The Freedom Center

09/26/2025

We’re excited to share this special milestone event from our good friends at the Southern Maryland Center for Independent Living - SMCIL!

SMCIL invites you to join us in celebrating 25 years of empowering independence! Their 25th Anniversary Gala will be an evening of community, reflection, and celebration as they honor this milestone and look ahead to the future of independent living in Southern Maryland.

SMCIL 25th Anniversary Gala

Friday, October 10, 2025
6:00 to 10:00 PM

Waldorf Jaycees Community Center
3090 Crain Hwy
Waldorf, MD 20601

Enjoy a semi-formal evening of dinner, music, dancing, and a silent auction!

🌟 Get your tickets before they run out! https://buff.ly/nhB63bX

You can also support SMCIL by spreading the word. Share this event with your network and help celebrate 25 years of empowering independence!

IMAGE: Save the Date flyer for SMCIL’s 25th Anniversary Gala. Event details: Friday, October 10, 2025, from 6–10 pm at Waldorf Jaycees Community Center, 3090 Crain Hwy, Waldorf, MD 20601. Design features dark blue background with sparkling gold and blue lights and a silver “25th Anniversary” emblem at the bottom.

09/26/2025

The Freedom Center was proud to be part of the In The Streets Festival in Downtown Frederick on September 13! 🎉 Our very own Darren Braun was out sharing resources, connecting with the community, and spreading the word about independent living. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn more about how we serve Carroll & Frederick Counties!

IMAGE: Darren Braun stands smiling behind The Freedom Center’s booth at the In The Streets Festival in Downtown Frederick. The booth features a white canopy, a table with brochures, red stress balls, and a large Jenga game. The table cover displays The Freedom Center’s logo and text reading: “The Center for Independent Living – Serving Carroll & Frederick Counties.”

09/25/2025

So many fun and welcoming activities this October!

We love seeing Frederick County Parks and Recreation, MD create free adaptive recreation opportunities where adults with disabilities can connect, get creative, and have fun together. Hope to see our community join in!

09/25/2025

If you’re a former federal employee with a disability looking to rejoin the workforce, don’t miss this webinar on October 7!

JOIN US FOR THE OCTOBER SESSION!
Are you a former federal employee with a disability looking to rejoin the workforce?

Maryland Works, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Disabilities, offers a monthly webinar series created just for you.

Join us on the second Wednesday of each month through December to explore employment resources and gain valuable insights into today’s job market.

The next session is on October 7, 2025, from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Don’t miss this opportunity to get the tools and support you need for a successful transition from federal employment to the private sector. Register now!

Click the link below to register:
https://events.mdworks.com/MonthlyWebinarSeriesAreYouaFederalWorkerwithaDisabilitySeekingEmploymentOct8 #/

09/24/2025

Spooky Fun for ALL!

Join Frederick County Parks & Recreation for a thrilling, self-guided Halloween adventure designed for individuals of all abilities!

WHEN: October 27–31 | During Park Hours
WHERE: Various Frederick County Parks
COST: Free | Register in advance ( #36850)

Each day leading up to Halloween, treats and surprises will be hidden along accessible trails. Registered participants receive daily email clues at 9 am to discover which park to visit. Don’t miss this inclusive, family-friendly event!

🎃 Learn more: 301-600-2936 | https://buff.ly/5eubVxa



IMAGE: Flyer with purple background, bats, and a spooky tree silhouetted against a full moon. Text reads: “Spooky Fun for All. October 27th–31st. All ages. Free. Register in advance #36850. Embark on an inclusive, self-guided adventure with hidden treats and surprises on accessible trails in Frederick County Parks.”

09/23/2025

MDYoungMinds offers free, inspiring text messages sent straight to your phone to support your mental health.

You’re not alone. Hope is just a text away.

Sign up at: buff.ly/Mt9DYvq

IMAGE: Smiling young person with curly hair, wearing a yellow cardigan and jeans, sits by a window using a smartphone. Text on the graphic reads: “Text ‘MDYOUNGMINDS’ to 898-211 to receive inspiring, caring, and hopeful texts right to your phone!”

09/23/2025

Big news for Maryland families! The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council and the Maryland Department of Disabilities just launched Playgrounds for All — a one-stop resource for inclusive play.

The new site includes:
- A statewide map of playgrounds with accessible + inclusive features
- A toolkit to help communities design their own inclusive play spaces
- Stories on why inclusive play matters for every child and family

"PlaygroundsForAllMD.org makes it easier for all Maryland families to find and create spaces where every child can play, learn, and feel welcome.” – Rachel London, Executive Director, DD Council

👉 Explore today: http://PlaygroundsForAllMD.org

LINK PREVIEW IMAGE: Logo with four circles reading “Playgrounds for All!” alongside the Maryland state flag, over a blurred background of an accessible swing set.

When playgrounds don’t exclude anyone, they can benefit everyone! Learn about inclusive and accessible playgrounds, access a toolkit and resources, and explore a map of inclusive and accessible playgrounds in Maryland.

09/22/2025

Join us for Music with a Mission—an unforgettable night benefiting services that help people with disabilities live independently.

Saturday, Oct 18 from 6–9 pm at Vanish Frederick.

Nashville singer-songwriters Taylor Teasley & Tori Hughes will perform originals and take live requests.

Tickets are $50 and include all-you-can-eat food and non-alcoholic drinks.

Only 100 tickets available—reserve yours today! >>> https://mailchi.mp/bf6fc45d0e88/freespacewednesdays-8333217

09/22/2025

🍴 Let’s Make Easy Meals: Mac & Cheese!

Join The Freedom Center on Friday, October 17, 2025 from 1–4 PM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Frederick for a fun and free cooking class. Together we’ll make Mac & Cheese with your choice of veggie — plus Apple Crisp for dessert!

Cooking in groups promotes collaboration, sharing, and confidence. Preparing a meal you can enjoy builds pride and self-reliance.

WHEN: Friday, October 17, 2025 from 1pm to 4pm (Please don’t arrive before 12:45)
WHERE: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1415 W. 7th St., Frederick, MD

✅ Register here: https://buff.ly/iFDUlrE

09/19/2025

ABLE is expanding! 🎉

Starting January 1, 2026, the ABLE Age Adjustment Act raises the disability age of onset for eligibility from 26 to 46. This landmark change will open ABLE accounts to over 8 million more people nationwide.

Learn more from Maryland ABLE: https://buff.ly/csg4Bg1

LINK PREVIEW TEXT: Man in a green hoodie smiling while seated in a wheelchair in a bright hallway with plants.

Learn more about how the ABLE Age Adjustment Act is helping millions of people with disabilities to open ABLE accounts for life-changing opportunities.

09/18/2025

Join us for the next Free Space Wednesday! Share, connect, and find support with The Freedom Center's virtual disability support group.

WHEN: Wednesday, October 1
WHEN: 1:00 PM via Zoom

This monthly group offers a safe and inclusive space for individuals with disabilities and their allies.

Register now! - https://buff.ly/mS0gpDL

Need more info? Contact Darren at 301-447-0279 or dbraun@thefreedomcenter-md.org.