Say Hello to Fello

Together, we are Fello

We’ve got exciting news: we are taking a major step forward—a step that allows us to go even deeper into our mission and serve the unmet needs of more people in our community.  

As of today, May 21, 2025, The Arc Central Chesapeake Region has separated from The Arc Maryland and the national Arc network and will continue to serve the community under our new name, Fello. 

This isn’t just a rebrand. It’s a reflection of who we are, how far we’ve come, and where we’re headed. While our name has changed, our commitment remains the same: to champion inclusion, opportunity, and choice for people with disabilities in Maryland.

Fello is About Purpose

We were founded in 1961 by families who believed their children deserved the same equal rights and opportunities as everyone else, and that belief still drives everything we do today. 

The name Fello speaks directly to that foundation. It’s about being fellow neighbors, fellow citizens, fellow advocates, and fellow allies working together toward a shared vision. 

At Fello, we believe in the power of connection. Of individuality. Of a collective strength. Because when we stand together with purpose and resolve, nothing is impossible.  

Fello is About People

Nothing is changing about the services you know and trust. We’re still here, doing the work with the same passion and purpose—just under a name that better reflects the heart behind it. 

This transition will only strengthen our ability to be the innovative, person-centered organization you know us to be.

“The people we support are at the center of everything we do—and that will never change,” says Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of Fello. “This name reflects how we show up as allies, working side by side to build communities that are equitable, accessible, and fully inclusive.”

Fello is About Impact

Our work continues to include:

  • Services that meet people where they are and grow with them over time.
  • Self-Directed Services that support over 3,000 participants and more than 8,000 employees across Maryland.
  • Behavioral Health Services that are trauma-informed, person-centered, and led by licensed clinicians.
  • Inclusive housing and community development through Fello Communities—our unified housing and community development initiative (formerly Chesapeake Neighbors and Chesapeake Community Development).

Fello is the Future

Fello is more than a new name—it’s a promise to keep showing up for our community. 

We are proud of all we accomplished over the last 64 years, and this name change gives us more flexibility to continue to innovate and respond quickly to the evolving needs of our community while staying rooted in the same mission and values we’ve held since the beginning.

Today, Fello supports over 4,000 people across Maryland, employs nearly 650 team members, and manages close to 100 housing units across 43 properties throughout Anne Arundel County and the Eastern Shore.

“We’re building a future where equity and inclusion are the norm, where housing and services go hand-in-hand, and people have the support they need to live life on their own terms,” Rondeau says. “That’s what Fello is all about.”

Together, We Are Fello

We may have a new name, but our purpose hasn’t changed. 

We’re still here. Still leading. Still building inclusive communities—together.

We are Fello.

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region Announces Rebrand and Name Change to Fello

— New name and brand reflect organization’s evolution and enduring commitment to people with disabilities —

Linthicum, MD, May 21, 2025 – The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc), a leader in providing support services and fostering inclusive communities with and for people with disabilities, today announced it is rebranding to Fello, effective immediately. 

Founded in 1961 by parents who wanted their children with disabilities to have the same rights and opportunities as any other community member, the rebrand and new name allows Fello to go even deeper into its mission and serve the unmet needs of more people in the communities it serves. While the organization is rebranding with a new name, there will be no changes to its facilitated services, self-directed services, behavioral health, and housing and community development work.

“The people we support are at the center of everything we do and that will never change,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of Fello. “The name Fello is a strong reflection of who we are and what we do as fellow neighbors, fellow citizens, and fellow allies working together toward a shared vision – for people with disabilities to live the lives they choose in communities that are equitable, accessible, and fully inclusive. We embrace innovation and continued growth and will continue to be at the forefront of adapting to the evolving needs of the community as Fello.”

Today, Fello serves over 4,000 Marylanders, employs nearly 650 team members, and manages almost 100 units in 43 properties throughout Anne Arundel County and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. 

As part of the rebranding and name change, Fello has separated from The Arc Maryland and the national Arc network. As the organization moves forward, its purpose remains clear: to champion inclusion, opportunity, and choice for people with disabilities. This next journey brings new possibilities to continue building strong, supportive communities across Maryland. 

Fello’s housing and community development subsidiaries, Chesapeake Neighbors and Chesapeake Community Development are now unified under one name, Fello Communities. Fello Communities will continue to develop inclusive, affordable, and accessible housing where people can choose how and where they live.

In addition to Fello Communities, Fello’s services offer personalized support for people with disabilities, including services for Children, Youth & Their Families, Living Options & Services, Community Supports, Day Services, and Workforce Development. Each program is designed to meet people where they are and grow with them over time. 

Fello is Maryland’s largest provider of Self-Directed Services supporting more than 3,000 participants and their 8,000-plus employees across the state. Participants hire and manage their own employees while Fello handles payroll and administrative responsibilities.

Fello Behavioral Health provides trauma-informed and person-centered mental health services tailored to people with co-occurring mental health and developmental disability diagnoses. Licensed clinicians work closely with each person and their support teams to deliver care. 

“At Fello, we are building a future where equity and inclusion are the norm, housing and services coexist, and everyone has the opportunities they deserve to live the lives they choose for themselves,” Rondeau continued. “Our team members are truly dedicated to breaking down barriers to ensure everyone has their own choice and access to the support they need, regardless of geographic boundaries or other lines and we’ll be able to do this moving forward as Fello.” 

Fello’s award-winning culture is rooted in innovation, compassion, and opportunity. The organization’s Health Connection program, Direct Support Professional Career Ladder, and comprehensive Total Rewards package reflects its deep investment in employee development and well-being. 

About Fello 

Fello champions the rights of people with disabilities and invests in what matters most: real opportunities, strong relationships, and inclusive, equitable communities. Fello partners with people with disabilities to provide support services, develop inclusive housing, and create spaces where people feel genuinely connected—not just accommodated. Founded in 1961, Fello continues to lead with heart and purpose, building inclusive communities where everyone belongs. Learn more at www.fello.org. 

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A PDF version of this release is available here