In every community, there are stories that speak to the power of belonging—neighbors lending a hand, friends showing up, and people working side by side to build something better for everyone.  

That spirit of connection and collective strength has always been at the heart of our work. 

For more than six decades, we’ve supported people with disabilities across Maryland—meeting them where they are and walking alongside them every step of the way. What began in 1961 as a grassroots movement led by families has grown into one of Maryland’s most dynamic, person-centered organizations. 

Now, we’re excited to share the next chapter in our story: We are Fello. 

As of May 21, 2025, Fello has separated from The Arc Maryland and the national Arc network. While our name has changed, our work has not.  

Fello is About Community 

As we move forward, our purpose remains clear: to champion inclusion, opportunity, and choice for people with disabilities. This next step brings new possibilities, and we’re excited to continue building strong, supportive communities across Maryland. 

Fello is About Purpose 

At Fello, we believe in the power of individuality and collective strength. We’ve always met people where they are—at home, at work, and in their communities—and helped them get where they want to go. That isn’t changing.  

This is not a new beginning; it’s a bold next step. Fello is the natural evolution of our rapid growth—one that gives us greater flexibility to innovate, reach more people, and respond more quickly to the needs of our communities. 

As Fello we’ll be going even deeper into the work that matters: removing barriers, championing choice, and creating inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to live the life they choose. 

Fello is About Belonging 

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.  

Our identity now better reflects the relationships we build, the values we live, and the future we are creating together. At Fello, we believe that equity and inclusion should be the standard, not the exception.  

That services should be personal, not prescriptive. And that communities should be shaped by the people who live in them. 

Fello is About Impact 

We support more than 4,000 people with disabilities across Maryland—meeting them where they are and walking alongside them every step of the way. Our work spans four key areas: 

• Services 
  Everything we do starts with the person. There is no checklist or standard plan, just real conversations about what matters most to the people we support. From there, we build services that fit their lives, reflect their goals, and grow with them over time. Whether it’s support at home, at work, or in the community, our approach is flexible, responsive, and rooted in belonging. 

• Self-Directed Services 
  As Maryland’s largest provider of self-directed services, we support over 3,000 participant employers and their more than 8,000 employees. With Self-Directed Services, the person hires the employees that best fit their lives, on their terms and schedule. Fello takes care of the behind-the-scenes details like payroll and paperwork so they can focus on what matters most: living life their way. 

• Behavioral Health 
  Mental health is a vital part of community inclusion. Our licensed clinicians start by building relationships, recognizing how past experiences shape present behaviors, emotions, and interactions. We believe that behavioral support and mental health services must be integrated, trauma-informed, and person-centered.  

• Communities 
  As Fello Communities, we develop inclusive, affordable, and accessible housing where people can choose how and where they live. The communities we shape are vibrant, reflecting the lives of the people who live in them. Housing isn’t just a place to live—it’s the foundation for a life of belonging. 

Fello is About People 

Fello was founded 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, we employ more than 650 team members, manage nearly 100 housing units, and continue to find innovative ways to support people throughout Maryland. 

Our impact isn’t just in numbers—it’s in possibilities created.  

We don’t just respond to needs—we anticipate them. We listen, adapt, and stay grounded in community every step of the way. 

Together, We Belong 

Fello is more than a name. It’s a reflection of who we are: fellow neighbors, fellow advocates, fellow allies—united in a vision for a more inclusive world. 

We believe in building communities where no one is left out or left behind. Where systems expand possibilities instead of limiting them. Where support is built on trust, and belonging is the starting point. 

So, while our name has changed, our promise has not.  

We are still here. Still leading. Still building. 

We are Fello. And we have communities to create.