Arc Baltimore Presents Community Connection Award

The Arc Baltimore recently presented its Community Connection Award to Michele Pingley. The Arc created the Community Connection award to recognize the Arc staff person who fosters opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to make friends and build relationships in the larger community.

Every day, Pingley makes it possible for at least 70 individuals at The Arc Center in Dundalk to go out in the community. She works out the logistics of transportation and staffing for each outing, which may include an Oriole game, the movies, restaurants, Meals on Wheels or food pantry deliveries, personal shopping, or visits to the sick or those in nursing homes.

These outings are important to the people The Arc Baltimore supports. Pingley knows their interests and hobbies, and works hard to help them pursue what they care about.

Community connection takes commitment; it doesn’t just happen. When the individuals go out for the day, Pingley can only relax a little because planning for the next day must begin. When she hears about the great time people have had and their desire to go out again, she knows she is doing the right thing and headed in the right direction for the people The Arc serves.

The Arc Baltimore currently supports more than 6,000 Baltimore City and Baltimore County residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.