Community Works, a collaborative program of Maggie’s Light and the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities at Kennedy Krieger Institute fosters family/professional relationships and assists families caring for children with special needs in identifying caregivers for their sons and daughters. The program is funded in part by the Maryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene/Office for Genetics & People with Special Health Care Needs.

Family/Professional Relationships

The project focuses on partnerships between families of diverse backgrounds who are caring for children and young adults with special needs, and local colleges and universities, the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities, and other community agencies. The goal is to provide pre–professional training to college andgraduate students studying health and disability-related fields with the “Family Perspective”  throughout the state of Maryland. 

Together, we move education out of the classroom and into the lives of Maryland families. Students will gain hands-on experience through parent panel presentations and recieve field-related job opportunities caring for children and young adults in their local communities. Through such exposure, students develop sensitivities to the complexities of everyday life for families caring for children and young adults with special needs, and gain an appreciation for factors that may or may not bolster family resilience.

The parent panel presentations provide families with a platform to share their stories with students (professionals in training). They speak openly and honestly about what does and doesn't work and engage students in solution making.  It is a wonderful opportunity for students to hear from families about the lives of the population they will serve.

Community Works strives to initiate honest conversation between families, students, and professionals in programs and institutions, out of which awareness, understanding, and better systems of health, education, community, and family life might emerge to better serve children with special needs and their families.

Caregiver Registry

Community Works assists families caring for children with special needs and adults with special needs in identifying college and graduate students studying health and disability related fields to work as caregivers through the Community Works Caregiver Registry. The registry is free of charge to all users.

Families/Individuals

  • Post ad to request care and review student caregiver profiles
  • Hire individuals interested in the field
  • Receive the support you need

Students – Job Opportunities

  • Post your profile and review ads posted by parents:
  • Gain field-related experience, and enhance your resume
  • Develop new experiences and friendships
  • Earn $10 – $15 per hour

For more information, contact Mary Anne Kane Breschi at 443-923-7894 or KaneBreschi@kennedykrieger.org