The Arc Re-Opens Homes in Laurel

The Arc of Howard County recently celebrated the re-opening of its newly renovated residence on Graeloch Road in Laurel at an open house attended by elected officials and other community leaders, neighbors, donors, staff and the home’s residents.

The Graeloch renovation project was undertaken to make the living space of the house more accessible for its residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and by the desire to be more energy efficient, according to Jay Raksin, Facilities & Maintenance Manager for The Arc. The project was certified by the Energy Services Group, earning an Energy Star rating.

Funding was provided through a State Bond Bill supported by the Howard County General Assembly Delegation, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - Howard County Community Development Block Grant Program and the Lisa Higgins-Hussman Foundation.  Raksin coordinated the project, using sub-contractors, staff from The Arc and volunteers, including 147 members of DreamBuilders,  an interfaith group of adults and teens who build and repair homes for those in need. DreamBuilders donated 1,570 hours in demolition, building and painting services.  In addition, 10 Trinity Church youth volunteers spent 30 hours painting the home.

Since its inception in 1961, The Arc has become one of the county’s largest employers, with more than 250 staff members and hundreds of volunteers working to achieve full community life for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc provides a range of residential, employment and family support services.

For information, visit www.archoward.org.

Attending the re-opening of The Arc of Howard County’s home in Laurel were (from l.) Delegate Guy Guzzone, The Arc Executive Director Carol A. Beatty, The Arc Board Members Lisa Hussman and Dorothy Plantz and County Council Chair Mary Kay Sigaty.