First and foremost, I must share that our success would not be possible without the incredible support of our broad community. From generous donors and dedicated volunteers to customized employers and passionate family advocates, each plays a vital role in driving our mission. This collective effort not only fuels our growth but also strengthens the impact we can make together. We are deeply grateful for the contributions of every person and organization that stands with us.While there were many reasons to be proud of what we did in 2024, there are a few highlights that I feel most excited about. In Westminster, Maryland, we expanded programming and services in Carroll County with the purchase of a new building and the renovation of an existing home. On June 6th, we acquired a new 7,500-square-foot office to house our operations team, fostering collaboration among Penn-Mar West employees and creating opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to engage with their local communities. Additionally, a former Change, Inc. respite home was renovated and integrated into our residential program, providing a beautifully furnished residence now home to several people we support.

Penn-Mar has also incorporated Assistive Technology (AT) into our services to help empower those with an IDD and allow them to enjoy greater independence. Led by Enabling Technology Manager Allis Kensing, our AT program and its lending library at our Far Hills location in New Freedom have been a massive success. The library allows our team to try out and see what’s the right fit for the people they support and then teach and share how to best utilize them. In fact, many of the people we support are already using some of these tools, and our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are always working to better educate them about how each item can lead to more autonomy.

Our DSPs remain the foundation of everything Penn-Mar does, and our organization wouldn’t exist in its current form without these incredible front line team members. To retain and recruit this vital workforce, we’ve raised entry-level wages significantly, well above the national average, while doing our best to position ourselves with additional investments in the future. Our success is further driven by our Career Ladders program, which has helped 117 DSPs earn credentials since 2016, with 90 more currently enrolled. This has led to an exceptional 86% retention rate, far surpassing the 50% national average, ensuring unparalleled support for those we serve.

As I mentioned at the start, these achievements are worth celebrating, but they are simply the next step toward new and unrealized success in the year ahead. And as with everything, that starts with our people and the vibrant culture we’ve carefully curated over many years.

Our goal is, and has always been, to have world-class leaders who align with our culture and embody Penn-Mar’s belief in the power of the people. Upon the retirement of one of our key leaders, Michael Mahon this past November, we welcomed Marvin Lee Pyles, Ph.D. as our new CFO. Marvin brings over 36 years of experience and expertise to the position and will be tasked with providing vital financial strategy for Penn-Mar. To help us continue to deliver our strategic messaging, I am also delighted to share that Jenn Hobbs, our fantastic director of marketing and communications, has been promoted to a new role as Penn-Mar’s Chief Development and Marketing Officer. Jenn is assuming many of the responsibilities from my friend and longtime collaborator Kathy Rogers. But Kathy isn’t going far, as she will now focus all her efforts on her position as executive director of the Penn-Mar Foundation.

Marvin, Jenn, and Kathy are among the hundreds of employees who have fully embraced our culture, which I consider to be the secret to our success. I have made it the central core of my role as CEO to focus on defining what it means to have a great, grounded, and dynamic culture. Team Members are encouraged to share concerns, ensuring they feel supported, valued, and heard. Penn-Mar’s coaching culture has evolved, empowering team members to address challenges and grow. Our Belonging Initiative has now become a fundamental part of who we are as an organization. My ultimate aspiration is to make Penn-Mar a place so special that the decision to leave is the hardest choice an employee could make. In fact, Penn-Mar’s culture was recognized in 2023 by employee engagement, culture, and analytics platform Kudos as a Culture Innovator in their Best Culture Awards.

Much of this has helped elevate Penn-Mar to being a leader in the industry, a responsibility we fully embrace. This includes supporting peers and consulting with other peer organizations to uplift and strengthen the entire community. While our primary goal remains focused on supporting those we serve, we are equally committed to the broader objective of advancing the field, ensuring meaningful progress for all.

Ultimately, we can’t lose sight of why we continue to strive for greater heights of success and never settle for “good enough” — the people we support. Our success is not defined by buildings, assets, or programs, but by the positive impact we have on the lives of the people we support. Each new day and every step forward are a meaningful contribution to our ongoing journey toward fulfilling our mission of improving lives and helping more people to Live Courageously.

On behalf of everyone at Penn-Mar, I thank you for your ongoing support.

Greg Miller, CEO

Penn-Mar Human Services

In the past fiscal year, the Foundation reached an important milestone with the formal conclusion of the Building Bold Futures (BBF) campaign. I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who supported this initiative, whether long-time friends or new partners. The success of the campaign isn’t just about the funds raised, but about what we can now do with these resources to make an even greater impact on the people we support and communities we serve. One notable example of this is our investment in assistive technology (AT) through our Empowering Technology initiative. Through the Foundation’s support, we’ve been able to fund new positions and resources that allow Penn-Mar to move more quickly and strategically in adopting technology solutions, without needing to wait for government funding or grants. The Foundation can take the lead in this space and ensure that Penn-Mar stays at the forefront of industry standards and best practices and continues to help the people we support find empowerment and greater independence. The accomplishments of this initiative also give us an advantage in future grant funding by showcasing tangible proof of our success. Another key area where the Foundation has made a significant impact is employee retention. Through our Career Ladders program, we’ve seen direct improvements in retention among Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). Now, through Foundation funding, we can expand this initiative even more to include a similar credentialing program for frontline supervisors, which is a critical next step in strengthening our entire organization. When employees have well-trained and skilled managers, they stay longer and are empowered in their roles, creating a better environment for everyone. As part of this, the Foundation is funding this new mandatory program, which will ensure that supervisors are equipped with the skills necessary to lead their teams effectively. The results? More engaged, skilled employees and stronger, more sustainable programs.

The Belonging Initiative is another example of how the Foundation’s early investments have paid off. This initiative was never meant to be a mere checklist of tasks, but a philosophy truly embedded into our broader culture and the underpinning of all our internal inclusion efforts. The initiative allowed us to gain outside funding and support by showing that Penn-Mar is committed to this transformative effort, leading to a ripple effect of broader engagement across the organization.

Looking ahead to the future, the Foundation is ready to continue its role as the strategic investment arm of for Penn-Mar. As we move forward, we will continue to focus on the impact of the resources we raise. They make a tangible difference in the lives of the people, families, and communities we serve. We are also focused on maximizing the potential of our resources and creating opportunities that drive our ongoing and growing goals. As Penn-Mar CEO Greg Miller is quick to point out, Penn-Mar has never been an organization that sits still or settles for “good enough.” Instead, we constantly look for more ways to serve our community and challenge one another to make the impossible a reality.

Moving forward, I will be dedicated to ensuring that the Foundation is not only growing but also that new services and programming are not hampered by financial constraints. With that in mind, I want to share a personal update. After much consideration, I have decided to step aside from my responsibilities as Chief Advancement Officer to focus fully on the growth and impact of the Penn-Mar Foundation. This will allow me to dedicate all my time and energy to supporting the strategic initiatives of Penn-Mar, ensuring that the Foundation’s resources are being used as effectively as possible to help the organization continue to grow and thrive. Overseeing the marketing and development efforts will be Penn-Mar’s Jenn Hobbs, the current director of marketing and communications. Jenn is assuming a new role as the Chief Development and Marketing Officer. I cannot imagine a more qualified successor than Jenn to take our outreach efforts to the next level.

I am deeply grateful for your continued support and belief in our mission. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of the people and families we serve, and I am excited about what we will accomplish in the years ahead.

Thank you for continuing to be part of this journey.

Executive Director, Penn-Mar Foundation
Chief Advancement Officer, Penn-Mar Human Services