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The Maryland Works Monthly NewsletterVolume 31, Issue 8 | August 4, 2026 | |
Letter to Readers from Kevin Armstrong | |
Dear Readers,
As we welcome the month of August, we have an opportunity to reflect on the values that strengthen our workplaces, our communities, and our relationships. August is recognized as National Civility Month—a reminder that respect, kindness, empathy, and understanding are more than simple acts of courtesy; they are the foundation of truly inclusive communities.
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Maryland Works' Blog
Maryland Works has added our first blog post to our website titled A Guide to Maryland Disability Employment Resources: Who Does What Across the State. In this installment readers can brush up on Maryland's network of organizations that work to help both employers and job seekers succeed, understand how they are connected, and how they can help you. Head over to the News section of our website to access the post. | |
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EWP Vendor Refresh for Community Service Providers
This event is by invitation only and mandatory for all active and eligible EWP CSP Business Partners.
🗓️ Date: October 21, 2026 📍Location: Hybrid | | | |
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CEO / Senior Leadership Roundtable
Save the date! Maryland Works is hosting another Roundtable to discuss important topics and strategies to help the community.
🗓️ Date: September 21, 2026 📍Location: Maryland Works Office | | | |
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17th Annual Employment Awards
This year's celebration follow's NDEAM's theme of celebrating value and talent. Nominations, registrations, and sponsorship opportunities are now OPEN! We hope to see you there!
🗓️ Date: October 26, 2026 📍Location: Marriott Owings Mills
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Maryland Works Job Board
Job seeking or looking to fill an open position? Check out our Employment Portal! Members and Vendors submit job openings, anyone applies.
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Upcoming Maryland Works Trainings | |
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SSI/SSDI Work Incentives August 19 from 9 am - 1 pm August 20 from 9 am - 12 noon (Virtual)
Learn More
| | Mastering Strengths to Achieve Success Training August 27, 2026 9 am - 12 noon (Virtual)
Learn More | | | |
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Providing Effective Employment Supports August 31, 2026 9:00 am - 12 noon (Virtual)
Learn More | | Creating a Meaningful Day August 31, 2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (Virtual)
Learn More | | | |
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Maryland Works Staff Highlight: Jill Kurzmann | |
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As the Maryland Works team continues to grow, we are once again excited to introduce one of our newest Contract Coordinators, Jill Kurzmann. As a Susquehanna University graduate having earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Public Policy and double minors in Chemistry and French, Jill is an exquisite addition to our team.
A lover of traveling, Jill views summer as the best time to visit new places, relax, and make new memories with family and friends. Jill’s favorite quote comes from Robert Collier, where he states, "Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." From her start, Jill has been showcasing the depth of which she connects to the quote. Just recently, Jill helped develop and standardize several contract administration templates and procedures that will make Maryland Works EWP processes more consistent and efficient. This accomplishment is one she is most proud of, as she finds it rewarding to contribute to improvements that will benefit the Maryland Works team long-term. | |
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Maryland Works Member Employee Highlight: Malcolm Johnson | |
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Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake focuses their efforts on preparing people to secure and retain employment and build successful independent lives. Through their employment services and high schools built for adults ages 21 and up, Goodwill’s righteous acts provide its clients “Not a charity, but a chance.” Malcolm Johnson, Goodwill client, was hired by Morgan State University to be a part of the Environmental Services after he completed his training. Now, Malcolm has a steadfast way to make a reliable income in a position he enjoys and is dedicated to. | |
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August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month. This neurodegenerative disease progresses and affects the motor nerve cells in muscles and the spinal cord. This month, the stories, wants, needs, and hopes of the SMA community are amplified to share the importance of finding a cure.
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SMA Awareness Month Resources | |
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Celebrated August 2 - August 8 | | | |
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Provider & Workforce Updates | |
Remembering Clarence White Recently, long-term business partner and community member, Clarence White, passed away.
White’s Janitorial has been a Business in the EWP program for over 10 years and has provided employment to many individuals with disabilities over the years. Clarence was more than a vendor. He was a valued business partner who
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supported our organization and contributed to our mission.
The Maryland Works team is grateful for the relationship we shared and his kindness. Please keep Clarence’s family in your thoughts during this difficult time. | |
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SUPRA in DC This July, Maryland Works CEO Mary Manzoni took to Washington, D.C. with her State Use PRogram Association (SUPRA) colleagues from Texas, West Virgini and Pennsylvania to represent Maryland Works and advocate for and inform lawmakers
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on the positive impact of State Use programs.
This trip granted a valuable opportunity for Manzoni to meet with multiple government officials and staff members from the state of Maryland, such as Congressman Johnny Olszewski, Jr, and provide a general overview of both state use programs and our company’s efforts and progress. Whether providing an introduction or an update on the matter, this visit signified a productive step toward educating lawmakers on the impact state-use programs have on individuals with disabilities, and our community as a whole. | |
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Member Cookout Thank you to our Members for joining us in celebrating our community, and to the Maryland Works staff for putting together such a fun Summer Cookout. | | | |
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Federal Legislative Update
Maryland Works members can find updates related to disability policy, employment, budget, tariffs and more.
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Apply Today for Partners in Policymaking® Partners in Policymaking® (Partners) is back for another year. The Council is excited to work with The Arc Maryland and People on the Go Maryland to make this happen. Are you ready to take the next step in your advocacy journey? Maryland’s Partners in Policymaking® program prepares adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), parents, and family caregivers to be effective advocates at the local, state, and federal levels. | |
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Humanim is now accepting referrals for abilIT, a free, 14-week workforce development program designed to prepare individuals with disabilities and veterans for careers in information technology (IT), cybersecurity, and other high-demand technology fields. Our first Central Maryland cohort begins September 8, 2026, in Columbia.
The abilIT program combines hands- on technical training with professional | | | |
development, career readiness, certification preparation, and individualized job placement support. Participants gain the technical and workplace skills needed to pursue competitive, integrated employment in today's growing technology workforce. Throughout the program, participants receive individualized coaching, resume and interview preparation, job search assistance, and follow-along employment supports for up to one year after graduation. | |
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Dear Provider Partner, As a member of the National CRP Survey Advisory Board, I am pleased to share information about the 2026 National Survey of Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRPs), led by the Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) at UMass Boston in partnership with the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR). I encourage your organization to participate in this important national effort This national study will collect important data on provider services, workforce trends, and emerging practices that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Your participation will help ensure that provider experiences are reflected in national findings that can inform policy and practice. We encourage the survey to be completed by a senior staff member who is knowledgeable about your organization's employment and day services, workforce, and operations. What to expect: · Approximately 25–30 minutes to complete · Complete the survey by Wednesday, September 30, 2026 · Save your progress and return later · Participation is voluntary · Responses are confidential and reported only in aggregate form Please see the Study Fact Sheet (also attached) for additional details. Take the survey: https://www.CRPSurvey.com/respond Thank you for your time and contribution to this important national effort. | |
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Dear Retail Partner,
Mark your calendars! Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week runs from Sunday, August 9 through Saturday, August 15, 2026! For one full week, qualifying clothing and footwear priced $100 or less (plus the first $40 of any backpack purchase) will be exempt from Maryland's 6% sales tax, giving shoppers a great reason to support local businesses like yours.
This year's theme is Save on Essentials and we want every participating retailer to be ready to make the most of it. GET YOUR MARKETING MATERIALS To help you promote the week and drive foot traffic, we've put together a full set of resources: - Participating Store Flyer — print and display in-store to show customers your store sells tax-free eligible items
- Official Campaign Flyer — the statewide official campaign flyer with dates and information
- Campaign Toolkit — ready-to-use social media graphics, captions, newsletter blurbs, and posting tips for your channels
- FAQ Sheet — answers to the most common customer questions about what qualifies
PROMOTE THE VIDEO CONTEST
This year, Marylanders can win up to $1,000 by entering the Maryland Tax-Free Week Video Contest, sponsored and administered by the Maryland Retailers Alliance in partnership with the Comptroller of Maryland. To qualify, entrants must post a video filmed at a brick-and-mortar Maryland retailer. This is a great way to spotlight your business as a shopping destination.
Entries are open July 15 – August 1, 2026. Full contest rules, eligibility details, and the entry form are available on the Comptroller's programs page: MarylandComptroller.gov/Programs. HELP US SPREAD THE WORD As a retailer, your voice matters most. Please help promote awareness by using the hashtag #ShopMDTaxFree and tagging @MDComptroller on your social media posts leading up to and during the event. The more retailers who join in, the bigger the buzz and the more shoppers walk through your door. Thank you for being part of Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week. Visit MarylandComptroller.gov/Programs for more information.
Sincerely, Office of the Comptroller of Maryland | |
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Maryland Disability Forum | |
Upcoming Voter Education Workshops | Empower your voice! Attend these voter education workshops tailored for individuals with disabilities and gain valuable insights into accessible voting options, your rights as a voter, and how to make sure your voice is heard at the polls. Knowledge is power—join us to learn, connect, and make a difference in your community! | | | |
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Want to Include Something in the Newsletter?
Perhaps you have an event coming up, job openings, or a success story you'd like to share with a wider network. Please submit your material to Ava Ortmeyer by the 20th of each month.
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