Steve Morgan and Lorane MontgomeryCelebrate 40th Anniversaries with The Arc

AdvocateFALL 2012

For people with intellectual and

developmental disabilities

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Q: What do you rememberabout your first day of full-time employment at The Arc?

SHM: My first full-time job withThe Arc was as an instructor atthe Model Cities child develop-ment center in Roland Park,which was in the basement of achurch. Before the first day onthe job there was a training forthe staff at the old Wabash center, and there were probably90 or 100 instructors. The thing

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The year before Steve Morgan began working for The Arc—thenknown as BARC—he visited Camp Adventure with members of hischurch’s folk music group. “I was 20 years old. I didn’t know anythingabout the camp or The Arc, so it was the first time I got to meet some

of the people who went there. After the service, I approached some of the people, who had a variety of disabilities, and one of them said, “So, you cameup here to gawk at the retards?” That was kind of an ‘Aha’ moment for me. I realized that a lot of the things these people were dealing with had nothing todo with their disability but had to do with how society perceived them ortreated them—and what that does to their self-esteem.” The very next summer,Steve came back as a Camp Adventure counselor, which turned out to be thestart of a 40-year career at The Arc. In the following interview, Steve reflects onthat illustrious career.

Lorane Montgomeryand Steve Morgantoday and yesteryear.

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I remember most is that it was me and one otherguy; the rest were women, mostly older women.

A lot of them were parents of kids who were atthe centers or who had aged out, and a lot ofthem were volunteers. They had great instincts for working with kids with disabilities.

The kids I taught were from impoverished families and had severe disabilities. Back in those

days, they weren’t allowed in public schools. I had adozen kids in the older group, nine to 20 years old. I had takeneducation courses and behavioral psychology courses atuMBC, so I had some good techniques and tools. [Steve graduated with a psychology major and a minor in elementaryeducation from uMBC and later got a Master of Arts degree inpsychology from Loyola university in Maryland.] Actually, I hadwanted to be an elementary school teacher, but this opportunity came along, so it was kind of happenstance.

Q: How about your first day as executive director in 1985?

SHM: It was a big day and scary and exciting at the same time.I held a staff meeting and gave my “coming out” speech. Italked about where I wanted to go as executive director andwhere I wanted the organization to go. I wanted staff to feellike it was going to be different than it had been, while at thesame time always being respectful of everything Herb [Fedder,previous executive director] had done. I can remember beingenergized but nervous as hell. I felt “I’m responsible now. This is real. And this is a major responsibility.” Back then, in comparison to other agencies, The Arc was a huge agency. It’sfive times bigger now, but I felt the impact more at that timethan in the ensuing years because I have probably grownalong with the agency, hopefully in competence and confidence.

Q: What are the reasons you’ve stayed for 40 years?

SHM: From day one it was the individuals—the people we support—because I wasn’t there to “gawk at theretards,” I was enjoying meeting these people. Itwas fun being around them. I liked to play guitarand sing and they did, too, and they weren’t uptight about it like so many others are. Therewas a little more looseness and realness than youmight find with typical folks, so I think a lot ofthat got hold of me.

Q: How do you think the agency has evolvedduring the last 40 years?

SHM: If you look at how the whole field hasevolved, I think The Arc has been right in thereand—I like to think—at the front end of changes.obviously we were a major player early in the deinstitutionalization process, and we had the first group

Steve Morgan and Lorane Montgomery Celebrate 40th Anniversaries with The Arc

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home in Maryland. Also we did a lot in terms of moving people into smaller alternative living situations.

Closing sheltered workshops has been a national trend foryears, but we were one of the first to do it in order to movepeople more towards supported employment in the community. even before then, we had the landscape and janitorial programs, so people were clearly having employment experiences that were more integrated and inclusive. They were earning better wages and working morehours than in the sheltered workshop. Since then we havemade various changes to help get more and more peopleworking in the community.

Q: What are your future goals for the agency?

SHM: The next phase in community living is to helpmore people live with friends or significant others,getting whatever supports they need. We want tomove away from highly structured living arrangements.

In the social realm, we need to try to help peopleconnect with friends and loved ones. There are somany people who need that support, and due totransportation and budget considerations we’re onlyable to do it for small numbers of people at a time.giving people more opportunities for a rich interpersonal life is probably our greatest challenge.

In the work arena, people want to find their careers in individual jobs that are fulfilling and directly on a company’spayroll. We want to help them accomplish just that.

Q: When did you first get involved in advocacy?

SHM: When I was program director, Herb asked me to testifyfor a bill in Annapolis that had to do with transportation. Ididn’t know anything about it and had never testified, butwhat an opportunity! I was scared to death but it was a greatexperience and increasingly I did more of it and wound upseeking out opportunities because it was certainly one way tohave an impact and get people what they need.

Q: What are you particularly proud of?

SHM: The Arc’s reputation. I think it’s a pretty good one and,while I don’t take all the credit for it, I think I get a little bit ofthe credit. I believe I’ve done a good job of assembling astrong team of people and, for the most part, that team, partially from my influence, has created a culture in whichpeople enjoy working here. I think people in direct support

Morgan Fund GrowsJoin the many others who have already given more than$14,000 to the Steve and dianna Morgan endowmentFund, which was established to honor the couple’s commitment to The Arc mission. A proclamation announcing the fund was recently presented to Steve anddianna at a special ceremony honoring Steve’s 40 years of service. If you would like to make a donation in honor ofSteve and dianna, send your gift to The Arc Baltimore (Attn: Morgan Fund) at The Arc Baltimore, 7215 York Road,Baltimore, Md 21212. You may also donate online atwww.thearcbaltimore.org/donate.

Steve as a guitar-playing camp counselor.

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feel they are appreciated and believe management givesthem the tools and support needed to carry out their mission.But the thing I’m most proud of is the progress we’ve beenable to foster for so many people within a large agency. onthe other hand, there are still a lot of people who can have somuch more in terms of quality and fullness of life. ��Perhaps the best way to describe Lorane

Montgomery and what she has meant toindividuals is to share a letter written by aman who received supports from The Arc.

He sent it to Lorane after hearing about her40th anniversary…

Congratulations! You have done so much tomake life better for so many that wordsscarcely do justice to your lifetime efforts. Your

heart is big as all outdoors. You helped my bestfriend Kenny, a fact alone that elevates you to lofty

heights in my humble yet biased estimation. You area joy-filled, beautiful soul. Thank God for you, Ms.Lorane. Meeting you lifted my heart up…and I hopeyou have a long, happy, prosperous life, Ms. Lorane!

In the following interview, Lorane shares somethoughts on 40 very successful years at The Arc.

Q: What stands out in your memory about your first dayat The Arc?

LM: It was at our sheltered workshop. The staff and individuals were very friendly, polite and eager to talk to me.during breaks and lunch, several individuals came over to tellme about their family members or about their goal of gettinga job in the community to earn “lots of money” so they couldlive in an apartment with their friends. Many were eager to letme know they received a paycheck every Friday. Throughoutthe day, I saw how much pride and attention to task wasdemonstrated by the individuals doing assembly line work.Several of the tasks appeared to be just a very small part of alarger contractual job, but to the individuals performing thetasks it was a chance to be like everyone else. They consideredeach other co-workers and chatted about being a team thatneeded to meet its goal for that day. At the end of my first

day, I can remember feelingso happy and thought,“Maybe I could work here atThe Arc for a couple ofyears.” A couple of years became 40-plus years. I haveto say that it is often in themost unexpected places thatwe find the greatest gifts.

Q: How have opportunities for work evolved since yourdays at the subcontract center?

LM: In the 70s, we created work activity centers to help peoplewho were almost ready for competitive employment. We renamed activity centers vocational centers, reflecting a desireto help people develop marketable job skills. The subcontractcenter closed and many of the individuals obtained communityjobs. From the year 2000 to the present, vocational centers—now called day centers—continue to downsize, and many individuals do volunteer work or have been offered paid job positions in the community. others take classes at communitycollege. Throughout all of the changes I have witnessed, theagency has stayed focused on ensuring that people with developmental disabilities have maximum opportunities to domeaningful work in the community.

Q: Do you have any words of wisdom for staff?

LM: I always encourage staff members to remember that eachperson is unique. What may work for one does not always workfor the other. I always tell staff to take a few moments to reallylisten. And I tell them to model calmness, help individuals identify what they are feeling and express empathyfor what the individuals aregoing through. And, just as I always try to encourage individuals to advocate forthemselves, I hope staff willencourage them to do that,too.

Q: What do you consideryour career highlights?

LM: Although I have advanced within The ArcBaltimore, the achievementsof the individuals are equallyimportant to me. over theyears, I have gained a wealthof knowledge from staff and,most of all, from the individuals I support.

Q: What are you mostproud of in your career?

LM: I won two very specialawards: the Louise daschAward for excellence in direct Support and the Herbert L. Fedder Award for excellence in Management. I havebeen an employee of the month, and I have been recognizedfor my tenure numerous times. But I am most proud of all of theindividuals who stop by to visit years later to share their manyaccomplishments and to thank me for always being there to assist in some small way to help them reach some of their goals.What I especially love is their genuine gratitude—the thank you,smile or hug that tells me they really mean it. I am also so gladto see so many individuals living and working in the community, having meaningful relationships and, in somecases, marrying someone they truly love. �

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Bay Buddies Blends Fun, Enrichment

Bay Buddies is an exciting summer campand educational enrichment program forchildren who have disabilities that typically prevent them from attending

traditional camps. The Arc Baltimore partners upwith the Living Classrooms Foundation and Baltimore City and Baltimore County PublicSchools to provide a thrilling summer experiencefor 80 children from the Battle Monument,Maiden Choice, W.S. Baer and george W.F.McMechen schools.

Staff members identified the specific goals eachchild had worked on during the school year, andBay Buddies activities were tailored to complement them. This year, children sailed onthe Lady Maryland, went swimming and horse-back riding, and visited the Science Center andthe Shake and Bake Roller Skating and BowlingCenter. Crafts, drum circles and hands-on activities involving living things from the Chesapeake Bay were also popular. �

Thanks to the following sponsors for making thisenriching experience possible!

� Allegis group Foundation� Battelle Foundation� Civitan Club of Baltimore� Coldwell Banker’s Cares Foundation� Lois & Phillip Macht Family Philanthropic Fund� Venable Foundation� ellen W.P. Wasserman Foundation� Wells Fargo Foundation

on August 5th, Cold Stone Creamery in Canton held its fourth annual Battle of the Stones in which employees compete for tipsto see who can raise the most money for The Arc Baltimore andHealth Care for the Homeless. The event featured appearances

from Miss dC International Kaitlyn Wozniak, the MacMillan Pipe Band, TheAmazing eric energy science act, Zumba instructor Tisha guthriel and the“on a High note” show choir. A balloon sculptor, face painter, ice cream tossand catch game and free ice cream added to the fun. Thanks, Canton ColdStone! �

Cold Stone Creamery in Canton Serves Up a Full Scoop of Generosity

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on September 7, more than 400 people filled the parking lot behindthe main office on York Road for oursecond annual Backyard Fest. Families

from neighboring communities, friends and staffof The Arc, supported individuals and many others came out in droves to have fun and support The Arc Baltimore. Joyful noise emanatedfrom the kids’ section, which had two moonbounces and a variety of games. Adults enjoyedthe live music of “Soundstorm” and tried theirluck at games of chance. Various vendors, including Arc individuals, sold crafts. In addition,several Arc staff members were honored for theirtenure anniversaries. �

Our Backyard Fest was a Blast!

A foursome from Scientific Plant Service

Golf committee co-chairs Chuck Shettle (left) and Mike Eikenbergpose with tournament organizer Libby Bryant.

Second Time is the Charm for Annual Golf Tourney

W hen downpours washed out the golftournament planned for May 15,The Arc Baltimore tried, tried again.The June 11 makeup day dawned

bright and sunny for the 180 golfers who showed upat the diamond Ridge and Woodlands golf coursesin support of The Arc Baltimore. Through generouscorporate sponsorships plus auction and raffle proceeds, the tournament raised more than$80,000. Congratulations to all of our winners… and many thanks to everyone who participated!

We Appreciate Our Sponsors!

Title Sponsor Bay Buddies Sponsor

Allegis Group Foundation

Eagle Sponsor

Blades & Rosenfeld PAGriffith Energy Services

Mutual of AmericaOak Contracting

RCM&DSC&H Group

Silberstein Insurance GroupWise Consulting

Scan this code with yourweb- enabled cameraphone for more pictures.

A few golfers who turned out in support of The Arc.

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by Jeffrey Raymond

The fourth class to graduate from the Project SeARCH high school transitionprogram at the university of Maryland,Baltimore (uMB) faces a tough job

climate, but work ethic and aptitude will help thestudents succeed.

Project SeARCH takes high school juniors and seniors with learning and developmental disabilities and prepares them to function effectively in the workplace. The program is a collaboration among uMB, the university of Maryland Medical Center (uMMC), Baltimore CityPublic Schools, the Maryland State department ofeducation’s division of Rehabilitation Services, andThe Arc Baltimore. Previous graduates work incampus mail, housekeeping, the linen and laundrydepartment at uMMC, and even the Subwayrestaurant near the R Adams Cowley ShockTrauma Center.

The latest class, with 12 students, graduated May31 in a ceremony at the Southern ManagementCorporation Campus Center. Approximately 200people were in attendance.

Joanna Falcone, director of Project SeARCH, saidgraduates of the program can make offices more

Project SEARCH Graduates are Ready to Work efficient by handling routine, repetitive tasks andfreeing other employees for more productivework. Job coaches are available to help the graduates learn their tasks and monitor their performance. employers of Project SeARCH graduates and students find reliable, loyal workers.

The students train in three 10-week internships invarious departments and offices around campus.They learn workplace skills and good employmenthabits, and compete for available, prevailing-wage positions in the wider job market.

each student at the graduation ceremony delivered brief comments. “I never thought that Iwould learn the skills and discipline to become asuccessful worker,” said nathan Jones, “but withtime and effort I achieved this goal.”

“I learned how important it is to balance my personal life and my responsibilities in the workplace,” said Cierra garner, who was finishingher junior year. “The Project SeARCH staff hashelped me to get my life back on track.” �

Excerpted with permission of VOICE, the periodic campus newsletter of the University of Maryland inBaltimore. It can be viewed online athttp://umvoice.com/.

an exhibit and silent auction featuring art created by people with

developmental disabilities

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 20127–10 p.m.

American Visionary Art Museum800 Key Highway, Baltimore

Beer & wine by Beltway Fine WineHors d’oeuvres • Live music

Tickets: $50 (advance sales only)online at www.thearcbaltimore.org

or contact Makea King at 410-296-2272 ext. 5214mking@thearcbaltimore.org

COME TO THE 11TH ANNUAL

ART IN THE ROUND

DON’T MISS THE BOAT!

Yamah Boakai has ajob in UMMC’s postalservices department.

Brittany Stanley is employed at Subwayrestaurant at UMMC.

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After living at Rosewoodfor nearly 15 years,Frank Seaborn beganreceiving community

living supports from The Arc Baltimore in 1978. Frank has heldseveral jobs through the years. Hewas employed full-time at Tesscofrom 1993 until 2010, when the recession forced lay-offs. Always onthe go, Frank uses MTA

independently to get to his part-time job at unifirst and toleisure activities. even two hip replacement surgeries didn’tslow Frank down. He bowls every Saturday and loves spending time with his roommates. Frank has always been hisown best advocate, and he is a longtime member of theHelping Hands self-advocacy group.

Crystal Stephens began receiving employment supportsfrom The Arc Baltimore in 2010 after attending the georgeW. F. McMechen High School. Sheis currently employed as the receptionist at The Arc Baltimore atSeton Business Park, where shehandles a busy switchboard and asteady stream of visitors with poise.Crystal enjoys shopping, going tomovies, writing letters and listeningto gospel music. She attendschurch and bible study regularly.Crystal recently joined The Arc’sQuality enhancement Committee. She is a strong advocatefor people with disabilities and is a firm believer in our adage“nothing about me without me!”

Meet Our New Board Members Will Stocker is a senior at Stevenson university who is majoringin human services. during his time there and at Howard Community College, Will was involved in peer support initiativesand disability support service internships. ultimately, he wants to

earn a Master’s degree and work in disability support services in higher education. Will has a neuromuscularcondition called spinal muscular atrophy type II. despite his physical limitations, Will is active in scouting,adaptive sports, church altar serviceand bowling. He plays the keyboardand is a deejay, too! even with his fullschedule, Will spent part of the summerlearning more about federal laws

pertaining to disabled students.

Rodney Toulson connected with The Arc Baltimore nearly adecade ago when he inquired about respite services for his son.Six years later, he spoke openly to members of Moms understand, The Arc’s support group for mothers, about his experience as a father of a child with disabilities. Shortly thereafter, he was chosen to be co-leader of the dads’ supportgroup, guy Talk. Throughout his career, Rodney has worked inboth the IT and education fields, first atMicrosoft and then with the BaltimoreCity Public Schools. Currently a programmanager at educate-online, Rodney isresponsible for ensuring that studentswho receive personalized online instruction meet pre-defined enrollmenttargets, assessment rates and completionrates. �

Family PicnicPleases

For parents of a child with disabilities, having time to relax is a luxury, and opportunities to meet parents in similarsituations can be few and far between.

That’s why The Arc Baltimore hosted a Summernetworking Picnic, attended by more than 60people, on July 10. Arc staff and volunteers playedgames with the children while parents chilled andtalked with their peers. The event included children of all ages, with and without disabilities.They enjoyed bocce, the piñata and the alwayspopular parachute. �

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AdvocatePlease Help Us Achieve! The Arc Baltimore has a potpourri of ways for you to support its mission and services. each one is much-needed…and much appreciated! You can:

� give monthly through our recurring donation system.

� give the gift of membership to family members and friends.

� designate a program contribution for Bay Buddies or the FamilyFund.

� donate cars, trucks and boats.

� designate workplace gifts through united Way (#073), the Combined Federal Campaign (#96710), the Combined CharityCampaign (#8073) and the Maryland Charity Campaign (#8073).

� name The Arc Baltimore in your will or as a beneficiary of your IRA orother policy.

Giving is easy and convenient. Visitwww.thearcbaltimore.org/donate

to learn more.

Baltimore native Josh Selby, an nBAplayer for the Memphis grizzlies,hosted a charity weekend beginning July 27 on behalf of his

foundation. The weekend benefited two organizations that support people withdown syndrome. The Arc Baltimore, whichreceived $500 in donations, was selectedbecause it provides Josh’s uncle Michaelwith employment supports. Staff and friendsof The Arc came out on Friday night to bowland spread the mission of The Arc. All those in attendance had the opportunity to meet and spend time with Selby and other collegiateand nBA players. �

Basketball and Giving Overlap for Josh Selby

Arc bowlers pose with Michael Witherspoon, who is Josh Selby's uncle andan Arc supported employee