The Arc Central Chesapeake Region has received a $500 grant from the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC): Community Crisis Response Fund to purchase and source cleaning supplies and personal hygiene products for direct support professionals (DSP) working on the frontline to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jonathon Rondeau, CEO, The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, said, “We have taken significant precautions over the last six weeks to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community, and to ensure the health and safety of our staff and the people we support. This includes asking our Direct Support Professionals to follow thorough cleaning and handwashing protocols when providing supports to people with disabilities.”

The Arc continues to support 151 people in a residential capacity and has over 200 essential staff reporting for duty each day. DSPs ensure the people they support maintain safe and healthy environments in their home, including medication administration, engaging in household activities, continuing health & wellness practices, and promoting positive thinking during an emotionally taxing and challenging time.

Said Rondeau, “With this $500 grant from the CFAAC’s Community Crisis Response Fund, we can source more of these critical supplies. We are grateful for the support of the CFAAC and all they are doing for the community during this difficult time.”

About The Arc Central Chesapeake Region

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region provides services and supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through living options, workforce development, and fiscal management services. Serving Anne Arundel County and the Eastern Shore of Maryland, The Arc provides an innovative, person-directed approach across the arc of a person’s life with a focus on equity and self-determination. Learn more at www.thearcccr.org.

About CFAAC:

The Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3), publicly supported philanthropic organization with the long-term goal of building permanent funds that provide support to local nonprofit organizations through grants and special projects. Its mission is to inspire and promote giving in Anne Arundel County by connecting people who care with causes that matter. Established in 1998, CFAAC is one of the largest funders of nonprofit organizations in Anne Arundel County. CFAAC distributed nearly $3 million in 2019 to a variety of nonprofit organizations. Learn more at www.cfaac.org.