Opportunities, Inc.

03/12/2026

🌟 What Inclusion Means to Us in 2026: Driven by Opportunities, Powered by People
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Led by People. Fueled by Purpose. Inspired by Potential.

At Opportunities, Inc., inclusion means creating pathways where ideas grow, voices are elevated, and community partnerships open new doors. We believe progress happens when people lead, communities collaborate, and innovation is guided by those closest to the work.

In 2026, we’re strengthening this commitment through two bold goals:

✨ Goal 1: Elevate Voices, Expand Partnerships, Create New Pathways

This year, we’re working to:
✔ Research and identify new community outreach opportunities
✔ Participate in or create at least 2 community outreach events by 2027
✔ Develop at least 2 new strategic partnerships aligned with service expansion and innovation

We are expanding with intention — increasing visibility, strengthening relationships, and building partnerships that create meaningful opportunities for the people we support.

✨ Goal 2: Fuel Sustainable Impact Through Leadership and Visibility

We’re also committed to:
✔ Launching a platform to capture staff and stakeholder ideas
✔ Establishing a visibility metric and baseline score
✔ Growing visibility by 20% across digital platforms and community outreach channels through storytelling and public engagement

When we amplify the voices of our community, we create lasting change. By listening, leading, and working together, we are building momentum that supports innovation, sustainability, and long-term impact.

Stay tuned as we continue sharing how our Strategic Plan is turning inclusion into action all year long. 💙

03/10/2026

We’re proud to highlight our long-standing partnership with the Prince George's County Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center.

Since 2017, we have volunteered at the shelter, building workplace skills while contributing in meaningful ways. What started with folding laundry has grown into operating commercial dishwashers, running laundry independently, unloading deliveries, organizing the food pantry, and even giving dogs special treats.

“The Thursday crew has become an integral part of our operations… Beyond the tangible help, I appreciate the sense of community and life skills this partnership provides.” – Marilyn, Community Outreach Supervisor
This is what true community inclusion looks like: not just being present, but being valued contributors.

Learn more about our Partnership at https://opportunities-inc.com/pgc-animal-services/

03/09/2026

Join the Rally to Save DD Services
Thursday, March 12
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Lawyer’s Mall, Annapolis

The proposed Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) budget cuts would slash $155 million in state funding and more than $310 million when federal matching dollars are included. These cuts threaten the services that allow thousands of Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live in their homes and communities.

Institutions or discharge from services cannot be the outcome for people who need these supports the most.
WE ARE FACING A CRISIS, and lawmakers need to hear from our community. When people with disabilities, families, providers, and advocates show up together, it sends a powerful message that these services matter.

Wear red and join the rally in Annapolis. A strong turnout will make clear that Maryland cannot balance the budget on the backs of people with disabilities.

03/06/2026

Join the Rally to Save DD Services
Thursday, March 12
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Lawyer’s Mall, Annapolis

We hope to see you there!

We Can’t Go Back. We Won’t Go Back.

People with disabilities cannot go back to institutions. And people with the highest support needs cannot have service reductions and possible service elimination pushed on them, in order to balance the State budget.

Join the Rally to Save DD Services
Thursday, March 12
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Lawyer’s Mall, Annapolis

The proposed Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) budget cuts would slash $155 million in state funding and more than $310 million when federal matching dollars are included. These cuts threaten the services that allow thousands of Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live in their homes and communities.

Institutions or discharge from services cannot be the outcome for people who need these supports the most.

WE ARE FACING A CRISIS, and lawmakers need to hear from our community. When people with disabilities, families, providers, and advocates show up together, it sends a powerful message that these services matter.

Wear red and join the rally in Annapolis. A strong turnout will make clear that Maryland cannot balance the budget on the backs of people with disabilities.

03/04/2026

Advocating for the People We Support in Annapolis

This week, leadership from Opportunities, Inc. testified in Annapolis to advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the community providers who support them.

Our CEO, Rob Baynard, testified before the House Appropriations Health and Social Services Subcommittee, raising serious concerns about proposed Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) budget reductions that could destabilize services across Maryland.

“We can’t continue to experience a DDA budget crisis year after year. We need sustainable solutions that balance fiscal responsibility with protecting vulnerable citizens.”

Our COO, Daphni Steffin, testified in support of Senate Bill 742 during the hearing before the Maryland Senate. SB 742 addresses breakdowns in Medicaid eligibility redetermination that have resulted in service interruptions for vulnerable Marylanders.

Since late 2024, 16 people supported by Opportunities, Inc. have had services paused due to administrative eligibility issues — and 9 remain without services today.

“When eligibility is wrongly terminated, services stop immediately. People become isolated. Families are forced to leave work to fill the gaps. What should be a stable support system becomes a crisis overnight.”

These hearings are about more than policy. They are about protecting continuity of care, stability for families, and ensuring that people with disabilities can continue to work, build relationships, and live meaningful lives in their communities.

We are proud to advocate alongside families, providers, and partners across Maryland to ensure a stable, sustainable system of support.

03/03/2026

🚨 URGENT: Protect Maryland’s DDA Budget 🚨

Over $155 million in state funding — and $310 million total with federal match — has been proposed in cuts to Maryland’s Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) budget.

These reductions could limit one-to-one staffing, restrict services for people with higher needs, and destabilize essential community supports across the state.

These are not just numbers. They impact real people, real families, and real lives.

📣 Take Action Now
Contact your State Senator and Delegate and urge them to oppose these cuts. Share how disability services support independence, safety, and community life.

👉 Find your legislators:
https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/District

📖 Learn more and read the full breakdown here:
https://opportunities-inc.com/protect-maryland-dda-budget/

Your voice matters. Please share and help protect critical disability services in Maryland.

03/03/2026

🌟 What Does Inclusion Really Mean? 🌟

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and at Opportunities, Inc., we’re celebrating ability, belonging, and the voices of people with developmental disabilities.

Inclusion means more than access. It means real belonging. It means having choices, building relationships, contributing talents, and being recognized as valued members of the community.

Throughout this month, we’ll be sharing stories, milestones, and the work happening every day to create stronger, more inclusive communities.

💙 Read our latest blog to learn what Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month means to us, and follow along all month as we share more stories of inclusion and impact.
👉 https://opportunities-inc.com/developmental-disabilities-awareness-month/

02/27/2026

Yesterday’s DDA budget hearing was filled with powerful and emotional testimony from families, self-advocates, and providers across the state. This article from Maryland Matters captures the real-life impact of the proposed service cuts:
🔗 https://marylandmatters.org/2026/02/26/emotions-bubble-over-at-budget-hearing-on-developmental-disabilities-service-cuts/

One parent, Liz Eisner, shared how DDA-funded residential and day supports have helped her daughter build independence — learning to do laundry, clean her apartment, and overcome fears that once limited her. She spoke about what so many families are feeling: without these supports, that progress — and the health, safety, and dignity of people with developmental disabilities — is at risk.

These are not abstract budget numbers. These are real people, real families, and real community connections.

We encourage you to read and share this article. The more visibility we generate, the stronger our collective voice becomes.

Together, we can advocate for stable, sustainable funding that protects opportunity, independence, and inclusion for Marylanders with disabilities.

02/26/2026

🌟 Milestone Moment for Ben 🌟

Over the past several months, Ben has taken meaningful steps toward becoming more involved in his community. New opportunities can feel intimidating at first, but with steady support and encouragement, he began stepping outside his comfort zone, building coping skills and growing more flexible along the way.

Today, Ben volunteers two to three times each week, participates actively in his tasks, and takes real pride in giving back. He navigates schedule changes with confidence and continues to grow in independence every day.

Ben’s journey shows how patience, persistence, and the right support can lead to incredible progress. 💙

We are so proud of you, Ben!

02/25/2026

📣 DDA Budget Hearings Are Coming Up. Your Voice Matters! 📣

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) is undergoing budget hearings for Fiscal Year 2027. These hearings come at a critical time, as proposed budget cuts could significantly impact disability services, staffing, and supports that thousands of Marylanders rely on every day.

Potential reductions to DDA funding put people with disabilities and their families at risk by threatening access to essential services that support independence, employment, and community life.

Now is the time to speak up. Sharing your story, submitting testimony, or contacting your legislators helps decision-makers understand the real-life impact of these budget decisions.

If you are unsure who represents you, you can look up your State Senator and Delegates here: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/District

👉 Learn more about how you can get involved here: https://opportunities-inc.com/maryland-disability-services-advocacy/

Together, we can advocate for strong, stable supports and ensure the voices of people with disabilities are heard. 💙

02/23/2026

Due to the current weather conditions, our offices will be closed today Monday, February 23rd.

Employees should look out for further communication from supervisors. People in our services, please monitor your email for further communication.

Stay safe!

02/22/2026

Due to the current weather conditions, we are implementing a 2 hour delay tomorrow, Monday, February 23rd. We will re-evaluate conditions in the morning, so please stay tuned.

Employees should look out for further communication from supervisors. People in our services, please monitor your email for further communication.

Stay safe!