Community Engagement Chronicles is a new monthly series following our Program Navigator Kasey as she travels across Maryland to connect with communities, share resources, and support individuals and families in learning more about available services. Each edition will highlight her outreach efforts, community partnerships, and the meaningful connections made along the way.
Advocacy Meeting at Carroll County Library | July 16
At the July Carroll County Advocacy Meeting, Kasey connected with representatives from Taylor’s Place, who joined the conversation with individuals, providers, and community members about activities and events that would be meaningful to the people SCI supports.
Participants shared ideas and provided feedback on recreational, social, and community engagement opportunities they would like to see offered. The group also discussed Taylor’s Place’s upcoming fundraiser, Murder and Marinara, a themed dinner and show, and explored ways to promote participation and community involvement.
The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for collaboration between self-advocates, providers, and community organizations. These conversations helped strengthen partnerships, encouraged individual input, and supported the development of inclusive activities and events throughout Carroll County.
Information and Referral Follow-Up at Wheaton Library | July 21
Kasey returned to Wheaton Library for Information and Referral follow-up services. She met with an individual and provided assistance connecting them to the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), while also discussing additional community resources and support options, including housing assistance programs and SNAP benefits.
Information and Referral Follow-Up at Potomac Library | July 22
At the Potomac Library, Kasey assisted a mother with completing applications for Medical Assistance and Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) services for her daughter. She reviewed the application process, discussed required documentation, and provided guidance on available supports.
Community Engagement and In-Service Planning at Meshach Village | July 23
Kasey participated in a Community Engagement and In-Service Program at Meshach Village in Frostburg, Maryland. She met with the Community Coordinator to discuss community needs and collaboratively plan a Back-to-School Open House event for the fall, focused on increasing awareness of available resources and strengthening connections between community members and local support services.
During the visit, Kasey and the Community Coordinator also met with several community members to provide information and referrals. One individual shared concerns about significant health needs and a desire to relocate within Maryland to be closer to medical providers and improve access to ongoing care. Together, they discussed goals, identified potential barriers to relocation, and developed a preliminary plan to support the transition.
Kasey is working with the individual’s Support Planner to help identify appropriate resources and services, address gaps in support, and reduce barriers to a successful move. Follow-up assistance will continue to help the individual navigate available options and work toward achieving her goals while maintaining access to needed supports.
Information and Referral Follow-Up at White Oak Library | July 27
At White Oak Library in Silver Spring, Kasey provided Information and Referral follow-up services and consultation to a provider agency seeking assistance for a family working to access long-term care Medical Assistance and DDA services. She reviewed application processes, discussed eligibility considerations, and provided guidance on next steps to help the family navigate available supports and resources.
Kasey also assisted a mother with completing a DDA application for her 8-year-old son. She discussed required documentation, application requirements, and available community-based supports, providing guidance to help the application process move forward and encouraging follow-up as needed.
Information and Referral Follow-Up at Takoma Park Library | July 28
At Takoma Park Library, Kasey met with a mother seeking guidance on benefits and service eligibility for her family member. She provided education about the differences between Medicare and Medicaid, as well as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), to help the family better understand which benefits may be applicable.
Kasey also discussed available resources and supports, including the Community First Choice (CFC) program, transportation services, and supplemental therapies such as occupational therapy and speech therapy. She provided information on eligibility considerations, access points for services, and potential next steps for obtaining support.
The meeting helped clarify available options and created a path for ongoing follow-up to assist with determining eligibility and connecting the family with appropriate supports and services.
Information and Referral Follow-Up at Largo-Kettering Branch Public Library | July 30
At the Largo-Kettering Branch Public Library, Kasey met with a mother and her adult son who had relocated to Maryland after experiencing significant hardships in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. The family shared challenges they had encountered while trying to access needed disability-related supports after moving to Maryland.
Through the meeting, Kasey was able to immediately connect the family to Support Planning services and begin the process of establishing appropriate developmental disability supports. She discussed next steps for pursuing DDA services, and the family expressed relief after learning that progress could begin quickly. Ongoing follow-up will continue to help the family navigate the DDA process and ensure needed supports are put in place.
Throughout July, Kasey continued strengthening community partnerships, providing Information and Referral support, and helping individuals and families navigate resources across Maryland. From advocacy conversations and library-based follow-ups to community planning, her outreach reflected SCI’s commitment to connection, inclusion, and person-centered support.