As we close out 2025, I want to extend my sincere thanks to you for being part of a remarkable year for Fello.
This year was one of meaningful growth and transformation. Together, we expanded our reach to support more people than ever before, strengthened our teams, and introduced Fello as our new name—one that reflects our commitment to connection, belonging, and opportunity for people with disabilities across Maryland.
None of this progress would be possible without the dedication, collaboration, and trust of our partners, supporters, and community members. Your belief in our mission helps fuel real impact—opening doors, expanding access to services and housing, and advancing inclusion in tangible ways.
As we look ahead to 2026, we are proud to celebrate Fello’s 65th anniversary and energized by the work still to come. We remain deeply committed to building a future where everyone belongs.
For nearly two decades, the Snowflake Ball has been one of Fello’s most beloved annual traditions: a night dedicated to celebrating the relationships, joy, and connection that define our community.
The Snowflake Ball will return on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the BWI Hilton. Tickets are now sold out.
The Snowflake Ball brings together people with disabilities, their guests, and Fello employees from across the region. It is an opportunity to reconnect, share stories, and celebrate together with an evening of fun.
This year, all 200 tickets were claimed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Joselyn Hall, a Receptionist at Fello Linthicum, is excited to attend her first-ever Snowflake Ball. “I’m looking forward to meeting the people I support at the front desk every day outside of work—DSPs, Fello team members, people in Day Services, and office staff,” she said. “I’m looking forward to just having a good time and taking pictures!”
That spirit of connection and celebration is what the Snowflake Ball is all about.
At Fello, community isn’t just something we talk about. It’s something we create together.
Event Details
Tickets were $40 per person, and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) attended for free when accompanying someone they support.
What to Expect:
Dinner: A delicious buffet, including vegan and gluten-free selections.
Dancing: A lively DJ playing your favorite songs and plenty of space to enjoy the music with friends.
Photo Booth: Fully accessible, designed so everyone can participate and capture memories of the night.
Raffle Prizes: Every guest receives a raffle ticket, and exciting prizes are drawn throughout the evening.
Recommended Dress:
Semi-formal or festive attire: Wear something that makes you feel great and ready to celebrate!
If you have questions about the event, please contact events@fello.org.
Giving Tuesday is a global day of generosity held each year on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It’s a chance to support the causes and communities that matter most.
This year, Giving Tuesday falls on December 2, and Fello’s goal is to raise an additional $10,000 for our Family Fund, a grant program that provides Maryland families with access to the therapies, programs, and resources that their children with disabilities need, but insurance doesn’t cover.
You can be part of the next child’s story of possibility this Giving Tuesday by generously supporting our Family Fund, knowing you are making a real difference in the life of a child in your community.
What is the Family Fund?
Founded in 2017, the Family Fund helps families access the life-changing services, therapies, and resources their children with disabilities deserve that are out of reach financially.
“Families often have significant out-of-pocket costs and expenses, and it is a real financial barrier to access the resources and experiences their children need,” said Sara Pease, Assistant Director of Children, Youth & Their Families.
The Family Fund is more than a grant program—it’s a lifeline for families across Maryland.
The Impact Only You Can Make
The Family Fund is 100% supported through generous donations, grants, and community partnerships. Since its founding, the Family Fund has supported hundreds of children across Maryland and has awarded nearly $400,000 to improve the quality of life of children with disabilities.
“Every dollar donated goes directly to families, making a real, tangible difference in the lives of people right here in our own community,” said Sara. “The Family Fund represents the heart of what we do at Fello—removing barriers and creating access.”
By easing the financial burden on families, the Family Fund ensures that children with disabilities can be a part of their communities with the support they need and deserve.
Every Grant is a Story
By third grade, Trey began to pull away from other children. He wanted to connect, but starting conversations, reading social cues, and building friendships felt overwhelming. Equine therapy offered a way to build confidence and communication skills—but it was financially out of reach for his family.
Thanks to the Family Fund, Trey was able to begin therapy without his family sacrificing essentials like groceries or bills. Today, he has a new confidence, new skills, and new ways to connect with others.
“To the donors, I would just say thank you,” said Trey’s mother. “They are part of the reason why my son is able and capable of doing great things today.”
Trey is just one of the many lives transformed through the Family Fund.
On Giving Tuesday, be sure to check out the stories of Tanner and Karleigh, who have each gained new skills, confidence, and opportunities to participate more fully in their communities.
Their journeys are a reminder that every gift, no matter the size, opens doors for children with disabilities and their families.
You Can Be Part of a Family’s Story
This Giving Tuesday, you have the power to create more stories like Trey’s.
Donate Today: Every contribution brings us closer to our $10,000 goal. Your gift, no matter the size, will directly benefit children and families in our community. Click here to donate now.
Share Our Work: Connect with us on social media and share our mission with friends and family. You can also share this blog or tell others why you support the Family Fund.
Together, we can ensure that every child has access to the therapies, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed.
One year after opening, Port Street Commons is already reimagining what’s possible when it comes to creating community and fostering inclusion.
In Episode 6 of our Fello Thinking Differentlypodcast, Judi Olinger, Vice President of Housing Strategy, and Keenan Troxler, Assistant Director of Property Operations, reflect on the first year of Port Street Commons.
Together, they discuss the sense of community that has come to define Port Street Commons, and why leaders across Maryland are looking to it as an example of what is possible when housing development puts people first.
Not Your Traditional Developer
At Fello Communities, tenants are more than residents—they’re neighbors and members of a community. That philosophy guides every aspect of our work, from property management and tenant services to maintenance support and leasing partnerships.
“At Fello Communities, we certainly do strive to be the best landlords ever, the best property management company of all time,” said Keenan during the interview. “We want to offer the premier tenant services and experience for all of our tenants…I can certainly attest that the team we have truly thinks with their heart.”
From responsive and supportive Maintenance Technicians to leaders who approach the design, construction, and pricing with the best interests of residents in mind, Fello Communities is redefining what it means to develop housing. Port Street Commons is an example of heart-driven leadership creating a lasting impact in a community.
We’re Successful “When We Change People’s Lives”
At Fello Communities, success isn’t just measured in occupied units; it’s measured in the lives we impact.
“Our teams go above and beyond what’s required to truly meet the needs of our tenants,” says Keenan. “For instance, not too long ago, we hosted a back-to-school social event at Port Street Commons, where we were able to provide back-to-school supplies for eight of the children living there. Things like this set us apart from traditional landlords and also from the traditional tenant experience.”
Creating positive tenant experiences goes far beyond responding quickly to maintenance requests and answering questions about leases. It means being there when it counts.
Whether it’s a kindergartener starting school or a senior seeking accessible housing, Fello Communities strives to create an experience where residents feel supported and valued. Judi recalls an early team discussion about success:
“When we hired new Maintenance Technicians, we asked, ‘What does it mean for us to be successful?’ One of the guys looked up and said, ‘When we change people’s lives.’ That’s what we’re talking about when we’re talking about the impact we strive to create.”
It’s More Than a Building. It’s a Community
Port Street Commons isn’t just housing; it’s a thriving, interconnected community. Neighbors know each other’s names, families gather on the playground, and the nearby Rail Trail connects residents to the broader Easton community.
“We want to try to build personal relationships with each and every one of our tenants,” said Keenan. “And everybody knows each other…I think it’s just amazing how we’ve been able to form this cohesive community within the building.”
Fello created Port Street Commons with a vision of it being a space where everyone could feel like they belong. “It has exceeded every expectation we had,” said Judi.
Affordable Housing Can Be Beautiful Housing
Port Street Commons offers nine affordable units, including two accessible units and one reserved for families transitioning out of homelessness in partnership with Talbot Interfaith Shelter. Each unit is thoughtfully designed with 42-inch counters, granite countertops, in-unit washer/dryer, and high-quality finishes—proof that affordability doesn’t mean compromising on quality.
“When people walk into our units for the first time, they are stunned,” Keenan says. “You would never know it’s an affordable unit. This is about creating opportunity for everybody.”
Units provide affordable housing options for working families who might otherwise be priced out of the area.
What’s Next for Easton
The success of Port Street Commons is inspiring the next wave of Fello Communities projects:
Laura House – A 7-unit mansion-style home in downtown Easton, including two affordable units and one for Talbot Interfaith Shelter.
Silo Court – A two-acre development with 28 townhomes, a mix of three- and four-bedroom units, 25% reserved for families earning 85% AMI or below.
Easton Crossing – Transforming a 6.5-acre grain silo site into a mixed-use development with 117 residential units, parks, retail, and 30% affordable housing.
Each project builds on the foundation laid by Port Street Commons: intentional, inclusive, and community-centered housing.
Join Us in Building What’s Possible
Port Street Commons shows what happens when housing is designed around people, not profit. It’s a place where neighbors become a community, and residents thrive in spaces that are welcoming, supportive, and beautiful.
“Our job isn’t finished,” Keenan reminds us. “But developments like Port Street Commons are a glimpse of what’s possible when organizations like Fello think differently.”
Learn more at fellocommunities.org and listen to Episode 6 of the Fello Thinking Differently podcast.
Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of Fello, took to the TEDx-style stage at the Maryland Economic Development Association’s (MEDA) Main Street Maryland Conference to share a message that resonated across the room: If we want thriving, connected downtowns, we must build communities where everyone can live, work, and belong.
The conference brought together leaders from across the state who are advancing housing initiatives and reimagining what’s possible for Maryland’s main streets. Jonathon’s talk added an essential perspective—affordable housing is a powerful tool to strengthen downtowns. It’s an approach grounded in equity, access, and the belief that strong communities grow when people have real opportunities to put down roots.
Watch Jonathon’s full talkto see how inclusive development is reimagining what’s possible for main streets across Maryland.
Asking the Right Questions About Revitalization
Fello’s story began with families who wanted their children with disabilities to be fully included, to have real equity, real access, and real opportunities to live as independently as possible. That foundation continues to guide our work today, shaping how we think about housing, community, and belonging.
Yet when towns and cities plan revitalization efforts, one question is often missing: Where will people live, and who will those homes be for?
At the conference, Jonathon asked attendees how many couldn’t afford to live in the communities where they work. Nearly half of the room raised their hands. It’s a reality felt by teachers, service workers, and other essential employees who keep our main streets moving.
People want to live close to their jobs, to gather with neighbors, and to feel connected to the heart of their community. That opportunity should be available to everyone.
Turning Empty Spaces into Thriving Places
Fello is expanding access to affordable housing by transforming empty, overlooked, or underused spaces into developments that bring people together. In Easton, that vision is taking shape as former agricultural and industrial sites become mixed-use communities filled with apartments, townhomes, green spaces, and opportunities for local businesses.
These projects aren’t theoretical; they’re already reshaping what it means to live where and how you choose. Port Street Commons expanded access to nine new families who now have a place they can proudly call home.
For Jonathon, the impact comes into sharp focus in one moment: the day a resident receives the key to their apartment. That key represents access, stability, and a sense of possibility that wasn’t previously available.
Building Main Streets Where Everyone Belongs
Reimagining Maryland’s main streets is about creating communities where people can truly live, work, and belong. Jonathon’s message at the MEDA conference was clear: inclusive, affordable housing is the foundation of revitalization.
By revitalizing spaces, increasing access to affordable housing, and promoting equity, we are creating vibrant, inclusive communities throughout Maryland.
Watch Jonathon’s full TEDx-style talk to see how Fello is turning this vision into action.
