The Arc Baltimore Honors MACS Executive Director

Laura Howell, Executive Director of the Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS), is the recipient of The Arc Baltimore’s annual Award for Advocacy Leadership.

Presented to Howell during The Arc Baltimore’s recent 2020 Virtual Awards Ceremony, the award is presented in honor of Stanley Herr, whose career of advocacy spanned more than 30 years. As faculty at the University Of Maryland School Of Law, Herr encouraged students to become activists and advocates for individuals supported by The Arc.

Howell has been the Executive Director of MACS, a nonprofit association of more than 100 agencies providing community-based supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, since 2003. She also serves as the Chair of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition, a coalition that advocates and educates to improve the lives of Marylanders with developmental disabilities.

The Virtual Awards Ceremony recognized Arc Baltimore staff, self-advocates, board members, and community members for their dedication to, and advocacy for, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Ceremony “offered a tremendous opportunity to recognize the outstanding services given to The Arc Baltimore and to the individuals it supports each year,” says the organization’s Chief Executive Officer, Kathleen McNally Durkin.

“The work of all of our award recipients and nominees, as well as so many others, plays a critical role in the continued success of The Arc Baltimore,” Durkin continues. “Their hard work and dedication are at the heart of our mission to support people with developmental disabilities in leading fulfilling lives with a sense of belonging and purpose.”

The Arc Baltimore supports people with developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling lives with a sense of belonging, purpose, and meaningful relationships.

As one of the nation's largest and most respected organizations of its kind, The Arc Baltimore is an indispensable resource, providing employment training and support, day and residential services, family support and education, treatment foster care, respite care, public policy advocacy and information, and referrals.