12 Days of Arc Angels
An “Arc Angel” is someone who has been nominated for moving The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region’s mission forward, “Empowering people with differing abilities to live, work and thrive in the community.”
Please read about our twelve Arc Angels listed below and be inspired to support our mission. We understand you have many wonderful choices to give to this season. So, we invite you to read about examples of what your donor dollars will be funding. This holiday season, give something that means something.
For more than a decade, Mark and Laura Hutton have opened their hearts and home to children in need, fostering over 30 youth and adopting six children, including their newest addition, Savannah. Their story is one of unwavering love, resilience, and a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of children, especially those with differing abilities and medically fragile diagnoses.
Their dedication goes beyond providing shelter, it’s about creating a nurturing environment where children feel loved, supported, and valued. “It’s been a challenging yet rewarding journey,” Laura said. “My kids have gained skills and understandings that have shaped their characters and aspirations. They learned to be empathetic and compassionate, and that’s an incredible gift.”
The need for families like the Hutton’s is urgent. More than 4,000 children in Maryland’s foster care system need a safe and loving home, and nearly 75% of referrals are teenagers, the most underserved group in child welfare. In Harford and Cecil Counties alone, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region receives about 80 referrals each month, yet there are only a handful of foster homes available.
The Hutton’s prove that one family can change countless lives. With support from The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region, foster parents receive training, 24/7 assistance, and resources to succeed. The rewards? Knowing you’ve given hope and shaped a child’s future.
You can make a difference. Open your heart. Open your home. Become a foster parent today. Or, share this information with someone who would like to take the next step in meeting the needs of youth in our community who are in need of a foster family. Learn more at Treatment Foster Care – The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region.
Angel #1 : The Hutton Family
This October, we celebrated the retirement of Sean, a remarkable man who dedicated over 30 years to his janitorial career with The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region. Sean’s story is one of commitment, joy, and the power of meaningful employment.
From the very beginning, Sean brought more than hard work to his role, he brought heart. Known for calling everyone his “buddy,” Sean’s warm personality and genuine love for people made him unforgettable to colleagues and friends alike. His presence turned workplaces into communities, reminding us that employment is not just about tasks – it’s about connection.
For Sean, having a job was deeply meaningful. Over the years, he shared how work taught him important life lessons and gave him a sense of purpose. Employment provided him with independence, confidence, and countless opportunities to grow. It also gave him what he valued most: relationships. Sean thrived socially, and his ability to brighten someone’s day was one of his greatest contributions.
Sean’s journey is a powerful example of why hiring people supported by The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region’s Employment Services program matters. Employment transforms lives, whether or not someone has a disability. It fosters dignity, belonging, and personal growth. When businesses open their doors to people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, they gain loyal, hardworking team members who enrich workplace culture in ways that go far beyond the job description.
As Sean steps into retirement, we celebrate his legacy of kindness and perseverance. His story inspires us to continue creating inclusive workplaces where everyone has the chance to succeed, and to make a few more “buddies” along the way.
The Arc NCR relies on community support to empower people with differing abilities to live, work, and thrive. State and government funding covers only part of our programs, so your generous contribution is essential. Help us continue making a difference – click below to donate.
Angel #2: Sean
Earlier this spring, Alayna had one simple wish: to visit her mom in Florida. The thought filled her with joy. Making it happen took planning and teamwork—coordinating with family, arranging care, and ensuring every detail was right. Alayna was part of it all, choosing her clothes and packing her favorite crafts, because this trip was about her voice and her happiness. Alayna’s trip was a success thanks to the work of her team at The Arc NCR. This is the power of person-centered support.
The Arc NCR needs your support to continue empowering people to live, work and thrive in the community. Unfortunately, only a portion of The Arc NCR’s funding comes from the state and government. Your generous support is critically important to the success of our Community Living program at The Arc NCR. Help us support people with differing abilities in our local community by clicking below to donate.
The Arc NCR needs your support to continue empowering people to live, work and thrive in the community. Unfortunately, only a portion of The Arc NCR’s funding comes from the state and government. Your generous support is critically important to the success of all of our programs at The Arc NCR. Help us support people with differing abilities in our local community by clicking below to donate.
Angel #3: Alayna
At the 2025 Sprout Film & Art Festival, The Arc NCR proudly showcased some incredible talent from our Community Partners program. Led by Jordan Pinello, the All-Star Dance Team lit up the stage with energy, grace, and creativity, performing to “Higher” by Tom Grennan.
The team—Brandon, Deedric, Sam, and Jaelyn—brought joy and inspiration to every move, with Brandon also performing a beautiful solo to “Don’t Let Go” by Bryan Adams and Sarah McLachlan. Their dedication, discipline, and teamwork were evident in every step, honed through weeks of practice leading up to the event.
A special thank you to Jordan Pinello and Marcela Lopez from Frame Dance Collective for sharing their time, talent, and passion with this amazing group. Jordan’s journey with The Arc NCR is especially inspiring, starting as a volunteer dance instructor in our Community Partners program, she has now come full circle as a valued member of our team.
Congratulations to the All-Star Dance Team for being recognized as one of our 2025 Arc Angels!
The Arc NCR relies on community support to empower people with differing abilities to live, work, and thrive. State and government funding covers only part of our programs, so your generous contribution is essential. Help us continue making a difference – click below to donate.
Angel #4: The All-Star Dance Team
Bob has been a dedicated volunteer since 2019, starting with our former Discovery Group in Employment Services, where he helped participants build essential employment skills. Today, he volunteers with our Family Support Services Group during Game Nights and Respite Days.
You can always find Bob in the middle of the action, playing games, sharing a slice of pizza, or making sure no child feels left out. He has a knack for turning a small game of Bingo into a full table of participants and always looks out for kids who may need a little extra encouragement. Beyond the activities, Bob has even helped cover our front desk when needed.
We are incredibly grateful for Bob’s generosity of time and spirit. Thank you, Bob, for your dedication, and congratulations on being recognized as one of our 2025 Arc Angels!
The Arc NCR relies on community support to empower people with differing abilities to live, work, and thrive. State and government funding covers only part of our programs, so your generous contribution is essential. Help us continue making a difference – click below to donate.
Angel #5: Bob
If you’ve been in the shop at Twisted Roots Rare & Common Plants, chances are you’ve met Chih or been helped by him. Chih’s kindness and patience shine through in everything he does. He has an incredible plant collection of his own and brings that same passion and knowledge to Twisted Roots every day. By matching employees’ strengths with meaningful work, hiring people with disabilities enriches the workplace and strengthens our community.
The Arc NCR relies on community support to empower people with differing abilities to live, work, and thrive. State and government funding covers only part of our programs, so your generous contribution is essential. Help us continue making a difference – click below to donate.
Angel #6: Chih
When Henry first started participating in the events of The Anna and James Lambdin Family Support Institute, he was shy and reserved, often standing on the sidelines. But through programs like Game Nights, Respite Saturdays, and Summer Respite Trips, Henry found a safe space to connect, learn, and grow.
With encouragement and consistent support, Henry began greeting new participants with a warm smile, making sure everyone felt included. At our Easter Egg Hunt, he even shared his eggs with a friend who had none, a simple act that spoke volumes about his transformation.
This remarkable growth earned Henry, The Arc NCR’s Personal Growth Award, which he accepted with pride, saying: “I’m happy for this award and my friends. I would like to support them again.”
Henry’s story is just one example of the impact donors make possible. In FY25 alone, 362 families received vital assistance, and event participation soared from 103 to 347 attendees—a testament to the life-changing difference which The Anna and James Lambdin Family Support Institute brings to our community.
The Arc NCR relies on community support to empower people with differing abilities to live, work, and thrive. State and government funding covers only part of our programs, so your generous contribution is essential. Help us continue making a difference – click below to donate.
Angel #7: Henry
This holiday season, our Arc Angel campaign honors the extraordinary employees whose dedication and compassion bring The Arc NCR’s mission to life. This year, we proudly celebrate three exceptional team members, Cindy P., Phayann S., and Kenneth S. Each of them was recognized for their outstanding service and unwavering commitment to the people we support.
Our 2025 Most Outstanding Administrative Support, Cindy P., plays a crucial behind-the-scenes role in ensuring team members are paid accurately and supported with care. Known for her patience, knowledge, and warmth, Cindy approaches every challenge with steady professionalism. Whether resolving a Paycom question or offering a listening ear, she creates a welcoming environment where colleagues feel valued.
Phayann S., the 2025 Most Outstanding Frontline Supervisor, leads with empathy, adaptability, and kindness. Phayann is always ready to listen, without judgment, and offers thoughtful guidance that helps employees and the people we support feel respected and understood. Their commitment to community participation helps people we support overcome barriers, build friendships, and engage confidently in new experiences.
Our 2025 Most Outstanding Employee, Kenneth S., exemplifies professionalism and heartfelt advocacy. Kenneth supports people and their families with patience, respect, and effective communication, ensuring each person’s goals and strengths remain at the center. His dedication helped one person he supports secure meaningful employment and thrive with greater independence. Kenneth’s work opens doors to opportunity and builds true community belonging.
The dedication of Cindy, Phayann, and Kenneth reflects the heart of our mission, but we cannot do this work alone. The Arc NCR relies on community support to empower people with differing abilities to live, work, and thrive. State and government funding covers only part of our programs, so your generous contribution is essential. Help us continue making a difference – click below to donate.
Angel #8: Employees of the Year
As we celebrate this holiday season, our Arc Angel campaign recognizes the generous support of partners such as Anchor Mechanical. Introduced to The Arc NCR through the Huntley’s at a past SIAB Charity Golf Tournament, Anchor Mechanical’s commitment to our mission has grown year after year, starting from a shared moment of inspiration when a person we support sang the National Anthem at the tournament.
Since then, Mark and Kim Huntley have gone above and beyond. Anchor Mechanical has sponsored key events like the After d’Arc Gala, bringing employees to celebrate and support our mission, and Mark and Kim have contributed personally to help make a difference. This year, Anchor Mechanical is proud to serve as the 2026 Title Sponsor for the After d’Arc Gala, and Kim is volunteering her time on the Gala Planning Committee.
Their generosity doesn’t stop with events. Anchor Mechanical has adopted families and people we support during the holiday season, providing gifts and essential items for those in need.
Through their dedication, volunteerism, and heartfelt giving, Anchor Mechanical demonstrates the true spirit of community partnership. We are honored to celebrate them as one of our 2025 Arc Angels.
The Arc NCR relies on community support to empower people with differing abilities to live, work, and thrive. State and government funding covers only part of our programs, so your generous contribution is essential. Help us continue making a difference – click below to donate.
Angel #9: Anchor Mechanical
We all love the anticipation of a vacation—whether it’s the beach, the mountains, or visiting Grandma. Taking time away from the daily routine helps us recharge and gain fresh perspective.
Terry, a vibrant young woman, who lives independently with support from The Arc NCR’s Community Living program, recently enjoyed her “trip of a lifetime” aboard the Carnival Pride on a cruise to the Bahamas. To help make her dream a reality, several friends and team members from The Arc NCR joined her. She still giggles whenever the trip comes up and prior to setting sail she quoted, “I will eat, swim, shop, and get a T-shirt and a hat!”
The trip held special meaning for Terry, who postponed travel after the loss of her roommate last year. Once she felt ready, The Arc NCR worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this meaningful journey possible. Travel can be challenging for people with differing abilities, over 13% of adults have a disability, with many facing issues like inaccessible rooms or inconsistent airport support. Yet travel remains essential: research shows vacations improve mental health and build social connections, which are vital in reducing isolation.
Terry’s joy reminds us that everyone deserves the chance to explore, celebrate life, and look forward to new adventures. By advocating for accessible travel, we help create a world where everyone can experience the wonder of a well-earned vacation. Congrats to Terry on being one of our 2025 Arc Angels!
The Arc NCR relies on community support to empower people with differing abilities to live, work, and thrive. State and government funding covers only part of our programs, so your generous contribution is essential. Help us continue making a difference – click below to donate.
Angel #10: Terry
This holiday season, we’re celebrating the heart of our mission: Personal Supports. Few people embody that more fully than Cindy, who was honored with the Harford County Direct Support of the Year award at our 2025 Annual Meeting. Cindy’s dedication has helped Dane, a young man with differing abilities, grow, learn, and thrive in ways his family never imagined.
Cindy meets Dane where he is, listens with care, and nurtures his passions for history and sports while helping him build new skills. She has opened doors to volunteer opportunities, guided him through community experiences, and even attended his Special Olympics events, always going above and beyond. Dane says it best: “She is easy to talk to and gives me good advice. I like spending time with her. I look forward to the days we spend together.”
Cindy’s compassion, patience, and commitment remind us why Personal Supports are so essential. She is a true Arc Angel, empowering Dane and others to live meaningful, connected lives, full of confidence, growth, and joy.
The Arc NCR relies on community support to empower people with differing abilities to live, work, and thrive. State and government funding covers only part of our programs, so your generous contribution is essential. Help us continue making a difference – click below to donate.
Angel #11: Cindy
For over 30 years, Klein’s ShopRite of Maryland has partnered with The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region to create meaningful employment opportunities for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Through this collaboration, employees gain more than a paycheck – they gain confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging, while building life skills and relationships.
Sarah Klein shares, “Providing vital roles in our business gives employees a feeling of independence and belonging and being part of the community.” Associates supported by The Arc NCR play essential roles throughout the store, from assisting customers to handling carts, creating a welcoming environment for everyone.
This partnership benefits not just employees but the workplace culture as a whole, fostering diversity, empathy, and connection. With the support of The Arc NCR’s Employment Services Coaches, inclusive hiring is sustainable and impactful. Klein’s ShopRite demonstrates that hiring people with disabilities isn’t charity, it’s good business and a powerful way to build stronger communities. Their story inspires other employers to open their doors and create workplaces where everyone belongs.
The Arc NCR relies on community support to empower people with differing abilities to live, work, and thrive. State and government funding covers only part of our programs, so your generous contribution is essential. Help us continue making a difference – click below to donate.
Angel #12: Klein’s ShopRite of Maryland
Give Something that Means Something
We understand you have many wonderful choices to give to this season. So, we invite you to read about examples of what your donor dollars will be funding through in our 12 Arc Angel Stories. Each of this year’s stories has been made possible by donors who have chosen to move our mission forward, “Empowering people with differing abilities to live, work and thrive in the community.”