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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
As Maryland prepares for the 2026 Legislative Session, lawmakers, community leaders, and advocates across the state are gearing up for months of debate and decision-making that will shape Maryland’s future.
Each year, thousands of bills are introduced that influence how our state allocates resources, funds services, and sets priorities. The bills that will (and won’t) be passed this year will have major impacts on individual people, families, and businesses statewide.
As the session approaches, here’s what people with disabilities, their advocates, and allies need to know.
2026 Legislative Session: What to Expect
Maryland’s 448th Legislative Session convenes on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, and will run for 90 days, adjourning at midnight on Monday, April 13, 2026.
During this time, state lawmakers will gather in Annapolis to review proposed laws and budget decisions tied to some of the state’s most pressing challenges. Key issues this year are expected to include Maryland’s budget deficit, energy spending, rising costs of healthcare and education, as well as funding for the Maryland Department of Health.
These conversations will directly impact Marylanders with disabilities. As we prepare for the 2026 Legislative Session, our advocacy is guided by the real experiences, priorities, and voices of the people we support.
“Nothing About Us Without Us”
Fello’s self-advocacy group, Living Boldly, is made up of people we support who meet regularly to strengthen their own quality of life and advocate for change statewide.
As the 2026 session approaches, Living Boldly is preparing for a range of advocacy efforts—from learning about lawmakers and proposed bills to deciding how they want their voices heard this year.
“Our recent meetings have focused on understanding who represents us, what issues are coming forward, and what meaningful advocacy looks like for our group,” said Rylie Shewbridge, Director of Government Relations at Fello.
Fello’s philosophy of advocacy is grounded in the belief that people with disabilities know what they need to thrive. Everything we advocate is aligned with what people tell us matters most to them: choice, access, stability, and opportunity.
Bills We’re Watching
This year’s legislative session is expected to focus heavily on funding, particularly in light of Maryland’s budget deficit. Fello is closely monitoring conversations related to the Maryland Department of Health’s budget, including funding for the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) that falls under it.
The DDA oversees the approval of waiver services and how people with disabilities and their advocates navigate Maryland’s disability services. As budget decisions unfold, Fello will be paying close attention to any proposed cuts or changes that could impact services.
“There have been proactive steps taken by the provider community and the DDA over the last several months in anticipation of increased budget scrutiny,” said Matt Morgan, Chief Program Officer at Fello. “We are prepared to offer thoughtful recommendations that address fiscal realities while protecting services people rely on.”
Fello is also watching legislation related to housing and community development.
“There are almost a dozen bills related to affordable housing, new construction, and community development already being drafted that our teams are aware of,” said Rylie. “Fello consistently supports bills that expand access to affordable housing and strengthen inclusive communities, and we will be tracking these bills closely.”
Will You Be an Advocate? Sign Up for Action Alerts
The success of Maryland’s 2026 Legislative Session is up to us—all of us.
“Last year, the people we support, our employees, and Fello’s community of advocates came together and were incredibly powerful in shaping the outcomes of the 2025 Legislative Session,” said Rylie. “Lawmakers commended our community on how many calls, emails, and letters were sent—it really influenced the issues being discussed.”
Will you join us in advocating for the services, funding, and opportunities people with disabilities across Maryland deserve? Sign up for Fello’s Action Alerts to stay informed and take action when it matters most.
At Fello, the holiday season is about more than gifts—it’s about creating meaningful memories for children with disabilities and their families. This year, Fello’s Holiday Giving program paired 251 children with donors across the state who gave generously to provide gifts for 99 families this holiday season.
Person-Centered Gift Giving
One of the most unique aspects of Fello’s Holiday Giving program is the ability for families to ask for exactly what their children want and need. The gifts children receive from Fello and the community are based on their wish lists, which are created by the people who know them best.
“The way we do things at Fello is completely individualized,” said Sara Pease, Assistant Director of Children, Youth & Their Families. “Every gift is specifically chosen for them.”
Parents apply for the program in the fall, providing detailed wish lists, including specific links, specific colors and sizes, and notes about sensory or physical considerations. Applications are reviewed by a committee, and approved applications are matched with a donor completely anonymously.
“Our donors go above and beyond, shopping for the children on their list like they shop for their own children,” said Caroline Slobodzian, Director of Development at Fello. “It is an incredible feeling to see boxes of gifts coming in from donor families, companies, and organizations who really care about children in their community having a happy holiday season.”
Whole-Family Support
At Fello, part of our 2Gen philosophy of supporting children with disabilities is supporting their families, too—which includes not just their parents, but their siblings.
“We provide gifts for children with disabilities, as well as their siblings without disabilities,” said Jessica Sauers, Director of 2Gen Initiatives. “Making sure that families who are struggling have meaningful gifts to give to all their children is incredibly important in terms of our family-centered approach to support.”
In addition to gifts for the children, families receive grocery store gift cards tailored to family size, ensuring that every family can make a special meal for the holidays.
“Many families are facing impossible decisions about what necessities they put their money toward,” said Sara. “Providing this support to parents helps the entire family experience the holidays with joy and dignity.”
Creating Opportunity, Creating Memories
Holiday Giving is a 100% donor-funded program. When you give to Fello, you join a legacy of people showing up in meaningful ways for children with disabilities and their families in our communities.
“Our donors are changemakers who give with their whole hearts,” said Caroline. “When you give to Fello, you can feel good knowing that every dollar you give is going toward putting a smile on a child’s face as they open a gift, or a smile on a parent’s face as they pull dinner out of the oven.”
At Fello, we don’t fundraise to keep the lights on. We fundraise to make sure children with disabilities and their families in our communities are thriving.
“Our donors aren’t just buying gifts, they are creating core childhood memories for children with disabilities and their families,” said Caroline.
To learn more about our Holiday Giving program, how to apply for support, or how to purchase gifts for a family next year, click here.
