Humanim

Humanim closed out Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week with a bang, celebrating the third Do-Besters Fest! This year’s celebration marked an exciting milestone for Humanim. It was our first Do-Besters Fest since becoming a Melwood affiliate and an opportunity to welcome 124 new employees from Melwood Community Services who have joined Humanim as part of our growing Southern Maryland team.

Thank you to the Melwood events team and volunteers for making this year’s Do-Besters Fest extra special for everyone at Humanim. And most importantly, thank you to our direct support professionals and direct care teams for the incredible work you do every day.

Read more about this year's Do-Besters Fest and see the winners of the Humanim Hero Award in our blog post! https://humanim.org/news/ending-dsp-recognition-week-with-a-bang-do-besters-fest-recap/

Today, we’re proud to highlight two teammates from our Youth Transition Services who truly embody what it means to be a hard worker, risk taker, and Do-Bester. Through their dedication and commitment, they are making a meaningful difference in the lives of youth in our community by supporting them as they take their first steps toward following their dreams.

Jaron: Jaron, a Youth Transition Coordinator for Howard County, has been doing an outstanding job supporting the youth in his region. Jaron is consistently out in the field checking in with students to ensure they are receiving the support they need. When he is not meeting with students, he actively networks within the community to build new partnerships and create additional opportunities for them. In addition to his responsibilities in Howard County, Jaron has repeatedly offered to assist in other regions, recognizing how busy the team has been. We truly appreciate Jaron and the positive impact he continues to make for our students and our organization.

Kelly: Kelly, the Youth Transition Coordinator for Frederick and Carroll Counties, has done an outstanding job building strong community partnerships based on the interests and needs of the students she serves. Her dedication, initiative, and commitment to creating meaningful opportunities make a positive impact every day. Kelly consistently goes above and beyond, and we truly appreciate all of her hard work and contributions to the team.

Interested in making a difference in the lives of youth as they take the next steps toward their goals and dreams? Join our team and help create opportunities for young people in our community. Apply today at humanim.org/careers.

We're recognizing our DSPs in our Developmental Disabilities programs today! Read below and swipe through to see the incredible team members that empower the participants in our programs.

Cassandra: Cassandra has consistently gone above and beyond in her role. She regularly steps up to coordinate outings, making sure that everyone's ideas are included. She is often the first to start planning for the day and one of the quickest to respond whenever any issues arise. She also takes initiative in finding creative ways to support individuals in achieving their goals. For example, she has introduced fun money-counting games using the iPad and organized friendly, interactive math competitions. You can always count on Cassandra to be actively engaged and ensure that everyone feels supported in their environment.

Brendan: Brendan does an outstanding job and consistently shows professionalism and care in everything he does. He is also a strong team player who leads by example, treats others with respect, and brings patience and understanding to every situation in the Behavioral Stabilization Unit. His calm approach creates a supportive environment for participants to thrive in. Brendan is excellent at paying attention to those in need and has built trust with the program participants through his kindness and positive attitude.

Khalid: Khalid in our Developmental Disabilities Residential Services helps participants and his team have fun. He empowers and helps folks to get out of their homes and into the community to do the things they love most. If the weather is rough, he enjoys a competitive game of Monopoly with some tough competition from the participants in our program. The folks we support truly enjoy their time with Khalid and we're grateful to have him on the team.

Dorothy: Dorothy consistently demonstrates exceptional compassion and dedication in her role as a DSP transitioning from Melwood Community Services to Humanim, a Melwood affiliate. Dorothy maintains excellent communication with team members, participants, and families, fostering positive relationships and ensuring continuity of care. Dorothy successfully supports three participants with varying needs and schedules, demonstrating remarkable flexibility, reliability, and commitment.

Interested in making a difference by empowering people with disabilities to live life to the fullest and thrive in their communities? Consider joining our team! Apply today at humanim.org/careers.

Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week is here!

Alongside DSP Recognition Week, September also marks Su***de Prevention Month, a time to remind our community that no one has to face mental health challenges alone. We’re deeply grateful to our direct support team in Behavioral Health, who take the time to build a connection with those in our programs facing mental health challenges, and work tirelessly to uplift participants and bring positivity to their lives in times of need. Ensuring that they are not alone in their mental health journey.

Suzanne: Suzanne consistently goes above and beyond as a case coordinator in our Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program. From arranging transportation to medical appointments and securing essential food and medications, Suzanne is a steadfast advocate. She navigates complex systems for annual renewals of government benefits and medical assistance, alleviating burdens for participants and facilitating access to vital resources. In addition to securing furniture and supporting literacy and math programs, Suzanne aids participants through the process of obtaining their driver's licenses, promoting independence. She is truly making a difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank you for your dedication, Suzanne!

Marion: As a Rehabilitation Counselor in our Residential Rehabilitation Program, Marion helps the program participants build the foundation they need in their homes to reach their full potential and guide them towards independence. She does so with compassion to the individuals she supports and makes a positive impact in their lives and beyond through a person-centered approach, overall empowering them to be the best version of themselves. She consistently goes above and beyond to promote advocacy, dignity, and meaningful outcomes for those in her care. Thank you, Marion, for all you do to embody Humanim's mission!

If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, facing a mental health crisis, or supporting a loved one, help is available. Call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to connect with free, confidential support 24/7.

Before the DSP Recognition Week festivities begin, we’re proud to highlight another key member of the Humanim family, radiating the Do-Besters spirit and compassion for every colleague and individual in our programs.

Folu: With over ten years of service, Folu goes above and beyond by taking an active role in van training for the fleet. Recognizing how crucial safety and proper equipment handling are, he patiently guides new drivers through vehicle operations. Folu is a true team player who is always happy to step in where he can. Affectionately known as our “Transportation Ambassador,” Folu treats everyone like his own family and brings a warm, welcoming energy to Humanim. He makes a daily impact on the participants of our programs by creating an environment where they feel welcomed and cared for during their adventures in the community.

Are you interested in helping participants in our program explore their local community and make incredible memories? Consider joining our team! Apply today at humanim.org/careers.

To celebrate the spirit of this upcoming Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week, let’s take a moment to appreciate the Do-Besters of Humanim, who show up every day to lead the individuals in our Workforce Development programs to success in their careers.

Wura: Joining Humanim in 2023, Wura has consistently shown exceptional dedication as an Employment Consultant in our Evidence-Based Supported Employment program, supporting individuals across Anne Arundel County. She advocates strongly for the individuals she serves by collaborating with community programs, service providers, and employers to ensure their needs and goals are understood. Her person-centered approach helps build trust while encouraging confidence and self-advocacy. Wura focuses on long-term growth by helping individuals pursue careers that align with their interests, strengths, and aspirations rather than simply finding jobs. Through her persistence, advocacy, and commitment to quality service, she has made a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of those she supports.

Jeff: As a Job Coach in Humanim’s Supported Employment Program, Jeff exemplifies the teamwork and dedication that shape our mission. Collaboration is essential in his role, and Jeff is a valued team player who regularly brainstorms with colleagues, shares job leads, and develops strategies to help individuals secure meaningful employment in the community. In addition to building successful partnerships with employers, Jeff never hesitates to take on a challenge or difficult task, and his ability to remain calm under pressure and solve stressful situations makes him a trusted support for both participants and his team mates.

Interested in making a difference in your community by helping people with disabilities thrive in their career journey? Consider joining our team! Apply today at humanim.org/careers.

This quarter marks an exciting milestone in the partnership between Humanim and Melwood. As we continue to build on our shared commitment to empowering people with disabilities, we are thrilled to officially welcome participants and staff from Melwood Community Services into the Humanim family!

For individuals, families, and referral partners throughout Southern Maryland, this transition represents continuity, strength, and new opportunities for growth.

Read the full update and learn more about what lies ahead in this exciting partnership: https://humanim.org/news/humanim-melwood-shared-purpose-growing-impact/

Back-to-school season is all about setting students up for success. Humanim's Human Services and Workforce Development teams recently attended the Howard County Public School System, Division of Student Well-Being Networking Fair at Reservoir High School. We shared information and resources with school system employees who help connect students and families to community supports throughout the school year and as they prepare for what's next.

Learn more about our programs and services at humanim.org and discover how we can help students build skills, explore opportunities, and take steps toward future success.

Do-Besters don’t wait for change – we create it.

For more than 55 years, Humanim's Do-Besters have been turning possibility into opportunity, helping people achieve their goals, gain meaningful employment, and build brighter futures.

This National Nonprofit Day, we're celebrating the participants, staff, supporters, and partners who show up every day to make a difference. Together, we're breaking down barriers and driving lasting social impact across our communities.

Want to be part of the movement? Your support helps create more pathways to independence, employment, and opportunity: humanim.org/donate