by Guest Blogger, Aaron Stephens, The Arc of Frederick County

Partnering with more than fifty businesses to support more than seventy people with obtaining and sustaining meaningful employment in Frederick and Allegany Counties, The Arc focuses on people’s passions, talents, and interests in their career services. Building upon the investment that local school systems make in preparing students with disabilities for the work force, The Arc assists in transiting youth students and adults to reach their employment goals.

Expanding on existing relationships with employers, this summer has been a successful season of creating new partnerships. Frederick Laundry hired Demitrius, Christine, and Holly to enhance their workforce. Joining the mission of owner Marissa Misner is two-fold, as she is both an entrepreneur and the sister of an adult with a disability. With a purpose to make everyday life a little lighter through reliable laundry services, her business model "to do things a little different" is making the community better for all.

The Arc’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality Training Program has paved pathways for employment for many. The specialized culinary, customer service, and teamwork skills students gain in training equips them to meet the expectations of employers. Swirls recently hired Cristina, a culinary graduate, to work in their high-quality ice-cream shop and First Chime has brought on a graduate Brandon as a full-time employee to prepare cuisine for aviation catering.

With certification from The Workforce and Technology Center and support from The Arc, Israel landed a full-time mechanic job at Tire Pros. While preparing for his dream job, Israel accepted part-time positions to build a resume and demonstrate skills to potential employers. His training and hard work proved to make him an attractive applicant. Commitment also paid off for Heather, whose volunteer role at HeartField's Assisted Living at Frederick led to a paid position as an Activities Coordinator. These examples demonstrate that an employment journey is often a series of steps towards ultimate success.

Forward-thinking companies are increasingly recognizing that inclusive hiring is not just the right thing to do; it’s a smart business strategy. Employees with disabilities often demonstrate strong reliability, lower turnover rates, and high levels of job commitment. Studies have shown that companies that prioritize disability inclusion frequently outperform their peers in profitability and productivity.

Employers also benefit from incentives such as tax credits, workforce training supports, and partnerships with local agencies that help ensure successful onboarding and long-term retention.

To learn more about how The Arc of Frederick County can meet the needs of the business community, leaders desiring to support diversity and inclusion are encouraged to contact Aaron at astephens@arcfc.com or (301) 663-0909 x 126.

A Summer of Workforce Success