Community Support Services, Inc.

Advocate! From the Latin, To Call Out and Speak Up! Advocacy is ongoing at every level at Community Support Services. In addition to self-advocacy, people with developmental disabilities need the support of their communities and the people who care about them. There are many advocacy efforts ongoing including calling out and speaking up about the FY25 budget in Montgomery County, Maryland. Hearings have commenced regarding the FY25 budget and on Tuesday, April 9th, our CEO Laura Lear Glean spoke before the Montgomery County Council and shared how vital the DD Supplement is to the I/DD community in this county. She shared why the county council needs to fully fund the DD Supplement with a 4.5% increase. This increase includes funding for new individuals entering the DDA system as well as supporting the ever-increasing cost of living. We wouldn't be where we are without the partnership of the county and their assistance. You can watch her full testimony to the council here: https://lnkd.in/dVW3xX-k A report released by Montgomery County Maryland's Community Action Agency showed a substantial increase in the cost of living in the county. Per County Executive Marc Elrich, "The Self-Sufficiency Standard illustrates in stark terms, the high cost of living for residents living here."* We believe that the DD Supplement must reflect this cost of living so that the direct support professionals who so many rely on to achieve their life goals can continue to pursue their careers in our community. If you are interested in learning more about advocacy efforts and ways that you can help, please email Ashley Chatneuff, Director of Community Relations, achatneuff@css-md.org. *https://lnkd.in/dCkRTj5N

Yesterday Scott went to Rockville! He represented CSS, joining Councilmember Jawando and County Executive Elrich for a special proclamation recognizing April as Autism Acceptance Month. If you would like to watch the presentation ceremony you can see it on the Council's YouTube page here: https://lnkd.in/dkvvMcRm And if you'd like to skip ahead to Scott! He begins speaking at 18:35, https://lnkd.in/dZgBZuYZ

Do you know a Licensed Social Worker with a passion for making a difference in the lives of others? CSS is currently hiring for an LCSW-C! Tell your friends! https://lnkd.in/ecVHxE2K

Our March Newsletter is out! We've been busy this winter. Highlights include visiting our representatives in Annapolis, beginning renovations for a new Training and Development center, creating new employment partnerships and more! Read on: https://lnkd.in/gidUdJvr