At Fello, we believe quality healthcare should be simple, personal, and accessible for everyone. That’s why we first launched Health Connection in January 2024 — a benefit designed to give employees faster, more convenient access to primary and urgent care. 

The impact was immediate. Employees were able to connect with providers who understood their needs, without the usual hurdles of scheduling, travel, or long waits.  

Building on that success, Health Connection recently expanded to include people supported through Fello’s Living Options & Services program. Now, more people are benefiting from streamlined healthcare that truly meets them where they are.  

What is Health Connection? 

Health Connection is Fello’s in-house healthcare program, created in partnership with ModRN Health. It provides free primary care visits and urgent care services with the flexibility of same-day, in-person or virtual appointments, available Monday through Friday, with extended hours.  

Originally designed for employees, Health Connection now brings the same high-quality, accessible healthcare to the people served by Fello’s Living Options & Services program, removing the barriers that many people with disabilities face in accessing traditional healthcare services. Health Connection removes obstacles by offering medical support that is easy to access, familiar, and responsive.  

Healthcare That Meets People Where They Are 

Across the country, more than 100 million Americans lack access to a primary care provider. That’s almost one in three people. For people with disabilities, those gaps are even greater.  

Health Connection changes this reality. With extended hours and the option of in-person or virtual appointments, health support doesn’t stop when a traditional office closes. This access helps people avoid unnecessary emergency room visits, getting what they need sooner, in a setting that is more personal and familiar.  

“Access to Health Connection means that when people call the nurse and the nurse recommends seeing a doctor for something like a cold, our teams don’t have to coordinate getting someone to an emergency room,” says Niki Jones, Director of Living Options & Services. “Having Health Connection means there is a safe, convenient alternative for getting proper medical care without the stress, wait times, and risk of secondary infections.” 

By removing transportation barriers, reducing exposure to illnesses in crowded waiting rooms, and offering consistent relationships with providers who understand our community, Health Connection delivers healthcare that truly meets people where they are. 

A Health Connection Success Story 

When Laura, a Direct Support Professional (DSP), scheduled an appointment for someone she supports in one of Fello’s group homes, she saw firsthand what makes Health Connection different.  

“It was easy to make an appointment; once I made the call, someone called me right back,” she said. “The difference between Health Connection and other places is that there’s really no wait; there’s no driving anywhere unless directed to do so. It’s more personable,“ Laura explains. 

The experience transformed Laura’s understanding of what healthcare could look like for the people she supports. Instead of driving across town and sitting in crowded waiting rooms, the virtual appointment felt personal and efficient.

Because the provider already knew the person’s background, the conversation flowed easily. Laura watched as the prescribed medication began working quickly.

“The medication they prescribed was right on point and helped them to start feeling better quickly. While they may not use words to communicate, I can tell they feel so much better,“ she says. For Laura, what mattered most was the compassion. “The Health Connection staff were very friendly and truly concerned about the ongoing issues,” she reflects. That personal attention made all the difference. 

More Than a Doctor’s Visit 

Expanding Health Connection is one more way Fello is building a future where healthcare is designed around people, not systems. By providing responsive, person-centered support for both employees and the people we serve, we’re not just adding another service—we’re strengthening the full network that makes better health possible. 

On Thursday, September 18, Fello Communities celebrated a significant milestone for Easton Crossing with the ribbon-cutting of its new leasing office at 407 Brookletts Avenue. The event, attended by community partners, Easton residents, and local leaders, marked the official opening of the hub that will serve as the front door to Easton Crossing.  Guests heard remarks from Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of Fello, and Ross Benincasa, Senior Vice President of Community Development for Fello Communities, before enjoying refreshments and a tour of the newly completed space. 

Transforming a Community 

Easton Crossing will transform the former 6.5-acre Perdue agribusiness site into a vibrant, walkable, and inclusive neighborhood. The development will add 117 residential units—30% of which are affordable housing—with ground-level commercial space alongside the Rails-to-Trails and Brookletts Avenue. Thoughtful amenities, including green spaces, walking paths, and a central fishing pond, will provide opportunities for connection and recreation.  

The 407 Brookletts building will serve as the leasing and administrative offices for Easton Crossing and other Fello Communities properties across the Mid-Shore. 

A Vision for Inclusive Community 

“At Fello Communities, we believe people deserve more than housing. People deserve homes,” said Jonathon. “And that’s exactly what we’re here to build, and that’s exactly what we’re celebrating today.”  

Ross added, “As a long-time resident of the Eastern Shore, I am honored and excited to be leading so many incredible efforts toward further developing our community and making profound impacts in people’s lives through community development. We are designing Easton Crossing to be a place where people can be their whole selves—at home and in their neighborhood.” 

What’s Ahead 

Construction across the site is moving forward on schedule. Sitework begins next month, with vertical construction on Building 509 planned for February 2026. The first families will move into Easton Crossing in early 2028, with completion of the full project by April 2029. 

Stay Connected 

Fello Communities is building more than housing—we’re building inclusive neighborhoods. Stay up to date on our latest housing initiatives and community developments by joining our newsletter and connecting with us on social media. 

• Join Our Newsletter 
• Connect on Facebook 
• Connect on Instagram 
• Connect on YouTube 

Forming meaningful relationships—whether romantic or platonic—is a fundamental human need. For people with disabilities, these connections are just as important, yet opportunities to build them aren’t always easy to find. That’s why Fello hosted a Relationship Social on Friday, September 5th, creating a welcoming space where people we support and their Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) could come together to celebrate the power of human connection. 

Breaking Barriers to Connection 

At Fello, we believe everyone deserves opportunities to form meaningful relationships. People with disabilities have the same desires for companionship, love, and friendship as anyone else, but too often face barriers that limit their social opportunities.  

The Relationship Social was designed to help break down those barriers and create an environment where authentic connections could flourish. The event brought together 23 people supported by Fello and 13 DSPs, who shared laughter, conversation, and connection throughout the evening. 

The evening featured games, a soundtrack that kept the party alive, and a presentation by Dr. Karen Harvey, who reminded everyone that relationships take many forms. Dr. Harvey emphasized that meaningful connections do not have to be romantic—platonic friendships are equally valuable and fulfilling. She then guided an interactive session where attendees practiced conversation skills, discovered common interests, and built confidence in a safe, low-pressure environment. 

“The energy in the room was incredible,” shared one DSP. “Watching people light up as they connected with others reminded me why this work is so important.” 

Training That Makes a Difference 

This event was months in the making. Leading up to the social, Dr. Harvey held multiple training sessions for DSPs and the people they support, focusing on how to effectively facilitate relationship-building opportunities. These sessions gave teams practical tools and strategies to encourage connection while honoring boundaries and personal preferences. 

Together, they explored:  

• The history of institutions and the shift toward respect and empowerment.
• Recognizing and supporting different types of relationships.
• Creating inclusive environments for social interaction.
• Understanding consent and personal boundaries.
• Facilitating meaningful conversations and connections.

Building Capacity for Lasting Impact 

At Fello, our commitment to relationship-building doesn’t end after one event. We invest in our team year-round with training and development opportunities that build confidence, strengthen skills, and create better outcomes for the people we support. These trainings ensure that DSPs can confidently support people in pursuing the relationships they want—whether that’s navigating dating, fostering friendships, or simply finding more ways to connect day to day. 

Affirming the Power of Connection 

The success of our Relationship Social wasn’t about numbers; it was about the genuine bonds formed. At Fello, we know that when people have the chance to connect, they discover more joy, confidence, and belonging.  

Creating spaces for relationships is more than hosting an event. It’s how we affirm, every day, that everyone deserves love, friendship, and community.  

Last year, nearly 5,000 Maryland state employees and retirees used the power of their paycheck to support nonprofits—raising $1.88 million for charities through workplace giving. This fall, you have the same opportunity to make a difference in your community through this powerful workplace giving campaign. You can support Fello’s work to empower children and youth with disabilities and their families—directly from your paycheck. 

What is Workplace Giving? 

Workplace giving lets you donate to a charity of your choosing through your paycheck using payroll deduction. Rather than making one-time or monthly donations on your own, you can set up automatic deductions and choose which charities to support, assigning a percentage of your gift to each one.  

This kind of recurring donation creates a reliable stream of support that nonprofits like Fello can count on throughout the year. Predictable funding allows nonprofits to plan ahead, sustain long-term programs, and serve more people in meaningful ways. And, for state employees, it’s simple and convenient—you give consistently without extra effort. 

Maryland Charity Campaign: Supporting Nonprofit Impact 

The Maryland Charity Campaign (MCC) is Maryland’s annual workplace giving program, providing Maryland state employees a simple and trusted way to support vetted local and national charities. The 2025 campaign runs from October 6 through December 12, and it is only open during this window, so don’t miss your chance to give! 

All participating charities have been pre-screened by the Office of the Secretary of State to ensure that they are legitimate and effective. This screening process gives you confidence that your donation will reach legitimate organizations making real differences in communities.  

This year, the campaign aims to raise $2 million across the state, building on last year’s generosity that benefited nearly 900 nonprofits.  

Important Tax Considerations: Deductions through MCC are taken after taxes, but your contributions remain tax-deductible. Keep your donation records and consult your tax advisor for guidance when filing.  

How to Get Started with Workplace Giving 

Getting started with the Maryland Charity Campaign is easy. Visit https://mcc.maryland.gov/ to create your account. Here you can access everything you need, including FAQs, a comprehensive Giving Guide with approved charities listed and details about each organization, and access to tax receipts for your records. 

To give to Fello, search for our EIN: 52-6047882. You can designate your contribution to fund our work with children, youth, and their families.  

Why Give to Fello Through Workplace Giving? 

When you support Fello through the MCC, your contribution directly funds our Children, Youth, and Their Families program, providing essential services, support, and resources to families raising children with disabilities. Each year, we reach hundreds of children and families across Maryland with educational programs, financial assistance, and direct services.  

Designating Fello as your MCC charity is a simple way to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families who depend on our services. Whether you’re just starting to explore charitable giving or looking for a more convenient way to support causes you already care about, workplace giving offers Maryland state employees a powerful tool for creating positive change.