The Arc Baltimore Honors Two Baltimore Area Organizations

The Arc Baltimore recently honored two area organizations – Maryland Brand and the Baltimore Museum of Art – at its 2020 Virtual Awards Ceremony.

Apparel company Maryland Brand was the winner of The Arc Baltimore’s Employer of Distinction Award, presented annually to an organization that employs people with disabilities and provides a particularly supportive environment to help them succeed.

Maryland Brand was looking for dependable employees when it reached out to The Arc Baltimore. Since then, it’s been a win-win relationship as The Arc has had numerous interns learn skills and explore work options in the company’s production and distribution facility. Maryland Brand is all about encouraging growth and giving employees the opportunity for cross-training and advancement.

To date, Maryland Brand has hired three people supported by The Arc Baltimore, one of whom now works in all aspects of production and helps train new staff. Aimee Eliason was even given an opportunity to design a shirt for Maryland Brand’s Puppie Love line, which is now on sale.

The Arc Baltimore also gave a Special Appreciation Award to the Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA). For two years, BMA docent and art instructor Marge Anderson has hosted a group from The Arc for a full day of art appreciation and art making. Dave Eassa, the BMA’s manager of community engagement, recognized the opportunity to do more than give tours. Tours became discussion groups and then lunchtimes together and then on-site art making projects. As a result, friendships have grown and developed on both sides, and the BMA has fostered genuine art appreciation in people from The Arc Baltimore.

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,” adds Durkin. “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.