The people we support are hungry for new opportunities that build inclusive, meaningful lives in their communities, challenging current misconceptions.
Welcome to The Arc Montgomery County’s October 2025 Strategic Plan Progress update! In this video, we are diving into the progress we have made tackling the Support Beyond Caregiving opportunity area!
The Support Beyond Caregiving work group will soon begin meeting to prepare recommendations. If you are interested in joining this work group, please contact Deborah Mark, Deborah.Mark@TheArcMoCo.org or 301.984.5777 x1245.
Goal 1—Intentionally focus on people instead of programs, expanding opportunities and lives
Objective 1—All people supported will transition back into the community
STRATEGIES
-
A–Re-evaluate services being delivered
In Progress
- Ensure people receiving in lieu of day regularly participate in community activities
- Implement creative activities for people with health conditions that restrict participation
Completed
- Ensure all services comply with LTSS guidelines, including fully community-based programs
- Ensure staffing supports transition plans
-
B–Identify concerns and work to address them
Completed
- Meet with families and people supported to discuss concerns and challenges
Objective 2—People supported will experience a new community-based activity
STRATEGIES
-
A–Think outside the box when providing choices
In Progress
- Focus on a wide variety of experiences and challenge stigmas
- Provide training to support DSPs being more than caregivers
-
B–Focus on making connections with people, not just participation
In Progress
- Add at least one genuine inclusion goal to all PCPs
-
C–Collaborate with groups supporting overlapping populations
In Progress
- Secure employment expansion opportunities
Goal 2—Push ourselves and our communities to change the way we view and interact with people
Objective 1—Build relationships with five new community organizations each year
STRATEGIES
-
A–Build connections which lead to new relationships
In Progress
- Install Board members who can open doors for partnership conversations
- Seek representation in local/state committees and groups which support or expand our work
-
B–Partner with groups that support social justice and diversity
In Progress
- Participate in Montgomery County's Autism Elopement Prevention Network
Objective 2—Generate excitement about The Arc's work
STRATEGIES
-
A–Find and share success stories by connecting with DSPs and families
In Progress
- Share personal and professional success stories of people supported in print and electronic media
-
B–Create campaigns to highlight similarities between people
-
C–Sell branded merchandise and exclusive opportunities
Completed
- Test merchandise branded products, and if successful, continue offering opportunities
If you would like to join a Strategic Plan work group, please contact Deborah Mark, Deborah.Mark@TheArcMoCo.org or 301.984.5777 x1245.
Click the image to download the PDF including all opportunity areas.
