Rock Creek Foundation

Join the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition for a rally in Annapolis about the importance of developmental disability services! So proud of our friends at the Maryland Association of Community Services for spreading the word about this event - we'll be there! Date: February 3rd, 2025 Time: 7 PM - 8:15 PM Location: Lawyers Mall, Annapolis, MD, directly in front of the State House #SaveOurDDServices Proposed budget cuts threaten services for thousands of Marylanders with developmental disabilities and their families. Please join us to come together and show the need to support and funding for the DD Community. We encourage everyone to wear white to symbolize our unity and commitment to the DD community.

?? Tax Benefits for Businesses that Employ Individuals with Disabilities ??? Giving work opportunities for individuals with disabilities is a two-way street! Not only are you providing work-life experience, but you can also potentially receive a significant tax credit for your organization:? ?? Disabled Access Credit? Small businesses with 30 or fewer full-time employees and earnings of $1 million or less may be eligible for a non-refundable credit for expenditures that improve accessibility for people with disabilities.? ?? Barrier Removal Tax Deduction? Businesses can claim up to $15,000 annually for removing architectural and transportation barriers that improve mobility for individuals with disabilities and the elderly.? ?? Work Opportunity Tax Credit? Employers who hire individuals from specific target groups, including those with disabilities, may be eligible for a tax credit ranging from $1,200 to $9,600 depending on the employee and length of employment.? Learn more and hire our workforce today!: https://lnkd.in/eWCk5NEN? #TaxBenefits #DisabilityInclusion #SmallBusinessSupport #WorkOpportunity #AccessibilityMatters?

It can be difficult to know what sort of support is needed for those with developmental disabilities. Fortunately, at Rock Creek Foundation, we offer a multitude of support services. ?Residential Services? ?Facilitating employment opportunities? ?Self-improvement, community integration? ?Independent living support? ? Not sure how you or a loved one needs help? No problem??! Visit us and learn more about how we can help those with developmental disabilities live the type of life they deserve.? #DisabilitySupport #IDDawareness #BehavioralHealth #QualityOfLife?

How do you refer to someone with IDD or behavioral health conditions?? This No-Name Calling Week, we challenge you to rethink the language you’re using for the individuals we serve. Words matter, and respectful language is essential in promoting dignity and understanding.? Not sure where to start? Here are a few common mistakes and the more respectful language to use:? ?? Avoid outdated terms:? Never use "retarded" or "mental retardation"—these are considered offensive and outdated. Use "intellectual disability" instead.? ?? Use "Special needs" with caution:? While sometimes used, "special needs" can be seen as patronizing. Consider using more specific language depending on the context.? ? Respect individual preference:? If unsure, always ask an individual how they prefer to be addressed regarding their disability.? Examples of sensitive language:? ??? "A person with Down syndrome"? ??? "An individual with an intellectual disability"? ??? "A person requiring supported living"? ??? "Someone with developmental challenges"? What to avoid:? ??? "The disabled"? ??? "Suffers from intellectual disability"? ??? "Mentally challenged"? ??? "Special person"? Let’s all do our part to create a more inclusive and respectful world!? #RespectfulLanguage #NoNameCallingWeek #InclusionMatters #IDDawareness #BehavioralHealth?

?? A Parent’s Gratitude ???? “My son has been served by Rock Creek ever since he was diagnosed with mental illness at age 23… almost 25 years ago. He has lived in a well-cared for group home with many supportive staff members. They help him manage his money, drive him to doctors appointments, provide social activities on weekends, and help him get to the Greyhound station when he wants to visit me. Their Day and Medical programs offer much needed support. I am greatly appreciative of all that Rock Creek provides to give my son a good quality of life.” Rock Creek Parent, Maryland? ? Stories like these remind us why we do what we do. Thank you to all the families who trust us to support their loved ones.? #MentalHealthSupport #QualityOfLife #BehavioralHealth #FamilyStories #Gratitude?

?? Happy Birthday, Councilmember Evan Glass! ??? The first openly LGBTQ+ individual on the Montgomery County Council, Evan has made a lasting impact since joining in 2018. Currently serving as the chair of the Transportation & Environment Committee, he has spearheaded efforts to: ?? - Increase the council size from 9 to 11 members ?? - Close the gender pay gap ??? - Create COVID-19 rental assistance Looking ahead, Evan is focused on addressing housing affordability and the climate crisis in the coming year. Thank you for your dedication and leadership, Evan. Wishing you a wonderful birthday! ??? ? #HappyBirthday #Leadership #LGBTQ #MontgomeryCounty #PublicService #MakingADifference #SDOH?

?? Winter season can affect mental health. ??? The colder months can weigh heavily on everyone, and it’s okay to feel the impact. ?? Don’t be afraid to speak up—we at Rock Creek Foundation are here for you.? If you or a loved one is struggling with mental ?? or behavioral challenges, we’re here to help. From behavioral health and psychiatric recovery to day services and more, our dedicated direct support professionals are ready to assist in any way we can.? ?? You don’t have to face it alone. https://www.rockcreek.org/?? #MentalHealthSupport #BehavioralHealth #WinterWellness #WeAreHereForYou #SupportMatters?

??? January is Mental Wellness Month ???? As providers of behavioral and mental health services, we understand just how challenging it can be to prioritize your mental well-being—but that doesn’t make it any less important. This Mental Wellness Month, we encourage you to take a moment to focus on you. Whether it’s through self-care, reaching out for support, or simply pausing to breathe, your mental health matters. ?? Take time for yourself—you deserve it. And most importantly, reach out if you need support.? #MentalWellnessMonth #SelfCareMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #TakeCareOfYou #SelfCare?

?? Happy Birthday, Councilmember Andrew Friedson! ??? Elected as the youngest councilmember and later the youngest council president, Andrew has been serving our county with dedication and vision since 2018. From spearheading a $100 million housing production fund to championing climate investment legislation and paid parental leave for county employees, Andrew’s leadership reflects his compassion and commitment to improving the lives of his colleagues and county residents. ?? Thank you for your tireless efforts, Councilmember Friedson. Wishing you a very happy birthday! ??? #Leadership #PublicService #HappyBirthday #CommunityChampion?

?? Did you know? According to @openmindscircle State Profile Report, 1 in 4 Marylanders have a disability.? We believe that having a disability or mental illness shouldn’t prevent anyone from participating in everyday life. That’s why we’ve been pioneering behavioral health services—empowering each person we serve to develop the skills they need to live independently and realize their full potential. ? Learn more about how we’re making a difference: https://lnkd.in/e5RHMm9v? ? #DisabilityAwareness #BehavioralHealth #EmpowerIndependence #InclusionMatters #Maryland??