The Freedom Center

01/16/2026

I AM Session 4: Understanding How the OBBB Act of 2025 Will Affect Medicaid
February 9 from 2:00–3:30 pm via Zoom

Medicaid matters. What does the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” mean for Medicaid and people with disabilities? Join us for a timely I AM session that breaks down upcoming changes, what to watch for, and practical steps to help protect your benefits, all in plain language.

This session will be led by Jessica Podesva, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at the National Council on Independent Living. Bring your questions and take part in a lively discussion focused on how recent federal legislation may affect Medicaid, key changes to be aware of, and steps you can take to stay informed.

Register here: https://buff.ly/aB3RbSm

IMAGE: Maroon graphic promoting I AM Session 4, “Understanding How the OBBB Act of 2025 Will Affect Medicaid,” scheduled for Monday, February 9 from 2:00–3:30 pm, featuring a photo of a woman using a tablet.

01/16/2026

This time of year can be especially challenging, and extra support can make a real difference. If you or someone you know could use help with groceries, our friends at Asbury United Methodist Church are hosting their Community Food Pantry tomorrow, Saturday 1/17, from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM. The pantry is open to individuals and families and offers ongoing, biweekly food support. More details below.

🌟 Exciting News for Our Community! 🌟

We are thrilled to announce a powerful new collaboration between Asbury United Methodist Church and Helping Hands and Caring Hearts—the launch of a BIWEEKLY Community Food Pantry, beginning in the new year! 🛒❤️

Starting Saturday, January 3, 2026, our doors will open every other Saturday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, creating a consistent, dependable source of nourishment, care, and compassion for our neighbors.

📅 Biweekly Pantry Dates in January
• January 3, 2026
• January 17, 2026
• January 31, 2026

This pantry will continue on a biweekly basis, ensuring ongoing support for individuals and families in our community.

🥫 Why This Matters
Food insecurity impacts families, seniors, and individuals right here at home. No one should have to choose between food, medicine, or keeping the lights on.

Through this ministry, we are living out our calling to be the hands and feet of Christ—meeting real needs with love, dignity, and grace.

💛 This partnership is about more than groceries. It’s about hope, connection, and faith in action. Every bag shared is a reminder that no one is forgotten and no one stands alone.

🙌 If you are in need, we invite you to come and be blessed.

If you feel called to serve, we welcome you to walk alongside us. Together, we step into 2026 united in purpose and compassion.

📍 Location: Asbury United Methodist Church
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

🤝 In partnership with: Helping Hands and Caring Hearts

Together, we can ensure that no neighbor goes hungry.

✨ To God be the glory! ✨

01/16/2026

If you need a warm, safe place out of the cold today, the The Frederick Rescue Mission's dining hall is open today through lunch as a cold-weather shelter. It is located at 419 W South St., Frederick, MD 21701.

For more information call them at 301-695-6633 or visit https://therescuemission.org/

01/15/2026

Happy Retirement, Pauletta!

Pauletta Sheppard, our Independent Living Assistive Technology Specialist, has retired after 14 years of exemplary service with The Freedom Center. Pauletta joined The Freedom Center in November 2011 as our first and, until her retirement last month, only Assistive Technology Specialist.

The positive impact of Pauletta’s work on the lives of individuals in Carroll and Frederick counties cannot be overstated. During her tenure, she assisted well over 200 individuals in obtaining needed home and vehicle modifications, as well as other assistive technology devices. Her efforts made a direct and immediate difference in improving independence and quality of life for the people she served.

In addition to her work with individuals, Pauletta served as a mentor to other staff members and provided much needed information and referral services to anyone who contacted The Freedom Center in search of supports or resources. It is with profound gratitude that we thank Pauletta for all she has done over the past 14 years. She will be greatly missed. Please join us in wishing her well in this next phase of her journey.

Moving forward, The Freedom Center remains committed to supporting our community through Assistive Technology services and supports. If you would like to learn more or need assistance, please contact Chuck Kinney at ckinney@thefreedomcenter-md.org or call 301-447-0321.

IMAGE: Graphic celebrating retirement with the text “Happy Retirement! Pauletta Sheppard” and the message “Wishing you endless joy and relaxation as you embark on this exciting new chapter.” The design features a blue and gold color scheme, The Freedom Center 25th anniversary logo, and a circular headshot of Pauletta Sheppard smiling and wearing glasses.

01/14/2026

We’re loving the announcement from Mattel of the new Autistic Barbie!

Because confidence, individuality, and being yourself never go out of style.

01/14/2026

🍝 THIS FRIDAY! Let’s Make Easy Meals is back for January!

Join us as we cook a comforting classic—spaghetti and meatballs—using a consumer’s secret family recipe. This hands-on cooking class builds practical skills, confidence, and connection in a supportive group setting.

Friday, January 16, 2026
1:00–4:00 PM
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Frederick
Free event. Limited space.

Register: https://buff.ly/a5U4rac

For more information or to register over the phone, please contact Darren Braun on his direct line at 301-447-0279, or send an email to dbraun@thefreedomcenter-md.org.

IMAGE: Flyer promoting January Easy Meals cooking class featuring spaghetti and meatballs, with date, time, location, and QR code.

01/13/2026

Accessible transportation is key to independence, opportunity, and staying connected to your community for people with disabilities. When a vehicle fits your needs, it can make work, school, healthcare, and daily life more accessible and achievable.

The Freedom Center’s Assistive Technology Funding Program can help eligible consumers with vehicle modifications and other assistive technology that support independence, including hand controls, lifts, and other adaptations.

We can also help you explore additional resources from National Disability Institute, including their Accessible Vehicle Purchase Checklist and guides on funding and affordable financing options, selecting or upfitting a vehicle, and using supports like ABLE accounts, Medicaid, vocational rehabilitation, and low interest loans. Learn more here: https://buff.ly/aljNPSH

To learn more about vehicle modifications and accessible transportation options, contact Chuck Kinney at 301-447-0321 or ckinney@thefreedomcenter-md.org.

01/13/2026

Make an impact—your vote, your voice matters.

Join the Maryland Disability Forum for a free, in-person Voter Education Workshop for people with disabilities. Learn about accessible voting options, your rights as a voter, how voter guardianship works, and how to make sure your voice is heard at the polls.

DATE & TIME: March 14, 2026 from 10 AM- 12 Noon
LOCATION: Utopia Entertainment, 5270 Randolph Rd, Rockville, MD 20852
REGISTRATION: https://buff.ly/eTVfaGP

In Partnership With Jubilee Association of Maryland, The League for People with Disabilities, Maryland Disabilities Forum, Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS), Disability Rights Maryland, The Arc Maryland, Maryland Works, Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council.

01/12/2026

❗ Open enrollment through the Maryland Health Connection ends Thursday, January 15!

HealthCare Access Maryland partners with the Maryland Department of Health and Maryland Health Connection to help Marylanders enroll in health insurance. They can help you enroll in, renew, or make changes to your Medicaid (also called Medical Assistance) coverage or private health insurance purchased through Maryland Health Connection. And they can answer questions about your coverage.

To inquire about locations and hours, call 410-649-0521.

Click here for more information: https://buff.ly/7RgqBEJ

Join HealthCare Access Maryland in creating healthier communities by supporting our mission to connect Marylanders to vital health insurance, care, and resources—your partnership can truly make a difference.

01/09/2026

Save the Date: Independent Living Day in Annapolis
February 26, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Join us in Annapolis for Independent Living Day, when CIL staff, board members, volunteers, and community members from across Maryland will come together for a day of advocacy and meetings with elected officials. This is an important opportunity to share our experiences, strengthen relationships, and advocate for policies that support independence and inclusion for people with disabilities. More details to come.

IMAGE: Maryland State House

01/09/2026

Ready to build confidence, make new friends, and explore what’s next after high school? The Maryland Youth Leadership Forum (MD YLF) is a 3-day, on-campus leadership experience for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities who want to grow as leaders and self-advocates.

Delegates live on a college campus, learn about leadership, disability history, careers, and independence, and connect with other youth from across Maryland. If you’re ready to challenge yourself, try something new, and step into your future, this experience is for you.

June 25–27, 2026
Deadline to apply: February 28, 2026
Learn more and apply: https://buff.ly/arUgvzh

This Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council project is fully supported by the Administration for Community Living as part of a total award of $1,265,982 dollars.

IMAGE: Promotional graphic announcing “2026 MD-YLF Applications Are Now Open.” A group of diverse young people with disabilities stand side by side holding certificates and folders. A red starburst reads “Apply by Feb 28!” Event details note June 25–27 at Towson University. The Maryland Youth Leadership Forum logo appears, along with text directing viewers to learn more at innow.org/mdylf. The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council logo and funding acknowledgment appear at the bottom.

01/08/2026

Did you know you may be eligible for free tax preparation assistance through programs supported by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)?

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program has been helping people file their taxes for more than 50 years. VITA sites offer free basic tax return preparation to individuals who qualify, including:

- People who generally earn $67,000 or less
- People with disabilities
- Taxpayers with limited English proficiency

In addition to VITA, the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program provides free tax help specifically for adults age 60 and older, with a focus on pensions, retirement income, and other tax issues common for seniors.

Trained volunteers can help make the tax filing process easier and more accessible—at no cost.

Learn more about free tax preparation programs: https://buff.ly/3BY4zgC

Find a VITA or TCE site near you: https://buff.ly/zionmCx

The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs prepare tax returns for free for qualifying taxpayers.