The Arc Baltimore Expands Services into Anne Arundel County

The Arc Baltimore is expanding its services for people with developmental disabilities beyond its traditional base of Baltimore City and Baltimore County into Anne Arundel County, effective immediately.

The expansion, which follows the recent disaffiliation of a local chapter from The Arc network, “will strengthen The Arc Baltimore’s presence in the region with dedicated staff, foster families, and established employment partnerships already in place,” explains Kathleen McNally Durkin, CEO of The Arc Baltimore.

The Arc Baltimore supports people with developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling lives with a sense of belonging, purpose, and meaningful relationships. With more than 700 full- and part-time employees, The Arc Baltimore provides employment training and support, day and residential services, family support and education, treatment foster care, assistive technology services, respite care, and public policy advocacy.

To ensure that The Arc maintains a strong statewide presence, The Arc Baltimore will now serve Anne Arundel County Council Districts 1, 2, and 3 in the northern part of the county, while The Arc Southern Maryland will cover remaining Council Districts 4-7 in the south. Foster care services, however, will be provided throughout the entire county by The Arc Baltimore.

“While The Arc Baltimore remains deeply committed to Baltimore City and Baltimore County, this expansion enables us to extend our expertise and care to our neighbors in Anne Arundel County,” Durkin continues. “We look forward to working alongside peer organizations already making a difference in these communities, while the families we traditionally have served can be assured that nothing about The Arc Baltimore’s DNA has changed.”

For more than 75 years, The Arc Baltimore has been a powerful force, fighting for a world where every person with an intellectual and developmental disability is valued and included. From its start when four sets of parents envisioned a community that embraced their children, The Arc Baltimore has grown to ensure that children and adults can pursue their dreams. whether that means college, a career, or a home of their own.

The Arc Baltimore is approaching the expansion to Anne Arundel County with care and intention, focusing initially on community visibility and partnerships while assessing needs, and then expanding staff and infrastructure as appropriate.

Families, employers, schools, and community leaders in Anne Arundel County have already reached out with enthusiasm and feedback, helping guide a thoughtful and meaningful expansion of services.

If you or your loved one is a resident of Anne Arundel County, you can find out which chapter to contact by entering your address at the Anne Arundel County Council website. Districts 1, 2, or 3 should contact The Arc Baltimore Outreach Department at 410-296-2272 or contactus@thearcbaltimore.org. Districts 4, 5, 6, or 7 should contact The Arc Southern Maryland.

For more information, visit www.thearcbaltimore.org, email contactus@thearcbaltimore.org, or call 410-296-2272.