Chimes

Throughout February, we are sharing thoughts and reflections from team members from across the Chimes organization on why Black History Month is so meaningful. Next up, we hear from Nicole Brown, Chief Operating Officer of Chimes Holcomb:   “Celebrating Black History Month is important because it helps promote diversity through bringing awareness to the significant contributions of African Americans. When we celebrate diversity and foster inclusivity, we learn about one another, get stronger as a team, and understand the importance of our differences.” #blackhistorymonth

Happy Valentine's Day from Chimes!! There were smiles, laughter, sweet treats and fun throughout our day programs and schools.

Calling all Marylanders! https://lnkd.in/efmAQppj The Maryland Governor’s proposed budget includes a 22% cut in funding to the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). These cuts threaten vital home and community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We urgently need your voice to help us protect DDA funding in Maryland. We cannot abandon the individuals and families who rely on these services. Join Chimes by clicking here: https://lnkd.in/efmAQppj to contact your Maryland state legislators today!

The team from our Maryland office brought a little cheer to the office with their beautifully designed Valentine’s wreaths! Their talent and creativity made the space feel extra festive—just another way our team shares warmth and joy every day! Happy Valentine's Day to all!

Today was a busy day for the Chimes Team! We traveled to Annapolis to meet with members of the Maryland Legislature to discuss the proposed cuts to Developmental Disabilities services in Maryland's budget. Our leadership, staff and persons supported worked with legislators to help them understand the real and frightening impact these proposed cuts could have on Maryland's most vulnerable citizens. We are grateful for the time and attention the legislators and their staffers offered us. We are hopeful and confident we can find a path forward to preserve these critical supports and services. #saveourDDservices

Thank you to Representative Dan Williams from the 74th Legislative District of Pennsylvania and Chair of the PA House Human Services Committee for touring Chimes-Holcomb’s Exton location. We were proud to share all the amazing things our team members do each day to support the mental health needs of our communities and provide support to people with developmental disabilities. Rep. Williams, we are grateful for your interest in and advocacy for our programs. #mentalhealthadvocacy #IDDadvocacy

We're still thinking about our Pin Day in Maryland, and all the smiles, connections, and 2024 pins proudly displayed! Our pin program honors our team's milestones and special accomplishments with custom-designed pins. It was a special moment to recognize our team’s dedication and celebrate the incredible work happening across Chimes.

Last night, Chimes team members joined hundreds of other leaders from disability service providers as well as advocates, family members and persons supported from across Maryland at an Emergency Rally on Lawyers Mall in Annapolis. We raised our collective voices to let the Governor and Legislators in Maryland know how detrimental the proposed cuts to services to people with IDD will be and urged them to work with us to find alternative solutions in the weeks ahead. #disabilityadvocacy

Today marks the beginning of Black History Month. Throughout February, we’ll be sharing thoughts and reflections from team members from across our organization on why Black History Month is so meaningful. Edith Thomas has been a part of the Chimes family for four decades and is a key part of the leadership in our Chimes Maryland day program. “When I was a young girl growing up in Baltimore, Black people could only go to certain stores or attend certain schools. At church, we were only permitted to sit in the balcony during the services. A lot of change has happened since that time, but it is important to look back and learn from history so it shapes our future in a positive way.” #BlackHistoryMonth2025

Protect Funding for Developmental Disability Services – Join Chimes and other Service Providers at Emergency Rally in Annapolis on February 3. Like many other states, Maryland is needing to make tough decisions regarding budget allocations for the coming year. Chimes is joining our fellow service providers and disability advocates across the state to make our voices heard as we oppose the Maryland Governor’s proposed funding cuts for disability services. Programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are essential community services. Service providers like Chimes support our society’s most vulnerable citizens and help them live their lives to the fullest and make every day a meaningful day.  “Chimes supports nearly 600 people with disabilities across central Maryland,” said Steve DaRe, Chimes President and CEO. “The proposed changes to funding in Maryland would have direct and catastrophic impacts on people with disabilities and those who support them. Chimes has supported people with disabilities for more than 75 years in Maryland. We have always had a strong partner in state government to find solutions during challenging times. We are confident we can all work together to find a path forward that has the best interest of the people we support in mind.” Chimes encourages our team members, board members, advisory council members, parents and families of persons supported, and other advocates to join us on for an Emergency Rally Organized by the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition at Lawyers Mall in Annapolis. When: Monday, February 3, 2025 from 7:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. Where: Lawyers Mall, Annapolis, MD, directly in front of the State House (100 State Circle) Why: To fight back against proposed budget cuts to developmental disability services in Maryland. To learn more about this critical event, click on the link below: https://lnkd.in/eTwr3pr4