As Fello continues to grow its presence across Maryland, we’re opening a new kind of door—one that meets people right where they are. 

In Episode 9 of the Fello Thinking Differently podcast, Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO, and Sara Pease, Assistant Director of Children, Youth & Their Families, explore the vision behind Fello at The Mall. Located inside Annapolis Mall, the 5,900 sq. ft. space provides people with disabilities and their families a place to drop in for resources, support, and connection. No appointment needed. 

In this episode, Jonathon and Sara also discuss: 

• What inspired Fello to open a space in Annapolis Mall 
• How the space is designed to be welcoming and accessible to all 
• What families can expect when they walk through the door 
• How Fello at The Mall strengthens community connection in Annapolis

Listen Now: YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify 

Increasing Access in Everyday Spaces 

Fello’s work has always centered on meeting people with disabilities and their families where they are: in their neighborhoods, communities, and lives. We build services around each person’s unique goals and needs, reducing barriers to information and support along the way. 

Access shouldn’t require multiple steps. With Fello at The Mall, we’ve created a place where people can walk in, ask questions, and receive the resources they need without an appointment. 

“Here at the Annapolis Mall, where there is still traditional mall shopping, there’s also a richness of community,” said Jonathon. “We want to be where people are coming anyway and create that level of accessibility so we can include people with disabilities and their families right here.” 

Opening a space in a familiar public setting makes support easier to access and part of everyday life. 

Designed with Accessibility in Mind 

From the moment you arrive, Fello at The Mall feels different. An Information & Resource Specialist greets each visitor and learns about their interests, needs, and how Fello can support them. 

“From there, we can offer information, resources, and referrals to other team members within Fello—making it a person-centered approach to working with their families,” said Sara. 

The space was intentionally designed to be accessible—physically and operationally. It’s not a traditional office setting; it’s an open, welcoming environment where people and families can start a conversation about their goals and explore what support looks like. 

“It doesn’t feel like a storefront at the mall,” said Jonathon. “It feels like an intentional space that people can come for resources.” 

And because the focus is community, there’s something for the entire family. 

“We want to support the whole family, so we want to make sure that the resources we’re offering support not just the children, but any family members, parents, and everyone involved,” said Sara. 

A Continued Commitment to Annapolis 

Fello has long been part of the Annapolis community.

“Annapolis has been a big part of who we are, who we’ve been, and who we will be in the future,” said Jonathon. 

Fello at The Mall builds on that foundation. The space is a hub for creating new connections, strengthening partnerships with neighbors and community partners, and opening new pathways for people to learn about and access services, advocacy, and community engagement. 

“Families are really used to having to jump through hoops to be able to access services and resources for their children,” said Sara. “And I think having a space here at the mall is going to break down one more barrier for them, creating an accessible space where they can come in at their time and on their schedule, and get the support they need for their children.” 

Listen to the Full Conversation 

Listen to Jonathon and Sara talk about what Fello at The Mall means for families and the future of community connection in Annapolis. Tune into Episode 9 of Fello Thinking Differently today. 

Listen Now: YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify