Baltimore Sun names The Coordinating Center a winner of the Baltimore Metro Area Top Workplaces 2024 award

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Millersville, MD – December 9, 2024— – The Coordinating Center has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2024 honor by The Baltimore Sun Top Workplaces. This list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage, LLC. The confidential survey uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes, including employees feeling Respected & Supported, Enabled to Grow, and Empowered to Execute, to name a few.

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

About The Coordinating Center

The Coordinating Center has 41 years of experience supporting children and adults living with complex medical needs and disabilities statewide. Deeply committed to a person-centered approach and philosophy, The Coordinating Center helps individuals of all ages and abilities achieve optimal quality health, affordable healthcare, and a meaningful community life. Over the past four decades, we have become a leading expert in the delivery of person-centered, community-based care coordination services and population health. In addition, we are advocates for policy and system changes that positively affect the lives of people with the most complex needs. At The Coordinating Center, we don’t just remove barriers, we aim to dismantle inequalities within our policies, systems, programs, and services. It’s what makes us exceptional in achieving our mission and drives us to deliver culturally competent and effective care coordination services.

About Energage
Making the world a better place to work together.™

Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 18 years of culture research and the results from 27 million employees surveyed across more than 70,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.

Celebrating the Case Management Society of America (CMSA) of the Chesapeake’s Board Appointments – Congratulations Celinda Carr and Alyssa Stoffel!

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Millersville, MD – December 6, 2024— The Coordinating Center, a leader in nonprofit healthcare, recently recognized as a 2024 Top Workplace by the national Top Workplace Program is excited to announce the appointment of Celinda Carr and Alyssa Stoffel to the Case Management Society of America (CMSA) of the Chesapeake’s Board of Directors.

Both Celinda Carr, LCSW-C, CCM, Program Director, REM Program and Alyssa Stoffel, MS, BSN, RN, CPN, CCM, CM/DN, Clinical Quality Improvement Program Manager, REM Program, have been appointed to the Board of Directors for the CMSA of the Chesapeake for 2025 for a three-year term. Celinda Carr, who has been on CMSA’s Board since 2022, will assume the position of President-Elect, January 1, 2025, and transition to President the following year.

CMSA is an international, nonprofit organization founded in 1990 dedicated to the support and development of the profession of case management through educational forums, networking opportunities and legislative involvement. Unique in its composition as an international organization, over 70 affiliated and prospective chapters in a tiered democratic structure, CMSA’s success and strength is its structure as a member-driven society.

Ms. Carr has 30 years of clinical expertise, specializing in working with adults and children with complex medical needs, and has been with The Coordinating Center for 12 years. In addition to her role on the CMSA Board, she was appointed by the Governor to serve as a Board Member of the Citizen Review Board for Children in Queen Anne and Kent Counties.

Ms. Stoffel, a licensed registered nurse, has 16 years of case management experience, and has been with The Coordinating Center for nine years. She is actively involved in the Anne Arundel County Local Interagency Coordinating Council, a program led by Anne Arundel County’s Infants and Toddlers Program.

Founded in 1983, The Coordinating Center has been at the forefront of the care management industry, providing person-centered support for people with disabilities and complex medical needs.

For more information visit coordinatingcenter.org.

Compassionate Leadership Award

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Contact: Renee Dain
SVP, Communications & External Affairs
240.653.2834

Millersville, Maryland – The Coordinating Center, Maryland’s statewide, premier nonprofit care coordination organization for children and adults with disabilities and complex needs is excited to announce the 2024 Compassionate Leadership Award nominees and recipient. The Compassionate Leadership award was created in 2019 and established by The Coordinating Center’s Board of Directors in honor of Karen-Ann Lichtenstein, former President/CEO of The Center for 26 years (with The Center for 35 years).

The Compassionate Leadership Award recognizes an extraordinary coworker not only for their outstanding commitment to the mission and values of The Coordinating Center, but in the characteristics of compassionate leadership both at The Coordinating Center and in their daily life.

We are pleased to announce that this year’s winner is Matthew Slade, LCSW-C, CCM, Team Manager, REM Program. Matthew has been with The Center for ten years. Matthew is active on several committees at The Coordinating Center, including our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee, where he was instrumental in shaping our culture statement emphasizing how at The Center we lead with respect, acceptance and compassion,” said Teresa Titus-Howard, PhD, MHA, MSW, President/CEO, The Coordinating Center.

Matthew’s leadership style is defined by his unwavering support, inclusivity, and integrity, consistently advocating for both clients and colleagues while fostering a collaborative environment that values professional development and diverse learning styles. Matthew’s commitment to inclusivity is apparent during all the meetings that he leads. He normalizes how coworkers learn differently, and he shares information in multiple ways to support all learning styles. Outside of The Center Matthew provides advocacy and support to LGBTQIA+ youth and pro bono therapy services to Veterans and individuals with limited financial resources who experiencing mental health crises in his part-time private practice.

This year’s nominees are Tanjen Walker, Sherell Townes, Megan Bazzett, Ruja Luitel, Heidi Falter, Sara Breidenstein, Jamie Smith and Stephanie Carey and the winner Matthew Slade were announced on October 8th, by Karen-Ann Lichtenstein, who joined coworkers for a special Coworker Appreciation event, coinciding with National Case Management Week, which official kicks off on October 14th.

About the Nominees:

Tanjen Walker, who was recently promoted to Program Manager for Community First Programs has been with The Coordinating Center for 18 years! Tanjen leads with strength, compassion and empathy. Outside of The Center, Tanjen is deeply involved in her church, where she leads community outreach efforts, supports the homeless, and works tirelessly to assist underprivileged individuals in the community.

Sherell Townes, who was recently promoted to Director of Coordination of Community Services has been with The Center for ten years. Sherell leads by example, offering constant support and encouragement. Sherell is committed to continuous learning and growth and was recently accepted and attended the Professional Leadership Program for Women at the Nancy Grasmick Leadership Institute at Towson University. Outside of The Center she regularly volunteers with her church, volunteering to support the homeless and leading orientation for new members through their Next Steps Team program.

 Megan Bazzett, Director of Community First Programs has been with The Center for two years. Megan’s leadership style is defined by her ability to balance empathy and firmness, leveraging her passion for neurodiversity, mental health, and wellness. Outside of The Center Megan volunteers with several nonprofits, such as Back on My Feet, whose mission is to empower people experiencing homelessness or addiction to achieve their best lives and The Sharing Table dedicated to serving meals and distributing groceries to families in need.

Ruja Luitel, Director of Quality Improvement and Outcomes Management has been with The Center for over seven years. Ruja leads by example. She also understands that success comes from empowering and including others. Outside of The Center Ruja volunteers at CCBC to support their youth engagement activities and serves on their Youth Council. She also provides free tutoring for students in community college and serves as an advocate for organizations helping families in need connect to community resources through food banks.

Heidi Falter, who was recently promoted to Marketing and Communications Project Manager has been at The Center for three years. Heidi Falter’s leadership style is collaborative and compassionate, blending creativity with problem-solving. Outside of The Center Heidi volunteers regularly with organizations like The Children’s Home which provides residential therapeutic care for children who have experienced abuse and neglect. She also volunteers annually to support the Arbutus Arts Festival sharing her artistic talent to foster community.

Sara Breidenstein, Homeless Support Services Coordinator, has been with The Center for three and a half years. Sara’s leadership style is compassionate and hands-on. Outside of The Center, Sara serves on the NAMI Howard County Board of Directors and participates in volunteer events, such as coordinating NAMI walks to support mental health. She openly shares her life experiences and recently spoke with several high school students about her journey, providing support, resources and encouragement. Sara recently published twoblogs on NAMI Howard County’s website including, “Hospital doesn’t need to be a scary word” and “Breaking free from the Stigma of Mental Illness.”

Jamie Smith, Supports Planner IV, for Community First Programs has been with The Center for more than 13 years. Jamie’s leadership style is compassionate and collaborative, characterized by her deep empathy for clients, commitment to teamwork, and dedication to mentoring others. Outside of The Center Jamie serves as a respite foster parent, caring for children when their foster parents have other obligations that the child cannot  attend.

Stephanie Carey, Team Manager, Care Coordination Associates and Bilingual Interpreters has been with The Center for two years. Stephanie Carey’s leadership style is deeply empathetic and inclusive, characterized by her unwavering commitment to advocacy, continuous learning, and genuine care for her team. Outside of The Center Stephanie often participates in her neighborhood activities to promote inclusion and belonging. Stephanie is very active in support of the LGBTQIA community, providing mentorship and support.

About The Coordinating Center

Founded in 1983, The Coordinating Center has been at the forefront of the care management industry, providing person-centered support for people with disabilities and complex medical needs.

A New Face of Care: The Coordinating Center Unveils Rebrand to Tackle Contemporary Challenges

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The Coordinating Center- Your health. Your journey. Our priority.

Millersville, MD – October 1, 2024— The Coordinating Center, a leader in nonprofit healthcare, recently recognized as a 2024 Top Workplace by the national Top Workplace Program is excited to announce the launch of its new brand identity.

“This transformation symbolizes our commitment to addressing the contemporary challenges facing the field of case management. For our clients and their families, this rebranding translates into a renewed assurance that they are at The Center of everything we do. It’s ‘Your Health. Your Journey. Our Priority.’” said Teresa Titus-Howard, PhD, MHA, MSW, CCM, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Coordinating Center.

The Coordinating Center’s new brand identity, developed with The Cyphers Agency, a full-service creative agency specializing in brand development, reflects extensive collaboration with stakeholders and comprehensive feedback from clients, caregivers, our Board of Directors and coworkers.

Customers and partners can expect the same level of excellence and dedication that The Coordinating Center is known for, now under a brand that better represents its values and ambitions to tackle contemporary challenges, such as:

● Interdisciplinary Coordination: Care management frequently involves coordinating efforts across multiple disciplines and agencies. Ensuring seamless communication and collaboration among various stakeholders can be challenging. Our new identity reflects our dedication to breaking down silos and fostering a more integrated approach to care.

● Holistic Client Care: We believe that true success in care management comes from addressing the whole person. Our new brand identity underscores our holistic approach, integrating physical, emotional, and social support into our services. We are also focused on a compassionate approach, ensuring that our clients and their families feel heard, valued, and supported throughout their journey.

● Cultural Competence: As populations grow more diverse, coordinators must navigate various cultural contexts with respect for different norms, values, and practices. Our rebranding emphasizes our commitment to cultural competence: “92% of clients report their coordinators respect their cultural and religious beliefs.”  We are dedicated to ongoing training to ensure culturally sensitive care.

● Data Security and Privacy: Safeguarding client information is paramount in today’s world. Our rebranding reflects our dedication to implementing robust data security measures and adhering to stringent privacy regulations, ensuring that our clients’ trust is well-placed.

“As a consumer representative and board member, serving on the branding committee showed me how important it is to create a brand that reflects our mission of holistic care and resonates with our clients. We want our clients to see our branding and be reminded of their experiences with The Coordinating Center, feeling genuinely supported and heard. I believe we achieved this. I’m proud to be a part this organization,” said Adith Kumar Thummalapalli.

Founded in 1983, The Coordinating Center has been at the forefront of the care management industry, providing person-centered support for people with disabilities and complex medical needs.

For more information visit coordinatingcenter.org.

The Daily Record Announces 2024 Most Admired CEOs

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Baltimore (September 20, 2024) — The Daily Record has named Teresa Titus-Howard, PhD, MHA, MSW, CCM, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Coordinating Center, one of Maryland’s 2024 Most Admired CEOs. This is the second time Dr. Titus-Howard has received this honor, with her previous recognition in 2022.

Most Admired CEOs honors talented business CEOs, higher education leaders and nonprofit executive directors throughout Maryland whose leadership and vision are admired by those around them. A panel of judges selects these winners based on professional accomplishments, community service and the letters of reference submitted by co-workers, board members and community leaders showing the CEO’s leadership and vision.

Three-time winners are inducted into the Circle of Leadership, which honors sustained achievement over a period of at least six-years. This year Jeffrey Rosen of Rosen, Sapperstein & Friedlander; Steven D. Linkous of Harford Mutual Insurance Group; and Christopher Ripley of Sinclair Inc. were named to the Circle of Leadership.

A listing of all the winners is below.

“The 2024 Most Admired CEOs demonstrate impressive resumes and lead their companies to success, making a positive impact on the lives of others. They are trendsetters who empower those who work with them in a professional setting and on community boards,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of BridgeTower Media/The Daily Record. “They are good listeners who are also committed to mentoring the next generation of leaders. The Daily Record congratulates this year’s honorees.”

The winners will be honored at a celebration on Nov. 7 at the Hilton BWI, 1739 West Nursery Road in Linthicum Heights. Food stations, drinks and networking begin at 4:30 p.m., with the awards celebration at 5:30 p.m. followed at 6:30 p.m. with dessert, drinks and networking. The event hashtag is #TDRevents.

Attendance is limited. This event will sell out. Winners and sponsors receive priority. Sponsorship includes a table for guests, logo usage, multimedia marketing opportunities and more. Only sponsors will be guaranteed a table for their guests. If space is available after the sponsorship deadline, a limited number of individual tickets will go on sale. To secure a sponsorship, contact Suzanne Fischer-Huettner at shuettner@bridgetowermedia.com.

Winners will be profiled in a special magazine that will be inserted into the Nov. 8 issue of The Daily Record and will be available online at TheDailyRecord.com.

The Supporting Sponsor is Towson University. For more information and updated sponsorship information about The Daily Record’s 2024 Most Admired CEOs, visit www.TheDailyRecord.com.

About The Daily Record

The Daily Record is a digital first, daily news media company focused on law, government and business at TheDailyRecord.com. The Daily Record publishes a print edition on weekdays in addition to more than 25 special products a year in a variety of industries including Power Lists. The Daily Record hosts 13 annual events to recognize excellence and provide leadership opportunities. These events include Maryland’s Top 100 Women, Most Admired CEOs, Influential Marylanders, Health Care Heroes, Icon Honors and more. The Daily Record’s Digital Marketing Solutions helps customers with social media, search engine marketing and optimization, retargeting and email marketing among other services. The Daily Record, with 136 years of editorial excellence, is part of BridgeTower Media, the leading provider of B2B information, research, events and marketing solutions across more than 25 U.S. markets and industries.

2024 Most Admired CEOs

***Indicates Circle of Leadership Inductee

Government
Dr. Charles Glass, Ph.D., P.E., Maryland Environmental Service

Higher Education
Mark R. Ginsberg, Ph.D., Towson University
David K. Wilson, Morgan State University
Dr. Marylou Yam, Notre Dame of Maryland University

Nonprofit with less than $10 million in annual revenue
F.T. Burden, Springboard Community Services
Catherine Y. Hamel, M.A., Gilchrist
Watchen Harris-Bruce, Baltimore Community Lending Inc.
Lenora Henry, American Red Cross of Central Maryland
Robert Johnston, Anne Arundel County Association of Realtors
Robin McKinney, CASH Campaign of Maryland
Dr. Barbara D. Nazelrod, The Catholic High School of Baltimore Inc.
Chrissy M. Thornton, Associated Black Charities

Nonprofit with more than $10 million in annual revenue
Carmen Del Guercio, Maryland Food Bank
Kathleen McNally Durkin, The Arc Baltimore
Sam Guedouar, Roland Park Place
Dr. Erin Lamb, Gateway Maryland
Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, Global Refuge
Teresa Michelle Titus-Howard, The Coordinating Center

Private company with 50 or fewer employees
Sonjie DeCaires, Sonjé Productions LLC
Kwabena Osei-Sarpong, RIFE International LLC
Necole Parker, The ELOCEN Group
Stephanie A. Parson, Ph.D., Crowned Grace International

Private company with 51-149 employees
Brian Gibbons, Greenberg Gibbons
Scott R. Melamed, M.S., M.B.A., ProMD Health Inc.
***Jeffrey Rosen, Rosen, Sapperstein & Friedlander (RS&F)

Private company with 150-499 employees
Lynda Ellis, Capitol Concierge Inc.
***Steven D Linkous, Harford Mutual Insurance Group
Dr. Rajan Natarajan, Global Alliant

Private company with more than 500 employees
Tina & Paco Rodriguez, SAGE Dining Services Inc.

Public company with more than $500 million in annual revenue
Joseph Ochipinti, UnitedHealthcare of the Mid-Atlantic
***Christopher Ripley, Sinclair Inc.

The Coordinating Center Honored with National Top Nonprofit Workplace Award 2024 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  

Millersville, Maryland—The Coordinating Center, Maryland’s statewide, premier nonprofit care coordination organization for children and adults with disabilities and complex needs, is proud to announce that The Coordinating Center has been selected as a winner for the Industry-Non-Profit award for the national Top Workplace Program!  

Top Workplace evaluation process evaluates companies based on a variety of criteria, such as, professional development, supportive managers, open-mindedness, meaningfulness, and longevity. The Coordinating Center excelled in these areas and received recognition in the following Top Workplaces Culture Awards categories, placing in the top 25% for: 

  • Supportive Managers: Employees feel the managers at The Coordinating Center care about their concerns and help them learn, grow, and succeed. 
  •  Meaningful Work: Employee jobs make them feel like they are part of something meaningful. 

“We are thrilled to receive this esteemed award, which is a testament to our ongoing efforts to cultivate a workplace where our coworkers thrive,” said James Karpook, Chair of the Board, The Coordinating Center.  

“Our coworkers are our greatest asset. We believe that by prioritizing their happiness and professional development, we not only enhance our workplace culture but also drive our mission forward,” said, Dr. Teresa Titus-Howard, President and CEO, The Coordinating Center. 

-more- 

The Top Workplace Award reaffirms The Coordinating Center’s position as a leader in employee satisfaction and organizational excellence. By placing employees at the center of its success, The Coordinating Center continues to set the standard for workplace culture and employee engagement in the nonprofit industry. 

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Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Millersville, Maryland, The Coordinating Center is a nonprofit organization that provides care coordination for individuals with complex medical needs and disabilities and their families.  

Visit www.coordinatingcenter.org for more information. 

Contact: Renee Dain, SVP,
Strategic Partnerships & External Affairs
410.987.1048 

 

 

Unlocking Financial Security: The Impact of Maryland ABLE on Disability Benefits

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By: Renée Dain, SVP, Strategic Partnerships and External Affairs

Imagine a world where saving money doesn’t mean losing essential benefits. That’s the reality Maryland ABLE creates for its residents with disabilities and their families. This innovative savings program, established under federal law, addresses a crucial gap: the financial vulnerability of individuals depending on government support, such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). By allowing people to save without affecting their eligibility for these programs, Maryland ABLE not only preserves necessary benefits but also promotes financial independence and improved quality of life. It’s a testament to the power of thoughtful legislation and community advocacy in creating more inclusive opportunities. Let’s dive into the story behind Maryland ABLE’s inception and its impact on those it serves with Kelly Nelson, Outreach and Communications Manager at Maryland ABLE.

What is Maryland ABLE?
Maryland ABLE is a savings program, that makes it possible for people with disabilities and their families to save and invest money without losing the federal and state benefits they need, like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. The money in an ABLE account must be used for “qualified disability expenses.” These are things that help the person with a disability support or improve their health, independence, or quality of life. Not only can the person with a disability put money in their account, but so can family, friends, and others. Marylanders who put money in a Maryland ABLE account lower their state taxable income. There are other tax benefits, and account fees are low.

How did Maryland ABLE get started?
For decades, people with disabilities were stuck in a cycle of poverty as they were unable to save for the future or save for the additional costs of living with their disability. People with disabilities, their families, advocacy groups, and service provider agencies joined together way to advocate for a way to save money without losing SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. People depend on these government benefits for income, health care, and other needs. In 2014 Congress passed a law in 2014 called the Stephen Beck, Jr., Achieving a Better Life Experience Act. It is called the “ABLE Act” for short. This law made it possible for states to create ABLE programs to help people with disabilities build more financial independence. Maryland took advantage of this opportunity and started to create the Maryland ABLE program in 2016. By late 2017, the program was up and running and people started opening Maryland ABLE accounts.

What are some of the benefits of having a Maryland ABLE account?

  • Easy to open an account. You only need $25 for your first deposit.
  • Easy to put money into your account. The minimum deposit after opening your account is only $5.
  • Family and friends can deposit money to your account. This can help you meet your goals.
  • Easy to get money out of your account.
  • Use the money in your account for a lot of different types of things related to your health, independence, and quality of life.
  • Deposit up to $18,000 each year; more if you work.
  • Save while still being able to keep federal and state benefits like Medicaid; SSI; waiver services; and food, energy, or housing assistance (like Section 8).
  • Save up to $100,000 before your SSI benefits are affected.
  • Make deposits until your balance reaches $500,000.
  • Pay no tax on the money your account earns or on the money you withdraw to pay for qualified disability expenses (QDEs).
  • People who live in Maryland and put money into your account, including you, get a tax benefit.

Learn more about Maryland ABLE from Kelly Nelson, Outreach and Communications Manager by viewing a recent Community Enrichment Webinar HERE.

The Maryland ABLE website at www.marylandable.org serves as an excellent source of information, offering a comprehensive set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

The Users Guide to Maryland ABLE published by the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council has been a helpful tool for self-advocates and families as it explains the ABLE program in an easy to digest format. Please note that the Guide was published in 2021 so it does not reflect the standard annual contribution limit of $18,000, which became effective on 1.1.24 or a description of the new fixed income investment option and the allocation method for contributions for savings/investment.

The ABLE Today website is a good resource for learning about the 48 ABLE programs nationwide, archived presentations on a variety of ABLE related topics and other helpful resources.

Transitioning Youth: What to Know as You Grow

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By: Renee Dain, Sr. VP, Strategic Partnerships and External Affairs

Transition is defined as “the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another.” When you think about your life’s trajectory, it’s incredible to reflect on the vast array of transitions you have experienced in all domains: physical, emotional, social, and cognitive. As adults, we know that transitions are inevitable, through our experiences such as moving into a new home or starting a new job, and small transitions, such as a change in daily routine. While the transition may be difficult, we learn to adapt and manage feelings of stress, anxiety, and nervousness.

For adolescents, the transition to adulthood is perhaps one of the most challenging times in a young person’s life. Leaving the routine of high school to the unpredictable transition to adult life can be even more daunting for a student living with disabilities and/or a complex medical need. This is because they are leaving secure supports that are mandated by law and moving into a system where services are less certain. While one child may transition smoothly, another may have difficulties, which can be impacted by their temperament, life experiences, and resiliency. Keeping child development in mind helps us understand children’s emotions and behaviors as they face transition.

We recently sat down with Alyssa Stoffel, Team Manager, Rare and Expensive Case Management (REM) Program and Sheryl Nickel, Clinical Care Coordinator, Model Waiver Program to learn more about the transition process.

At what age do young people typically begin the transition into adulthood?

Transitioning Youth (TY) is a term used for children ages 14 to 21 who are preparing to leave the school system, either through a certificate or diploma track in high school. Students with disabilities should begin the transition planning process no later than age 16. At The Coordinating Center we recommend supporting students and families with the transition process as early as 14, which is especially important in preparing for the transition to adult healthcare. Within the school system, for students participating in the Individualized Education Program (IEP), transition planning is a part of the IEP process. The transition planning process is designed to help students with disabilities prepare for life after high school, ensuring they have the skills and support needed to achieve their goals in areas such as higher education, vocational training, employment, adult services, independent living, or community participation.

For students living with an intellectual or developmental disability, the Maryland DDA has a special category of eligibility and priority for services through the Governor’s Transitioning Youth Initiative for people 21 through 22 years of age. This makes it possible for the DDA, working with the Division of Rehabilitative Services (DORS), to fund employment services and other day services for eligible students leaving school who otherwise may have gone on the DDA Waiting List. A student is eligible from their 21st birthday until their 22nd birthday to apply for DDA services. If their date of graduation is after the student’s 21st birthday, they are eligible for one year after the date of graduation to apply.

What role can care managers (e.g., care coordinators and supports planners) play in supporting transitioning youth and their families?

One of the best ways adults can support adolescents with the transition process is to start early. Parents, caregivers, teachers and care managers can play an important role in supporting young children through transition. Adults can ensure that children feel protected and nurtured, transforming transitions into learning opportunities that bolster development across all areas of a child’s life.

Care managers at The Coordinating Center are trained to support adolescents and families through the transition process. For youth living with complex medical needs and/or disabilities we can support and/or facilitate the transition to adult healthcare. We recognize how daunting this can be, as the population we serve require specialized and coordinated care. Establishing new relationships with providers who may not have the same level of expertise or understanding of their specific conditions can lead to feelings of anxiety and insecurity. There’s also the challenge of self-advocacy and healthcare management, which needs to be taught early.

There are many other aspects of the transition to adulthood that Care Managers can help facilitate. We can support students with the transition to post-secondary life (e.g., education or training, employment, and, when appropriate, independent living skills) through advocating for transition planning and services during the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. We can also support students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities access transition youth services through the Maryland Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDA).

What are some helpful tools for adolescents and families?

There are a lot of great resources out there. One of the tools we encourage families to review is The Coordinating Center’s Milestone Checklist, which starts through birth through the transition to adulthood. Click HERE to access the checklist.

For families looking for resources related to healthcare transition, we recommend the following Got Transition tools:

Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities should consider services through the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration. At The Coordinating Center, we are a provider for Coordination of Community Services, a DDA program. Click HERE to learn more.

View the webinar presented by Alyssa Stoffel and Sheryl Nickel on April 16, 2024 HERE.

Alyssa Stoffel, MS, RN, CPN, CCM, Team Manager – Contract Support, REM has nearly 20 years of experience in the human services field in various roles focused on ensuring meaningful community life for individuals with complex medical needs and disabilities and has been with The Coordinating Center for just under nine years.

Sheryl Nickel, BSN, RN, CPN, CCM, Clinical Care Coordinator, Model Waiver has 16 years of experience in the human services field and has been with The Coordinating Center for just under seven years.

The Rare and Expensive Case Management (REM) Program is Maryland’s, case managed, fee for service alternative to HealthChoice Managed Care Organization (MCO) participation. The REM Program is for individuals receiving Maryland Medical Assistance with a qualifying diagnosis that is rare in occurrence and expensive to treat. The purpose of the program is to provide community-based care coordination services for people with specialized health care needs, providing access to high quality, medically appropriate health care services in a cost-effective setting outside of a managed care organization.

Model Waiver is a Maryland Medicaid program, which allows medically fragile individuals, before the age of 22 years to live at home. Without this benefit, these individuals would be hospitalized, as their medical needs require hospital or nursing facility level of care. Under the Waiver, the parents’ income and assets are waived during the financial eligibility process even though the child continues to live in the community with their parent(s).

Finding a Voice Through Self-Advocacy

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By: Cindy Ngo, MSW, Supports Planner; and Megan Bazzett, MS, CPRP, CFRP, CFP Director

Advocacy can take many forms including individual advocacy where a person or group represents the interests of a few or even systemic advocacy where groups faced with a common issue can affect change on a broader scale (for example, working toward a change in policy or legislation). Self-advocacy is the ability for a person or their representative to communicate their interests and then make decisions on the next steps to meet those needs. So why is it important that our participants know how to self-advocate, and how do we, as Supports Planners and Service Coordinators, support and enhance this skill? 

We recently sat down with Megan Bazzett, Director, Community First Programs at The Coordinating Center to learn more about self-advocacy. 

What are the benefits of self-advocacy?
When a person self-advocates or has someone advocate on their behalf, it gives them a voice and an opportunity to be heard. Our participants are experts in their own interests, so it is important that they have a platform to communicate these interests. Advocacy can support the protection of human rights, act as a catalyst for change, and have a positive impact on others with similar needs. 

What are a few strategies to getting started with self-advocacy?
In terms of self-advocacy, participants should educate themselves on the related topics. They should complete their own research and learn what has been done already to address their needs and discover if there are any existing advocacy efforts to accomplish their goals. When engaging in individual advocacy, it is important to remain educated and connect with support networks whether that be peers facing the same issues or support groups and advocacy groups. If engaging in systemic advocacy, people may want to go further and advocate at a broader scale by affecting policy or legislation. 

What role can coordinators and supports planners play in supporting individuals and families with self-advocacy?
As Service Coordinators and Supports Planners, we often advocate on behalf of others to different entities to ensure our participant’s service needs are being met. We can also support our participants by ensuring they have as much information about their current situation as possible and connecting them to related resources. We should also encourage participants to practice self-advocacy in their day-to-day life, whether that be during medical appointments, so that they can get treatment that works for them, or during collaborative meetings with their Service Coordinator/Supports Planner, to ensure their service needs are being met. It is important for us to keep our participants informed, educated, and connected to resources so that they effectively support themselves. 

Join Megan Bazzett on March 19, 2024, at Noon, for a special webinar on Finding a Voice Through Self-Advocacy. Click HERE to register to attend. This webinar is part of The Coordinating Center’s new Community Enrichment Series – engaging workshops supporting individuals and families to achieve their aspirations for a meaningful life! 

Megan Bazzett has 24 years of experience in the human services field and has been with The Coordinating Center for just under two years. As Director, Community First Programs at The Coordinating Center, Megan is responsible for oversight of the Supports Planning services provided to approximately 3,000 Maryland residents. Supports Planning services help eligible older adults and individuals living with disabilities to access home and community-based services. While eligibility requirements vary by program, the range of service and support options include personal assistance services, nurse monitoring, assistive technology, home modifications, home delivered meals, and more. 

 

Request for Proposals: Care Management Information System

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Millersville, Maryland – The Coordinating Center, Maryland’s statewide, premier nonprofit care coordination organization for children and adults with disabilities and complex needs is seeking proposals for a Care Management Information System. Due no later than 5:00 p.m. EST on Friday, February 16, 2024.

The Coordinating Center (The Center) is seeking a partner to create an innovative population health documentation system to improve care coordination efficiencies and continue to advance The Center as a premier care coordination provider in the state of Maryland and beyond.

The population health documentation system scope includes but may not be limited to the following:

  1. Ability to extract data from our current documentation system and upload to the new system
  2. Provide a HIPAA compliant platform
  3. Direct access or by the exchange of data through an export/import process to Maryland’s health information exchange, Chesapeake Regional Health Information System for our Patients (CRISP)
  4. Ability to store Protected Health Information (PHI) and documents in a secure, cloud-based platform

Click the icon below to review the RFP.


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Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Millersville, Maryland, The Coordinating Center is a statewide, nonprofit organization that provides care coordination services for more than 10,000 children and adults with complex medical needs and disabilities and their families. The mission of The Center is to partner with people of all ages and abilities and those who support them in the community to achieve their aspirations for independence, health, and a meaningful community life.