As Fello celebrates 65 years of creating community across Maryland, we are proud to share that, by the end of the year, Fello will begin providing comprehensive services, housing, and support to people in Howard County. 

This expansion reflects both Fello’s deep roots and its future vision. For six and a half decades, Fello has worked alongside people to build access, opportunity, and inclusion statewide. Growing into Howard County is a natural continuation of that legacy. 

“Expanding our impact in Howard County is a meaningful way to honor the spirit of our founders while continuing to meet the evolving needs of people across Maryland,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of Fello. 

Our Legacy Continues Next Door 

Howard County is an important next chapter for Fello. There is a growing community of people seeking choice around services in the county. Fello’s experience and approach mean we are ready to support people in new ways. 

“We hear regularly from people in Howard County who are interested in learning more about our services,” said Matt Morgan, Chief Program Officer. “Being able to expand our work there opens new possibilities for people who are ready for what’s next.” 

As demand continues to rise, Fello brings decades of experience creating person-centered services that support people in building the lives they choose. Services will launch in phases throughout the year, guided by ongoing community input and collaboration. 

“Our goal is to grow thoughtfully and in partnership with the community,” Rondeau said. “We’ll continue listening and responding in real-time to the needs of our community.” 

Creating What’s Next 

While this official expansion into Howard County is new, Fello’s connection to the county spans decades. 

Over the past 20 years, Fello has supported hundreds of Howard County residents through Self-Directed Services. Since 2022, Fello Communities has owned and operated an affordable housing unit in the county. Similarly, Fello’s Behavioral Health team has provided support to people there as needs have arisen over the last three years. 

“Since becoming Fello, one of the most encouraging things I hear is how much people want to see this work grow,” said Rondeau. “That excitement reflects trust built over time and a shared belief that people deserve choice and opportunity.” 

Expanding services to Howard County reflects Fello’s long-standing commitment to Maryland. It’s another step forward in a 65-year journey focused on supporting people to live the lives they choose. 

Learn More & Apply for Services 

If you live in Howard County and would like to learn more about Fello’s services, we invite you to explore our website or connect with our Admissions team at admissions@fello.org. 

Fello is pleased to announce that applications for the Family Fund will open on Sunday, February 1, 2026. This year, Fello plans to distribute approximately $132,000, setting a new record for the most money awarded by the Family Fund since its founding in 2017.  

What is the Family Fund? 

The Family Fund is a grant program designed to give children with disabilities access to resources and services that can make a meaningful difference in their lives. Families can apply for grants of up to $2,000 to help cover costs for therapies, adaptive equipment, educational programs, respite care, camps, and other services that improve the quality of their child’s life. 

For many families, these supports are out of reach financially and are often not covered by insurance. Without them, children miss critical opportunities to develop skills, explore new experiences, or simply live more independently. 

“I see too many families debating whether to pay for speech therapy or groceries, electric bills or leg braces,” said Sara Pease, Assistant Director of Children, Youth & Their Families. “The boost that the Family Fund provides—whether that’s a few hundred dollars or the full $2,000—means everything to the families who need it most.” 

The Family Fund Creates Brighter Futures 

The Family Fund was created in 2017 because Fello saw a clear need: families of children with disabilities face tough financial choices that no parent should have to make. The fund ensures that every dollar raised goes directly back to supporting children—creating access to life-changing therapies, adaptive tools, and opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach. 

The impact of the Family Fund extends beyond individual families—it strengthens communities, empowers children, and provides a tangible way for donors to see the difference their contributions make. 

Read about some of the families who received a Family Fund grant last year, and the impact it made on their lives.  

Apply for the Family Fund Starting February 1 

Applications for the 2026 Family Fund open February 1 and will remain open until February 21, 2026. Families with children who have disabilities under the age of 21 are encouraged to apply. 

The application process is designed to be straightforward and supportive. Families are asked to share information about their child, their needs, and how the Family Fund grant will make a meaningful difference for their child. Each application is then reviewed carefully by a committee to ensure that grants are awarded to children who will benefit the most. 

Fello’s team is available to support families with the application process, if needed. If you have questions about eligibility, need help completing the application, or want guidance on what information to include, please contact resources@fello.org.  

A Growing Legacy of Support 

Since its launch, the Family Fund has grown from distributing $14,000 in its first year to awarding over $113,600 to 96 children in 2025 for therapies, educational assistance, respite care, camps, and more. 

“We are incredibly grateful that the community sees the need for this program and understands its importance,” said Caroline Slobodzian, Director of Development. “The Family Fund has grown tremendously every year thanks to the generous gifts of donors in our community.” 

Every dollar raised for the Family Fund is granted back to the community, helping ensure that more children have access to the supports and opportunities they need to thrive. 

Support for Every Family 

While the Family Fund provides critical financial support, every family can access guidance, resources, and programs through Fello’s Children, Youth, & Their Families services, even if they are not awarded a grant. Families can explore other therapies, respite care options, educational support, and community programs tailored to their child’s needs. 

“We know that not every family will receive a Family Fund grant, but that doesn’t mean support isn’t available,” said Sara. “We encourage families to reach out, connect with our team, and learn about the many resources that can help their child thrive.” 

Fello staff are available to answer questions, provide guidance, and connect families with resources that meet their child’s needs. Families can contact resources@fello.org for personalized support at any time.

On Tuesday, The Baltimore Banner hosted its annual Inside the Legislative Session event at the Graduate Annapolis, bringing together Maryland’s top policymakers, business leaders, and community advocates to discuss the policy choices shaping our state. Among the featured conversations was “Social Safety Net in the Trump Era,” a timely panel that included Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of Fello, alongside leaders from across the public and nonprofit sectors.

The panel explored how potential shifts in federal policy could impact the programs and systems that millions of Americans rely on—from health care and housing to food access, education, and disability services. For Maryland, where thousands of people depend on these supports to live, work, and thrive in their communities, the stakes could not be higher.

As Jonathon emphasized during the panel, “When we talk about potential shifts in federal policy, we are really talking about people’s lives. Programs tied to health care, housing, food access, education, and disability services are not abstract line items. They are the systems that allow millions of Americans to live with stability, dignity, and opportunity. Decisions made at the federal level ripple quickly to the local level, and it is essential that those choices protect the supports communities rely on every day.”

Why the Social Safety Net Matters

The social safety net is more than a collection of programs—it is the foundation that allows people to stay housed, remain healthy, and participate fully in community life. During the discussion, Jonathon offered a powerful way to think about how these systems function together: “I often use the metaphor of playing Jenga when talking about these programs. They depend on one another to maintain a complete, stable structure of support for the people we serve. Removing or weakening any one of them can have a disruptive impact at both the personal and the policy level.” For people with disabilities, these systems often determine whether someone can live independently, access employment, or receive the supports they need to succeed.

As national conversations turn toward budget cuts and restructuring of federal programs, the panel focused on what those changes could mean on the ground. Jonathon spoke to the importance of protecting and strengthening these systems, emphasizing that a strong safety net is not just about crisis response, but about long-term stability, dignity, and opportunity.

At Fello, this perspective is central to the work. From housing and behavioral health to employment and community-based supports, Fello’s services are designed to meet people where they are and help them build the lives they choose—work that depends on smart, compassionate public policy.

About the Panel

Inside the Legislative Session offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from leaders navigating the intersection of policy, funding, and community impact. The “Social Safety Net in the Trump Era” panel brought together voices from government, advocacy, and service delivery to unpack how proposed federal shifts could affect Marylanders.

Panelists discussed the importance of state-level leadership, the role of nonprofits in filling gaps, and the need for collaboration across sectors to ensure no one is left behind. The broader event also included conversations with state officials about Maryland’s budget and legislative priorities for the year ahead.

Fello’s Role in Strengthening Communities

At Fello, advocacy and direct service go hand in hand. Whether through building inclusive housing, expanding access to behavioral health care, or supporting people in finding meaningful work, Fello operates at the point where policy becomes lived experience.

Jonathon’s participation in this panel reflects Fello’s ongoing role as a voice for people with disabilities and the communities that support them. By contributing to these high-level policy conversations, Fello helps ensure that the realities of everyday life—housing stability, access to care, and community connection—remain at the center of decision-making.

As Maryland navigates an uncertain federal landscape, conversations like those at Inside the Legislative Session are critical. They create space to confront challenges, share expertise, and push for policies that uphold dignity, opportunity, and inclusion for everyone.

Governor Moore recently released his FY2027 budget proposal, which includes significant changes to the Developmental Disabilities Administration’s (DDA) budget.  

Here’s a breakdown of what’s being proposed—and what it could mean for people with disabilities across Maryland.  

The Big Picture 

The FY2027 budget proposal includes a $150 million cut in state funding (which is about $300 million in total when federal matching funds are included). Even with the cuts, the DDA’s overall budget will still grow by 8%.  

This is because FY2026 costs were higher than originally budgeted, and those higher costs are carried into FY2027. In other words, the FY2027 budget starts from a higher baseline than expected, which is why the overall budget is growing despite specific funding cuts. Good news: Despite a current $300 million state budget deficit, the administration has stated it will not reduce DDA funding in FY2026.  

Three Things to Watch 

Fello is closely watching several proposed changes that could directly affect people who rely on DDA services and the providers who support them.  

There are three main changes that have been proposed, including stricter rules for one-to-one staffing, new budget caps, and changes to Self-Directed Services. 

1. Stricter Rules for One-to-One Staffing (Dedicated Hours) 

What’s changing: The DDA would more strictly enforce existing rules that limit when a person can receive one-to-one (dedicated) staff support instead of shared staffing.  

Who’s affected: About 3,800 people with disabilities and over 200 community providers. 

What this could mean: 

• Providers would be required to complete additional training on how the rules are applied.  
• Increased oversight of how dedicated staffing hours are approved and used. Ongoing concern about whether people with higher or more complex support needs will get the level of staffing they require. 

Estimated Budget Impact:

• $54.2 million in savings for the State of Maryland 
• $108.4 million total with federal matching funds. 

2. New Budget Cap Per Person 

What’s changing: The proposal would set a new $500,000 annual limit on how much the state can spend on services for any one person receiving DDA supports. 

Who’s affected: About 1,600 people currently have budgets at or above this amount, with 824 already spending $500,000 or more. 

What this could mean: 

• An exceptions process will be created for people who need more support. 
• This change would require state approval and a public comment period (expected in March). 

Estimated budget impact: 

• $33 million in savings for the State of Maryland 
• $66 million total with the federal matching funds 

3. Changes to Self-Directed Services 

What’s changing: 

• Wages for employees of Self-Directed Services participants would be set using standard labor data, instead of individually determined rates. 
• The current wage exception process would be eliminated so that all employees make wages aligned with the defined customary and reasonable rates. 

Who’s affected: About 4,000 people using Self-Directed Services and their 10,000+ employees. 

What this could mean: Self-Directed Services employees will be paid wages that are more like what employees with similar job roles and responsibilities as employees at community providers are paid. 

Estimated budget impact:  

• $62 million in savings to the State of Maryland 
• $124 million total, including federal matching funds

What Happens Next 

The Governor’s proposed budget will be reviewed by the General Assembly during the legislative session. Lawmakers may accept, change, or reject different parts of the proposal before a final budget is approved.  

Several of the proposed changes, especially the new budget cap and updates to Self-Directed Services, would require additional state approval and public input before they could take effect. 

Fello is working closely with the Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS), other advocacy groups, the DDA, the Governor’s Office, and legislators to better understand how these proposals would be implemented and who would be affected.  

Fello’s leadership is particularly focused on the impact these changes will have on:

• young adults transitioning to services 
• people on the DDA waiting list 
• People with more complex support needs 

More information will become available as the budget process continues through the legislative session. 

Join Us in Advocacy  

As we head into the 2026 legislative session, consider joining our efforts. Whether it’s contacting your representatives, attending advocacy events, or staying informed, your involvement matters.  

Together, we can continue to push for policies that make a meaningful difference for people with disabilities and their families.  

To stay in the loop about policy priorities and advocacy alerts, sign up to receive Fello’s monthly newsletter.