The Arc of Frederick County

October 5, 2023

The Arc Of Frederick County

Services & Programs

In our October podcast, we were able to sit down with Shauna Mulcahy, Executive Director of the Arc of Frederick County, to learn about the mission, program, services and heart of this organization. According to their website, the Arc of Frederick County "helps people with developmental disabilities to live enviable lives. Enviable lives are the lives we all lead, filled with purpose and meaning, and with friends and family. This is accomplished by providing services, advocacy, and creating supportive communities."  The Arc follows clients throughout their lifespan through various programs and services. Below, we are going to highlight a few of the services they offer, but for an extensive list of offerings, please review their services


Individualized Growth through Services

For individuals that qualify, support services are available so that they may meaningfully participate in the Frederick community. In the words of the Arc, "services are self-directed, individually based as people choose activities that they would like to become involved in. Caring staff from The Arc assist people to explore their interests based on what is happening in the local area." Individuals may seek employment opportunities, volunteer opportunities, social networking, promoting healthy habits and  physical health,  and artistic exploration, to name a few! Services typically fall into one of the three categories below:


  • Day Habilitation Services
  • Employment Services
  • Community Development Services


Culinary Training Program

The Arc of Frederick County provides a 13 week Culinary Training Program for individuals interested in working in the hospitality field. This program features training, support and practice in hospitality practices, customer services, culinary skills, and catering skills for individuals seeking employment in bakery, restaurant, catering, and other similar jobs. Participants of the culinary training program develop, learn, and master their skills while training at Marcia’s Bakery, Charlotte’s Coffee House, and 555 South Market Street’s Catering Kitchen in order to acquire the necessary skill set to be utilized in meaningful employment.


Enriching Life Services

1. Personal/Support Services (available in the home and in the community)

2. Respite care (through the Parents Day Out program)

2. Housing support services


Opportunities for Community Members

The Arc of Frederick County always welcomes and encourages individuals in the community to be involved! Individual community members can volunteer their time and talent, and organizations can partner to provide meaningful experiences, and/or inclusive work and training opportunities.

 

July 2, 2025
Getting a selective eater to try new foods is a process. Keep in mind that the goal is to provide your child with the opportunity to be exposed to new foods. Continue to introduce them to unfamiliar foods, have them see that you eat and enjoy them, all the while making sure they have safe foods that they know they can count on. Giving your child permission helps to reduce anxiety around new foods. Inviting your child to be around and try new foods is a very different experience than forcing them to try new foods.
July 1, 2025
With summer here, your kiddos are likely on a constant hunt for snacks. To help them develop healthy eating habits, try spacing meals and snacks about two hours apart. This gives their little tummies time to feel hungry, enjoy a snack, and recognize when they’re full. When kids “graze” throughout the day—eating small amounts here and there—their bodies have a harder time learning to recognize hunger and fullness cues. Grazing can also lead to more frequent choices of less nutritious, grab-and-go snacks. Let's Support Healthier Habits To support healthier habits, pre-plan snack options and post a visual snack “menu” on the fridge. This gives kids structure, helps them feel independent, and encourages better choices. And why not make snack time fun and educational? Try simple food crafts together—it’s a great way to bond with your child(ren), have fun in the kitchen, and explore possible new foods at the same time! UNDER THE SEA: Shark Snack Cups from Mommy's Fabulous Finds Festive treat made with yogurt, jello, cool whip, graham crackers and optional gummy shark Shark Week Bait from Alex Daynes A lighter treat that includes popcorn, white chocolate chips, f ood coloring/sprinkles, Sixlet Candies, gummy sharks, and pretzel goldfish Candy Sushi from Happy Family Recipes Themed snack made with Rice Krispie Treats (butter, marshmallows, vanilla, Rice Krispie Cereal) Fruit Roll-Ups, large Swedish fish, mini Swedish Fish BEACH + ANIMAL THEMES: Beach Bear Dirt Cups from Made To Be A Momma Celebrate summer with pool inspired lounging! Ingredients include: Teddy Grahams, white chocolate pudding, milk, cool whip, graham crackers, gummy life savers Curious George Snack from Mess for Less (tip, Read a Curious George book to go along with this one!) Enjoy a book and a snack with this Curious George inspired snack! Ingredients include: Nutella, s liced bananas, b lueberries, r ice cakes Animal Tracks Snacks from Loreen Leedy Great snack for the outdoorsy kid who enjoys animals! You can use a variety of ingredients including: cheese, crackers, pretzels, cream cheese, almonds and pepperoni FOR THE NATURE LOVER: Nature Snacks : Edible Crafts for Kids - Parties With A Cause A large variety of snacks for nature lover of all kinds including all sorts of flora and fauna options! POPSICLES: Fresh Fruit Popsicles from One Little Project How to Make Fruit Popsicles with Real, Fresh Fruit Strawberry Breakfast Popsicles from Fraiche Living We can imagine all sorts of variations of this recipe! Start with the following simple ingredients: yogurt, fresh strawberries, milk (or your choice) lemon juice and granola Frozen Yogurt Banana Pops from Kalejunkie Such a simple, yet festive recipe that uses ingredients commonly found in the kitchen such as bananas, yogurt and sprinkes! FOOD IMPOSTERS: Pancake Donuts from Balanced with Babies Made with just two ingredients: pancake mix and milk! You will need a fun donut shaped mold for this recipe Breakfast Banana Split - Art From My Table Ingredients include: banana, yogurt, blackberries, raspberries, granola, mini chocolate chips Fruit Cracker Pizzas from Sunshine & Hurricanes Crackers + cream cheese + fruit! Watermelon Rice Krispy Treats from My Heavenly Recipes Festive treat to be shared! Made with butter, marshmallows, R ice Krispies, food coloring and chocolate chips
June 18, 2025
What is kyphosis? Can I prevent it? Can I address the symptoms? Can a physical therapist at the Pediatric Movement Center help? We'll answer all these questions and more it today's blog post!
June 17, 2025
Think your child is "just" clumsy? They may have Developmental Coordination Disorder, DCD, an infrequently known, but very treatable condition that affects 5%-6% of school aged children! Medical specialists, such as pediatric physical therapists, pediatric occupational therapists, and neurologists can help address the underlying nervous system and muscular issues contributing to DCD.
By Brian Snyder June 16, 2025
Bilateral Coordination
June 4, 2025
Exposing children to food through various activities like cooking, coloring and sensory play/projects enhances their understanding of food, leading to healthier eating habits. Try a sensory project, like making snacklaces!
Show More