The Project ACT Advisory Committee is made up of community members and professionals who provide direction for the program.

Chris Ader-Soto
YMCA of Central Maryland

Paul Armstrong
PGRC

Darrin Frisinger
Johns Hopkins Bayview

Tresa Hanna
MSDE

Leslie Margolis
MDLC

Marisa Conner
BCPL

Linda Lilly
Community Representative

Mimi Wang
Delrey School

Dawn Baker
Woodbrook Early Education Center

Kelly Presnell
Y of Frederick

Morgan Durand Horvath, M.Ed., Director of Project ACT
Abilities Network Staff Liaison

Bonnie Mitrega
Judy Center Facilitator Magnolia Elementary School

Charlene Ridge
Family Provider- Baltimore County

Christina Peusch
MSCCA

Lavonne Taylor
Forest Hill Nature Preschool Director

Leslie Margolis
MDLC

Rebecca Lindsey
Judy Center Facilitator

Shalisa  Antoine
Family Provider- Baltimore County

Vickie   Kinsley
Family Provider- Cecil County

To learn about our Project ACT Advisory Committee opportunities, please contact us via e-mail or call 410-828-7700.

Trainings

“Wonderful ideas, gives you an incentive to try new materials or use a familiar one in new ways” – Child Care Provider.

“Our trainer was personable, believable, and good at presenting knowledge to us” – Shirley M.

“Best training ever!” – Stacie B.

“Lots of fun, moving around and discussions” Child Care Provider.

“How good the trainer interacted and explained with understanding how to build a great relationship with a child” – Hilda M.

Teachers Pay Teachers

“Simple social stories are hard to find. This [Social Story – My Friend] is a keeper” – Shellie Ann.

“Thank you for a great item [Social Story – I Can Use My Words] to use with my students! Highly recommended” – Marcia C.

“This [Intro to Inclusion] was so thought provoking. Especially saying this person has a disability, rather than this student is whatever disability they have. I have never thought about it that way. It is going to take some time to go over the slides but they have helped me so much so far. Thanks” – Buyer.

In regards to Cool Down Strategy Cards: “ I love the strategies this social story provides for students when they get upset. I read it to one of my social groups who are having issues with what to do when they are upset” – Buyer.

“[Cool down strategy cards is an] awesome tool for calming down in classroom and in public!” – Elizabeth P.

“Love these [Visual Classroom Schedule Cards]. I will be using them in my classroom this year. Thank you!” – Buyer. 

Behavioral Consultation Services

“I am highly impressed by this service and it helped our son and the aftercare program tremendously. Our specialist was wonderful and very knowledgeable” Parent.

“It was very obvious that [the inclusion specialist] truly cared about our son and we can’t express how invaluable the help was during some difficult times. To see how far [he] has come is amazing and it was a blessing for us to have had [her] as a partner in this journey” Parent.

“A sincere and heartfelt thank you for all your time and effort with [our son] (and us as his parents) this year. We have appreciated your steady presence, professional perspective and guidance in propelling [our son’s] learning and social growth. You played a pivotal role in helping launch [him] to success…and for that we are so grateful” Parent.

“This was a wonderful program for my daughter. [The inclusion specialist] set the stage before school began to ensure a smooth transition for my daughter where she could feel comfortable and be able to succeed” Parent.

“Project ACT held a meeting with [my son’s] teacher, the school’s director, and myself to discuss his progress and goals for the future. This was a very helpful meeting” Parent.

“[The inclusion specialists] provided a clear plan for how to help this little boy and after just a couple of months the child improved greatly…Thanks for all you do for us and the children” Director.

“Project ACT provided items to use in the classroom such as the visual timer [and] great strategies for teachers and the family to everyone is consistent….They explained what was going on in detail so that we could better understand the child” Teacher.

We appreciate the following program partners that provide funding to support our program and collaborate with us on various projects in the community:

  • MRDC – Maryland Rural Development Corporation
  • Play Keepers
  • JCC – Jewish Community Centers at Owings Mills and Park Heights
  • The Goddard Schools
  • Baltimore Community Foundation
  • Family League of Baltimore
  • Howard County Resource & Referral Center
  • The Delrey School
  • Baltimore County Department of Planning
  • John’s Hopkins School of Education
  • MSDE – Maryland State Department of Education
  • YMCA of Frederick County
  • Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation
  • Campfield Judy Center
  • Magnolia Judy Center
  • Krieger Fund
  • Mt. Washington Pediatrics
  • PACT: World of Care
  • YMCA of Central Maryland
  • Shemesh
  • Family Crisis Center
  • Bayview Preschool Programs
  • Baltimore County Birth to Five / Baltimore County Public Schools
  • Baltimore County LICC
  • Cherry Hill Coalition
  • Villa Maria
  • Cecil County Early Childhood Advisory Council
  • Maryland Out of School Time
  • Maryland Disability Law Center
  • National Inclusion Project
  • Harford County Department of Social Services

Interested in becoming a Program Partner? Contact us via e-mail or call 410-828-7700.

 

 

Autism Services - Meet our StaffAbilities Network takes pride in the important work of our dedicated and motivated staff. Their passion for our mission energizes our positive workplace. They are committed to providing high-quality support services to individuals and the greater community. This is the key to our success.

The Project ACT team is made up of Inclusion Specialists – all highly trained and experienced in working with young children. Our diversely trained professionals include people with backgrounds in a variety of areas, including special education, mental health, counseling and early childhood education. Our Inclusion Specialists have experiences as center directors, family child care providers, counselors, teachers and trainers.

Ongoing supervision of our Inclusion Specialists is provided by Director of Project ACT Morgan Horvath.

Families, child care providers and teachers know that often times a child may need a little extra help to thrive, but many do not know how to help or where to turn. Abilities Network’s Project ACT program can help with the following: on-site training for child care staff, individualized child observations and support planning, center wide coaching and mentoring to increase staff knowledge and skills, family support, resource and referral  services, and access to individualized services to facilitate the optimal growth and development of children.

                                            

The Child Resource Center of Baltimore/Harford/Cecil Counties at Abilities Network/Project ACT is excited to offer you support in all things related to early learning and out of school time programming.

Project ACT has been a leading support in the Maryland early learning community for 23 years. Our professional development opportunities have promoted and supported the inclusion of all children in their community settings. We are dedicated to working with child care providers and families to ensure that all children have access to a high quality early learning experience and quality out of school time programming. This is done through on site coaching, mentoring and training for child care providers and assistance with all aspects of setting up, managing and maintaining a child care program whether in a center or in a home.

With two convenient locations, the Child Resource Center has enhanced the list of trainings and broadened the scope of technical assistance in order to better support local child care providers in the Baltimore, Harford and Cecil counties.

CRC of Baltimore County                                            CRC of Harford/Cecil County
8503 LaSalle Rd                                                                3103 Emmorton Rd
Towson, MD 21286                                                           Abingdon, MD 21009

The Child Resource center of Baltimore County is open Monday through Friday. Typical office hours are 9am to 4pm. If you need to schedule time in the evening, please call (443)-900-6458.

The Child Resource center of Harford and Cecil Counties is open Monday through Friday. Typical office hours are 9am to 4pm. If you need to schedule time in the evening, please call (443)-761-0206. The office is closed every first and third Friday of the month. Every fourth Wednesday the office will close at noon.

For information or to register online for trainings through the Child Resource Center visit ANProjectACT.org

 

Abilities Network’s Healthy Families Advisory Committee meets quarterly and assists the program by acting as advisors for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of services provided, while supporting the mission of the organization.

Advisory Committee Members

Donald Schlimm
Baltimore County Local Management Board

Teresa Messler
Baltimore County Department of Health-Prenatal and Early Childhood Programs

Toni-Lyn Ambrose
Infants and Toddlers

Kimberly Roberts
Young Family Support Center

Tameka Jackson
Baltimore County Department of Health – ACCU

Phyllis Johnson
Community Assistance Network

Connie Stritmatter
Baltimore County Public Library

Maureen Creitz
Judy Center at Campfield

Vickie Sneed
TurnAround, Inc.

Kelly Wilson
United Healthcare

Rebecca Lindsey
Judy Center at Hawthorne

Margie Koretzky
Baltimore County Department of Health – Behavioral Health

Tomeaka Jupiter, LCSW-C, Director of Program Development/Healthy Families
Abilities Network Staff Liaison

To learn about our Healthy Families Advisory Committee opportunities, please contact us via e-mail or call 410-828-7700.

We appreciate the following program partners that provide funding to support our program and collaborate with us on various projects in the community:

  • Baltimore County Local Management Board
  • The Blaustein-Rosenberg Foundation
  • The Allegis Group
  • The Judy Center at Campfield
  • Wells Fargo Bank
  • PNC Bank
  • BB&T Bank
  • Baltimore County Savings Bank
  • Executive Cleaning
  • The Options Group
  • Private donors

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development supports HFBC through the Community Investment Tax Credit Program. If you are interested in supporting HFBC and receiving a tax credit for your Maryland state income taxes, then please click here to learn more.

Interested in becoming a Program Partner? Contact us via e-mail or call us at 410-828-7700.

The following are testimonials from past or current participating families in the Healthy Families Baltimore County program:

“I decided to participate in services to help my daughter get the help that she needs and to use the support they provide. Healthy Families showed me how to take care of my daughter, make sure that she was safe, and recognize signs she gives me so that I can meet her needs. It’s difficult to pinpoint an exact thing that I enjoyed most because the entire program is a continued experience of enjoyment. I am always learning something new. I would strongly encourage others to participate in the program and am grateful that I was introduced to Healthy Families!”

“I was in Healthy Families in another state before I participated in home visiting services here. The program has been phenomenal! It has helped me increase my knowledge about parenting and understand my daughter. I have built my self-esteem and confidence through my worker’s encouraging words. I have enjoyed the visits. My worker is very respectful and she always understands my point of view, as well as allowing me to view things from a different perspective. This is a great program and everyone should try it out and take advantage of its benefits.”

“The program sounded very interesting so I decided to participate. It has helped me to communicate with others and to become a better mom as well as a better person. I enjoy the weekly visits, conversations and education.”

“Healthy Families has been helpful because they have different groups you can go to and meet new people. They talk to you about different things as far as helping with children. I enjoy the activities for the children and also for myself.”

“Healthy Families came at just the right time. They have been helpful by sharing information about healthcare while I was pregnant and sharing information about the baby because it had been six years. I know the program is for the baby, but they are interested in my health, whether I’m happy or sad. I am very happy…I’ve gotten furniture and healthcare for myself and daughter. I know that if I need something I can call and ask a question.” 

Abilities Network’s Healthy Families Baltimore County (HFBC) program has been serving families since 1999. Our evidence-based home visiting program is accredited by Healthy Families America and partners with parents to provide individualized information and support that leads to positive outcomes for children and their families. Services are available to Baltimore County residents that live within specified areas and are provided regardless of whether the family includes a person with a disability.

Our goal is to help parents create supportive environments to ensure that:

  • Babies are born healthy – Parents who choose to receive services learn how to improve their chances of giving birth to a healthy baby.
  • Children grow up healthy – Families who participate in home visits obtain information about health and safety practices, as well as support with ensuring that all family members receive proper medical care and live in an environment that is physically safe.
  • Children enter school ready to learn – Home visitors provide early screening for developmental delays and support parents with teaching their children basic skills that help them succeed in school.
  • Families live in safe and stable homes – Parents work with staff to set goals and utilize resources to find housing, education and employment opportunities. Families receive support with developing and maintaining positive relationships in order to decrease incidences of child abuse, neglect and domestic violence.
  • Children and families live in supportive communities – Home visitors support parents with advocating for the needs of their families.  HFBC collaborates with other community service agencies to provide resources and information that will improve outcomes for all families.

We provide services to families that live within Baltimore County.

Parents who are expecting a child or have just given birth and live in Baltimore County are eligible for services. Families can refer themselves or they can be referred by another community service provider. If interested in making a referral, please contact us at 410-828-7700.

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