Community Services Update

Transitioning Events

The Community Services team has been very busy this month educating the community about our programs. On April 9^th, Rosetta Fultz-Perry, Manager of Intake and Transition at Melwood, attended North Point High School’s Raising Expectations Event in Waldorf, Maryland. The event focused on improving outcomes for people with differing abilities from birth to 21 years of age. Many caregivers came out to express their concerns regarding their loved ones’ future.  They had the opportunity to ask questions about the future services that will be made available in the county. Representatives from various organizations were on hand to supply them with answers. Ms. Perry gave detailed information on the various programs and services Melwood offers for transitioning youth with differing abilities.

On April 19^th Ms. Perry and fellow employee, Shanae Gray attended Huntingtown High School’s Transitioning Youth Fair in Solomon’s Island, Maryland. A number of important issues surrounding employment, education, job training, housing, health benefits and financial independence were highlighted during the fair.  Both events were a great opportunity for Melwood the raise awareness about our programs and to share information about new programs available for youth with differing abilities. We will continue to seek new ways to improve the lives of people with differing abilities and support our vision of a fully inclusive world.

Employee of the Month

In January 2016, we launched our Melwood Employee Recognition Program with the goal of recognizing and honoring all of the phenomenal work our employees do each day to support people with differing abilities. One of the components of the program is recognition of the Melwood Employee of the Month. We are excited to announce our March awardees:

Direct Support Employee:  Margarita Jarvis, EDS Instructor (DHR)

Margarita is dedicated, caring and innovative. She has created many beneficial learning modules that encourage her program participants to create a business. The last Professional Development Training program module ended up benefiting not only the participants, but also Melwood as a whole by providing Melwood with a donation of clothing for participants.

Custodial Employee:  Antonio Buie, Custodial Worker (HUD)

Antonio has a great heart and a “go to” attitude. He is always willing to lend a helping hand on the job and his customer’s even state what a pleasure it is to work with him.

Grounds Maintenance Employee:  Joshua Bey, Dennis Braden and Scott Painter,

Seasonal Landscape Worker (NASA Goodard). Joshua is not only an attentive worker, but also his recent quick thinking and attention to detail aided in his ability to help a fellow employee who was in need. Thanks to Joshua and two other HUD employees they were able to attend to their co-worker in a safe and efficient manner.

Other Facilities Employee:  James Rawles, Assistant Project Manager (GSA)

James is extremely respected by his fellow staff and highly regarded by General Services Administration customers. Each day he appears at work with his smile on his face and ready to take on any task.

Shared Services Employee:  Carla Walker, Time Study Administrator (DHR)

Carla successfully administered Melwood’s 14c program in the past and continued her great work when closing out the program this past February. She has a great attitude and is a great image for Melwood.

Spring Plant Sales

Melwood’s Dower House greenhouses are bustling with activity this month.  At the beginning of the month the Tanta-Cove Garden Club in Fort Washington, Maryland, joined our Horticulture Program Grower, Edward Goodman, for a campus tour. The group was truly amazed to learn that we sell such a wide variety of plants. They specifically commented on the burst of colors and fragrances that filled each greenhouse. Our guests were very impressed and they purchased a number of plants before leaving.

Our spring plant sales are off to a great start this month as well. On April 16^th and 17^th, our team participated in the 26^th Annual Leesburg Virginia Home & Garden Festival. Attendees were very pleased with our selection and supported our program with a total of $3,600 in sales! Their next stop this month was the Geico Earth Fair in Chevy Chase, MD on April 22^nd. Melwood was well received by the crowd at the event; they successfully sold many of the plants our program participants have been growing since January!

If you’re interested in purchasing a few of our plants, we encourage you to visit our greenhouses, while supplies last.  Our selection includes geraniums, hanging baskets, coleus, fresh herbs, heliotrope and much more. Please contact Edward Goodman at 301-599-2716 or egoodman@melwood.org