Fello at The Mall Opens its Doors, Creating a New Space for Connection

A group of people celebrating a ribbon-cutting ceremony indoors for Fello at The Mall, flanked by two balloon columns with blue, white, and yellow balloons.

On Tuesday, Fello officially cut the ribbon on Fello at The Mall, marking an exciting new chapter for connection, access, and inclusion in Annapolis, MD. 

Located inside the Annapolis Mall, the space will officially open to the public on February 10, giving community members an accessible, welcoming place to learn about Fello, connect with employees, and explore programming—all in a familiar, everyday setting. 

During the event, attendees heard from Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of Fello; Sara Pease, Assistant Director of Children, Youth & Their Families; and Carol Beatty, Maryland Secretary of Disabilities. Each spoke about what the space represents and how having Fello present at the mall removes barriers and creates new opportunities for connection. 

“Fello has been known for providing not just person-centered, but family-centered support for decades,” said Rondeau. “This space will allow us to continue that legacy and usher in a new era of access, opportunity, and connection.” 

This welcoming space was designed to meet people where they already are—creating an easy, approachable entry point to Fello’s services, resources, and community-building work. Community members, legislators, partners, and supporters gathered for the ribbon cutting to celebrate what this space represents: opportunity, visibility, and belonging. 

Relive the celebration, view photos from the ribbon cutting here: https://bit.ly/45Ub3T8

A Hub for Community & Connection 

From the start, Fello at The Mall has been shaped by a simple but powerful idea: community works best when everyone has a place in it. The space offers a central hub to learn more about Fello, connect with employees, explore resources, and engage with programming in a setting that feels open and accessible. 

Fello at The Mall will be home to Fello’s Children, Youth & Their Families program, and attendees heard from Sara Pease, Assistant Director of Children, Youth & Their Families, about how they could access the space.  

“Families will be able to walk right in during regular mall hours—even on the weekends—and get information, resources, and support right away,” said Pease.  

Expanding Access Through Inclusion 

Fello at The Mall is more than a physical location—it’s a reflection of Fello’s commitment to creating inclusive spaces that are embedded in everyday life. By bringing services and support into a familiar, high-traffic setting, Fello is expanding access and making it easier for people to connect, learn, and belong. 

“This brand-new space reflects Fello’s commitment to listening to the people they serve and responding with meaningful action,” said Carol Beatty, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Disabilities. “We’re proud of the impact Fello has made across Maryland and look forward to expanded access to support and services for families here in Annapolis.” 

The space officially opens on February 10, and community members are invited to stop in, connect, and see firsthand how Fello is creating opportunities for connection, inclusion, and belonging. 

An Evening of Community & Connection

Six people standing in a doorway with snowflake themed ballons that are white, silver, and baby blue

The Snowflake Ball returned this January with a simple goal: to bring people together for a night of connection, music, and celebration. 

Held on Saturday, January 10, at the BWI Hilton Hotel, the sold-out event welcomed 300 people from across the region for an evening that felt both familiar and special. An annual tradition for many, the Snowflake Ball offers a chance to reconnect, dress up, and enjoy time together outside of everyday routines. 

Throughout the night, the dance floor stayed busy as the DJ kept the music going, while others moved easily between conversations, dinner, and the photo booth, capturing moments with friends. A buffet dinner offered a variety of options, and raffle prizes added an extra layer of excitement, with every attendee receiving a ticket to participate. 

More than a dance, the Snowflake Ball reflects Fello’s belief that everyone deserves access to experiences that are joyful, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed. Every detail of the evening was planned to create an environment where people could participate in ways that felt right for them and fully enjoy the moment. 

For many attendees, the Snowflake Ball is one of the few large-scale social events each year created with accessibility and belonging at the forefront. It serves as a reminder that community life includes celebration, recreation, and shared experiences—and access to those moments matters. 

Events like the Snowflake Ball matter because they create space for belonging. They remind us that inclusion isn’t just about access to services or supports—it’s also about access to fun, celebration, and shared experiences that build community. 

As the evening came to a close, it was clear why the Snowflake Ball continues to be a meaningful tradition. It’s not just an event, but a reflection of Fello’s ongoing commitment to building communities where people feel connected, included, and welcomed—on the dance floor and beyond. 

The Snowflake Ball will return in January 2027. Tickets will go on sale in the fall and will be available until the event sells out. 

Fello Takes Major Step Forward With Easton Crossing Community

EASTON, Md. (January 6, 2026) – Fello, a Maryland-based nonprofit supporting people with disabilities statewide and advancing inclusive, accessible, and affordable housing, has secured a $500,000 state grant from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and unanimous approval from the Easton Planning Commission for Easton Crossing, clearing the final hurdle for the mixed-use development to move forward.

Easton Crossing is located on the 6.5-acre former Perdue Agribusiness industrial site within Easton’s Planned Redevelopment overlay. Once complete, the development will transform the long-vacant site into an inclusive, mixed-use, mixed-income community reflecting public input and supporting long-term economic vitality.

The funding was awarded through Maryland’s Strategic Demolition Fund, a program within the Maryland DHCD’s State Revitalization Program that supports community development and economic growth. For Easton Crossing, the grant will help advance site preparation and redevelopment efforts that align with Fello Communities’ mission to create inclusive, mixed-use spaces.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the Planning Commission for their support and for the state’s investment in Easton Crossing,” said Ross Benincasa, Senior Vice President of Community Development for Fello Communities. “This project demonstrates what’s possible when development is shaped by the people it serves. We’re excited to continue moving forward to deliver a community that supports people across all walks of life.”

Easton Crossing will include 117 mixed-income residential units, open space, and over 20,000 square feet of retail space. This approach sparks local business growth and fosters inclusivity and connection.

“When we invest in the character, vitality, and potential of our communities, we unlock new opportunities for the people who live and work there. We know that when we invest in great places, Great Places Win,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “These projects will strengthen local economies and support thriving, lovable communities. We’re proud to stand with our partners across the state as we build great places in partnership.”

With final approval of the plan secured, Fello Communities is ready to advance Easton Crossing toward vertical construction on Building 509, which begins summer 2026, bringing the project one step closer to delivering an inclusive and vibrant new community to Easton.

65 Years of Impact: Looking Back & Ahead with Fello

Two people having a conversation at a desk with microphones, featuring "Fello. THINKING DIFFERENTLY" branding and celebrating Fello's 65th Anniversary. The discussion is titled "A conversation with Jonathon Rondeau." The setting includes a green striped background and the desk displays the Fello logo.

This year, Fello is celebrating 65 years of impact, advocacy, and inclusive community-building alongside people with disabilities across Maryland. To mark this milestone, Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of Fello, joined the Fello Thinking Differently podcast to reflect on Fello’s 65-year legacy in our communities and how it continues to shape our work—today and beyond.

In this episode, “65 Years of Impact: The Story of Fello”, Jonathon shares how Fello began, what has guided our work for more than six decades, and why those values guide our work today. From our earliest days advocating for inclusion to the person-centered services and inclusive communities we support today, Fello has always been shaped by listening to people and building the services people tell us they want and need. 

As we celebrate Fello’s 65th anniversary, take a few minutes to listen as Jonathon details how it all began and why it still matters for the people we support and our communities today.

Listen Now: YouTube – https://bit.ly/44ZeaJ5 | Apple Podcasts – https://bit.ly/4973P0e | Spotify – https://bit.ly/4973P0e

A Legacy of Excellence & Possibility

For 65 years, Fello’s work has been guided by a simple but powerful idea: people with disabilities deserve the same opportunities, access, and connection as anyone else. From advocacy and direct services to housing and community development, Fello’s approach has always centered the voices, goals, and choices of the people we support.

“The people we support—their ideas, stories, needs, and best interests—are at the heart of everything we do,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of Fello. “We have been creating the services people tell us they need for 65 years, and we are continuing that legacy in our 65th year and beyond.”

Over the last six and a half decades, Fello has grown in scale and reach, but many of the values that guide our work—choice, inclusion, opportunity, and access—continue to define who we are.

Innovation Rooted in Community

Building on a 65-year legacy of listening and inclusion, Fello continues to evolve by responding to real community needs. Today, our person-centered services champion the rights of people with disabilities and invest in what matters most: real opportunities, strong relationships, and inclusive, equitable communities. 

“Fello wasn’t started necessarily to be a provider of services,” said Jonathon. “Today we provide a whole array of services, but really at the beginning, it was, ‘How do we change what’s happening in our community so children and adults with disabilities can be fully included?'”

Fello’s commitment to innovation, thoughtful growth, and strategic risk-taking has shaped Fello into the organization it is today—one that continues to challenge assumptions, create new opportunities, and build inclusive communities where people with disabilities can thrive.

How Fello Innovates & Creates What’s Next

In this episode, Jonathon explores Fello’s reputation for innovation and improvement and how our choices as an organization keep us responsive, competitive, and leaders in the community.

Jonathon Rondeau: So, our focus on equity and inclusion and creating communities that people with disabilities can be fully included in is the foundation of who we are today.

Alex: Right.

Jonathon: But as an organization that’s 65 years old, of course we’ve evolved, we all evolve over time–we better! But I think our core of who we are hasn’t changed. I think we are a lot more focused on our values, and what those values mean for both the people we serve and our employees.

Check out the full conversation with Jonathon Rondeau to learn more about Fello’s future wherever you get your podcasts.

YouTube – https://bit.ly/44ZeaJ5 | Apple Podcasts – https://bit.ly/4973P0e | Spotify – https://bit.ly/4973P0e

Creating Community: 2025 Annual Report Available Now

Collage of diverse people in various settings, including indoor and outdoor scenes, depicted in a spectrum of blue and gold hues.

We’re kicking off 2026—and Fello’s 65th anniversary—by looking back on a year of remarkable growth and impact. From expanding services to opening new homes and creating more opportunities for people with disabilities, 2025 showed how building inclusive communities changes lives.

65 Years of Vision

Since 1961, Fello has been guided by a commitment to inclusion, opportunity, and community.

Collage of diverse people in various settings, including indoor and outdoor scenes, depicted in a spectrum of blue and gold hues.

Download Report

 

Throughout 2026, Fello is celebrating 65 years of creating the inclusive and equitable communities that foster opportunity for all. What began with a small group of families determined to create new possibilities for their children with disabilities has continued to grow into a statewide movement. In 2025, that legacy continued through a year defined by growth, impact, and momentum—setting the stage for an exciting year ahead.  

“As we move into 2026, we do so with momentum, confidence, and gratitude for everyone who makes our work possible,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of Fello. “We are continuing our legacy of innovation, advocacy, and building lasting change, together.”

Building Homes, Creating Community

Fello’s first service began in 1975 when we opened our first home for people with disabilities in the heart of the community. Today, that home in Anne Arundel County is still owned by Fello—and people with disabilities continue to thrive there.

Over the last 65 years, Fello has expanded access to safe, affordable, accessible housing that meets people’s needs, goals, and independence. Today, Fello’s housing work serves people with disabilities and the broader community—creating mixed, inclusive neighborhoods where everyone belongs.

“What started as a single house is now a wide network of homes, units, and communities across the region,” said Ross Benincasa, Senior Vice President of Community Development at Fello Communities. “We have more than 150 units we plan to open to people with disabilities and the general public in the coming years, and all of that growth is based on us building upon this important work that began 65 years ago.”

In 2025, Fello focused on what these homes make possible: connection, independence, and the freedom to live life on one’s own terms.

The Best is Yet to Come

Over the last 65 years, the dedication of Fello’s leadership, employees, donors, the people we support, and their families has shaped a dynamic and innovative organization—one that continues to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives and across our communities.

“Fello’s work is centered on the unwavering belief that we have a responsibility to meet the ever-changing needs of our communities,” said Jonathon.

Fello’s 2025 Annual Report reflects the collective legacy and impact of everyone who contributed to Fello’s mission, excellence, and vision in 2025—and beyond.

“We have been meeting our communities’ needs for 65 years, and we have no plans on stopping,” said Jonathon. “The best is yet to come.”

Read the 2025 Annual Report Now

 

Previous annual reports are available upon request.

Creating Community: Fello’s 2025 Annual Report

This year, as Fello celebrates its 65th anniversary, we honor—and recommit to—the bold vision that sparked our founding: the belief that our communities can, and must, be places where every person belongs and has the opportunity to thrive.

What began in 1961 has grown into a statewide movement that celebrates choice, connection, and inclusion. With momentum and confidence, we look ahead with deep gratitude for everyone who makes this work possible.

This annual report marks the beginning of our 65th anniversary year and reflects the progress, impact, and collective commitment shaping Fello today—and guiding what comes next.

Collage of diverse people in various settings, including indoor and outdoor scenes, depicted in a spectrum of blue and gold hues.

Download Report

 

Previous annual reports are available upon request.