A MESSAGE FROM THE
DIRECTOR OF VOCATIONAL SERVICES AND QUALITY ASSURANCE
We are thrilled to welcome you to the latest edition of our newsletter, where we bring you the most exciting updates, insights, and stories from TLC Outcomes and celebrate the end of FY24, our move to 1390 Piccard Drive, Suite, 120, Rockville, MD and welcome the new FY25. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or new to our community, we are delighted to have you with us.
In this edition, we've curated a selection of articles that explore TLC's volunteer and externship programs for adults with disabilities, share news about the recent dedication of our new space in Ephraim’s Corner, and provide information about RG Spruill, a staff member from TLC Outcomes. Additionally, we cover details about our spring Employer Recognition Breakfast and a job fair collaboration held in June at the Casey Center in Montgomery County, which attracted over 250 attendees. We hope you find these articles informative and engaging.
As always, we encourage your feedback and suggestions. Your insights help us tailor our content to better serve your interests. Feel free to reach out to us at https://ttlc.org/contact/ with any thoughts or ideas you’d like to share.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. We look forward to continuing to connect with you through our newsletter.
Warm regards,
KarenMorgret,MGA,CESP Director of Vocational Services and Quality Assurance
TLC,
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS RECOGNIZED BY THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY COUNCIL
PROCLAMATION: NATIONAL DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH
On March 12, 2024, TLC’s
Executive Director Dr. Patricia Ritter, Sherline Cannady, Lead Community Resource Advocate II and Lead Job Coach/TLC Outcomes Service, and Jennifer Shannon, a Participant from TLC Outcomes Service, attended the Montgomery County Council Proclamations recognizing Developmental Disability Awareness Month.
You can watch the event and hear Jennifer speak (around the 14-minute mark) about her employment experience.
TLC OUTCOMES PARTICIPANTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITY THROUGH VOLUNTEERING AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT FOR COMPETITIVE INTEGRATED EMPLOYMENT
TLC Outcomes participants, with the support of TLC staff, volunteer throughout Montgomery County and Frederick County. In FY24 (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024), they contributed over 4,530 volunteer and externship hours across 13 different community locations, averaging 94 hours per week over 48 weeks. It is anticipated that these hours will increase in FY25 with the addition of a new volunteer location starting in June 2024. The participants, who are adults aged 21-50, live in the community.o
Where do TLC Outcomes participants volunteer and what do they do?
In FY24, participants with staff support volunteered at:
So What Else: A food bank where individuals sort food donations.
CVS Externship: A pharmacy where individuals learn about stocking and facing items, developing skills to work in the retail industry.
Prevention of Blindness: A resale shop where individuals prepare donation boxes, wrap boxes, and clean silver as needed.
Interfaith Works: An organization where individuals sort and hang clothing and sort food for homeless and low-income individuals
National Center for Children and Families (NCCF): An organization where individuals sort donations to support children and families in need
Frederick Rescue Mission: An organization where individuals wrap plasticware for meals served to people struggling with drug addiction and homelessness.
Oak Chapel United Methodist Church: A church where individuals pack bags of food for seniors and schools, providing assistance to those who are homeless or food-insecure.
Nourish Now: A local food bank where individuals pack bags of candy.
MANNA Food Center: An organization where individuals pack boxes of food and stack them on pallets for distribution to those in need.
Montgomery County Parks and Recreation (2 locations): Parks where individuals clean up litter.
I Support the Girls: An organization where individuals sort donations of clothing and essential items for youth in need 11.
Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center: An animal shelter where individuals assist with housekeeping tasks such as doing laundry for towels, blankets, and toys for animals, washing dishes for cats and dogs, refilling water bowls, making enrichment toys for dogs and cats, and sorting donations
In addition to providing support for externships and volunteering in the community, some Outcomes teammates also volunteer at MANNA. In FY 24, Outcomes teammates contributed 54 hours of volunteer work to this organization and 6 hours by donating blood to the American Red Cross, totaling 60 hours.
Why is volunteering important for those we support? Individuals supported by TLC Outcomes are adults with disabilities who may need to develop workplace behaviors to succeed. Volunteering helps them build job readiness skills, such as attitude, communication, critical thinking, interpersonal/social skills, planning and organizing, professionalism, teamwork, and appropriate use of social media and phones in the workplace. They also gain experience that can be included on resumes and cover letters and develop job-keeping skills like getting along with coworkers, following rules and policies, maintaining a positive attitude, and understanding workplace performance reviews.
Beyond these skills, volunteering and externships offer individuals the chance to make a difference in their community, fostering civic responsibility. They support causes they care about while learning valuable work skills. These activities strengthen the local community, promote personal growth and self-esteem, and help develop empathy and self-efficacy. Volunteering and externships bring people together for a common goal, provide opportunities to explore potential career fields, and ultimately reduce stress and improve overall health
Do volunteering and externships save resources? Yes, they do. According to the Independent Sector's 2023 Value of Volunteer Time Report, the value of a volunteer hour in Maryland in 2023 was $34.12. The value of volunteer time and externship training provided to TLC Outcomes participants and support staff for 4,530 hours in FY 24 is $154,563.60. As you can see, this support makes a significant difference for local businesses.
Are you a nonprofit organization in Montgomery County looking for volunteers? If so, please contact Denise Popevis, LCPC, Director of Business Community Relations and Mental Health, at (301) 294-9205 ext. 282 or by email at dpopevis@ttlc org She will discuss your needs and determine if we have individuals or groups who can help. If you are an employer seeking individuals for externship training or interns to meet your work needs, please contact Veronica Vasquez, Director of Community Services, at (301) 294-9205 ext. 317 or by email at vvasquez@ttlc.org
EPHRAIM'S CORNER: UNVEILING A DEDICATED ART SPACE IN JUNE 2024
Ephraim’s passion for art started as a young child, when he discovered his love of drawing and his mother even said that “he was born with a pencil in his hand.”
In June of 1978, on Ephraim’s last day at Sherwood High School in Sandy Spring, MD, he was in an automobile accident and sustained a traumatic brain injury. Ephraim spent four years in rehabilitation hospitals but in 1983 he returned to his artwork when he enrolled in an Art Therapy class at Montgomery College. Ephraim started drawing and painting again, except this time he used his left hand since he no longer had use of his right one.
Ephraim became the “resident artist” at The Outcomes Service when he joined our Work Services Day Program in 1990. He participated in activities to help him achieve vocational and independent living goals while continuing to take art classes at Montgomery College in Rockville
Over the years, Ephraim experimented with various mediums, including pen and ink drawings, watercolor paintings and printmaking including woodcut relief, lithography and intaglio.
Ephraim’s had several successful art shows in the community and his work was featured in TLC’s 50th anniversary calendar and used on the cover of numerous invitations and notecards produced by TLC.
In June, 2024, the Outcomes Service unveiled Ephraim’s Corner, a four wall area dedicated to showcasing his artwork! There are over 80 pieces of artwork on permanent display. Friends and families of TLC donated many of the frames used in the project Staff spent countless hours matting, framing and developing the layout of the gallery walls
Current and past staff shared memories and stories of their interactions with Ephraim that are available for all to read in a journal in Ephraim’s Corner As a lifelong Washington football team fan, many memories center around Ephraim’s love and enthusiasm for his team. Not surprising though, there are just as many if not more memories of Ephraim working on and sharing his art with staff, his positive energy and mischievous sense of humor.
Ephraim and his family recently toured the hallways of Outcomes and personally experienced Ephraim's Corner. Even though Ephraim no longer receives services with The Outcomes Service, having his artwork line our hallways is a way to keep him with us every day!
NEW LEAD COMMUNITY SUPPORT SPECIALIST MEET RG SPRUILL
TLC is thrilled to welcome RG Spruill to the Outcomes team as a Lead Community Support Specialist. With a rich background in education and a passion for community empowerment, RG brings a unique and valuable perspective to our organization.
RG graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education, laying the groundwork for a career dedicated to helping others grow and succeed, with music as his teaching tool. After graduating, RG embarked on a career as an instrumental music teacher with Montgomery County Public Schools. In this role, RG developed his skills in fostering creativity, discipline, and collaboration among students.
Transitioning from the classroom to the broader community, RG is excited to apply his skills as an educator at Outcomes. As a Lead Community Support Specialist, RG's mission is to empower individuals to become active, independent members of our communities. By sharing a deep knowledge and understanding of our local and global societies, RG aims to equip TLC’s clients with the tools they need to navigate and thrive in today's world.
Outside of his professional endeavors, RG remains passionate about music and continues to perform as a trumpet player at various venues around Maryland and D.C.
RG’s dedication to education, community support, and the pursuit of knowledge make him an exceptional asset to the Treatment and Learning Centers. We are excited to see the positive changes and growth that RG will bring to our organization and the communities we serve.
RG can be reached by email at rspruill@ttlc.org, and by phone at (301) 294-9205.
TLC OUTCOMES SERVICE CELEBRATES EMPLOYER RECOGNITION BREAKFAST
The TLC Outcomes Service recently hosted an employer recognition breakfast to honor the employers who have hired 97 individuals through our Outcomes Service. This event celebrated the strength and resilience that a diverse workforce brings to the workplace. We are proud to partner with 64 employers who have embraced the opportunity to hire the individuals we serve.
We were thrilled to invite employers to visit TLC's new space. We offered tours of the building to showcase our facilities and the comprehensive support services we provide. This was a fantastic opportunity for employers to see firsthand the environment where our participants thrive and to understand impact TLC has on the community.
Among the organizations recognized at the event were CVS Health, GMMB, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, University of Maryland, and Work Comp Staffing Solutions. We are excited to continue our allied success with these employers and to expand our services with new partners who uncovering the importance and positive impact of hiring individuals with disabilities.
This event underscores our commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces and supporting individuals in achieving their career goals.
CELEBRATING SUCCESS: THE IMPACT OF A THRIVING JOB FAIR
In the realm of career advancement and professional growth, few events rival the significance of a well-executed job fair These gatherings serve as key moments where job seekers converge with employers in a dynamic exchange of opportunities and talent. A successful job fair not only bridges the gap between job seekers and employers but also fosters an atmosphere of collaboration, networking, and mutual discovery.
TLC Outcomes participated in a job fair on June 20, 2024, sponsored by the City of Gaithersburg and hosted by nonprofits serving Montgomery County. The partners included Career Catchers, Catholic Charities, Interfaith Works, and TLC Outcomes The job fair was open to all residents of Montgomery County, without regard to disability status or primary language. Each partner recruited employers for the event. The following 18 employers attended the job fair: 360 Painting, Aramark, City of Gaithersburg Public Works, City of Gaithersburg Police Department, Didlake, Inc., Home Care Partners, Home Helpers Home Care of Olney, Housing Unlimited, Inc., Identity, Inc., JK Moving, Jubilee Association of Maryland, Major Cleaning Staffing, Manpower Group, Riderwood by Erickson Senior Living, TLC –The Treatment and Learning Centers, University of Maryland, Wonder, Early Learning and Extended Day, and YouthBuild The job fair attracted over 250 attendees
Prior to the event, job seekers were encouraged to prepare resumes, refine their elevator pitches, and research the companies that would be attending. Interpreters were available for attendees whose first language was not English, including those who spoke Spanish or French.
On the day of the job fair, tables adorned with banners and promotional materials lined the Casey Center, each representing a unique opportunity for career advancement Job seekers circulated, engaging in conversations that range from casual introductions to in-depth discussions about job roles and company culture. Community service booths were also available to help individuals connect with community services in Montgomery County.
Employers seized the opportunity to showcase their organizational ethos and career prospects. They screened resumes, conducted on-the-spot interviews, and provided insights about their respective industries. Beyond merely filling vacant positions, recruiters at the job fair worked to identify candidates whose skills, values, and aspirations align with the company's mission and vision.
The true measure of a successful job fair was seen in the outcomes. For job seekers, securing interviews, receiving job offers, or gaining valuable feedback on their applications marks tangible progress toward their career goals. Meanwhile, employers benefited from a pool of qualified candidates who brought diverse experiences and fresh perspectives to their organizations.
The mutual satisfaction derived from finding the right fit underscores the job fair's role in fostering symbiotic relationships within the professional community.
Beyond individual successes, a thriving job fair contributed to the broader economic landscape by bolstering workforce mobility and economic resilience. Individuals from all backgrounds attended and promoted diversity and inclusion within industries
This successful job fair was more than a recruitment event; it embodied a celebration of potential, opportunity, and community. By bringing together job seekers and employers in a dynamic exchange, it cultivated an environment where connections were forged, and futures were shaped. As we reflect on the impact of a thriving job fair, we reaffirm its indispensable role in driving collective growth and prosperity in the ever-evolving world of work. The collaboration plans to work with other nonprofits to host a job fair this fall. If you are an employer and would like to attend the fall job fair please contact Karen Morgret, MGA, CESP Director of Vocational Services and Quality Assurance.
