Strengthening Organizations That Serve Communities
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| CASE STUDY: The Arc of Maryland |
| The Arc of Maryland works to create a world where children and adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities have and enjoy equal rights and opportunities. With 12 chapters and 4,800 members throughout the state, The Arc of Maryland stands in the forefront of advocacy, education and empowerment for a segment of the population that is too often misunderstood and overlooked. The Arc of Maryland Executive Director Cristine Marchand is a dedicated believer in her organization’s efforts. But she wasn’t a believer in creating a strategic plan when her 24-member Board recommended it. Her association with Managance Consulting changed her mind completely. “I was always the type of person who just likes to get in and do things, and I thought it was just going to be a waste of time,” she said. “Now, I think it’s probably the best investment of funds we’ve ever used.” Cristine was impressed by Managance’s ability to get to know The Arc of Maryland’s Board members, several of whom are cognitively and developmentally challenged. “They really took the time to accommodate them and let them know that they were an important part of the process,” she said. “They know what they’re doing, but they also listened to us and were willing to make changes. They care about our mission and they want us to succeed.” During the process, Managance collected input from staff, Board members and more than 200 of its members across Maryland. Managance also conducted an extensive environmental scan projecting rapidly increased growth in the number of Maryland residents with cognitive and developmental disabilities. As a result, Managance developed a plan that not only guides The Arc of Maryland in realistic growth, but also establishes clearer communication links between its main office and chapters throughout the state. Managance also recommended a restructuring of The Arc of Maryland’s Board. The organization now has volunteer Ambassadors who represent their respective chapters throughout Maryland and act as vital links between the main office staff and its membership. The plan also outlines efforts to increase The Arc of Maryland’s visibility statewide. As a result, the organization embarked on a new marketing effort involving posters, publicity and a series of promotional events. “Managance had the skill to create a plan that is both workable for our management and exciting for our Board,” Cristine said. In return, the Board presented Managance with its own Certificate of Appreciation at a recent meeting. “We really are so grateful to them,” Cristine said, “and we just had to do something to show it.” |
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