Most people don’t think of Fello as an economic engine. But they should.
Fello moves $465.6 million through Maryland’s economy—nearly half a billion dollars flowing through working families, local businesses, and communities across the state. That’s the economic force behind our mission to support people with disabilities and build a more equitable Maryland.
At Fello, our work is grounded in a simple belief: when people have the support they need to build the lives they choose, entire communities grow stronger. Our 2025 Economic Impact Report brings that belief to life—showing how investing in people with disabilities doesn’t just change individual lives, it fuels economic growth across the entire state.
The numbers tell that story.
$465.6 Million Moved through Maryland
In fiscal year 2025 (FY25), that economic activity translated into stable wages for working families, growth for local businesses, and the kind of community investment that builds long-term resilience across Maryland.
$67.3 Million in Tax Revenue to Drive Maryland’s Future
Fello’s economic activity generated $67.3 million in tax revenue in FY25—money that funds schools, community services, public safety, and everything else that makes our state a great place to live and work.
2,602 Quality Jobs Supported
Fello supported 2,602 jobs across Maryland, generating $177.9 million in labor income. Our 676 direct employees and nearly 2,000 workers hired through contractors and vendors earned stable wages—the kind of economic security that strengthens families and transforms communities.
Building a Stable and Skilled Workforce
Over the last eight years, Fello has doubled Direct Support Professional (DSP) salaries, launched a DSP Career Ladder to create advancement pathways, and invested $6.4 million in our award-winning Total Rewards benefits package. When employees are valued, they stay—and the results speak for themselves: a 5% vacancy rate, 15% lower than the national average, and a skilled, committed workforce ready to support people with disabilities in building lives in their communities.
Empowering Small Business Owners
As the largest provider of self-directed services in Maryland, Fello helps over 3,500 people with disabilities direct their own services—enabling a population largely excluded from economic participation to become employers and contributors to Maryland’s growth. The 9,500+ DSPs hired by self-directed services participants gain steady employment and financial security, strengthening both families and communities across the state.
Investing in Community Development
Through Fello Communities’ capital investments, we contributed $21.3 million to Maryland’s economy and supported 89 construction jobs. More than the numbers, though, is what they represent—affordable housing, support for local businesses, and vibrant communities where neighbors help shape their own futures.
Economic Investment Rooted in Belonging
Our economic report proves what’s possible when we invest in people with disabilities. Hundreds of millions of dollars are circulating throughout the economy. Thousands of jobs sustained and created. Local services are improving neighborhoods across Maryland.
But what matters most is what it all means—people with disabilities as an integral part of economic life. That’s inclusion. That’s equity.
“The results of our 2025 Economic Impact Report prove that supporting people with disabilities in living the lives they choose isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s essential to a thriving economy,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of Fello. “As we continue to expand our services and footprint, we look forward to continuing to play an active role in Maryland’s growth.”