Fello’s Economic Impact: Investing in Maryland Communities
As Maryland celebrates Economic Impact Week, October 20–24, we are highlighting how Fello contributes not just services, but real economic value to our communities. With an annual budget of $459 million, Fello is one of Maryland’s largest nonprofits. But it’s not just the size of our budget that matters—it’s where that money goes, and how Fello is actively shaping Maryland’s economy.
“Every job we create, every home we build, and every program we offer directly strengthens Maryland’s economy,” says Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO. “Fello is not just providing services—we’re helping communities thrive, supporting people and families, and keeping talent and resources right here in our state.”
Building Maryland’s Workforce
Fello has more than 620 employees and supports nearly 10,000 additional workers employed by participants in Self-Directed Services. To put this in perspective, 99% of Maryland’s for-profit businesses have fewer than 500 employees.
Through its workforce, Fello is a significant economic driver across the state. Every employee contributes to local economies—shopping at local stores, renting homes in Maryland neighborhoods, and participating in communities in meaningful ways.
Wages & Payroll
Over 400 of Fello’s employees are Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). This year, Fello increased starting wages for DSP roles to $21.10 per hour—more than doubling their wages since 2017—and gave a 3% raise to employees across the organization. Employees also have opportunities to grow their careers through the DSP Career Ladder, earning higher wages as they complete professional development courses and gain new skills.
Through Self-Directed Services, nearly 10,000 Maryland workers earn $27 million each month, up 8% from last year.
Employing More Marylanders
Fello’s vacancy rate tells another powerful story. As of October 2025, we have a 5% vacancy rate for DSP positions—well below the Maryland average of 26% and the national average of 30%.
This means that more Marylanders are employed in meaningful, stable careers that directly support their communities.
Investing in Employees
Fello provides a comprehensive Total Rewards package, investing in all employees’ health and well-being with affordable health insurance deductibles, and supporting long-term financial security through a 6% match for retirement contributions that is vested from day one.
“We believe in supporting the whole person—physically, mentally, and financially,” says Brandy Stephens, Vice President of People & Culture. “When our team thrives, our communities thrive.”
These investments reflect Fello’s commitment to creating careers, not just jobs—positions where people can build their futures while making a meaningful difference in their communities and keeping talented people living and working in Maryland.
Driving Economic Impact Through Services
Fello’s economic impact reaches across Maryland through our wide range of services and supports. The people we serve live, work, and contribute to their communities—participating in local economies as employees, consumers, neighbors, and business owners.
Self-Directed Services
Through Self-Directed Services, over 3,200 participants hire, manage, and pay nearly 10,000 workers across the state. Each participant in the program functions as their own small business owner, managing their own budgets and employees.
“Participants in Self-Direction are employers, decision-makers, and active contributors to Maryland’s small business landscape,” says Marc Weinstein, Senior Director of Self-Directed Services. “This model puts economic power in the hands of people with disabilities and helps create jobs where they’re needed most.”
The economic influence of Self-Direction is about increasing the income and opportunity flowing directly into Maryland communities, creating jobs, and supporting local businesses.
Financial Support for Families
Through our Children, Youth & Families programs, families receive financial support that helps them access therapies, equipment, and opportunities that keep their children learning, growing, and participating in community life.
Programs like the Family Fund, Project Learn, and Holiday Giving put hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of resources directly into Maryland households, helping families meet essential needs and supporting local businesses.
Fair Wages & Employment for People with Disabilities
People supported through our Workforce Development program earn paychecks, build careers, and pay taxes—becoming active participants in Maryland’s economy.
“Fello works with people with disabilities to identify their talents and interests, build resumes, apply for job listings, and prepare for interviews,” said Laura Degler, Assistant Director of Workforce Development, “We do all this while partnering with local businesses to create inclusive employment opportunities that benefit both employers and job seekers.”
When people with disabilities join Maryland’s workforce, everyone benefits. Employers gain dedicated, enthusiastic employees. Communities become more diverse and inclusive. And the workforce becomes stronger, reflecting the full spectrum of Maryland’s population.
Access to Entitlements Ensures Financial Stability
Fello also helps manage benefits and financial tools such as housing vouchers, ABLE accounts, and other supports that increase financial stability and independence. Together, these programs contribute to a stronger, more inclusive economy—one where people with disabilities have meaningful roles as employees, taxpayers, volunteers, and community members contributing billions to the economy.
Their participation drives economic activity, creating demand for housing, transportation, and public spaces, which spurs innovation and infrastructure improvements that benefit entire communities. At the same time, they expand the customer base for Maryland businesses and support the growth of industries focused on accessibility and inclusion.
Investing in Communities that Work for Everyone
Fello Communities is addressing Maryland’s housing challenges while driving economic growth throughout the region.
“Every construction project creates jobs for Maryland-based contractors, vendors, and workers, circulating income throughout the state and supporting local businesses,” says Ross Benincasa, Senior Vice President of Community Development for Fello Communities.
At the same time, these projects provide housing that people can afford in areas with high demand, helping communities remain economically diverse and resilient.
Supporting Local Businesses & Vendors
For Port Street Commons, we made it a priority to work with local businesses—45% of our contractors came from Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and every contractor we hired was based right here in Maryland.
“It was important to us that the project support the community in more ways than one,” said Judi Olinger, Vice President of Housing Strategy, “from creating local jobs to building strong partnerships.”
Fello is taking that same approach with Easton Crossing, with plans to utilize Maryland-based contractors, keeping as much of the work as possible on the Eastern Shore. When complete, Easton Crossing will feature more than 23,000 square feet of retail space designed to bring new energy and opportunity to the area.
These projects don’t just create housing—they generate construction jobs, support local businesses, and circulate income throughout the state.
Positive Impact of Mixed-Income Developments
Fello’s development approach focuses on increasing access to housing—particularly affordable housing—through mixed-income developments.
By placing affordable and market-rate housing side by side, we create healthier communities, improve access to resources, and strengthen local economies by attracting and retaining residents across income levels.
Future Impact through Housing
While Fello Communities develops housing throughout the region, we are making a significant impact on Easton’s housing market. With the completion of Port Street Commons, ongoing renovations of The Primrose House, and the construction of The Laura House, Easton Crossing, and Silo Court, Fello is adding more than 150 new housing units to the market—creating new opportunities for residents and generating local jobs.
Several projects are in development for 2025 and beyond, adding housing options across the Eastern Shore and Anne Arundel County. Each project represents jobs, local vendor partnerships, and communities designed for economic diversity and inclusion.
Investing in Maryland’s Future
During Maryland Economic Impact Week, Fello’s story demonstrates how a mission-driven nonprofit can be an economic powerhouse. We’re multiplying impact through local hiring, community partnerships, housing development, and workforce support. We’re not just serving people with disabilities—we’re investing in Maryland’s economic future, one job, one home, one partnership at a time.
Fello Begins Construction on New Community Hub at Annapolis Mall
Because of You the Impossible Becomes Possible
Every day, families of children with disabilities face overwhelming challenges—navigating therapies, securing adaptive equipment, and finding programs that meet their children’s needs. Too often, these opportunities come with costs insurance won’t cover. Your generosity through the Family Fund removes barriers and provides life-changing support.
Since 2017, donors have raised more than $382,000, including $113,600 in 2025 alone—helping Maryland families access the therapies and equipment their children need to thrive. For many, the Family Fund isn’t just a grant—it’s a lifeline. Every milestone reached and every breakthrough made is thanks to you.
Please consider giving to the Family Fund today!
Right now, there are children waiting for the opportunity only you can provide. Every gift—no matter the size—creates real, life-changing possibilities.
Living Boldly Volunteer Day
Making an Impact Across Maryland
When the members of Fello’s Living Boldly advocacy group asked, “How can we give back to our community?” the answer was clear: take action. On Living Boldy’s first annual Volunteer Day, they rolled up their sleeves, spread out across the region, and got to work.
A total of 26 people participated in Living Boldly Volunteer Day, joining together to make a meaningful impact across our communities. Volunteers supported local food pantries, worked at animal shelters, and lent a hand to neighborhood projects that strengthen community life. This day of service will continue as an annual tradition, building on the spirit of connection and advocacy for years to come.
Volunteers supported:
- MidShore Meals til Monday, Cambridge – Packing 100–200 food bags for neighbors facing food insecurity.
- Paws at the Mall, Annapolis – Cleaning, greeting visitors, and connecting with cats awaiting their forever homes.
- Talbot Humane, Easton – Helping with animal care and enjoying plenty of kitten playtime.
- The Lost Towns Project, Londontown – Sorting and cleaning historical artifacts from Anne Arundel County, preserving local history for the community.
- Waterfowl Festival, Easton – Supporting preparations for the November festival.
The day was meaningful and rewarding for both the volunteers and the organizations they supported.
“The group was so lovely and truly helped us out, I enjoyed getting to meet and know every last one of them,” said Maggie Crawford of the Anne Arundel County SPCA “Thank you for the work that you do to foster an inclusive and vibrant community for all.”
Inspired by the day of service, one volunteer shared, “I want to come back here and volunteer more often,” and took the first step by signing up for future opportunities.
What is Living Boldly?
Launched in 2022, Living Boldly is Fello’s self-advocacy group that empowers people with disabilities to represent themselves, their ideas, and their interests. Open to anyone with a disability, the group operates through two Maryland chapters in Anne Arundel County and the Eastern Shore, each reflecting the unique needs of their own communities.
Both chapters share a mission: ensure full inclusion, amplify voices on important issues, support personal growth, and encourage independence. Living Boldly’s Volunteer Day is an example of that mission, showing that advocacy goes beyond words—its people making a tangible impact on those around them.
Join Living Boldly
Join us at an upcoming Living Boldly meeting and add your voice, ideas, and energy to the movement. Your seat at the table is waiting—come help shape what’s next. You do not need to receive services from Fello to join the group.
Easton Crossing cuts ribbon on office; major construction to begin soon
Ability at Work: Celebrating NDEAM at Fello
View all of our 2025 NDEAM videos here.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) — a time to spotlight the skills, creativity, and contributions that people with disabilities bring to the workplace. This month-long observance not only celebrates those contributions but also calls on employers to promote inclusive practices and build cultures where everyone’s talents are valued.
At Fello, we believe inclusion isn’t just good practice—it’s the key to stronger businesses and thriving communities.
In our upcoming episode of Fello Thinking Differently, our original podcast, Laura Degler, Assistant Director of Workforce Development, and Jodie Colombo, Director of Day Services, share insights on why employment matters and how Fello helps people find jobs that match their skills and goals.
🎧 Listen to Episode 4: Thriving at Work & in the Community
A Legacy of Progress
What began in 1945 as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week” has grown into a month-long observance that includes people with all types of disabilities. Over the decades, the awareness campaign has fostered stronger legal protections for workers with disabilities, shifted public attitudes, and encouraged employers to embrace inclusive hiring practices.
Today, NDEAM celebrates progress while calling on all of us to continue building workplaces where equity and opportunity are the norm.
Why Inclusion in the Workplace Matters
For people with disabilities, employment offers more than a paycheck. It’s a pathway to independence, social connection, purpose, and self-worth.
“Employment gives you a purpose,” says Laura. “It gives you an opportunity to be included in your community. It helps you provide for your family and gain independence, buy the things you want, and even make friends.”
Inclusive workplaces strengthen businesses, too: they bring diverse perspectives that spark creativity, fuel innovation, and improve team problem-solving. In fact, according to asystematic review of peer-reviewed studies, organizations that employ people with disabilities see improvements in profitability, reduced turnover, and greater employee loyalty.
Yet the data reminds us there is still work to be done. Unemployment rates for people with disabilities remain significantly higher than those without, and too many are underemployed or working fewer hours than they’d prefer. These gaps show that awareness months like NDEAM are more than symbolic—they’re calls to action.
Fello’s Workforce Development Program
Fello bridges the gap between talented job seekers with disabilities and Maryland businesses looking for dedicated employees with our Workforce Development program. Drawing on decades of experience supporting people with disabilities, our Workforce Development program helps people find meaningful careers while helping employers access a skilled, motivated workforce—all with ongoing support that ensures success for everyone.
- Personalized job matching: Connecting skills and career goals with employer needs through a network of 160+ participants.
- Comprehensive support for all: Resume building, interview prep, and coaching for job seekers, plus onboarding and accommodation guidance for employers.
- Expert guidance at no cost: Professional support with compliance, accommodations, and workplace solutions.
- Long-term success focus: We’re committed to sustainable employment relationships, with proven results including an average job tenure of 4+ years and 30% of participants employed over 5 years at the same company.
Join Us in Creating Opportunity
As we celebrate NDEAM this year, we also look forward to workplaces where people with disabilities are not just employed but empowered. And, where their work environments are flexible, accessible, and their contributions are valued equally.
Ready to take the next step? Whether you’re a person with disabilities looking for meaningful employment or a business seeking dedicated talent, Fello’s Workforce Development Program is here to help. Contact us at 443.962.2882 or visit fello.org/fello-services/workforce-development/ to learn more about how we can support your goals and create lasting employment success together.
Fello Joins Advocates on Capitol Hill for ANCOR Hill Day 2025
Across the country, people with disabilities are losing access to the services that allow them to live independently in their communities. Staff shortages are worsening, waiting lists are growing, and the foundation of community-based disability services is at risk. That’s why Fello joined advocates from across the country for ANCOR’s 2025 Policy Summit & Hill Day in Washington, D.C., in September.
Hill Day brings advocates, providers, and community leaders together to meet directly with members of Congress and their staff, sharing the real challenges facing people with disabilities and the organizations that support them. This year, more than 300 participants gathered—and when hundreds of providers and advocates gather on Capitol Hill, lawmakers listen.
“Being on Capitol Hill for Hill Day was a powerful reminder of what’s at stake. Every conversation we had with lawmakers was about ensuring people with disabilities can continue living with dignity and independence in their communities,” said Rylie Shewbridge, Director of Government Relations External Relations. “At Fello, we see firsthand how staffing shortages and underfunding threaten those opportunities, and we’re committed to being part of the solution.”
What is ANCOR?
For over 50 years, ANCOR has been a leading voice in shaping policy and driving solutions that strengthen the ability of community-based providers to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With 2,500 members across the country, ANCOR is dedicated to making inclusion a reality. The organization not only advocates at the federal level, but also equips providers with the resources and knowledge they need to deliver high-quality, person-centered services.
The Crisis Facing Community-Based Services
This year’s advocacy focused on a growing crisis in the Medicaid-funded community-based support system. Medicaid is a lifeline for many people with disabilities, providing access to essential services that promote independence, skill development, and opportunity. Yet, chronic underfunding, workforce shortages, and new administrative barriers are threatening that access.
Fello’s team joined advocates nationwide in urging Congress to:
- Invest in Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS): Pass the HCBS Relief Act (HR 4029/S 2076), which would provide a two-year increase to the federal Medicaid match rate (FMAP). This investment would help providers strengthen their workforce and ensure stable, high-quality services for people with disabilities.
- Protect Against Cuts and Red Tape: Oppose proposals that reduce Medicaid funding or impose burdensome requirements—such as frequent redeterminations and work requirements—that risk pushing people with disabilities off Medicaid.
- Address Workforce Challenges: Support better pay, benefits, and recognition for direct support professionals (DSPs), to compete with other industries offering entry-level positions.
Throughout the day, Fello advocates met with congressional offices, sharing stories from people with disabilities, family members, and DSPs who are directly impacted by these challenges. They thanked lawmakers for their support, encouraged co-sponsorship of key bills, and reinforced the urgent need for action.
Hill Day was an important reminder that when advocates and providers stand together, they amplify voices and drive meaningful change.
Take Action. Stay Connected.
Your voice matters. By urging your representatives to support the HCBS Relief Act, you can help strengthen community-based services and ensure people with disabilities have the resources they need to live independent, connected lives.
Fello will continue to champion the rights of people with disabilities every day. Stay up to date on the latest legislative updates and ways to take action by joining our newsletter and connecting with us on social media.