The Freedom Center

11/20/2025

TOMORROW! Let’s Make Easy Meals: Bakers Edition!

November’s Easy Meals will be a Baker’s Edition—just in time for the holidays! Participants will learn how to bake cakes, cookies, and brownies. Group classes promote collaboration, and builds pride and self-reliance.

DATE: Friday, November 21, 2025
TIME: 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
NOTE: Please do not arrive at the church before 12:45 p.m.
LOCATION: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1415 W. 7th St., Frederick, MD 21702

TO REGISTER: Complete this form to RSVP. For more information or to register over the phone, please contact Darren Braun at 301-447-0279 or email dbraun@thefreedomcenter-md.org.

If you need to CANCEL for any reason, please call our office at 301-846-7811 and let a staff member know. Thank you!

IMAGE: Flyer promoting Let's Make Easy Meals Baking Edition featuring photo of cookies and brownies. Links to registration form with more details

11/20/2025

The Maryland Department of Disabilities is hosting an important webinar on home modifications, and we encourage our community to attend.

Home Modifications: What They Are and How to Get Them
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
1:00–2:00 PM EST

From walk-in tubs and ramps to grab bars, stair lifts, faucet extenders, and smart home technology, home modifications can make a major difference in helping people remain safe and independent at home. This session will walk you through what they are and how to access them in Maryland.

Register here: https://buff.ly/3Rg4YHa

The Freedom Center also helps people with disabilities navigate and request home modifications so they can remain independent in their own homes. If you need support with home modifications, reach out to us at 301-846-7811. We’re here to help.

IMAGE: Screenshot of a Maryland Department of Disabilities email promoting a November 26, 2025 session on home modifications, with event details and an image of a stair lift.

11/19/2025

I AM Session 3: Social Security Made Simple – Quick Tips & Smart Strategies
Monday, December 15 from 2:00–3:00 PM

Applying for or managing Social Security benefits doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. This session breaks down what you need to know about SSI and SSDI in clear, easy-to-follow steps. Marilyn Morrison, Director of MD-WIN, will walk you through:

- Practical tips for applying or updating your benefits
- How to navigate paperwork, reporting changes, and appeals
- Why Benefits Counseling is so important — and how it can help you stay informed and in control

Register here: https://buff.ly/vEhYERT

IMAGE: A maroon event graphic with large distressed white text reading “I AM.” Below it: “Social Security Made Simple: Quick Tips & Smart Strategies. Monday, December 15, 2:00–3:30 pm.” On the right side is the Maryland WIN (Work Incentives Network) logo over a background of the Maryland flag.

11/19/2025

Your voice truly matters!

If you’ve worked with FCDSS recently, we encourage you to take a moment to fill out their quick Customer Service Survey. Your feedback helps shape better services and ensures the support you receive meets your needs.

It only takes a minute — and it makes a real difference.

We value your feedback at Frederick County Department of Social Services! 💬We want to hear from you! 📣
Did you know we have a quick Customer Service Survey? Before exiting, take a moment to share your feedback.
It only takes a minute and helps us improve how we serve YOU! 💙
Thank you for being part of our community! 🙌

11/18/2025

Don't miss the next Free Space Wednesday!

Wednesday, December 3, 2025
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Virtual via Zoom

Join us at our new, convenient afternoon time! This disability support group incorporates meditation and offers a safe space where individuals with disabilities can connect, share their experiences, and foster a sense of community and understanding.

Click here to register for Free Space Wednesdays: https://buff.ly/Jor0Z4O

For more information or to request accommodations, contact Darren at 301-447-0279 or dbraun@thefreedomcenter-md.org

11/18/2025

📣YOUR INPUT IS NEEDED!

We’re glad to see SHA taking this important step. Public feedback is essential to making Maryland’s transportation system truly accessible for everyone. Please take a few minutes to review the draft plan and share your experiences. Your voice helps shape safer, more inclusive communities across our state.

The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) has released its Draft ADA Transition Plan, outlining ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility across public rights-of-way owned and maintained by SHA — and they want to hear from YOU.

If you are a person with a disability, a caregiver, an advocate, or someone passionate about accessibility, this is your chance to help. Your feedback helps ensure our roads, sidewalks, crossings, and public spaces work for all of us.

Use the link below to join in one of the public virtual meetings or to take the online survey.
https://bit.ly/3X1xVeO

11/18/2025

Even though the government shutdown has ended, many in our community are still feeling its residual impacts. American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) has published a helpful explainer breaking down what this means for disabled Americans, including updates on SNAP benefits, LIHEAP energy assistance, reinstated federal workers, and temporary Medicare extensions.

If your benefits have been delayed or you’re struggling to access resources, you are not alone. Funding is beginning to flow again, but some programs may take weeks to fully restart at the state level. We encourage consumers to check the Maryland Department of Human Services website for updates, stay alert for utility scams, and reach out if you need support navigating resources.

Read AAPD’s full explainer here: https://buff.ly/GuS4if3

The Freedom Center will continue sharing updates as information becomes available. Please contact us at 301-846-7811 if you need assistance connecting with community resources.

After 43 long days, Congress reached an agreement to end the government shutdown. The agreement funds the U.S. Department of Agriculture (including SNAP benefits) and the Department of Veterans Affairs through September 2026 and maintains 2025 funding levels for all other federal government agencies...

11/17/2025

Our October Let’s Make Easy Meals session was filled with teamwork, laughter, and the comforting smell of apples baking in the oven. Participants worked together to peel, slice, mix, and bake a delicious apple crisp while learning valuable kitchen skills. These group cooking classes are a great way to build confidence, independence, and friendships all while enjoying a homemade treat.

If you missed this session, there’s still time to join the next Let’s Make Easy Meals: Bakers Edition on Friday, November 21. Participants will learn how to bake cakes, cookies, and brownies.

Click here for more details or to register for the next Let's Make Easy Meals: https://buff.ly/Yb99nJh

For more information or to register by phone, contact Darren Braun at 301-447-0279 or dbraun@thefreedomcenter-md.org.

11/17/2025

TODAY AT 2PM!

I AM Session 2: Building Community Power Through Advocacy!
Monday, November 17, 2025
2:00–3:30 pm via Zoom
Click here to register for I AM: https://buff.ly/TgVaIwg

Change doesn’t happen alone — it happens when we raise our voices together! Join this empowering session to learn how people with disabilities, CILs, and advocacy groups can organize, share stories effectively with legislators, and make real change on Maryland disability policy issues.

IMAGE: A digital flyer with a maroon background reads: “I AM. Building Community Power Through Advocacy. Monday, November 17, 2:00–3:30 pm.” On the right, a woman with short brown hair wearing a red sweater smiles while gesturing with her hand, seated in a wheelchair. A faded Maryland flag pattern appears in the background.

11/14/2025

We’re excited to share some wonderful news about our friend and Marketing Specialist, Susan Larsen, who was recognized with this year’s Accessibility Award from the Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities.

Susan’s dedication to digital accessibility and clear, inclusive communication is reflected in all the work she does with The Freedom Center and with partners across the disability community. We are grateful for the care, insight, and advocacy she brings to our mission every day.

Our Executive Director, Dave Drezner, was proud to be there to cheer Susan on as she received her Executive Citation. The luncheon was a meaningful celebration of leaders and advocates working to expand access and strengthen inclusion throughout the region.

Please join us in congratulating Susan on this well-earned honor. We’re so appreciative of her contributions and the difference she continues to make.

IMAGES: A series of photos and a video from the Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities Awards Luncheon featuring Susan Larsen receiving the Accessibility Award and celebrating with colleagues and fellow advocates. The images include Susan holding her Executive Citation and posing with Assistive Technology Trainer Chris Nusbaum, Heather Comstock of Amazing Nonprofits, Bridget Roth of The Arc Baltimore, Karen Johnson of NCIA, Disability Advocate Janice Jackson, Diane Palmer of Independence Now, Inc., Betsy Hein and Joan Rumenap of ARI, Douglas Smith of the Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities, her fellow award recipients, and Maryland Secretary of Disabilities Carol A. Beatty. The photos show award presentations, group moments, and the celebratory atmosphere of the luncheon.