new role.”

Ally succeeds Jen Skelly, who has been promoted to the newly created position of director of talent development, where she will focus on expanding career pathways and professional growth opportunities for Penn-Mar’s team members. The promotions of both Ally Comerci and Jen Skelly underscore Penn-Mar’s commitment to internal talent development, ensuring the organization is well-positioned to serve its community for years to come.

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

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 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

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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The Nonprofit MBA Podcast

nvenn — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 21:33:00 +0000

September 11, 2025

The Importance of Culture at Your Nonprofit – NonProfit MBA 8.23
Nonprofit leaders often focus on mission statements, fundraising goals, and strategic plans. Yet one of the most influential drivers of success is often underestimated: organizational culture. Culture shapes how employees show up, how teams collaborate, and how communities perceive the nonprofit itself. For nonprofits, where purpose is paramount and turnover can be costly, culture isn’t just a “nice-to-have”. It’s the backbone of long-term impact. In this episode of The NonProfit MBA Podcast, host Stephen Halasnik, from Financing Solutions (the leading provider of loans to nonprofits), sits down with Greg Miller of Penmar Human Services to discuss why a strong organizational culture of belonging is vital for nonprofits and how leaders can build one.

Read an Executive Summary or Listen to the Podcast HERE

About Gregory T. Miller, Penn-Mar Human Services

Gregory T. Miller is President and CEO of Penn-Mar Human Services, which supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He has overseen Penn-Mar’s programmatic, financial, and strategic operations since 2012, including Board development. Greg has been with the organization since 1988, serving in various leadership roles, most recently as President and COO. He has spoken at the International Conference in São Paulo, Brazil three times on leadership and disability service models. His leadership reflects decades of experience in advancing opportunities for people with disabilities.

About Stephen Halasnik, Financing Solutions

Stephen Halasnik is a Managing Partner at Financing Solutions and host of The Nonprofit MBA Podcast. Financing Solutions has been the largest provider of lines of credit to small nonprofits in the US since 2012.

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Penn-Mar Human Services Purchases New Building in Westminster, MD

nvenn — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 15:23:42 +0000

- New Carroll County, Md Home Will Provide Comprehensive Supports -

June 12, 2024

Baltimore – Penn-Mar Human Services, the region’s leading provider of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), announced today it has purchased a new building located in the Washington Heights Medical Center in Westminster, Md. to support its programs and services in Carroll County, Md.

Penn-Mar had previously owned and occupied a building on Stoner Avenue in Westminster. But after several years of productive use, and the expansion of community-based programming, the nonprofit outgrew the facility and decided to sell. Then in Q1 2024, Penn-Mar’s leadership team decided to look for a location in Carroll County that could fulfill the requirements of the people they support, their team, and their families. The new location will serve as a home-base for team members who can offer facility-based supports for a limited number of people, complimenting the community-based partnerships that Penn-Mar has developed. In addition, the building allows for greater opportunities for people with an IDD to have experience in, education about, and exposure to life in their local communities.

“Our team’s hard work and commitment continue to create new opportunities,” says Penn-Mar Human Services CEO Greg Miller. “I believe a more comprehensive home-base in Westminster will further meet the needs of the people we support and their families, and I’m grateful for their efforts and excited about the future of our services.”

Miller adds that the search for new opportunities to assist the people Penn-Mar supports is ongoing and commensurate with the group’s mission to “support people to live courageously in pursuit of their best life”.

For more information about this news or Penn-Mar, media can 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 in pursuit of their best life, 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 approximately 400 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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Penn-Mar Human Services Celebrates Independence and Inclusion

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 17:51:43 +0000

Penn-Mar Human Services Celebrates Independence and Inclusion During National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month

An Opportunity to Promote Skills of People With Disabilities and Share How They Can Solve Workforce Crisis

Baltimore, MD – Penn-Mar Human Services , the region’s leading provider of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), is proud to celebrate National Disability Employment Month (NDEAM) during the month October. NDEAM celebrates the contributions of persons with disabilities and highlights the value of a workforce limited only by the opportunities that are presented to them.

As workforce shortages persist, Penn-Mar works with local businesses by matching eager and qualified candidates in positions that complement their strengths, interests, and abilities. Penn-Mar’s workforce development program specializes in allying IDD individuals with careers they love- not just a job they can perform. Penn-Mar’s team of job developers and employment staff follow proven strategies that ensure a successful employment partnership between the individuals and local businesses. From developing job skills and identifying areas of interest, to providing interview and mentoring support, and even education training and transportation, Penn-Mar’s team is committed to every individual who wants a job, finding one they love, regardless of their disability.

“Most of us with career ambitions take it for granted that once we finish with our schooling we will move on to the next logical step: getting a job,” says Penn-Mar Human Services CEO Greg Miller. “But for a person with a disability, just getting a part-time job can be a full-time effort. October is a chance to showcase the incredible abilities of people who are not only able to work in, and support the community, but eager to showcase the same abilities, commitment, and pride that we all have for a job we love.”

Currently, Penn-Mar supports more than 100 individuals across Maryland and Pennsylvania in careers ranging from retail, customer service, data processing, culinary services, manufacturing, animal caretaking and even craft brewing. Penn-Mar has even helped several people start their own business.

Despite increased awareness and support from groups like Penn-Mar, labor participation statistics for those with IDD are still painfully low. A study from National Core Indicators, found that only 14.7% of adults with IDD are employed, while 71.4% of adults without disabilities are employed, and just 44% of adults with IDD aged 18-64 are in the labor force compared with 83% of those without disabilities.

But even though most adults with IDD are unemployed or underemployed, many experience excellent job stability. 62% of adults with IDD in a competitive setting (working alongside others without any disabilities) have been employed at the same job for three years or more and 82% say they enjoy what they do.

Miller reiterates this statistic, adding that once an individual from Penn-Mar finds a job, it’s one they typically have for years to come.

“We have people who’ve been thriving in the same career, with the same business, for 10 years or more,” adds Miller. “In fact, our best advocates in the business community are employers who have the people we support working for them. It’s a testament to the incredible dedication and commitment individuals with IDD have and our goal to find jobs that help people live courageously.”

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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