The Arc honors volunteers, self-advocates

Local professionals and outstanding employees were honored at The Arc of Howard County’s recent Celebration of Excellence.

An Excellence in Professional Services award went to Caitlin Long, Coordinator of Community Services, Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration. Long was recognized for being an “outside-of-the-box thinker” who uses all her resources to assist others.

Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home received its Excellence in Professional Services award for providing prearrangement and funeral services to individuals supported by The Arc, regardless of income.

Trellis Services case manager Sarah Hammond received an Excellence in Professional Services award for her ingenuity and creativity in helping assure individuals with developmental disabilities achieve a full, active and inclusive community life.

The Excellence in Public Service award was presented to Laura Howell, Executive Director of the Maryland Association of Community Services. Howell was praised for her “tireless efforts lobbying legislators in the state of Maryland” on behalf of people with disabilities.

The coveted Employee of the Year awards went to Project SEARCH Howard manager Barbara Moyer and job coach Tina Lewis. The duo helps transitional youth find internships and employment.

Since its inception in 1961, The Arc has become one of Howard County’s largest employers, with more than 300 staff members and hundreds of volunteers working to achieve full community life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It provides a range of residential, work and day services and family support services.

For more information about The Arc, visit www.archoward.org.

Barbara Moyer and Tina Lewis were presented Employee of the Year awards by The Arc of Howard County.