About Us

Board of Directors | Administrative Staff | Our History | 2009 Annual Report

The Arc of Southern Maryland promotes community involvement, independence and personal success for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our core belief is that those who receive services should have as much control of their own lives as possible. We strive to help all achieve their individual goals and expand their horizons.

We began providing services in Southern Maryland in 1975 and today work with families and individuals in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's counties. We are a participating agency of the United Ways in all three counties.

While our focus is providing services in these three counties, we are part of a larger network in Maryland that includes The Arc of Maryland, located in Annapolis, and 10 other chapters around the state. Together we are working to change lives and minds in Maryland about developmental disability. Read more about our history and our state-wide Changing Minds...Changing Lives campaign that's making a difference in our counties and around the state. We are also members of The Arc US.

The Arc of Southern Maryland is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization with an active volunteer community and dedicated staff. Meet our board and staff. For more information on supporting us as a member, donor or volunteer, click here .

Our History

September 3, 1975: Calvert ARC is incorporated in the State of Maryland.

1976: Calvert ARC' first employee (Margaret Smith) is hired.

1977: Calvert ARC' first Executive Director (Tom Fisher) is hired, and the Calvert Learning Center is established to serve 18 adults with mental retardation.

1978: Calvert ARC applied for and received HUD 202 funds to purchase and/or build eight homes, scattered throughout Calvert County. The Residential Program begins when the agency rents three houses and serves 9 adults.

1979: Calvert ARC expands and changes its focus from adult learning to employment, shifting from arts & crafts to developing work habits. Jerry D. Kiracofe is named Executive Director of CARC.

1980: Calvert ARC receives funding to provide residential supports and services. Southern Maryland Project begins, an effort to serve people labeled severely and profoundly mentally retarded in the community in order to prevent another institution from being built.

1981: Calvert ARC begins its Community Education & Family Support Services program.

1983: Receives the Governor's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped Barrier-Free Design Award for wheelchair-accessible residences.

1984: Calvert ARC establishes its Individual Support Services to people who are living in their own homes or with family members. A fully-integrated day care center is opened, the first of its kind in the State .

1985: Calvert ARC begins its Supported Employment program. The agency develops the Cooperative Summer Program with the Board of Education and Parks & Recreation.

1986: Calvert ARC changes its name to ARC/Calvert. Vocational services are moved into a brand new building on West Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick. (This building is funded through both Calvert County and the State of Maryland). Family Services Department is selected as a model program by the Center on Human Policy in Syracuse, New York. Kate Rollason is named Executive Director for the ARC/Calvert.

1987: ARC/Calvert sponsors its first Golf Tournament to raise funds for the development of a children's residence.

1988: Agency establishes strong legislative network with Southern Maryland Delegation. The agency first enclave is established at a local business (Direct Mail). CDS is awarded a DORS grant to enhance its Supported Employment program.

1990: ARC/Calvert receives three-year accreditation through CARF. The agency's Employee Incentive Program begins. The agency's principle office moves to 268 Merrimac Court, Prince Frederick, Maryland. The Arc/Calvert hosts the State Convention.

1991: The Quality of Life Committee was established (formerly named "Parent Monitoring Committee").

1992: The long-awaited Children's Residence opens in February. In September, The ARC/Calvert merges with the St. Mary's ARC, expands services into Charles County, and is renamed The Arc of Southern Maryland.

1998: The Arc of Southern Maryland hires Harriet Yaffe as new Executive Director

2001: Opens office in Leonardtown, begins the re-design process for West Dares Beach location

2008: Begin renovations on West Dares Beach location – Embarks on Capital Campaign

2010 (January): Moves into newly renovated West Dares Beach location