Individual & Family Support Services

Individual and Family Support Services (IFSS) provides support to people with developmental disabilities and their caregivers. This innovative program serves to maintain independence and community placement for individuals served primarily through advocacy, education, facilitation of independent living skills, and provision of diverse stopgap services such as short-term respite care. Assistance levels vary but include case management, outreach services and respite coordination. Each individual is assigned a caseworker who establishes a close working relationship to assist with identifying needs for service planning.

IFSS serves individuals with a variety of disabilities, including intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, autism, and brain injury. Supports provided extend throughout Garrett, Allegany, Washington, and Frederick counties in Western Maryland. IFSS staff enhances living and learning through attentiveness to individual strengths and abilities and fulfillment of personal life goals.

Profile of Person Served

Sharon Obitts, 49, lives in a meticulously clean apartment in Maugansville and cherishes her independence. Unable to drive on her own as the result of a childhood accident, Sharon relied on her eight siblings for transportation for years, paying for their gasoline and being at the mercy of their fluctuating schedules. Her life changed for the better when she began receiving support from The Arc over seven years ago. Sharon uses her fourteen weekly hours to attend medical appointments, shop for groceries and other household items, and participate in community activities and outings. She also relies on her assigned caseworkers for assistance with money management, assuring that her bills are paid on time each month. Over the last five years, she has developed a close bond with IFSS Program Manager, Cathy Funk. Cathy goes out of her way to resolve issues that arise from time to time and has become an advisor, confidante, and friend to Sharon. When the stresses of life begin to take their toll, Sharon remembers Cathy's sage advice: "You're stronger than you think you are."

For more information about Individual and Family Support Services, please contact Diane Lewis, Sr. Director of Residential & Community Programs, at 301-791-3370 Ext. 255.