The Arc Baltimore Honors Staff Members

The Arc Baltimore honored seven of its staff members during its recent 2020 Virtual Awards Ceremony.

Honorees included:

• J.K. Ferrell, who was awarded the Stephen H. Morgan Award for Career Excellence, presented to an employee who has spent at least 25 years of their career with The Arc Baltimore and consistently has shown excellence, professional growth and advancement, and dedication to the agency and the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities it supports;
• Linda Epps, who is the first recipient of the Career Excellence in Direct Support Award, which recognizes a direct support professional who has remained in a direct support role throughout his or her career and is the epitome of professionalism and commitment;
• Allen McDuffie, recipient of the Excellence in Direct Support Award for his work as a job coach in The Arc’s Career Catalyst program, where he is known for recognizing the abilities of each person, breaking down tasks, modelling how the job is done, and building natural supports for the individual within the work site.
• Trish Daniels, who won the Excellence in Management Award in recognition of her abilities as an exceptional leader, planning and implementing programs, effectively managing staff, and always advancing others.
• John Sanford, who was named Administrative Employee of the Year for handling maintenance of all of The Arc Baltimore’s facilities and owned homes, and administration of all landlord-owned homes and janitorial services for offices and centers facilities.
• Oluwole Obadina, who was recognized as Direct Support Employee of the Year Award for, in the words of a parent, “His focus on my son and his roommates [which] demonstrates a heart for the business and love for the people he supports. He ensures they participate in their favorite activities and is very conscientious about their health [but] most importantly, he lets the guys know that he is there for them and would do anything for them.”
• Michelle Foit, who was honored with the Community Connection Award, presented to the staff member who goes above and beyond in helping the people they support to connect within their community in order to pursue their interests and relationships.

Beyond Arc Baltimore staff, the Virtual Awards Ceremony recognized 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.