Guiding Careers: Meet Two Job Coaches Changing Lives | | |
March was Developmental Disabilities Month and April is Autism Acceptance Month, making this the perfect time to celebrate the impact of job coaching. At Humanim, job coaching plays a vital role in our Workforce Development and Youth Services programs, helping individuals find meaningful employment that aligns with their skills and interests. In honor of these awareness months, we’re spotlighting two dedicated job coaches who work closely with individuals with autism spectrum disorder: Jeffrey, who supports adults, and Lisa, who works with youth ages 14 to 24.
Read more about the impact of our job coaches here!
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Humanim is excited to announce that we have been selected for a second time as a recipient of the 2025 Youth Engagement Programming (YEP!) grant from Howard County. We’re grateful for this award, which provides us with the resources to continue supporting young people of Howard County through our Youth Transition Services, offering career readiness, mentorship, and job development opportunities as they move from high school into successful careers.
Learn more here.
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This February, our developmental disabilities day program hosted a talent show at our Gerwig location. The showcase was a special event that allowed program participants to showcase their unique abilities and creativity.
Before the event began, the staff treated everyone to lunch. As they ate, people socialized and interacted with one another. Afterward, individuals in the day program received Valentine's Day treats before the festivities began.
Read more about all the excitement here!
| | Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month: Meet Ciara | | |
You wouldn’t know it to talk to her now, but Ciara wasn’t always as outgoing as she is today. As an assistant floater teacher at Bel Air’s Childtime Learning Center, she’s friendly, talkative, and thrives in her role working with children from infancy through pre-kindergarten. But growing up, she describes herself as a “withdrawn” teen, hesitant to step outside her comfort zone.
Read Ciara's full story here!
| | Kenneth’s Path to Financial Independence | | |
Kenneth’s story is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of Humanim’s programs. After three years in Humanim’s Day Program, he took a significant step toward financial independence by moving into iHomes housing.
Founded in 2009 by Humanim, iHomes is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing reliable housing for individuals with disabilities. By partnering with local organizations, iHomes goes above and beyond, showing that they are more than just a housing provider. The program offers tailored support that fulfills the individual needs of each resident so that they can live an independent life.
Read more about Kenneth here!
| | Meet Dan: Photographer & Traveler | | |
Dan first got involved with Humanim’s day program for people with developmental disabilities at the age of 20, in 2005. Dan immediately found a home in the program. Twenty years later, Humanim continues to support him and helps him lead an independent and rewarding life.
Dan grew up in Baltimore City and Columbia. Today, he lives with a roommate in a Columbia. Humanim’s day program has helped Dan build a circle of friends and allowed him to experience a range of things in the community, including trips to malls, museums and movie theaters.
Read all about Dan's adventures here!
| | Kelsey’s New Beginning: Rebuilding Life with the Help of iHomes | | |
Kelsey’s journey to finding a stable and safe place to live was not an easy one. After experiencing trauma and hardship, she found herself without income or options and was facing the daunting reality of homelessness. But everything changed when she connected with iHomes, a non-profit founded by Humanim in 2009.
Learn more about Kelsey's journey here!
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A Stage for Every Story: Performing Arts at Humanim
Humanim’s Performing Arts program is a powerful celebration of creativity, inclusion, and personal growth. In this vibrant space, individuals of all abilities come together to express themselves through music, dance, and theater — building confidence, forging lasting friendships, and discovering the magic of their own voices. Every class is a reminder that the arts have the power to unite, uplift, and inspire us to embrace our unique strengths and shine together as a community.
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Pet Therapy
Participants in our Psychiatric Rehabilitation day program enjoyed a heartwarming visit from their furry friends at Fidos for Freedom, a volunteer group of therapy dogs. Both pups and participants had a blast sharing pets and cuddles, brightening everyone’s day!
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National Aquarium Visit
Participants in our Meaningful Day program had a “fintastic” 🐬 time at the National Aquarium in Baltimore! They floated through the jellyfish exhibit, braved the shark tanks and toured the wild rainforest. Exploring the wonders of the ocean and beyond made for an aquatic adventure. We can’t wait for more exciting community outings ahead!
Watch the video recap here.
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Cooking with City Seeds
In this video, our talented chef from City Seeds, Humanim’s culinary social enterprise, guides Meaningful Day Program participants through a delicious recipe while sharing cooking tips and techniques. City Seeds not only creates amazing food but also provides job training and opportunities for individuals overcoming employment barriers. Watch, learn, and get inspired to cook with purpose!
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iScan, a Humanim Social Enterprise, Launches New Website
It was great working with Devaney & Associates to bring a fresh new look to iScan. We started iScan as an opportunity to pioneer technology and employ community members with intellectual and other disabilities. Offering document management solutions such as Records Storage, Document Shredding, Document Scanning, and secure Cloud-Based Document Management, iScan makes a direct social impact by creating local jobs and uplifting the community. Learn more about iScan's services, mission and check out the new site here.
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Professional Development at Humanim
At Humanim, we invest in our team’s growth and professional development. We offer hands-on training and professional certifications to equip our staff with the skills they need to succeed.
Recently, some of our team members completed CPR certification and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training, reinforcing lifesaving techniques and de-escalation strategies. These trainings not only enhance safety but strengthen teamwork and our commitment to empowering the individuals we serve.
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We're Hiring!
Looking to make a positive impact in your community? If so, Humanim may be the place for you. We’re recruiting Direct Support Professionals for our residential and day programs.
Additional openings include:
- Residential Rehabilitation Counselors
- Assistant Manager, Cafeteria Services
- Direct Support Professional, American Sign Language (ASL)
Apply here.
| | As you read the stories featured in this newsletter, take a moment to reflect on the impact and meaningful difference our programs make in the lives of those we serve. You can help too—whether through volunteering, donating, or advocating—your support is invaluable. | | |
Help us continue to build pathways to economic opportunity, equity, and independence for our community members by making a donation today.
Thank you for your continued support.
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