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. 

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.