Times are changing. Forty years ago, someone with a developmental or mental disability was a candidate for institutionalized care. Today…not so much. And locally, we can thank Fello for that!
Today we speak with Jonathon Rondeau, who is the President and CEO. Their services range from day services to workforce development to residential programs for clients and their families across the Chesapeake region on the Eastern and Western Shores of Maryland.
Read the full article here.
A name change for any organization, whether for-profit or nonprofit, is a significant undertaking. Beyond the costs of design and marketing, which would give any board of directors pause, it is a substantial cultural shift that leaders must navigate. Nonetheless, the payoff can be transformational.
Read the full article from The Talbot Spy here.
At Fello, we believe you know what is best for you. That belief is at the heart of Self-Directed Services, a powerful option for people with disabilities who want more control, choice, and independence.
Self-direction puts you in the driver’s seat. You have the tools and support you need to live your life on your terms. You decide who supports you, what kind of support you need, and when and where you receive support.
With Self-Directed Services, you are in charge. Fello is here to handle the behind-the-scenes work, like paperwork and payments, so you can focus on living your life.
What Is Self-Direction?
Self-Direction is very different from what most people think of when they think of services for people with disabilities.
While many people with disabilities choose to get their support through a service provider, that means someone else manages the people who support you, the services you receive, and your schedule.
But with Self-Directed Services, you make all those decisions. You hire your own support team. You can choose people you already know and trust and decide what they do and when they work.
“Self-direction means you’re the expert in your own life,” says Matt Morgan, Chief Program Officer at Fello. “At Fello, we’re here to support you, but you’re the one in charge. We handle the details so you can focus on your goals and build the life you want.”
Leading Self-Direction Services in Maryland
In 2007, Fello partnered with the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) to bring self-direction to Maryland. With nearly 20 years of experience, we are the largest Financial Management and Counseling Services (FMCS) provider in the state. Today, we support over 3,000 self-directing participants and the 8,000+ employees they’ve hired across Maryland.
How Fello Supports You
When you self-direct, you are in charge, but you’re never alone. Fello handles the paperwork and details behind the scenes. As your FMCS provider, we take care of:
Fello also uses helpful tools and technology to support you in managing your services. FMS Engine is an online software that helps you track your budget, pay bills, and manage your plan. It’s easy to use and gives you easier access to your data.
Self-Directed Services means you are in charge of how the money in your budget is spent. When you are approved for Self-Directed Services through the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), you have a budget for paying your employees and vendors. As your FMCS, we keep track of how much you’re spending. We track the financial and human resources details so you can get back to living your life. When you have questions, our team is only a phone call or customer service ticket away.
What Self-Direction Looks Like
Meet Kavita. She’s been self-directing her services for over 13 years.
Kavita chooses who works with her. She manages their schedules, sets wages, and approves payroll. Just like any other employer, she handles the responsibilities and the rewards of leading her team.
Her long-time employee, Yolanda, has worked with her from the very beginning. Their strong relationship is a perfect example of the consistency and trust that self-direction makes possible.
Kavita leads with confidence, makes her own choices, and sets goals for her future. She is in charge, and that’s exactly what self-direction is about.
You Know What’s Best for You
Self-direction is a flexible, personalized approach that puts your needs and goals first. You make the decisions, and Fello is here to help every step of the way.
Want to learn more? Visit https://fello.org/selfdirectedservices/
At Fello, person-centeredness isn’t just something we say, it’s how we show up, every single day. It’s about creating space for people to live the lives they want, with the support they need to get there.
In the second episode of Fello Thinking Differently, our own original podcast, we dig into this foundational principle with Matt Morgan, Fello’s Chief Program Officer. Matt brings decades of experience to a thoughtful conversation about what it really means to put people first in every situation.
If you’ve ever wondered what “person-centered” means in practice, this episode is a great place to start.
🎧 Listen to Episode 2: Putting People First
What is Person-Centeredness, Really?
At its core, person-centeredness is about focusing on what truly matters to the people we support and allowing them to make their own decisions. Rooted in the self-determination movement of the 1980s, this philosophy continues to shape disability services and evolve.
As Matt puts it:
“We’re not here to control people or make decisions for them. We’re here to create space for people to be who they want to be, and to give them the support they need to get there.”
Person-centeredness is about supporting someone to make a choice, not deciding for them. Being person-centered requires asking better questions, listening more deeply, and respecting people’s boundaries and wishes, whether you agree or disagree with their choice.
Every adult is free to make their own choices about their life, and part of person-centeredness is making sure adults with disabilities are free to make their own informed choices, too.
In every space, the goal is the same: create room for people to make real choices, take meaningful risks, and build lives that reflect who they are. That belief changes everything. It means we center relationships over routines.
That’s how we build trust, connection, and belonging. And it’s the foundation of how we do our work.
Delivering Person-Centered Services Starts with Our Team
At Fello, we hire for person-centeredness. We look for people who lead with empathy, curiosity, and humility and who reflect our core values.
“You can tell pretty quickly when talking to people whether they understand the concept of person-centeredness and whether they align with Fello’s philosophy,” says Matt. “People can sometimes be very paternalistic when it comes to people with disabilities, but being person-centered is about that person making their own decisions with support.”
Person-centeredness is both a mindset and a skill set. It’s something we’re always evolving, strengthening, and practicing together.
When everyone is aligned in that belief, person-centeredness becomes second nature. It becomes how we show up every day.
Thinking Differently Sets Fello Apart
Services for people with disabilities are often built around systems, compliance, or convenience, not around people. “Many of the issues we face in this field are decades-old problems, and we’re not going to solve them with the same old thinking,” says Matt.
At Fello, we lead with people. We believe:
Because of our approach, we measure success by what matters most to the person, not what’s easiest to deliver.
Keep Listening, Keep Learning
Person-centeredness is a constant pursuit. At Fello, we’re always learning, evolving, and challenging ourselves to do better.
Want to hear more about how person-centered thinking comes to life at Fello? Tune into Episode 2 of Fello Thinking Differently and join us as we continue to explore bold ideas, better ways, and what it truly means to build community together.
In this special in-person episode of The Diligent Leader podcast, hosts Alex Fakeri and Holly Basta sit down with Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of Fello — formerly known as The Arc Central Chesapeake Region. This isn’t just a conversation about a name change. It’s about identity, evolution, and what it means to stay rooted in your mission while boldly stepping into the future. Watch the episode here.
Are you looking for part-time work with purpose? Where every shift makes a genuine difference?
At Fello, we are hiring part-time and weekend Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who believe that community isn’t just where you live, but how we show up for one another.
Why This Work Matters
As a DSP, you’re not just picking up a shift; you’re building relationships rooted in trust, respect, and belonging.
You support people with disabilities to live life on their own terms, make their own choices, pursue their own goals, and fully participate in their communities. Sometimes it’s sharing a meal. Other times, it’s simply being there when it matters most.
It’s meaningful work rooted in connection and guided by each person’s goals for themselves.
Real Benefits for Part-Time Work
We know the value of flexible, part-time work, and we believe it should come with real benefits. At Fello, we offer excellent support to our part-time DSPs through our total rewards.
Our benefits for part-time employees include:
Join Our Community
At Fello, you’ll join a passionate group of professionals who care deeply about the people we support and about each other. You’ll be part of an organization that leads with heart, promotes inclusion, and shows up with purpose every day.
Fello is one of Maryland’s leading providers of services for people with disabilities. Join our community of over 600 employees who champion the rights of people with disabilities and invest in what matters most: real opportunities, strong relationships, and creating inclusive, equitable communities.
If you’re looking for a part-time role that offers meaningful connection, personal growth, and the chance to make a difference, you belong here.
Apply now at fello.org/careers.
We know, it’s only July. With the sun blazing and beach plans in full swing, the holidays probably aren’t at the top of your mind. But at Fello, we start early, because hundreds of families raising children with disabilities are already thinking about how they’ll make the holidays work. And you can help make their season a little brighter.
Planning ahead means no child gets left behind.
Why Holiday Giving Matters
At Fello, we believe the holidays should be full of warmth, connections, and celebrations for every family. When you support our Holiday Giving program, you’re not just giving a toy or gift card, you’re:
Fello’s approach is personal. Families share what their child truly needs and loves. You help provide gifts matched to a child’s interests and abilities; that’s what makes your support so powerful. Whether it’s sensory-friendly toys, warm winter clothing, or something that supports a child’s hobbies, each gift is chosen with a specific child in mind.
Every family we support receives:
Here’s what parents told us last year:
“I cannot thank you enough for shopping and gifting items for my kids. My little girl loved her dress-up clothes and loves that she has a bar for them. My middle loves his outdoor toys and can’t wait to be able to use them. My oldest loved his camping stuff and is excited to bring it along on the next trip. You truly made their holidays!”
“Thank you so much for the amazing gifts and support for Luke for Christmas! He loved the toys, especially the Sonic toys and arcade game! The clothes are perfect and the jacket received is so nice 😊 The gift cards were also very generous and helpful with groceries. Thank you again for helping make the holidays special.”
Why are we talking about the holidays now?
Making the holidays joyful for hundreds of children takes time. Last year, 31 donors helped us provide personalized gifts and grocery cards to 300 children across 138 families in Maryland. And we know we can do even more in 2025.
Starting in July gives us time to thoughtfully match families and sponsors, gather wish lists, shop for specific needs, and ensure no child is left behind.
How You Can Help
You can support the program in two ways:
Sponsor a child or family and shop directly from their wish list. Whether you’re participating on your own, with a friend, or organizing a group effort at work, we’ll guide you every step of the way. You shop—we handle the logistics.
Short on time? A donation allows us to purchase thoughtful, personalized items and grocery cards for families who need extra support. You give, we take care of the rest.
Ready to Bring Joy to a family?
Planning ahead means we can match every family with a sponsor and create a celebration for many children and families throughout our community.
To sign up or learn more:
The holidays may feel far off, but your impact starts now. Join us in making this year’s giving season unforgettable for families who need it most.
On Tuesday, June 24, 2025, the Easton Planning Commission granted final site approval for the remaining residential buildings at Easton Crossing, marking a major milestone for the inclusive, mixed-use development. With this latest approval, all six planned buildings on the 6.5-acre site, including the previously approved 407 Brookletts Avenue, now have full planning approval.
Led by Fello Communities, Easton Crossing will transform the site of the former Perdue AgriBusiness operation, featuring a mix of affordable and market-rate housing, neighborhood-serving commercial space, and accessible green areas designed for recreation and connection. Easton Crossing will reconnect the area to the Rail-to-Trails and turn a long-vacant property into a walkable, community-focused destination.
“This is a key milestone in the process toward creating Easton’s first inclusive development,” said Ross Benincasa, Senior Vice President of Community Development for Fello Communities. “We’re thankful for the Town’s support throughout the planning stages and excited to move one step closer to construction.”
The approval includes architectural and site plans for all five remaining buildings. As part of an ongoing collaborative process with the Town of Easton and community stakeholders, Fello Communities and its development partners will present comprehensive landscaping plans for the site at a future meeting.
When complete, Easton Crossing will feature:
Ahead of construction on the residential units at 407 Brookletts Avenue, the community and leasing office for Easton Crossing is set to open this September, offering residents and neighbors a space to engage with the project, access information, and get involved.
Easton Crossing has taken shape through stakeholder meetings, neighborhood engagement, and public forums. The result is a development rooted in local vision, bringing inclusive housing, commerce, and public space together in one transformative project.
Progress is also underway on related developments led by Fello Communities:
About Fello Communities
At Fello Communities, we develop and manage housing that’s built for belonging. Through community development and rental housing, we create inclusive, affordable, and accessible homes where people of all backgrounds and abilities can choose how and where they live. Founded in 2007, Fello Communities was created to offer people more options and better opportunities when it comes to housing. Our work bridges community development and long-term property management to create homes and communities that last. Learn more at fellocommunities.org.
The Easton Planning Commission on Tuesday approved the remaining portion of a residential project on Brookletts Avenue at the site of the former Perdue AgriBusiness operation. Read the full article from the Star Democrat.
Congress is in the midst of the FY25 budget reconciliation process, a months-long effort to review, revise, and realign federal spending to meet fiscal goals. Lawmakers have been tasked with cutting at least $1.5 trillion in mandatory spending over the next decade, with $800 billion of those cuts coming from Medicaid alone.
On May 22, the House of Representatives passed its version of the budget reconciliation bill with a narrow 215–214 vote. The bill proposes sweeping changes to Medicaid, with projected cuts of at least $715 billion over the next decade. These cuts would lead to an estimated 13.7 million more people becoming uninsured. The vote fell largely along party lines, with minor revisions made before passage, including a change to move up the implementation date for Medicaid work requirements to “no later than December 31, 2026, or an earlier date specified by the state.
The House version then moved to the Senate Finance Committee for markup and review, which on June 16 released its recommendations. While much of the Medicaid language mirrors the House version, there are key changes and items we continue to monitor. The Senate is aiming to pass the legislation by the end of this week.
While these proposals don’t directly impact providers like Fello, they would significantly affect people who rely on Medicaid, many of whom are the people we support.
Here’s what’s in the bill, what’s changed in the Senate version, and what we’re watching closely.
What is budget reconciliation?
Budget reconciliation is a legislative process Congress uses to align spending, revenue, and debt levels with agreed-upon budget goals. This year, lawmakers were tasked with cutting at least $1.5 trillion in mandatory spending.
Key Changes in the Senate Version
The Senate Finance Committee released its draft on June 16. While much of the language mirrors the House bill, there are important updates, including:
Provider Taxes
State Directed Payments (SDPs)
Additional Items We’re Monitoring
Cuts for States Covering Undocumented Immigrants: States that use public funds to provide healthcare to undocumented immigrants will see their federal Medicaid match drop from 90% to 80%.
Work or Volunteering Requirements: States must require Medicaid recipients who are able-bodied adults without dependents to work, volunteer, or participate in education/training for at least 80 hours per month. While exemptions exist, the administrative burden of tracking and verifying participation could cause coverage disruptions, including for direct service workers.
Cost Sharing for Low-Income Adults: Adults earning over 100% of the federal poverty level will have to pay a portion of their medical costs. This change could impact caregivers and essential workers with modest incomes, making it harder for them to afford or maintain coverage.
Pause on Enrollment Simplification Rules: A moratorium until 2035 on two HHS rules designed to simplify and safeguard Medicaid enrollment may result in greater coverage loss, especially for people with disabilities.
Delay on Long-Term Care Staffing Rule: A new federal rule that would set minimum staffing levels for long-term care facilities is paused until 2035. This delays much-needed reforms that would strengthen support for direct service workers and improve resident care.
What This Means
The proposed changes in both the House and Senate versions of the reconciliation bill represent the most significant shift in Medicaid policy in years. If passed as is, the bill could:
What’s Next?
The Senate Finance Committee will now collaborate with the full Senate to review the proposed markup.
Significant debate and compromises are expected, as many senators remain divided over key tax revisions and proposed cuts to major programs like Medicare and Medicaid, services heavily relied upon by their constituents. Once the Senate casts its final vote on the budget, it will return to the House for further review and markup before heading back to the Senate. While there is no statutory deadline, lawmakers are aiming to pass the reconciliation bill by early August, ahead of the congressional recess and key fiscal deadlines.
We will continue to monitor every step of the process and keep you informed as more details emerge. As always, our focus remains on the people and communities we serve, and ensuring everyone has access to the resources and support they need.
