For Immediate Release May 3, 2016 Contact: Andrea Lynn, Assistant Director of Marketing & Development alynn@arcncr.org, (410) 836-7177, x350

Celebrate May With the Gift of Hope May is National Foster Care Month

[Aberdeen, MD] May 3, 2016 – This May, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region (The Arc NCR) celebrates National

Foster Care Month, focusing on family reunification with the Children’s Bureau’s theme "Honoring, Uniting, and

Celebrating Families." To children, youth, families, caregivers, and professionals, celebrating means taking action. The

Arc NCR’s Treatment Foster Care (TFC) program is seeking people willing to open their homes and hearts to help a child.

You can also take action by volunteering or donating to help a child in need.

Imagine losing everything and being put into the foster care system with nothing but the clothes on your back, and a

trash bag to store your few meager belongings. The message given to these children is that they are worth nothing more

than garbage. This is the reality for over 400 children in Cecil and Harford Counties who are in the foster care system,

according to the most recent Cecil and Harford County Department of Social Services census. Treatment Foster Care

helps some of the most vulnerable kids in Maryland, and without people to provide a nurturing home locally, these

children will continue to suffer the trauma of being moved away from their school, friends and family.

You can help end the cycle of emotional trauma. Children are not trash. They deserve a loving home, proper support

system, and proper luggage to store their belongings. TFC trains and certifies foster parents. Potential parents can

expect to receive initial training, as well as additional training throughout the year; children who are the best match for

their home; frequent contact and support from licensed social workers; 24-hour emergency on-call services;

individualized planning; and respite services. Certified foster parents then receive generous monthly funding to support

their child. You can also become a TFC volunteer, or donate money to help provide much-needed items such as care

packages for new foster children, including shoes, toiletries and underclothes.

Why should you become a foster parent? Foster parents provide loving homes, a high level of care for children in need

and stable relationships that last a lifetime. “Permanent, stable relationships can reduce the likelihood of early

pregnancy, homelessness, poverty, incarceration and mental health problems,” explains Director of Treatment Foster

Care at The Arc NCR, Joel Lightfoot. Foster children come in all ages, sizes and ethnic backgrounds, with one important

need in common: a family. Treatment Foster Care needs homes and parents in Harford, Cecil and Baltimore Counties.

Are you ready to give the gift of hope? Call Treatment Foster Care at The Arc NCR at 410-836-7177 extension 402 or visit

www.arcncr.org. You can attend an information session to decide if becoming a foster parent is right for you, sign up to

volunteer or donate online today.

####

About The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region: For sixty-three years, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region has

empowered people with differing abilities to live, work and play in our community by providing support services and

advocacy to adults and children and their families in Harford and Cecil Counties. For more information, call 410-836-

7177 or visit www.arcncr.org.

For Immediate Release April 7, 2016 Contact: Andrea Lynn, Assistant Director of Marketing & Development alynn@arcncr.org, (410) 836-7177

Kicking Off for a Cause: UMBC vs. George Mason at “Kicks for Chase” UMBC Soccer Team Raises Money for Charity at Fourth Annual Soccer Game

[Aberdeen, MD] April 7, 2016 – Get ready for some futbol! You won’t want to miss the Fourth Annual “Kicks for Chase”

game on Friday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m. UMBC will host George Mason University in a one-of-a-kind soccer match at

Retriever Soccer Park. The game features the UMBC Retrievers men’s soccer team, who made the NCAA College Cup

national semifinals in the 2014 season, against the George Mason Patriots. The game is a fundraiser for The Arc

Northern Chesapeake Region (The Arc NCR). Admission to the “Kicks for Chase” game is free, with donations being

accepted.

Words cannot describe the pain of losing a child. Kicks for Chase began in 2013 in memory of Chase Bugarin. Chase, son

of UMBC soccer standout Bryan Bugarin and his wife Amy, was born with Down Syndrome and severe complications. In

his memory, and to benefit kids like Chase with Down Syndrome, UMBC Men’s Soccer began “Kicks for Chase” to raise

money for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

"I am very thankful and appreciative for what the UMBC Men's Soccer program has done, and continues to do with their

annual Kicks for Chase game, which helps brings awareness to Downs Syndrome and benefits The Arc NCR. This is the

fourth consecutive year that the team has hosted the charity game and they always bring in top notch competition. I am

proud to be an alum of such a great soccer program!" says Bryan Bugarin.

T-shirts from EmbroidMe Catonsville and refreshments from Papa Johns and Chartwell’s Dining Services will be available

for sale at the game. All money raised will go to The Arc NCR’s programs to support individuals with differing abilities.

Additional sponsors include Northwestern Mutual and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

You can help contribute to Chase's cause. Your donation will benefit The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region, a nonprofit

helping children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You can donate online through

Crowdrise.com, and pre-order a commemorative game t-shirt at www.arcncr.org, or mail a check to “The Arc NCR, 4513

Philadelphia Road, Aberdeen, MD 21001.” Be sure to note “Kicks for Chase” with your donation.

####

About The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region: For sixty-three years, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region has

empowered people with differing abilities to live, work and play in our community by providing support services and

advocacy to adults and children and their families in Harford and Cecil Counties. For more information, call 410-836-

7177 or visit www.arcncr.org.

About UMBC Athletics: More than 400 student-athletes compete in 19 NCAA Division I sports. The UMBC Retrievers

participate in the America East Conference. Facilities include a 4,500-seat stadium and track and field complex, the

4,000-seat Retriever Activities Center (RAC) Arena, an indoor and outdoor aquatics complex, tennis courts, a soccer

stadium, baseball and softball fields and practice fields. UMBC’s mascot is the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and their spirit

colors are black and gold. For more information, call 410-455-2197 or visit www.umbcretrievers.com.

Photo Caption: UMBC kicking off at the 2015 Kicks for Chase game.

For Immediate Release April 8, 2016 Contact: Andrea Lynn, Assistant Director of Marketing & Development alynn@arcncr.org, (410) 836-7177

12th Annual After d’Arc Gala Raises Over $104,000 for The Arc NCR Harford County’s First Bollywood Gala Brings Out Community Kindness

[Aberdeen, MD] April 8, 2016 – The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region (The Arc NCR) hosted its 12th Annual After d’Arc

Gala on March 19, 2016 at Water’s Edge Events Center in Belcamp, Maryland. This year’s event brought together more

than 320 supporters for an evening in Bollywood, which raised money for The Arc NCR’s services for people with

differing abilities in Harford and Cecil Counties. The gala is The Arc NCR’s most successful to-date, raising net proceeds

over $104,000.

“I am overwhelmed by the amazing outpouring of support from Harford County each year at our gala,” says CEO of The Arc NCR, Shawn Kros. “Our attendees truly believe in our mission to empower people with differing abilities to live, work and play in the community.”

The gala’s title sponsor was Harford Mutual Insurance Company, with presenting sponsors Chesapeake Bank of

Maryland and the Rotary Club of Aberdeen. The event was emceed by WXCY 103.7 FM’s Bob Bloom and WJZ’s Kristy

Breslin. The Silent and Live Auctions featured exciting packages including the evening’s premier Live Auction package,

“Outdoor Oasis.” In addition to the auctions, a lucky winner won a $5,000 shopping spree provided by Saxon’s Diamond

Centers. Guests enjoyed a belly dance performance by Amartia, a Bollywood dance by Radha, Teja and Advaya Kausik,

followed by Bollywood dance lessons from Vidya Kausik.

The evening also included the 4th Annual Fund the Need campaign, which focused on raising money for Assistive

Technology. Assistive Technology helps people with differing abilities in their daily lives, and includes iPads/tablets,

apps, large-print keyboards, weighted eating utensils, power wheelchairs and assistive reading devices. Attendees heard

from Ron Shuford, who is now able to have a voice for the first time in his life thanks to Assistive Technology. Thanks to

the generosity of the community, $23,000 was raised for Fund the Need!

Sponsors: Title Sponsor Harford Mutual Insurance Company Presenting Sponsors Chesapeake Bank of Maryland Rotary Club of Aberdeen Jewelry Sponsor Saxon’s Diamond Centers Premier Sponsor C.N.A. Entertainment Sponsor Plumtree Pharmacy Web Design & Sponsor WebIXI VIP Reception Sponsor Greene Construction Décor Sponsor Group Benefit Strategies Ambassador Sponsors Absolute Investigative Services, Inc. Harford County Government M&T Bank Morris & Ritchie Associates

Plaza Ford PNC Bank WXCY 103.7 FM Patron Sponsors Advance Business Systems Anonymous AREAS Elegant Restoration I95 Business Magazine Klein’s ShopRite of MD McGuire Woods Next Generation Mechanic, Inc. Callegary & Steedman, P.A. Attorneys at Law Associate Sponsors Acadia Windows & Doors APG Federal Credit Union Dennis F. Metz in Loving Memory of His Son, Jason Jeffrey Metz Ecotone, Inc. Freedom Federal Credit Union Gray Insurance Group Maryland Environmental Service Palumbo Insurance Professional Care Pharmacy Shaffer, McLauchlin & Stover, LLC The Stewart Companies

In-kind sponsors included Flowers by Lucy, Bob Gilley, Nathan Rhodes, Alpha Graphics, Jay Edwards, Silent and Live

Auction Donors, and Tim Reca of Video Accord. Thank you to Sizzling Bombay for hosting the gala’s pre-event.

The After d’Arc Planning Committee included Melody Bennett, Pat Chambers, Sho DuBois, Linda Flint, Katie Hargrove,

Sue Manning, Diane Sengstacke, Lee Tayson and Season Voelker. After d’Arc is an annual gala - visit www.arcncr.org for

updates on next spring’s event on April 1, 2017! Check out The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region’s Facebook page for

beautiful photos of this year’s After d’Arc.

####

About The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region: For sixty-three years, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region has

empowered people with differing abilities to live, work and play in our community by providing support services and

advocacy to adults and children and their families in Harford and Cecil Counties. For more information, call 410-836-

7177 or visit www.arcncr.org.

Photo by Nathan Rhodes.

Photo caption: Nadine Martinkus supports Ron Shuford as he speaks with The Arc NCR’s CEO, Shawn Kros, about Assistive Technology.

For Immediate Release November 9, 2015 Contact: Andrea Lynn, Events & Marketing Manager alynn@arcncr.org, (410) 836-7177

Need Friday Night Plans? Celebrate Differing Abilities at the Sprout Film & Art Festival

[Aberdeen, MD] November 9, 2015 – The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region (The Arc NCR) hosts the Sprout Film & Art

Festival on Friday, November 13, 2015 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Water’s Edge Events Center in Belcamp, MD. The

festival is a better deal than a night out at the movies! Each ticket includes refreshments, access to an art display from

local artists of all abilities, an hour of entertaining Sprout films and a modern performance by ReVision Dance Company.

“The level of talent in the artwork, short films and dancing is astounding,” says CEO of The Arc NCR, Shawn Kros. “You

will leave with a deeper understanding of the wide range of abilities EVERYONE shares.”

The art display includes over 20 pieces of varying mediums by artists throughout the northern Chesapeake region. Many

of the pieces will be available for sale. The short films are from Sprout, an NYC-based non-profit organization dedicated

to bringing innovative programming to people with developmental disabilities. These films feature a variety of differing

abilities and bring not only educational awareness, but highlight the astounding talents of their real-life stars.

For example, you'll see "Chimes for Tyler," a story about a boy with autism named Tyler Doi who loves wind chimes.

Tyler has been classified as an autistic savant, and as such, he has an exceptional skill in a very specific area. In Tyler's

case, he can distinguish the sounds of the entire inventory of Woodstock's chimes. And he can do this all by sound alone,

without having to see the chimes (synopsis courtesy of Sproutflix).

The festival ends with a beautiful modern dance performance. For the first time in Harford County, watch ReVision

dance company, a resident company of Washington, DC's Dance Place! Led by Artistic Director Shannon Quinn, enjoy

"Just Be," a modern demonstration of the positive power of dance. This amazing performance will challenge your

preconceptions and explore the life experiences of people with differing abilities.

The Sprout Film & Art Festival’s title sponsors are Raven’s Nest No. 1 of Harford County and the Center for the Arts.

Additional event sponsors are the Harford Business Roundtable for Education and First National Bank.

Tickets are available for $12 a person online at www.arcncr.org or by calling 410-836-7177. Ticket includes light

refreshments, and a cash bar will be available. All proceeds benefit The Arc NCR. To learn more about the Sprout Film &

Art Festival, contact the Development office at 410-836-7177, email development@arcncr.org or visit www.arcncr.org.

####

About The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region: For sixty-two years, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region has empowered

people with differing abilities to live, work and play in the community by providing support services and advocacy to

adults, children and their families in Harford and Cecil Counties. For more information, call 410-836-7177 or visit

www.arcncr.org.

About Sprout: The Sprout Film Festival was founded in 2003 and is programmed and supported by Sprout, a NYC-based non-profit organization dedicated to bringing innovative programming to people with developmental disabilities. For additional information, visit www.gosprout.org.

About ReVision: ReVision is a Resident Company of Dance Place in Washington, DC, teaching and performing both locally throughout the Greater Metropolitan area and internationally. In addition, ReVision is a part of the Washington Performing Arts’ and the Montgomery County Public Schools’ artist rosters. For more information, contact Artistic Director Shannon Quinn at 202-269-1600 or visit www.danceplace.org.

Photo caption: Tyler Doi, star of “Chimes for Tyler.” Photo courtesy of Sprout.

For Immediate Release July 14, 2015 Contact: Andrea Lynn, Events & Marketing Manager alynn@arcncr.org, (410) 836-7177

State Farm Grants $5,000 to The Arc NCR Grant Provides Funding for Innovative Supported Employment Services

[Aberdeen, MD] July 14, 2015 - The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region’s (The Arc NCR) Vocational Services program was

awarded $5,000 in grant funding this year from State Farm Insurance. The grant is for Job Readiness Training for people

with differing abilities from the State Farm Public Affairs Community Outreach Grant and local State Farm Agent, Kyle

Tomlinson. Thanks to these funds, supported employment services at The Arc NCR is now able to incorporate a variety

of new options to assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the workplace.

The goal of supported employment is to provide equal job opportunities for individuals with differing abilities in the

community, and to increase independence. The State Farm grant has allowed The Arc NCR to utilize a program called

“SNAP” – Specific Natural Activity Program. This program focuses on personal safety, communication, emotions,

hygiene, employment and adult daily living skills. Additional purchased tools include employee development DVDs to

increase workplace communication skills and job readiness, and Samsung Galaxy tablets. The tablets are an important

assistive technology device, and provide the opportunity for mobile training and to assist with communication barriers.

“The State Farm grant helped propel The Arc NCR’s employment services into a more person-centered, focused

program,” says Director of Vocational Services, Nicole Hazel. “We are a community-based program, and this money

allows us to provide innovative support. It is an amazing opportunity.”

An employment partnership with The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region provides businesses with pre-screened and well-

qualified job candidates, on the job training assistance, dedicated and dependable workers, innovative approaches to

employment and recruitment issues and transportation planning. Tax credits and other incentives may be available. Ask

a job placement professional at The Arc NCR for additional information. To learn more, contact The Arc Northern

Chesapeake Region at 410-836-7177 or visit www.arcncr.org.

####

About The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region: For sixty-two years, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region has helped

people with intellectual and developmental disabilities build better lives by providing support services and advocacy to

adults and children and their families in Harford and Cecil Counties. For more information, call 410-836-7177 or visit

www.arcncr.org.

For Immediate Release November 3, 2015 Contact: Andrea Lynn, Events & Marketing Manager alynn@arcncr.org, (410) 836-7177

You Can Help a Teen in Need The Arc NCR Treatment Foster Care Program Needs Parents for Teenagers

[Aberdeen, MD] November 3, 2015 - Imagine losing everything. Your home, your school, your friends…even your bike.

Imagine not knowing where you will eat your next meal or where you’ll be sleeping next week. This is the reality for over

400 children in Cecil and Harford Counties who are in the foster care system, according to the most recent Cecil and

Harford County Department of Social Services census. The current need for foster and adoptive parents is dire. The Arc

Northern Chesapeake Region (The Arc NCR) has to turn away on average 10 referrals for placements a month, mainly

teenagers, due to the lack of qualified foster homes. According to AdoptUSKids.org, out of the 5,000 children in

Maryland foster care, five percent are at risk of never having a family. You can be the family these teenagers need by

receiving support from The Arc NCR.

The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region’s Treatment Foster Care (TFC) program is seeking people willing to open their

homes and hearts to help a teenage child. Treatment Foster Care helps some of the most vulnerable kids in Maryland,

and without people to provide a nurturing home locally, these children will continue to suffer the trauma of being

moved away from their school, friends and family. TFC trains and certifies foster parents. Potential parents can expect to

receive initial training, as well as additional training throughout the year; children who are the best match for their

home; frequent contact and support from licensed social workers; 24-hour emergency on-call services; financial support

to care for the child; individualized planning; and respite services.

Why should you become a foster parent? Foster parents provide loving homes, a high level of care for children in need

and stable relationships that last a lifetime. “Permanent, stable relationships can reduce the likelihood of early

pregnancy, homelessness, poverty, incarceration and mental health problems,” explains Director of Treatment Foster

Care at The Arc NCR, Joel Lightfoot. Foster children come in all ages, sizes and ethnic backgrounds, with one important

need in common: a family.

Are you ready to make a difference in a teen’s life? Call Treatment Foster Care at The Arc NCR at 410-836-7177

extension 329 or visit www.arcncr.org. You can attend an information session to decide if becoming a foster parent is

right for you. As the holidays are approaching, you can also help children in need by making a donation.

####

About The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region: For sixty-two years, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region has empowered

people with differing abilities to live, work and play in our community by providing support services and advocacy to

adults and children and their families in Harford and Cecil Counties. For more information, call 410-836-7177 or visit

www.arcncr.org.

Photo caption: Most foster care children in need of homes are teenagers.

For Immediate Release November 2, 2015 Contact: Andrea Lynn, Events & Marketing Manager alynn@arcncr.org, (410) 836-7177

Linda Stine Flint Named The Arc NCR’s Volunteer of the Year

[Aberdeen, MD] November 2, 2015 – Each year, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region (The Arc NCR) is fortunate to have many

volunteers support their mission to empower people with differing abilities to live, work and play in our community. In 2015, Linda

Stine Flint was awarded The Arc NCR’s annual Volunteer Award for her tremendous dedication to the organization.

Linda has volunteered for The Arc NCR for over three years. She is a compassionate volunteer who goes the extra mile to help with

the organization’s events. In particular, she is very active on The Arc NCR’s annual After d’Arc Gala committee. Lina is extremely

reliable and regularly attends the gala’s committee meetings. In 2015, she not only helped with planning the gala, she took the

initiative on her own to host an additional fundraiser at Faye Daniel Designs, a local jewelry store in Bel Air. Linda advocated for The

Arc NCR by meeting with the owner of the store to tell her about the organization’s mission and services. She personally arranged

and planned the fundraiser, with all proceeds benefitting The Arc NCR. She also brings in student volunteers each year to After d’Arc,

and manages them independently.

“Linda Flint is a committed and passionate volunteer who is always there to help us, no matter what we need,” says Director of

Development at The Arc NCR, Julie Chmura. “We can’t do what we do without volunteers like Linda.”

The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region is always looking for passionate volunteers willing to make a difference in the community.

Volunteer opportunities range from yard work at residential homes to joining a committee! To learn more or apply to be a

volunteer, visit www.arcncr.org or call 410-836-7177.

####

About The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region: For sixty-two years, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region has empowered people with

differing abilities to live, work and play in our community by providing support services and advocacy to adults and children and

their families in Harford and Cecil Counties. For more information, call 410-836-7177 or visit www.arcncr.org.

Photo Caption: Linda Stine Flint volunteered at the 2015 Wild West After d’Arc Gala

For Immediate Release October 26, 2015 Contact: Andrea Lynn, Events & Marketing Manager alynn@arcncr.org, (410) 836-7177

Superheroes Soar at The Arc NCR’s Freedom Fun Run

[Aberdeen, MD] October 26, 2015 – Participants were celebrated as local superheroes on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at The Arc

Northern Chesapeake Region’s (The Arc NCR) 2nd Annual Freedom Fun Run in Perryville Community Park. Over $2,000 was raised in

support of bringing transportation to Cecil County for people with differing abilities.

Superheroes walked and ran to the beat of DJ Tim Hartley of WXCY, and participated in a costume contest sponsored by the Law

Offices of Adam M. Smallow, with additional prizes contributed by Xpanding Universe comic book store in Aberdeen.

"The Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow was thrilled with its recent costume contest sponsorship of The Arc NCR’s Freedom Fun Run

at Perryville Community Park. The weather was perfect, the superheroes arrived as promised, and, most importantly, the proceeds

of the event continue to benefit the businesses and communities of Cecil County," says Adam Smallow.

Fundraising will continue in hopes of meeting an $8,000 goal to bring transportation to Cecil County for people with differing

abilities. The Arc NCR provides services for adults and families in Cecil, but without funding for transportation, many people struggle

to find reliable transportation to work, their medical appointments and every day activities such as grocery shopping. Those unable

to attend the event who would like to contribute towards funding for Cecil County transportation can call 410-836-7177 to donate.

The Arc NCR thanks Terry Mulkins of Patterson Schwartz Real Estate, Jason Lim of Edward Jones, Elegant Restoration, Inc., Group

Benefit Strategies, Law Office of Anthony DiPaula, American Energy Corporation, APGFCU, Lee’s Landing Dock Bar and Hollywood

Casino Perryville for their support of the Freedom Fun Run. To check out photos from the event, visit facebook.com/TheArcNCR.

####

About The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region: For sixty-two years, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region has helped people with

intellectual and developmental disabilities build better lives by providing support services and advocacy to adults and children and

their families in Harford and Cecil Counties. For more information, call 410-836-7177 or visit www.arcncr.org.

Photo Caption: Photo Caption: (from left to right) Kyle Knight, Siobhan Joseph and Michelle Zuelch enjoy a triumphant finish at the Freedom Fun Run.

Photo courtesy of Etched in Stone Images