Founded in 1961 by parents who wanted their children with disabilities to have the same rights and opportunities as any other community member, formerly The Arc Central Chesapeake rebranded last year as Fello to go even deeper into its mission and serve the unmet needs of more local people. We welcomed good fellow Jonathan Rondeau to El Guapo for “A Cup Of Soup or Bowl” to update Nestor on all of the current work of the new Fello with folks in our community.
Nestor Aparicio interviews Jonathan Rondeau, CEO of Fello, an organization supporting people with disabilities in Maryland. Fello, formerly known as the Arc Central Chesapeake Region, assists 5,000 individuals across the state, providing services like personal support, job placement, and self-directed care. They help people with various disabilities, including physical and intellectual, and offer programs like the Family Fund, which grants $131,000 annually to families in need. Fello’s services are funded by Medicaid waivers, insurance, and donations, and they emphasize inclusivity and independence. Jonathan shares success stories, highlighting the impact of their work on individuals and their communities.
- [ ] @Nestor Aparicio – Deliver the bag of sponsor swag to Luke Jones on Friday as planned
- [ ] Ensure incoming phone inquiries are returned (operate a policy of returning every phone call to callers seeking information or services)
Introduction and Context Setting
- Nestor Aparicio introduces the show, mentioning the location at El Guapo in Catonsville and the cold winter weather.
- He talks about the Maryland lottery, GBMC, and Dermer as sponsors, and mentions giving away swag to Luke Jones.
- Nestor highlights the “Cup of Super Bowl” event to benefit the Maryland Food Bank and create awareness.
- He introduces Jonathan Rondeau, CEO of Fellow, and explains the purpose of the organization.
Overview of Fello and Its Mission
- Jonathan Rondeau explains that Fello was started by parents envisioning a better life for kids and adults with disabilities.
- The organization supports people with disabilities to live, work, and connect with their communities.
- Jonathan defines who can benefit from Fello’s services, including people with developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, and those with traumatic brain injuries.
- He clarifies that Fellow does not typically support people who acquire a disability later in life.
History and Expansion of Fello
- Jonathan provides background on Fello, noting its origins as the Arc Central Chesapeake Region.
- The organization expanded its services beyond Anne Arundel County and the Eastern Shore, leading to a name change to Fello.
- The mission remains the same: supporting people to live, work, and connect with their communities.
- Jonathan emphasizes the importance of inclusive and equitable communities.
Success Stories and Programs
- Jonathan shares a success story about a young woman who moved in with her boyfriend and received 24/7 support from Fello.
- Fellow supports people with disabilities to self-direct their lives, providing back-office support for those who hire their own staff.
- The organization helps people with disabilities find jobs and live independently, offering a range of services.
- Jonathan discusses the importance of providing various options for people with disabilities, including home-based earning and micro-enterprises.
Funding and Community Support
- Jonathan explains that Fello’s services are funded through Medicaid waiver programs, insurance for behavioral health, and government housing programs.
- The organization also fundraises for programs like the Family Fund, which provides financial assistance to families in need.
- Jonathan highlights the challenges of funding gaps and the importance of private philanthropy in bridging those gaps.
- He mentions the annual golf tournament as a significant fundraiser for Fellow.
Challenges and Government Support
- Jonathan discusses the challenges families face in accessing resources for their children with disabilities.
- He notes that government funding is more available for adults with disabilities than for children.
- Jonathan explains the impact of government budget cuts on services and the difficulty of paying direct support professionals fairly.
- He emphasizes the importance of advocacy to minimize cuts and ensure adequate funding for services.
Personal Stories and Impact
- Jonathan shares a personal story about a young woman who moved in with her boyfriend and received support from Fellow.
- He highlights the importance of providing personalized support and meeting people where they are.
- Jonathan discusses the impact of Fellow’s services on individuals and their families, including improved quality of life and increased independence.
- He emphasizes the importance of inclusion and community support for people with disabilities.
Community Engagement and Volunteer Opportunities
- Jonathan encourages community members to get involved with Fello through volunteering, donations, and employment opportunities.
- He shares a story about a young woman who worked at a restaurant for 10 years and changed the attitudes of her coworkers and customers.
- Jonathan discusses the importance of inclusion and the positive impact of having people with disabilities in the workforce.
- He highlights the need for more inclusive and supportive communities for people with disabilities.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
- Nestor and Jonathan wrap up the conversation, emphasizing the importance of community support and awareness.
- Jonathan reiterates the various ways people can get involved with Fellow and the impact of their support.
- Nestor thanks Jonathan for joining the show and highlights the upcoming events and fundraisers for the Maryland Food Bank.
- The segment ends with Nestor promoting the “Cup of Super Bowl” event and the importance of supporting local charities.
SUMMARY KEYWORDS…