BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS AND CONNECTIONS FOR THE LIFE YOU CHOOSE

Resource Connections of Prince George's County, Inc, (RCPGC) was founded in 2003. We are funded primarily by a contract with the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). For individuals authorized by DDA, we provide eligibility assistance, case management, advocacy, and support of each person’s goals and dreams. We also offer information, education, and referrals for the general public.

Our mission—to assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who reside in Prince George’s County by building supportive partnerships and connecting them to resources that enable them to live the life they choose—guides the way we operate. Fulfilling this mission requires an approach that is person-centered (learning what the person wants and helping them to achieve it), community-based (supporting the person to live and work in their community), and cost-effective (understanding how to connect the person to the right resources).

People with disabilities have the same rights as all other citizens and should be afforded the same opportunities. Thus, we are continually challenged to find ways to assure that the needs, preferences, strengths and choices of those we support are respected, honored and given credence.

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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Our staff, board of directors and volunteers have worked diligently to establish RCPGC as a creditable organization throughout the developmental disability service system in Prince George’s County.

Board of Directors
Jacqueline Randall, President
Steve Pyles, Vice President
Carol Martin, Treasurer
Joan Quinn, Secretary
Donald Boone
Elizabeth Burley
Denise Bailey Clark
Gena Greenhood
Gerald Adams
Mary Alyce Bauer
Lynnda Kratovil
Edda Emmanuelli Perez
Brenda Minor
Twila Mitchell
Mitzi Revels
Ramona Tidwelll
Valencia Woodfork
Edward Mixon
Jennifer Muskus

Management Staff
Go to Contact Us for phone and email list.
Joyce Sims, Executive Director
Audra Schor, Deputy Director
Theresa Thomas, Finance Director
Adie Ekanem, Team Leader
Noelle Gehrman, Team Leader
Irene Souada, Team Leader
Jolanta Stoops, Team Leader
Peter VanHouten, Team Leader

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Self-advocates and family members of those served in Prince George's County serve on the Resource Connections' Steering Committee. Members serve in an advisory capacity and meet bi-monthly to ensure maximum understanding, participation, and to support advocacy activities that are consistent with the agency's mission.

The Steering Committee offers direction on a variety of issues and practices. This past year, members clarified what is most important to have included in the IP (Individual Plan packet), and developed a Resource Coordinator job description, which is presented and discussed with new staff during their orientation. Two Steering Committee representatives participated in the agency strategic planning retreat, and contributed significantly to the strategic plan.

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 information gathered for the book was the result of a year-long interview project where teams of Steering Committee members interviewed individuals currently receiving services from a number of agencies. In addition to providing material for the book, the information gathered was presented in a report to our Board of Directors, a DDA/SMRO-sponsored providers meeting, and to the staff of some of the Prince George’s County provider agencies.

The Steering Committee has sponsored a number of social activities to which they invited guests and shared information about their projects, as well as the opportunity to get to know and make new friends. They interviewed people who have recently graduated, or will soon graduate, from school in order to develop a Fact Sheet of information regarding the services and opportunities they will encounter as adults.

Most recently, the Committee members responded to a request from DDA to develop a guidebook for agencies that are interested in having the people who receive services have an 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.

Future plans include guidance and input for proposed revision to the agency's rights training program, and of course, planning a social networking event to make new connections and enjoy familiar ones.

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