newsletter-january 2013 - maryland community connection

M A R Y L A N D

C O M M U N I T Y

C O N N E C T I O N

Inside This Edition

In Memoriam 2

New DDA Application 2

MCC Office Move 3

Name Our Training Room Contest

3

Employment First 4

Child Care Training 5

MCC Spring Dance 6

Manny’s Movie Picks 7

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

8

Free Income Tax Preparation

9

Flu Resources 9

Important Dates 12

Meet EvaMarie 10

Helping individuals with disabilities become active members of their communities.

CONNECTIONS NEWSLETTER

January 2013

Connections Volume 27

Maryland Community Connection

A Not for Profit Serving Individuals with Disabilities

www.marylandcommunityconnection.org

Happy New Year 2013 2012 was a very exciting

time for Maryland Community Connection. We saw several new beginnings and celebrated many milestones. None of it would have been possible without our community partners. As we mark the 12th year of providing employment opportunities, community services, and resources to individuals with disabilities, allowing them to be fully integrated into their communities, we highlight Maryland Community Connection’s focus on collaboration.

We recognize the Developmental Disabilities Administration support in making seven Transitioning Youth in Prince George’s County transition to the workforce a success. We recognize the Clara Elizabeth Jackson Carter Foundation for

their continued commitment to bringing the resources necessary so that individuals remain stable in their homes. We recognize the MD Division of Rehabilitation Services for making employment a viable option so people with disabilities grow and realize their potential.

The year 2013 shows great promise as even better days and better economic

situations appear to be ahead for DDA, thanks to DHMH Secretary, Joshua Sharfstein. At the recent legislative breakfast hosted by MACS, the Secretary and several key senators spoke about how

after 4 incredibly difficult funding years, 2013 will be a pivotal year with the modernization of DHMH’s financial systems and the federal waiver renewal. Secretary Sharfstein provided an honest assessment of DDA systems and continues to work closely with DDA Director, Frank Kirkland and Laura Howell, Executive Director of Maryland Association of Community Services.

These partnerships are needed in order for successful outcomes for the individuals we serve. Collaboration is essential because it allows everyone involved to do more with limited resources. We improve more lives, we innovate, and, above all, we make our communities stronger by working together.

(Continued on page 2)

helps individuals with disabilities become active members of their communities.

Developmental Disability Day Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, Families,

Providers and Advocates will come to Annapolis to meet with Legislators about critical disability issues on February 19,

2013 from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. The cost is free, however, registration is required due to limited space. The agenda will include a legislative briefing, a procession, rally, and Constituent Meetings with

Legislators with the “Make your Own Appointment with Legislators” You must bring a valid State issued ID to enter the Legislative Buildings. Register at http://md-council.org.

André Coates & DHMH Secretary, Joshua Sharfsein



Maryland Community Connection’s Board of Directors President, Mr. Dorris Dennis Jr., passed away on December 12, 2012. Mr. Dennis was instrumental in the growth of Maryland Community Connection. He was a wonderful man and his generosity and kindness were always extended to

help individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Mr. Dennis’s family has created the Dorris Dennis Memorial Fund in honor of his many years working with individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve their goals. Rest in Peace, Mr. Dennis. You will truly be missed!

In Memoriam of Mr. Dorris Dennis Jr.

When you come together with friends and neighbors to show your support for Maryland Community Connection, it helps us spread the word about what we do. We gain volunteers, donors and advocates. Above all, your feedback and involvement makes us better at providing the services most needed in your area.

We look forward to seeing you at one of our many events this year and to working together to strengthen our partnerships. Thank you again for your support.

(Continued from page 1) Happy New Year 2013

In December, Frank Kirkland, the Executive Director of DDA, released the new Application for Eligibility. The new application is effective immediately and must be used when someone initially applies for DDA eligibility.

With the new application in place, the goal is to gather relevant information on the applicant, along with their current services and needs. The information gained on the applicant will be used to prepare for the face-to-face interviews with

DDA or its representative to assist in offering additional information and referrals.

The application can be accessed from DDA’s website under the “Apply for Services” tab. In the coming weeks, a Spanish version of the application will be available on the site. The application can be completed on the computer and printed out. Handwritten applications are still accepted. Please be sure to discontinue use of any previous copies of the DDA

application. In anticipation of the application

being released, DDA eligibility staff and Resource Coordinators received training on Advisory Guidelines for Determining Eligibility for DDA Funded Services.

The new application can also be found under resources tab on the DDA website.

New DDA Application for Eligibility can be found at:

http://dda.dhmh.maryland.gov

NEW DDA APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY

Maryland Community Connection Celebrates 11 Years!

Maryland Community Con-nection celebrated its 11th Year Anniversary on November 27, 2012. We are a year older and a year wiser! Throughout the past year, MCC has expanded the services provided and has positively im-pacted the lives of countless indi-viduals with developmental disabili-ties! It is hard to believe the crea-tion of Maryland Community Con-nection, started 11 years ago with Executive Director, Andre´ Burno Coates, and Deputy Director, Kim-blyn Snyder. The dedication and hard work that the staff has given

over the years have truly impacted the developmentally disabled com-munity. MCC's staff continues to make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities and help them be active members of their community. We look forward to Maryland Community Connec-tion continuing to prosper in future years and create more successful memo-ries.



Our administrative offices finally got crowded enough that it’s not always possible to find a training room large enough to accommodate our staff trainings.

So, Maryland Community Connection is moving! As of March 6, 2013, we'll be at 4401 Nicole Drive, Lanham, Maryland 20706. Our new office has a large training room and WE NEED YOUR HELP NAMING THE ROOM! We are holding a contest until March 11, 2013 to name our training room. The contest *prize* is the prestige of having your suggested name assigned to our training room, a $50 gift card, and Maryland Community Connection

schwag! Schwag is promotional and marketing products such as Maryland Community Connection mugs, shirts, pens, etc.

Entries will be reviewed by a committee of judges consisting of Maryland Community Connection participants and staff. The winning name will be revealed at our Open House on March 19, 2013 from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm. You do not have to be present to win.

If you would like to participate in the contest, please visit www.trainingroomname.eventbrite.com to submit your training room name or send your training room name to Maryland Community Connection at 6490 Landover Road Suite A9, Landover, MD 20785.

NAME OUR TRAINING ROOM CONTEST

Heading to

Maryland Community Connection

New Offices

www.trainingroomname.eventbrite.com to submit your trainin room name entry

You are Invited to mcc OPEN HOUSE!

Maryland Community Connection offices will be moving to our new location in Lanham, Maryland in March 6, 2013! MCC is moving to a larger location to expand our services and to better serve our participants by providing exceptional customer and quality services.

Our new address will be 4401 Nicole Drive, Lanham, Maryland 20706. Our phone numbers will stay the same. We are excited about the move!

WE’RE MOVING

Maryland Community Connection Open House

March 19, 2013 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm 4401 Nicole Drive

Lanham, Maryland 20706

Please join us at our NEW OFFICE for MCC OPEN HOUSE!

Tour our facility and enjoy conversation with our staff!

Please RSVP by March 12, 2013 by calling (301) 583-0358 or emailing at

[email protected] Please be sure to include the names of

those attending for the guest list.

Light refreshments will be serve.



The Developmental Disabil-ity Administration (DDA) believes that all people with developmental disabilities CAN work, and contrib-ute to their community when given opportunities, training, and support that build on their strengths. Many people question when or if Employ-ment will be the “first” option con-sidered for all people of working age who receive DDA services. The Na-tional APSE which stands for Asso-ciation of People Supporting Em-ploymentFirst adopted the statement "Employment in the general work-force is the first and preferred out-come in the provision of publicly funded services for all working-aged citizens with disabilities, regardless of disability".

There is much talk about Employment First but how do we make it work in Maryland? André Coates, MCC Executive Director, is a firm believer in the proven track record of the Transitioning Youth Life & Employability Skills Training Program that has offered Prince George's County residents with de-velopmental disabilities successful employment outcomes with the col-laboration of our partners all on a shoestring budget. For the past

seven years The Transitioning Youth Life & Employability Skills Training Program provided students graduat-

ing from special education programs with the resources needed to suc-cessfully move from a school-supported environment to independ-ent employment with the attitudes, habits and behaviors needed to work and grow on the job along with indi-viduals who don’t have disabilities. MCC had five individuals that began the 8-week program on July 1, 2012

with different communication levels and employable skill sets. MCC is proud to announce the great news that all five individuals are in paid positions working in the community! Employment First can work with great partners and collaboration. MCC would like to recognize: Patricia Smith, who graduated from Flowers High School, is working with Kettering Middle School as a Dedicated Aide. Kirby Payne, who graduated from Henry Wise High School, is working with Marshalls as a Stocker. Keanna Johnson who graduated from Parkdale High School, is work-

ing with Ross as a Stocker. Michael Mullen, who graduated from Friendly High School, is working with Safeway as a Cart Attendant. Ishmael Bangura, who graduated from Bowie High School, is work-

ing with Dollar Tree as a Stocker. Kim Rhim, Executive Director

of The Training Source, Inc was

elated to report that 89% of indi-viduals in The Transitioning Youth Life & Employability Skills Training Program se-cured paid em-ployment or work experi-ence placement within 90 Days. With these amazing out-comes, it goes without ques-tion that this pro-gram needs to con-tinue on! For the past two years, The Transitioning Youth Life & Em-ployability Skills Training Program has had one sole funder, The Division of Reha-bilitation Services (DORS), and the pro-gram is barely surviv-ing. Kudos goes to DORS but we need others to step up. Carol Haig, Supervisor from DORS Lanham Office has informed the committee members that there is no guarantee that DORS will be able to fund the program for 2013.

If you are a believer of the Em-ployment First Mission and want more information about The Transi-tioning Youth Life & Employability Skills Training Program, feel free to contact Kim Rhim at (301) 499-8872 or André Burno Coates 301-583-0358.

Maryland Community Connection’s work allows individuals with disabilities

to become active participants in their communities and becoming tax-paying

citizens.

Making Employment First Work in Maryland

Kirby Payne

Michael Mullen

Ishmael Bangura

Keanna Johnson

Patricia Smith


“Helping individuals with developmental disabilities achieve their goals”

Child Care Program Maryland Community Con-nection would like to thank The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region and the Prince George’s County Executive Office for making it possible for MCC to continue a pilot Child Care Program which gives individuals with developmental disabilities the opportunity to become successful, desirable employees in the child care field! To date, Maryland Com-munity Connection’s Professional Daycare Training and Employment Program has placed eight individu-als in paid positions in the child care field and is off and running in 2013! The first 2 participants for 2013 are Janicee Overbe and Patricia Smith and they will have

the opportunity to:

Obtain 90 Hour Child Care Certificate

Obtain CPR & First Aid Cer-tificate

Attend Childhood Education Courses

Have Background Check Completed

Receive Tuberculosis Vac-cine

Receive uniforms for work

Receive staff support and assistance

Gain valuable volunteer hours and experience in the child care field

This is an invaluable oppor-tunity and Maryland Community Connection is excited to extend it to Janicee and Patricia! They will truly grow in their career path and we are confident that it will bring them many employment opportu-nities!

Maryland Community Connection April 9, 2013

5:00 P.M.– 8:00 P.M.

UNO Bowie Town Centre

4001 Town Center Blvd. Bowie, MD 20716

Tired of all that loose change in your purse

or pocket? Under the couch? Gather it up and donate it to a worthy cause! With your

support, Maryland Community Connection can continue improving the quality of our pro‐grams and services, for individuals with disabilities, and provide increased access and opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. Donating is SIMPLE! Visit the T.D. Bank located on 8211 Annapolis Rd, New Carrollton, MD 20785. No need to wrap your change since T.D. Bank has a change count‐ing machine in the lobby. Place your coins in the change machine and obtain a print out of the amount. Take the receipt to any teller and provide them the amount you would like to donate to MCC. Feel free to donate as many times as you want! Thank you, for being an agent of CHANGE!



January Nikia Williams

January 6 Tony Rice January 12

Ebony Greenwell Deborah Squire

January 20 Mark Smith

January 22 Janicee Overbe

January 23 Tania Oliva

January 27 Stacy Foster

January 30

February Lorraine Savadge

February 5 Keith Hawkins

February 7 Daryl Taylor

February 10 Crystal Mercado

February 12 Carlisle Johnson

February 16 Antonio Washington

February 17 Kirby Payne

Terrell Rawles February 22

Michael Minor February 24

Javon Sellman February 27

March Jasmine Strong

March 2 Faustin Proctor

March 6 Ismael Bangura

March 11 Shante Curry

March 13 Vivian Parham

March 19 Theresa Randall

March 22 Yoesph Philipos

March 25 Kimyatta Holmon

March 28 Danielle Bundy

March 29

Happy Birthday from MCC!

Goodsearch.com What if Maryland Community Connection earned a penny every time you searched the Internet? Now it can! GoodSearch.com is a new Yahoo-powered search engine, with a unique social mis-sion... every time you use GoodSearch, money is generated for Maryland Community Connection GoodSearch donates half its revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities selected by its users. The pennies quickly add up. For example, if 1,000 Mary-land Community Connection supporters searched just twice a day, we would receive an estimated $7,300 per year to help fund our program. What's great is that you use GoodSearch just as you would any search engine. Again, it's powered by Yahoo!, so you get proven, high-quality results. Go to www.goodsearch.com and be sure to enter Maryland Community Connection as the charity you want to support.


MCC’s Vehicle Donation program offers

a free and quick way for donating your used

car in all 50 states. If you would like to do-

nate your vehicle to MCC please call us at

301-583-0358 or visit MCC’s website at:

Donate your vehicle to Maryland Community Connection


Manny’s Movie Picks

MCC Food & Toy Drive A Success!

Maryland Community Connection held its Annual Food & Toy Drive on Thursday, November 15, 2012 and Thursday, December 13, 2012 for the 8th consecutive year! The Food & Toy Drive was a huge success this year!

Maryland Community Connection touched the lives of over 35 families of individuals with developmental disabilities. Maryland Community Connection delivered food baskets to ensure that individuals and families in need could enjoy a great meal during the holidays. A special Thank You goes out to Bradley Russell for his enormous toy donation and to Andrea Johnson from Service

Source for the donation of a large food basket and toys!

Maryland Community Connection continues to encourage our readers that are more fortunate than others to give from their heart.

We believe it is the responsibility of the fortunate to help those in need whenever possible. Thanks again to all of those who contributed to the Food and Toy Drive, these efforts helped the program grow!

www.marylandcommunityconnection.org

MCC’s Executive Director Andre’ Coates and Director of Consumer Services Angela

MCC Staff preparing food baskets for delivery!

New year, new movies to check out! Need help choosing what movie to see? Check out MCC’s special movie-guide Manny’s Movie Picks by Emmanuel Haynesworth. Emmanuel is an employee of Bowie Regal Cinema Theaters and is a MCC Supported Employment Program participant. Manny’s picks are sure to keep you entertained this winter!

Django Unchained Hansel and Gretel Parker The Hobbit 3

Donate Your Vehicle


This fiscal year, which began on July 1, 2012, started with an overwhelmingly in-flux of LISS applications, LISS funds were exhausted in July. In the first quarter of this fiscal year ending Sep-tember 30, LISS processed approximately 800 applica-tions, in which LISS proc-essed 1,003 requests for the entire fiscal year last year. Thanks to the assistance and generosity of Penn-Mar’s LISS department, we were able to pull a few more re-quests from our waiting list for processing. At this time we are not expecting new funding until the beginning of the next fiscal year which is July 1, 2013. We have been encouraging families to peri-odically monitor DDA’s web-

site at www.ddamaryland.org for LISS updates on the re-lease of additional LISS fund-ing.

MCC’s LISS Department provided funding for the following services in the 2nd quarter:

Summer Camp Respite Care Assistive Technology

(I pads, software) Adaptive Equipment

(treadmill, stair lift, vehicle adaptations)

Medical Expenses, (dental, prescriptions, co-pays)

Horseback riding Swimming Eviction Assistance Utility Assistance


High Demands of LISS Services Exhaust Funds

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH

March is developmental disabilities awareness month. Help us spread the word by bringing a friend to Maryland Community Connection’s Open House, sending a donation for a food basket or telling someone about Maryland Community Connection. Sign up to volunteer at Maryland Community Connection. Show your loved ones you care by making a gift in their name to Maryland Community Connection’s annual fund. Your support this month will help Maryland Community Connection continue to serve people with developmental disabilities in your community.

ReelAbilities is the largest festival in the country dedi-cated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories and artistic expressions of people with different disabilities. Initiated in 2007, the festival pre-sents award winning films by and about people with disabilities in multiple locations. Post-screening discus-sions and other engaging programs bring together the community to explore, discuss, embrace, and celebrate the diversity of our shared human experience strives for inclusion of all people. All films are captioned or subtitled and all venues are wheelchair accessible. For schedule and ticket information visit

http://greaterdc.reelabilities.org/films

Holidays in the Community

MCC participants were active in the commu-nity over the holidays. Here are a few photos.



Resources to help Beat the Flu You’re Mother Was Right…Wash your Hands! The return of cold and flu season seems the right time to review with

everyone the need to wash their hands often, including the hands of the people we support. Besides the flu vaccine, hand-washing is cited as being the single most preventative step you can take to protect yourself from the flu. Did You know, the In-fluenza-like intensity (flu) in the State of Maryland was high and wide-spread across the nation? Influenza activity levels are the highest levels so far this season. For the week ending December 29, 2012 there were 143 influenza-associated hospitalizations with 48% reported within people over the age

of 65. Flu symptoms may range de-pending on the person, take a look at the list below: fever (usually high) severe aches and pains in the joints and muscles and around the eyes generalized weakness ill appearance with warm, flushed skin and red, watery eyes headache dry cough

sore throat and watery discharge from your nose. Please see resources to help you fight the flu. Flu vaccinations are free and available on a walk-in basis. Also visit your Primary Care Physi-cian for your flu shot and http://flushot.healthmap.org/ for a local listing of flu shots. And please remember to wash your hands.

Maternal Health and Family Planning Program - D. Leonard Dyer Regional Health Center 9314 Piscataway Road, Clinton MD 20735 (301) 856-9490

Rite Aid 1411 East West Highway Silver Spring, MD 20910 (301) 563-6935

Cheverly Health Center 3003 Hospital Drive 2nd Floor Cheverly, MD 20785 (301) 583-5920

Target Pharmacy 4600 Mitchellville Road Bowie, MD 20716 (301) 352-3847

Concerta Urgent Care 4451 Parliament Place, Suite G Lanham, MD 20706 (301) 459-9113

Passport Health Largo 1100 Mercantile Lane Suite 135 Largo, Maryland 20774 (301) 408-4544

Get your Maryland tax return prepared and even electronically

transmitted for you free of charge at any of the Maryland Comptroller taxpayer service offices. Including those listed below: Treetops Bldg. 8181 Professional Place, Suite 101 Landover, MD 20785-2226 Prince George's County Courthouse 14735 Main Street, Room 083B Upper Marlboro, MD 20772-9978 1036 Saint Nicholas Drive, Suite 202 Waldorf, MD 20603

To take advantage of this service, bring your completed federal return, all W-2 statements and supporting documents (such as 1099 statements, etc.) and a picture ID with you. No appointment is necessary. Assistance is available Monday - Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. You can obtain free Maryland income tax assistance in person or over the phone by contacting Taxpayer Service at 410-260-798 or0 410-260-7980, or 1-800-MD-TAXES 1-800-MD-TAXES (1-800-638-2937 1-800-638-2937), or any of the 12 locations listed http://individuals.marylandtaxes.com/taxhelp/localoffices.asp. Assistance is available 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Free Income Tax Preparation Developmental Disabilities Administration Waiting

List Equity Fund

By making a simple check mark on your state income tax return Marylanders can donate a portion of their refund to The Waiting List Equity Fund

The Waiting List Equity Fund contributions support individual and family support services, employment or integrated day services and supported living arrangements.

Just a small part of your tax refund can help provide services for families, job training and employment, opportunities to live in the community and crisis intervention.

Who say’s you have to wait until the summer to enjoy ice cream? Join MCC on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at Cold Stone Creamery in Blvd at the Cap Center from 6:00 pm—8:00 pm for an ice cream social fundraiser! All guests purchasing treats that night and saying they are with our organization counts toward MCC getting a percentage of sales for the night. Cold Stone Creamery smooth and creamy ice cream is handcrafted daily and then customized by combining a variety of mix-ins on a frozen granite stone. Of course, MCC staff will pitch in behind the counter, mixing ice cream and serving up some delicious treats!

Ice Cream In Winter!



EvaMarie Anthony came to Maryland Community Connection in July 2006 for Supported Employment Services.

She was one of Maryland Community Connection’s first participants. Even though there was much talk about her going into a workshop, EvaMarie came with two goals in mind, to work in the community at Andrew Air Force Base and to meet Superman. EvaMarie is a huge fan of Superman and devotes her free time to creating artwork and puzzles and collecting collectibles, all revolving around this

superhero.

EvaMarie gained her first paid employment position with Bonefish Grill as a silverware wrapper. In working to find

her niche within employment, she

then moved on to Helping Hands Adult Day Services where she assisted the individuals with daily activities. After spending quite some time at Helping Hands, it was time for EvaMarie to move on. Helping Hands was sad to see her go, but they knew that she had to continue to advance in her employment goals.

She was successfully able to obtain paid employment with Right2Work, Inc. working as a Stock Associate in the commissary on Andrews Air Force Base. Although there was some apprehension about the position because it is a night shift, EvaMarie decided that this was something that she wanted to do and the supervisors say that she is one of the star employees!

To her grandmother’s surprise when they were supposed to be shopping, she would

find EvaMarie straightening the products on the shelves, making sure her area is ready for customers even when she was off, showing her heroic work ethic skills, even in her off time.

Gainfully employed, EvaMarie took a vacation and had the opportunity to meet Superman in person. Maryland Community Connection is incredibly proud of EvaMarie for her diligence on her path to independence and is very proud to see her excelling with employment in the community.

Disasters can happen

anytime, anywhere, and sometimes without warning. A winter storm could keep you and those you care for at home for days. A fire, flood, tornado, or any other disaster could stop water, electricity, and telephone services. You could have to leave the home. Be prepared for a disaster emergency before it happens. Make a Disaster Supplies Kit. Keep these supplies on hand: Water – a 3-day supply for each household member; Food – a 3-day supply for each household member; First Aid Kit; Essential medications – prescription and over-the-counter; Special

equipment and supplies for individuals with special needs; Generator, if an individual is dependent of machines using electricity; Sanitation supplies (toileting and hygiene); Flashlight with extra batteries; AM/FM portable radio with extra batteries; Cellular phone with extra battery; Cash; Extra clothing and bedding; Important documents; and Important phone numbers Tip: Keep the phone number of an out-of-state or out-of-immediate- area contact person in the Disaster Supplies Kit. Sometimes, it is easier to contact a person in another state or out of the area during a disaster.

Preparing for a Disaster Emergency

A Maryland Community Connection Supported Employment Participant

proves you don’t need a cape to be a hero.

Meet EvaMarie



Join Us! Maryland Community Connection is proud to invite one and all to a Job/Career Fair showcasing employment opportunities working with people with disabilities on March 25, 2013. Positions available include Employment and Community Specialists, Community Services Director, Accounting Director, Mentor, Career Specialist Advisor, Social Worker, Executive Assistant, Social Media/Web Specialist and HR Director. We will also be offering positions for Volunteer Opportunities. Come "dressed for success" and bring a copy of your up-to-date

résumé. MCC has been providing community and employment services for children and adults with developmental disabilities for since 2001. Each MCC employee is a vital part of the organization’s tradition of quality care for children and adults with developmental disabilities. MCC offers an array of career opportunities for those who would like to share in this tradition. You must be 18 years old, as well as kind, reliable, dedicated, possess a valid driver’s license, and your own vehicle with current insurance. For the safety of the people we serve, all applicants must participate in a drug screening and criminal background check. Maryland

Community Connection is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace. Stop by our Job Fair and learn how a job at MCC can support children and adults with developmental disabilities or you can send your resume to [email protected]. At Maryland Community Connection you can make a living making a difference.

Maryland Community Connection is a nonprofit organization that provides training, employment opportunities, emotional support and access to resources to individuals with disabilities. MCC supports individuals who want to have greater social and economic independence and who wish to become fully integrated into their communities. MCC works on a case-by-case basis, identifying each individual’s goals and specific needs. Maryland Community Connection provides job opportunities, job training and job retention, as well as advocacy for the individual in the workplace, allowing each to become a wage-earning and tax-paying citizen. MCC also supports individuals in their homes. It utilizes a comprehensive approach and service experience that helps the entire family with education and resources. MCC organize and participate in community programs and

recreational activities that are beneficial to the individual and their families Maryland Community Connection’s effectiveness and growth is due to the unique personal experiences of the founders, their deep understanding of the issues and challenges, their commitment to the individuals, their families and the community where they live and work. The organization’s success is also due to its understanding of the value of its employees, and a commitment to fair compensation and leadership development. Maryland Community Connection’s commitment to professionalism, good work ethic and transparency has allowed it to build strong partnerships. These partnerships have enabled MCC to provide a wide range of services to individuals with disabilities. Key Message created by a grant from the Taproot Foundation.

Maryland Community Connection The Gift of Giving

There are many ways to be a hero to people with disabilities. Some people work at Maryland Community Connection; others volunteer their time. Some make monthly donations and some attend events, while others shop using GoodShop. When donating to Maryland Community Connection, some people elect to make their gift in recognition of someone or to mark an occasion or event. This type of giving is called tribute giving. Maryland Community Connection donors have used tribute gifts to mark birthdays, or the passing of a loved one. Your gift can make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities and help you reach your financial goals. Contact Maryland Community Connection for more information.

JOB FAIR Monday, March 25, 2013

9am-4pm 4401 Nicole Drive

Lanham, Maryland 20706

Job/Career Fair for Careers That Care

Important Dates


MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Maryland Community Connection (MCC) is primarily to establish, operate, and maintain services in the community for individuals with disabilities. Through trained, qualified, and fairly compensated staff, MCC ser-vices will assist each person to achieve a greater degree of social and economic independence and reduce the need for subsidized lifestyles. MCC policy requires that these ser-vices be provided to eligible Maryland participants without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, gender, or marital status. MCC is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in our 12th year of operation.

M A R Y L A N D

C O M M U N I T Y

C O N N E C T I O N

Helping individuals with developmental disabilities become

active members of their communities.

M A R Y L A N D

C O M M U N I T Y

C O N N E C T I O N

6490 Landover Road Suite A9

Landover, Maryland Phone (301) 583-0358

Fax (301) 583-0359 Email: [email protected] Web; www.marylandcommunityconnection.org

April 2013 April 9 Dining Out—MCC

Fundraiser at UNO's Bowie, MD 5:00 pm –8:00 pm

April 18 MACS Achievement Award

February 2013 February 18 George Washington’s

Birthday MCC Office Closed

February 20 MCC Dining Out Cold Stone Creamery Largo, MD 6pm-8pm

February 21 MACS Employment Network Meeting

February 25 Adults with Developmental Disabilities Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting

March 2013 National Developmental

Disabilities Awareness Month

March 6 MCC moving to new location!

March 19 Open House at New Offices

March 21 MCC BOD Meeting

March 28 MACS Employment Network Meeting

March 25 MCC Job/Career Fair

newsletter-january 2013 - maryland community connection

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