The Arc Baltimore Honors MIH’s Lauren Silverstone

Lauren Silverstone, Director of Housing Support Services at Maryland Inclusive Housing (MIH), is the recipient of The Arc Baltimore’s Professional of the Year Award for 2024.

Presented during The Arc Baltimore’s recent Annual Meeting and Awards Reception, the Professional of the Year Award, presented in memory of Thomas Ferciot, recognizes a professional who furthers The Arc’s mission by supporting the organization and the individuals it serves with professional services characterized by excellence and sensitivity.

“Since the launch of Housing Support Services in 2023, Lauren has established a robust network of community service providers statewide to assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in securing homes in their chosen communities,” says Kathleen Durkin, The Arc Baltimore’s Chief Executive Officer.

Durkin adds, “Through bi-monthly networking meetings, Lauren has fostered unity and innovation among housing support specialists, addressing systemic barriers to independent living. She has been an invaluable resource, demonstrating exceptional person-centered thinking.”

With MIH, Silverstone advocated for an additional $1 million in the FY25 state budget for the DDA Rent Subsidy Program, benefiting individuals supported by The Arc Baltimore. Her efforts in organizing and educating service providers have united organizations with the shared goal of integrating people with disabilities into the community fabric.

MIH helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to successfully access and maintain inclusive, affordable, and accessible housing of their choice by creating opportunities, identifying resources, connecting people, and providing services.

The Arc Baltimore’s Annual Meeting and Awards Reception provides an opportunity for The Arc to recognize those individuals who have gone the extra mile in their service to the organization and those people with developmental disabilities who are recipients of its programs and services. As in past years, the event featured numerous recognitions, as well as the election of The Arc Baltimore’s new board of directors and officers.

The Arc Baltimore supports people with developmental disabilities (autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability) to lead fulfilling lives with a sense of belonging, purpose, and meaningful relationships. The Arc provides employment training and support, day and residential services, family support and education, treatment foster care, respite care, public policy advocacy, and information and referrals. For more information, visit www.thearcbaltimore.org, email contactus@thearcbaltimore.org, or call 410-296-2272.