The Arc Baltimore Presents Four Special Appreciation Awards

The Arc Baltimore recently presented Special Appreciation Awards to the Co-Chairs of its annual Art in the Round fundraiser, Jennifer Brandenburg and Laura Ward; Erricka Bridgeford, Director of Training at Community Mediation Maryland; Baltimore County Police Detective Carl Lindhorst and Corporal John Haddaway; and Ohio State University’s Buck-I-Serv Alternative Spring Break Program.

“Special Appreciation Awards are given each year by The Arc Baltimore to individuals or groups who provide truly outstanding assistance to the organization and the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities that it supports,” says Kathleen Durkin, Executive Director of The Arc Baltimore.

As Co-Chairs of Art in the Round, Laura Ward and Jen Brandenburg brought new ideas and a shared vision that took an already established event to a whole new level. As a result of their work, artists participating in Art in the Round are earning more for their work and The Arc Baltimore is raising more funds, all of which are infusing programs for more job opportunities and activities in the community.

For the past two years, Community Mediation Maryland has provided training for The Arc Baltimore’s Leadership Institute classes. This past year, Director of Training Erricka Bridgeford facilitated a session on conflict resolution and “inclusive listening.” Speaking about the importance of hearing what people are saying without judgement and listening for what is important – emotions, values, and the position from which each person is coming – she was able to relate all of this to The Arc’s mission, vision, and values.

Baltimore County Police Detective A. Carl Lindhorst and Corporal John Haddaway facilitated a violent intruder/active shooter training for The Arc Baltimore’s Emergency Readiness Workgroup. They also conducted a vulnerability assessment for The Arc’s main office in Towson and led an active shooter tabletop exercise for staff members.

For the past 10 years, Ohio State University students have been coming to The Arc Baltimore as part of the alternative spring break program, Buck-I-Serv. Instead of going to the beach, students have chosen to spend a week at The Arc’s Dundalk Center, hosting dance parties, running bingo games, and having fun – all culminating in a talent competition they host called “Arc Idol.”

Currently celebrating its 70th year, The Arc Baltimore supports more than 6,000 adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families living in Baltimore City and Baltimore County

The Arc Baltimore’s programs and services allow individuals with disabilities to live independently in the community, work in meaningful jobs, enjoy friendships and activity in the community, and support their families in the challenges they face. For more information, call 410-296-2272 or visit www.thearcbaltimore.org.