When we talk about economic development, we often think about attracting businesses, creating jobs, and investing in new projects. Those things matter, but they’re only part of what helps a community thrive.
Economic development is also about creating the conditions that allow people, businesses, and communities to succeed—and nonprofits play an important part in that work.
Fello is making a difference in Maryland’s local economy. As the state’s fourth-largest nonprofit, we moved more than $465.6 million through Maryland’s economy last year, generated $67.3 million in tax revenue, and supported over 2,600 quality jobs with $177.9 million in labor income flowing to Maryland workers.
Those numbers represent much more than our economic footprint. They represent people earning paychecks, Maryland businesses receiving contracts, construction projects creating jobs, and people with disabilities having more opportunities to participate in the workforce and their communities.
“Every dollar should make a difference. That’s our responsibility not just as a nonprofit, but as proud Marylanders who believe in each other’s potential. That’s how we create real progress in every community we serve,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of Fello.
As we celebrate Economic Development Week in Maryland, Fello is dedicated to supporting Maryland’s economic growth and helping everyone enjoy a better quality of life. A strong economy isn’t just about how much a community produces—it’s also about whether people have opportunities to work, live, and participate where and how they choose. That purpose drives everything we do and inspires our vision of a community built on equity, access, and belonging.
Maryland Made Solutions
Nonprofits are part of Maryland’s business community. Fello’s work creates opportunities for local businesses, contractors, and partners across the state, and we’re proud to prioritize working with local companies to achieve our goals.
Port Street Commons is a powerful example of economic partnership in action. Every contractor who helped build the innovative Easton community was Maryland-based, with nearly half coming from the Eastern Shore itself. By collaborating with local companies, we put resources directly into Maryland businesses and partnered with people who care deeply about the project and the community that makes our state special.
That kind of support creates a ripple effect. Fello Communities’ capital investments contributed $21.3 million to Maryland’s economy and supported 89 construction jobs—economic activity that strengthens the broader business community, not just a new building or development. Where we can, choosing local vendors and contractors is part of how we approach every decision. When we work with our neighbors, everyone benefits. For nonprofits, that’s one way mission becomes economic impact: the work we do creates demand for local businesses, supports jobs, and keeps money moving through the communities we serve.
But supporting Maryland’s economy is about more than investing in companies—it’s also about investing in people.
People, Power, Progress
Today, Fello’s workforce is more than 670 strong—well-trained and passionate employees dedicated to building belonging across Maryland. And we’re still growing: over the last three years, our team has expanded by more than 50%.
At a time when agencies across the country struggle to hire and retain Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), we’re proud to maintain an unprecedented 5% vacancy rate—far below the 15% national average. We’ve achieved this by investing in the workplace experience.
Every Fello team member receives competitive wages, an award-winning Total Rewards benefits package tailored for the whole family, and enjoys a workplace culture rooted in respect and support. Our clear, attainable Career Ladder sets DSPs up for long-term success, making advancement possible at every stage of their careers.
But Fello’s role in Maryland’s workforce goes beyond our own employees. Through our Self-Directed Services, more than 3,500 people with disabilities direct their own services and employ more than 9,500 DSPs. That means people with disabilities are not simply receiving services—they’re making decisions, hiring workers, and participating directly in Maryland’s economy.
Dignified Living
A healthy local economy isn’t just about dollars—it’s about quality of life for everyone who calls the community home. For Marylanders, that means having real opportunities to pursue their goals, make their own choices, and live the lives they want.
An inclusive workforce in Maryland creates economic pathways for every neighbor. Our Workforce Development programs give people with disabilities the tools, support, and encouragement they need to find employment that matches their strengths and ambitions.
When someone finds a job that matches their strengths, they aren’t just finding employment—they’re earning a paycheck, contributing to the workforce, building relationships, and participating in their community. Removing barriers means more people can contribute their skills, earn a living, and participate fully in their communities.
Access to health care directly influences the strength of the local economy. For people with disabilities, a shortage of accessible health care options impacts not only health outcomes, but also their ability to fully participate in community life. In addition to providing comprehensive behavioral health support, we recently expanded our on-site primary and urgent care services for employees to include the people we support through our Living Options & Services program. Expanding health care access remains a core part of our strategy, and we’re already planning new ways to offer even more high-quality care to our community in the years ahead.
The same is true of housing. A community can’t thrive if people can’t afford to live there or don’t have access to housing that meets their needs.
That’s why Fello is committed to expanding affordable housing in Maryland—not just to meet rising demand, but to ensure more people feel at home and are truly part of their neighborhoods. Each new property we build energizes the local economy by creating construction jobs, increasing local spending, and addressing Maryland’s critical housing needs. Our innovative approach to development sets a new standard for communities where everyone is welcomed and empowered to thrive.
These investments demonstrate why quality of life should be part of every economic-development conversation. Housing, employment, health care, and community connection aren’t separate from a strong economy; they create the conditions that allow people to participate in it.
Uplifting Everyone
Fello’s impact on Maryland’s economy begins with our commitment to our mission—listening to the communities we serve and adapting to meet their needs, so everyone has access to the support they need to live life on their own terms.
“The only way to meet a growing need is to grow alongside it,” said Rondeau. “We’re a very different organization than we were just a few years ago, because adapting to our community’s changing needs is essential. That growth means we’re making a real difference in the lives of Marylanders and improving our state’s economic outlook—something we’re truly proud of.”
Fello is one example of what nonprofits contribute to Maryland every day. Across the state, nonprofits employ people, purchase goods and services, invest in communities, develop properties, create opportunities, and provide the support that helps people participate in work and community life.
During Maryland Economic Development Week, it’s worth recognizing that nonprofits are an important part of Maryland’s economic story, too. Their impact reaches beyond their own organizations—strengthening local businesses, creating jobs, expanding opportunities, and helping communities thrive.
For Fello, that’s what economic impact looks like: investing in people and communities and helping create a Maryland where more people can participate, contribute, and belong.