To Our Community,
Today marks a new day for The Arc in Maryland — one filled with promise, reflection, and renewed commitment to the people and families we serve. As one of the longest-standing and most respected networks of disability service and advocacy organizations in the state, we embrace this new chapter with pride, curiosity, and optimism for the future.
The nine local chapters of The Arc in Maryland have provided exemplary services and supports to thousands of Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families for decades. Our legacy is one of advocacy, innovation, and action — punctuated by landmark legislative and civil rights advancements that have changed lives and shaped systems.
But The Arc is more than a network of service providers. We are also a powerful force for advocacy, with The Arc Maryland leading our efforts to inform, organize, and mobilize a broad grassroots network across the state. For over 75 years, our collective efforts have opened doors to new opportunities, protected rights, and improved the quality of life for individuals with IDD and their families.
We are excited for the future where The Arc continues to serve Marylanders across Anne Arundel County and the Eastern Shore! If you currently live within these parts of the state, and are interested in receiving DDA Services from a chapter of The Arc, please consider completing this brief form below.
Adapting with Purpose
In a rapidly changing world, it’s natural to ask how a legacy organization keeps pace. The answer is simple: we evolve. It is part of who we are. Across our network, we listen, learn, and adapt — together. Through dialogue, collaboration, and shared values, we continuously reshape our services and approaches to meet emerging needs.
Since the global pandemic, we’ve seen a growing need for personalized mental and behavioral health services, safe and affordable housing, respite and family support, therapeutic foster care, and navigation of complex systems of care. We have also seen a surge in interest in self-directed services — and we’ve responded.
Our chapters are actively designing services with the people we support, ensuring that individuals have choice and control over who supports them, how they are supported, and where and with whom they live. By blending the foundational principles of self-direction with the stability of community-based services, we’ve created a new hybrid model that is flexible, responsive, and grounded in dignity, autonomy, and respect.
A Note on the Departure of The Arc Central Chesapeake (Now “Fello”)
As our network grows and evolves, there are times when organizations choose a different path. The Arc Central Chesapeake has formally separated from The Arc and is now operating independently under the name “Fello.” As such, Fello is no longer a part of The Arc network. While we are no longer connected through affiliation, we are hopeful for a continued partnership in our disability rights advocacy.
Our mission of The Arc remains unchanged: to ensure individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Anne Arundel County and Maryland’s Eastern Shore have continued access to high-quality, person-centered services and advocacy. To this result, the Maryland Conference of Executives of The Arc (MCE), in partnership with The Arc Maryland Board of Directors, will soon release a comprehensive plan to re-establish a strong presence of The Arc in Anne Arundel County and the Central and Lower Chesapeake regions. We are committed to sustaining and expanding our reach — so that every community has access to the values, vision, and supports that The Arc has long stood for.
If you are interested in receiving services or learning more about what The Arc can offer in Anne Arundel or the Eastern Shore, please complete the interest form here. A member of our team will respond within 48 hours.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, we are energized by what lies ahead and deeply grateful for the trust and partnership of our families, self-advocates, staff, community partners, and allies. Together, we will continue building a Maryland where people with IDD enjoy equal rights, real choices, and full inclusion in all aspects of community life.
With gratitude and determination,
Ande Kolp, Executive Director
The Arc Maryland
Visit Our Local Chapters of The Arc in Maryland:
The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region
The Arc Prince George’s County
Future Services from The Arc to Anne Arundel County and the Eastern Shore
We are excited for the future where The Arc continues to serve Marylanders across Anne Arundel County and the Eastern Shore! If you currently live within these parts of the state, and are interested in receiving DDA Services from a chapter of The Arc, please consider completing this brief form below.
Upon completing the form for yourself or a loved one, a representative will be in touch with you soon to connect you with a nearby chapter of The Arc.
If you or your loved one currently live in another region of Maryland, find a local chapter of The Arc near you here. We hope to continue our support of Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the state of Maryland!
