Maryland Community Connections Receives Prestigious Award

July 07, 2010

Maryland Community Connection (MCC) received Maryland Works Employment Award for the 2010 Provider of the Year. This award goes to a non-profit Maryland community service provider who has achieved significant outcomes in the employment of individuals with disabilities.

On June 24, 2010 Cathy Raggio, Secretary Maryland Department of Disabilities and Alexander Sanchez, Secretary of Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation presented to André Burno Coates, MCC Executive Director and Kimblyn Snyder, MCC Deputy Director, the 2010 Provider of the Year Award.

MCC is a non-profit organization in their 8th year of operation as a grassroots organization created by the dedication and passion of two women who have loved ones with disabilities. MCC was established with the mission of assisting individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve a greater degree of independence in the community. Although MCC was created in 2001, it was not until July 1, 2006 the agency took in its first individuals in their Supported Employment Program July 1, 2006. In less than four years, Maryland Community Connection now has served over 600 individuals in their Supported Employment, Family Individual Support Services (FISS), Community Supported Living Arrangements (CSLA), Rolling Access, and Low Intensity Support Service Program (LISS) Programs.

In MCC’s Supported Employment program, MCC stresses the importance of independent placement and is creative in securing job placements. MCC Supported Employment Program is committed to placing individuals in jobs in the community. The organization continues their growth and commitment to serving individuals with developmental disabilities, MCC has:
• Continued to provide the highest quality of community services for the past eight years.
• Encouraged individuals with developmental disabilities to be valuable Maryland citizens and taxpayers.
• Enriched the lives of individuals with disabilities to live successful and inclusive lives

MCC strongly believes if an individual wants to work, MCC is always willing to seek employment and support them in the community. MCC is proud to currently have 80% of their Supported Employment Particpants in paid employment in the community.

For more information about Maryland Community Connection, contact André Coates at
301-583-0358 or e-mail her at acoates@marylandcommunityconnection.org.

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