Community Engagement Chronicles is a monthly series from Service Coordination, Inc. (SCI) 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 highlights her outreach efforts, community partnerships, and the meaningful connections made along the way.
Disability Roundtable in Howard County | August 4
Kasey participated in the Howard County Community Roundtable, a monthly forum that brings together community stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, coordinate resources, and address barriers impacting older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their families.
The discussion focused on housing accessibility, home and community-based services, assistive technology, transportation, education, and employment opportunities. Kasey learned about resources that support people in remaining safely in their homes, accessing waiver-funded supports, obtaining adaptive equipment, and navigating benefits.
The meeting reinforced the value of cross-sector collaboration among nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, educational institutions, government agencies, and faith-based organizations. These connections help expand access to resources, promote inclusion, and strengthen support for Howard County residents.
Information and Referral Follow-Up at Autumn Lake Towson | August 10
At Autumn Lake in Towson, Kasey provided Information and Referral support to an individual seeking assistance with housing and community resources after connecting through the Community Engagement email.
Kasey met with the individual and collaborated with the facility’s social worker to support discharge planning. Together, they explored housing options, identified community resources, and discussed potential Supports Planning Services (SPS) eligibility and referral options for additional support.
Information and Referral Follow-Up at Ellicott City Public Library | August 11
At the Ellicott City Public Library, Kasey met with a mother who was initially connected through the Howard County Disability Roundtable and was seeking support related to services for her daughter.
Kasey provided information about Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) resources, including the application process, available services, and anticipated timelines. The conversation helped the family better understand available supports and next steps for pursuing services.
Kasey and the mother also discussed opportunities for community engagement, including ways her language skills and community connections could support other families through translation and interpretation. The conversation highlighted both immediate service needs and the potential for continued community partnership.
Information and Referral Follow-Up in Greenbelt | August 12
In Greenbelt, Kasey met with a sister who contacted the Community Engagement email seeking resources and support for her sibling.
The family shared concerns about their current Coordination of Community Services (CCS) agency and wanted to learn more about SCI, including our person-centered approach and how services are delivered to support individual goals and outcomes.
Kasey provided an overview of SCI’s philosophy, emphasizing the importance of person-centered planning, individualized support, and collaboration with individuals and their families. Information was shared regarding the process for transferring CCS agencies and the supports available through SCI. Following the conversation, the family indicated they would like to move forward with transferring services to SCI.
Information and Referral Follow-Up at Columbia Branch Public Library | August 18
At the Columbia Branch Public Library, Kasey provided Information and Referral follow-up support and expanded local partnerships in Howard County.
Before the scheduled meeting, Kasey connected with the Maryland Access Point (MAP) Coordinator at a nearby senior center to discuss future collaboration around community education, outreach, and resource navigation.
Kasey then met with an individual seeking support and provided information about Maryland Disability Rights, MAP, Medical Assistance applications, and DDA services. During the meeting, a second individual joined the conversation, allowing Kasey to provide additional Information and Referral support based on her needs.
As the meeting concluded, Kasey connected with representatives from the Local Health Improvement Coalition (LHIC) of Howard County, who were conducting outreach at the library. They provided information about food assistance benefits and energy assistance programs, creating an opportunity for future collaboration to improve access to community resources.
Information and Referral Follow-Up at Catonsville Library Branch | August 25
At the Catonsville Library Branch, Kasey met with a mother and daughter seeking assistance with disability-related services and benefits.
Kasey provided guidance on the DDA application process, including eligibility requirements, documentation needs, and anticipated timelines. She also assisted the family with navigating the Medical Assistance application process to help connect them with appropriate healthcare and support resources.
Kasey also connected with library staff and established a new community partnership with the Catonsville Library Branch. The conversation focused on future opportunities for community education, outreach, and resource sharing to increase awareness of disability resources and support services.
Throughout August, Kasey continued building community relationships, providing Information and Referral support, and helping individuals and families navigate resources across Maryland. From the Howard County Disability Roundtable to library-based follow-ups and new community partnerships, her outreach reflected SCI’s ongoing commitment to connection, inclusion, and person-centered support.