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BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS AND CONNECTIONS FOR THE LIFE YOU CHOOSE
Our Philosophy
Incorporated in 2003, originally as Resource Connections of Prince George's County, Resource Connections Incorporated is funded primarily by a contract with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). We provide eligibility assistance, case management, advocacy, and support of each person’s goals and dreams.
Our mission—to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities direct their own lives through supportive partnerships and connection to resources that promote independence—guides the way we operate. Fulfilling this mission requires an approach that is person-centered (learning what each person wants and partnering with him/her to achieve it), community-based (supporting the person to live and work within the local community), and cost-effective (understanding how to connect the person to the right resources).
The vision of Resource Connections aligns our mission with our commitment to:
- provide the best possible support for those we serve;
- work in partnership with families, individuals, providers and advocates;
- promote quality, independence and choice for those we serve; and
- remain committed to assisting individuals and families reach for their dreams.
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Agency Leadership
Board of Directors
Steve Pyles, President
Edda Perez, Vice President
Mitzi Revels, Treasurer
Joan Quinn, Secretary
Donald Boone
Sharon Conn
Donna Herring
George Hoehl
Brenda Minor
Edward Mixon
Marylove Moy
Rita Pinkney
Ramona Tidwell
Deborah Willis
Valencia Woodfork
Management Staff
(See Contact Us for phone and email list)
Joyce Sims, Executive Director
Audra Schor, Deputy Director
Theresa Thomas, Finance Director
Irene Souada, Team Leader
Jolanta Stoops, Team Leader
Noelle Gehrman, Team Leader
Peter VanHouten, Team Leader
Raychon Stroman, Team Leader
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Steering Committee
Self-advocates serve on the Resource Connections' Steering Committee, which reports to the Board of Directors in an advisory capacity. Steering Committee representatives participate in agency strategic planning, and work with administration to promote the agency mission through projects and activities. Meetings are held bi-monthly to maximize understanding and participation.
Projects have included providing insight on what is most important to have included in the IP (Individual Plan); development of a Resource Coordinator job description that is presented to new staff during orientation; and a booklet about indivdual rights and responsibilites, which is provided all persons receiving our services.
In June 2006, the Steering Committee published a book about the lives and challenges of people with disabilities. "Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives" was made available for purchase, and over 300 copies have been distributed to date. The group has sponsored a number of successful social events, promoting the value of networking and connecting to others. They interviewed people who recently graduated from school in order to develop a Fact Sheet of information regarding the services and opportunities they will encounter as adults.
In response to a request from DDA, the Committee worked with it's founding members to develop a guidebook for agencies that are interested in promoting people's active voice in their organization’s mission and activities. “Steering for Change: The Guidebook for Consumer-Driven Advisory Committees” will soon be available through our website.
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