Earlier this month, Fello joined county leaders, legislators, and community partners at the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) 2025 Summer Conference in Ocean City, MD. The conference brought together more than 3,000 participants, 350 exhibitors, 110 speakers, and featured more than 55 information sessions.  

MACo is an opportunity for local leaders to earn, connect, and share ideas about how to strengthen Maryland’s communities. For Fello, it is an annual opportunity to make sure the voices of people with disabilities are part of those conversations. 

Shaping Policy for People with Disabilities 

This year’s theme, Funding the Future: The Evolving Role of Local Government, focused on how Maryland’s counties plan and budget for the future. Part of ensuring a strong, community-centered budget is making sure people with disabilities have access to the opportunities and resources they need, like housing, healthcare, and community supports.   

The conference began with Fello sponsoring Funk & Bolton’s annual MACo Reception, which drew more than 200 attendees. During the conference, Fello had the opportunity to sit down with leaders to discuss our priorities, share ideas, and collaborate on future initiatives to strengthen communities across Maryland. 

By taking part in sessions on local funding and policy, Fello engaged directly with legislators and county leaders to protect important programs from cuts and to make the case for stronger investments that build inclusive and equitable communities across the state. 

Having a Seat at the Table 

Throughout the week, Fello joined discussions on health, Medicaid and Medicare, federal policy, and housing. Fello’s presence ensured the goals, needs, and perspectives of people with disabilities were included in shaping Maryland’s future. 

“Being at MACo gives us the chance to connect with leaders across the state and remind them that people with disabilities are their constituents, their neighbors, and their community members,” said Rylie Shewbridge, Fello’s Director of Government Relations. “Representation matters, and our presence ensures that these voices are not only heard but valued in shaping policy.” 

Moving Forward, Together 

Events like MACo are opportunities for Fello to advocate for change while building relationships that last beyond the conference. These relationships will help shape public policy, funding, and budgets in the year to come. 

Fello is committed to making sure people with disabilities remain at the center of decision-making when it comes to housing, healthcare, and services in their communities.  

Together, we can create a Maryland where every community is equitable, accessible, and fully inclusive. 

On Thursday, September 18, 2025, Fello will celebrate the opening of the first completed building of Easton Crossing. This first building is 407 Brookletts Avenue, which will serve as the administrative and leasing office for Easton Crossing, one of the most highly anticipated community development projects in Easton.  

The ribbon cutting for 407 Brookletts marks an important first step toward in the construction and launch of Easton Crossing. Community members are invited to attend, enjoy breakfast and light refreshments, and celebrate this milestone together. 

Join Us  

Building the Foundation 

407 Brookletts will serve as the leasing hub for both Easton Crossing’s future residents and commercial tenants, as well as the hub for supporting all Fello Communities properties across the Mid-Shore. The opening of this office marks the visible start of a larger transformation—turning a long-vacant property into a neighborhood built for connection and community.  

“This ribbon cutting is the start of something bigger,” said Ross Benincasa, Senior Vice President of Community Development for Fello Communities. “Easton Crossing will bring new homes, new opportunities, and new energy to Easton. This is the first step in that journey—and there’s much more to come.” 

What is Easton Crossing? 

Easton Crossing will transform the 6.5-acre site of the former Perdue AgriBusiness operation into a vibrant, walkable neighborhood. With all six planned buildings now fully approved, construction is underway to deliver: 

• 117 new residential units, with 30% designated as affordable. 
• Ground-level commercial space along the Rails-to-Trails and Brookletts Avenue. 
• Community green space, walking paths, and a fishing pond, offering amenities for both residents of Easton Crossing and Easton’s wider community.

The development has been shaped by community collaboration—through stakeholder meetings and neighborhood engagement—to ensure it reflects the needs and vision of the Easton community. The result is a project that is inclusive, accessible, and deeply connected to the community it serves. 

Next Steps 

Throughout 2026, there will be additional progress as sitework for the entire footprint of Easton Crossing is completed—including stormwater management, fiber installation, underground infrastructure, and surface parking. Once the sitework is complete, vertical construction can begin. 

The next milestone in Easton Crossing’s journey is Building 509, a multifamily building featuring artist lofts and a unit for people supported by Fello, fulfilling the vision of Easton Crossing as a place full of creating inclusive, vibrant spaces that connect housing, community, and opportunity. 

On Thursday, the Community Hub at Port Street Commons was buzzing with excitement as Fello hosted a back-to-school celebration for the residents. The event brought together neighbors for an afternoon of fun and preparation for the new school year. 

The goal was simple: Help kids start the school year feeling prepared and supported. Every child went home with a backpack full of school supplies—pencils, notebooks, folders, crayons, and more—so they could step into their classrooms ready to learn. And because no celebration is complete without a treat, families cooled off with ice cream while enjoying time to relax, chat, and build connections. 

While the main focus was providing school supplies, the celebration was also about fostering relationships among neighbors and with the Fello team. Moments like these strengthen the bonds that turn housing into community. 

“At Fello Communities, we don’t just provide housing—we build relationships,” said Keenan Troxler, Assistant Director of Property Operations. “We stay engaged with residents, listen to their needs, and create opportunities for connection and support.” 

This event was a reflection of Fello’s commitment to not just creating housing but also community. By investing in the well-being of our tenants’ children and bringing neighbors together, Fello strengthens connections, provides practical support, and opens doors to opportunity. 

What is Port Street Commons? 

Port Street Commons opened its doors in November 2024, blending affordable housing, vital services, and welcoming community spaces to reflect the full diversity of the people who call Easton home. The Residences at Port Street include nine affordable housing units for people earning up to 65% of the Area Median Income, with two fully accessible units. More than just another housing development, Port Street Commons is a vibrant community built by Fello Communities with purpose and consideration. At Fello Communities, we believe we are more than landlords; we are neighbors who stand alongside residents, offering support wherever. However, it’s needed because we genuinely want everyone to succeed. 

At Fello, our 2Gen approach is person-centered while still recognizing the important role families and communities play in influencing the services and supports people need. 

In this episode of Fello Thinking Differently, our original podcast, we explore how our 2Gen approach complements our philosophy of person-centeredness and ensures families have the tools and resources they need.  

Jessica Sauers, Director of 2Gen Initiatives, shares how Fello’s approach strengthens outcomes for children, adults, their families, and our communities while keeping the person at the center of every decision. 

🎧 Listen to Episode 3: Supporting Families, Strengthening Futures 

What Are Fello’s 2Gen Initiatives? 

2Gen is about families receiving integrated support so the services they receive are more meaningful and the long-term impact is strengthened—not just for the people we support, but for their families and communities as well. 

“It’s about looking at the family as a whole,” said Jessica,” What does not only the child need, but also the family members within the home. What resources or support do they need to be able to grow? We want those services and supports to follow them into their adult life.” 

At Fello, 2Gen isn’t just a philosophy—it’s a set of programs designed to meet people where they are and follow them over time. Currently, Fello’s 2Gen Initiatives encompass three key program areas: 

Children, Youth & Their Families  

Fello’s Children, Youth & Their Families services are designed to strengthen families and create opportunities across their lives. The program provides a range of educational, financial, and community-based supports for children with disabilities and their families, helping each family find the resources and guidance they need. By connecting families to services, coaching, funding, and experiences that fit their unique situation, Fello creates a network of support that helps children and their families grow, thrive, and achieve their goals together.  

Community Supports  

Fello’s Community Supports provide tailored services for people with disabilities, helping them fully engage in their communities. Supports are flexible and personalized, ranging from supporting daily activities like cooking, running errands, and attending appointments, to opportunities for social connection and pursuing hobbies. Whether someone receives 5 hours of services every week or 80 hours, Community Supports align services with each person’s goals so they can engage more fully with the people, places, and activities that matter most to them.  

Entitlements  

Fello provides support to people in our services with their entitlements, providing another critical layer of support as people and their families access public benefits such as SNAP, WIC, SSI, SSDI, Housing Choice Vouchers, and Maryland ABLE accounts. By guiding people through applications, renewal processes, and managing these programs, Fello removes barriers and ensures that people with disabilities have continuous access to the resources they need.  

Building Lifelong Impact 

When services are built with both people and their families in mind, outcomes are stronger and more sustainable. Fello’s 2Gen Initiatives reflect our belief that supporting people with disabilities means recognizing the broader networks of family and community around them, allowing children and families to grow together with services that follow them into adulthood. 

At its heart, 2Gen is about creating lifelong impact. By focusing on the needs of the whole family, Fello ensures that people have not only the support they need today but also the tools and opportunities to thrive in the future—building stability, opportunity, and stronger, more inclusive communities. 

Keep Listening, Keep Learning   

Want to hear more about how 2Gen comes to life at Fello? Tune into Episode 3 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. 

🎧 Listen to Episode 3: Supporting Families, Strengthening Futures 

Fello is proud to announce that Jose Ochoa, Vice President of Finance, has been named a 2025 Maryland’s Hispanic Leadership Award recipient by The Daily Record. A new awards program, Maryland’s Hispanic Leadership Awards, honors the growing and powerful force of Hispanic leaders in Maryland’s economy, recognizing outstanding leaders across Maryland for their professional accomplishments, community involvement, and commitment to mentoring.

Jose was selected for his exceptional contributions to Fello’s mission and work in the community. Since joining Fello in April 2024, Jose has played a pivotal role in guiding the organization through a year of extraordinary growth and change. A dynamic and accomplished financial strategist, he navigates the complexities of funding streams, resources, and budgets to maintain a strong financial position while driving innovation and growth. Jose’s steady, solutions-focused leadership style has helped ensure stable growth while embracing strategic opportunities to expand services for people with disabilities statewide.

“Jose brings a global perspective to every room he is in, ensuring that we are always seeing our work in the context of what other organizations, nonprofits, and countries around the world are experiencing and offering,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO at Fello. “His passion and personal connection to disability services drive him to ensure that Fello remains innovative, person-centered, and ready to grow with the people we support across Maryland.”

Jose will be recognized at the Awards Celebration on September 24, 2025, at Gertrude’s Restaurant at the Baltimore Museum of Art.

For many families, the start of a new school year brings a mix of excitement and anticipation. But for families of students with disabilities, it can also bring some worry or nervousness about what’s ahead. 

When students head back to school in August, the IEPs written last spring move from paper to practice. That’s when many families begin to see what’s working well – and where they might need more support. The plans made during annual meetings are now happening in real classrooms, and it’s often during this change that new questions or concerns come up. 

“The start of the school year is often when families realize they could use a partner in the IEP process,” says Sara Pease, Assistant Director of Children, Youth, & Their Families at Fello. “That’s exactly why we offer programs like Project Learn and Project Learn Leadership Academy – to make sure families and students feel supported, not just during their annual IEP meeting, but every step of the way.” 

What’s an IEP? 

An Individualized Education Program, or IEP, is a plan created to help students with disabilities get the support they need at school. It’s a legal document that lists the services, accommodations, and goals that will help a student learn and grow. 

Each IEP is created by a team that usually includes the student’s parents, teachers, school staff, administrators, and the students themselves. This team works together to set clear goals and decide on the right support to help the student reach them. 

IEPs are meant to give students the support they need – but they can be complicated and hard to understand. These documents are often long and full of educational terms, legal language, and steps to follow that aren’t always clear.  

Even after your child’s IEP is in place, you might still have questions – and you don’t have to wait until the next annual meeting to ask them. Questions like, is the plan being followed in the classroom? What if something isn’t working, or your child isn’t making progress? What happens next when a goal is met? You have the right to ask these questions and get support all year long.  

“For families, the process can feel more like navigating a system than building a support plan,” said Sara. “While the annual IEP meeting is a key moment, it’s what happens after the meeting that matters most.” 

That’s where Fello steps in. 

Two Programs, One Goal 

To help families feel more confident and supported during the IEP journey, Fello offers two programs: Project Learn and Project Learn Leadership Academy.   

• Project Learn is a one-on-one coaching program that provides personalized IEP support for parents.  
• Project Learn Leadership Academy is a four-day workshop series that helps students understand and take charge of their own IEP journey.

Both programs are designed to build understanding, confidence, and advocacy skills so families and students are prepared to speak up and ask for what they need. 

Project Learn: One-on-One IEP Coaching for Parents 

Project Learn is a one-time program offered in partnership with longtime IEP advocate Beth Nolan of Education Team Allies. Beth brings years of experience and a deep understanding of how to work with schools, systems, and services – always centering the family’s voice in the process. 

Designed to make IEPs feel less intimidating and more collaborative, Project Learn helps families understand, organize, and take action during a process that can otherwise feel overwhelming. It is for parents and guardians who want help:  

• Reviewing their child’s IEP or evaluations 
• Preparing for a school meeting 
• Figuring out what to do when something doesn’t feel right 
• Making changes to their child’s plan

How It Works 

Each family can receive up to six one-on-one sessions with Beth. Sessions are tailored to your needs and may include: 

• A full review of the IEP and evaluations 
• Meeting prep and follow-up support 
• Help organizing paperwork and notes 
• Attending a meeting with you 
• Building your confidence and helping you better understand your rights

While Beth is not a lawyer, she is an experienced advocate and coach who has helped hundreds of families navigate this process with greater confidence. 

Cost & Availability 

Project Learn is income-based, and most families pay just $25 per session – compared to $200+ per hour for similar services. 

Enrollment is limited to 50 families per year, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis – so you don’t need to wait for IEP season in the spring to get started. 

Start your application here.

Real-Life Impact 

Emily connected with Fello through Project Learn after relocating back to the Maryland area. As an active-duty military family, Emily was focused on building strong, stable support for her son’s IEP, and needed help learning how to navigate a new school system. 

Through Fello’s one-on-one IEP coaching and partnership with advocate Beth Noland, she found exactly what she needed. 

“Beth Nolan is an excellent resource,” said Emily Shanley. “She validated my concerns, clarified my questions, and helped our family get the most out of the IEP process for our son. We made more progress with Beth’s support than we had in over 11 years working with [the school system].” 

With the right guidance and advocacy, families like Emily’s are better prepared to navigate complex systems, build meaningful plans, and make sure their children have the support they need to succeed. 

Project Learn Leadership Academy: Helping Students Understand Their IEP 

For many students, the IEP process feels like something that happens to them – not with them. Project Learn Leadership Academy is designed to change that by putting students at the center of their own educational journey. 

This is a free program for middle and high schoolers and is ideal for students who want to better understand their educational plan, learn how to advocate for themselves, and take an active role in their school experience. The program supports students at different stages of their education journey – whether they’re just starting to get involved, or ready to lead conversations about their goals and needs. 

“When students are part of the IEP process early, they’re more likely to stay engaged and confident in their learning,” says Sara. “Project Learn Leadership Academy helps them see themselves as capable decision-makers.” 

How It Works 

In partnership with school-based transition specialists, this four-day classroom series takes place during the school day. Taught by Sara and Beth, students learn:

• What is in their IEP
• Who’s responsible for providing their services
• How to get ready for and participate in meetings
• How to talk about their goals and what they need in school

The goal is to build confident, informed students who are involved in shaping their own learning. 

Each year, Project Learn Leadership Academy rotates to new schools across the region. Families are encouraged to talk with their school teams about bringing the program to their school. 

Every Student Deserves a Strong Start 

Navigating the IEP process can feel overwhelming – but families don’t have to do it alone. Whether you need one-on-one support to prepare for a meeting or want to help your child play a more active role in their education, Fello meets you where you are.  

Our IEP programs are designed to empower families and students with the knowledge, confidence, and tools they need to succeed. 

Start your application here.

Once submitted, a member of our team will follow up to match you with the right program or resource. 

At Fello, we’re here to make sure every family feels informed, connected, and supported – every step of the way.