Ability Network of Delaware

02/08/2026

02/03/2026

Meet Jazmyth. About a year ago, she was at the beginning of her recovery journey and terrified of the unknown. Today, she’s sober, employed, housed, and thinking about a future as a drug and alcohol counselor. Her story shows the power of resilience—and the impact of essential community support and resources. Community-based services and resources have allowed her to become an active contributor to the local economy and give back in ways she once received

Looming Medicaid cuts could mean fewer people get the same chance. Protecting funding for the essential services that people like Jazmyth rely on is critical for a healthy local economy and prosperous Delaware. It's essential—for all of us.

01/29/2026

“Steven’s performance was so impressive…he transitioned into an independent role successfully. He has expressed feeling valued and important—and that’s exactly what we want every person we support to experience.” – Quintella, Easterseals

Protecting Medicaid-funded services that provide job coaching also protects the local economy by allowing people with IDD to maintain meaningful employment and actively contribute to the community.

01/25/2026

Meet Steven. With support from Easterseals, Steven is an essential team member of the Laurel Police Department. His work brings him pride, independence, and community connection. Easterseals' support services are possible because of Medicaid—but right now, those services are at risk because of funding cuts. Protecting Medicaid means protecting people like Steven.

01/20/2026

Every year Ability Network of Delaware, our members and their families advocate for exactly what Ms. Shackleford, Ms. O'Rourke and Mr. Tull have shared in this Spotlight Delaware article. More.
More choice, more services and more funding so their children have what they need.

There are hundreds of parents of adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities who are simply afraid. Services like the ones these families desperately need more of rely on both state and Medicaid funding. The service system and the workforce cannot meet the needs of these families without bigger investments.

Parents of adults with disabilities describe the process of finding housing for their children as overly complex even while options can be limited.

12/23/2025

12/11/2025

Community-based services funded by Medicaid are a lifeline for thousands of Delawareans with disabilities, mental illness and substance use disorders. A.N.D.’s members who provide these essential services touch every community in Delaware.



They are essential for the folks we serve, their families, the professionals that make up its dedicated workforce and our state’s economy. They are Essential. For all of us!
Learn more here.

Ability Network of Delaware 100 West 10th Street, Suite 103 Wilmington, DE 19801 P: 302.622.9177 info@abilitynetworkde.org

12/09/2025

Ability Network of Delaware Launches Campaign to Protect Essential Medicaid-Funded Services


Click below to read our official press release.

Ability Network of Delaware Launches Campaign to Protect Essential Medicaid-Funded Services Rundown from a $1 Trillion Federal Medicaid Cut Could Devastate Delaware’s Community-Based Supports for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Mental Illness, and Substance Use Disorders W...

11/26/2025

On November 13th, A.N.D. Executive Director Carolyn Petrak joined healthcare leaders from across Delaware at a Medicaid Roundtable convened by Senator Marie Pinkney.

With significant cuts to Medicaid on the horizon, Delaware’s entire healthcare system is at risk. Community-based services — including supports for people with disabilities, serious mental illness, and substance use disorders — face some of the most devastating potential impacts. These are the essential services our members provide every day.

We’re grateful to Senator Pinkney for elevating this critical conversation and ensuring community providers have a strong voice in shaping the future of care in our state.

Read more about what Carolyn and fellow healthcare leaders had to say:

Healthcare officials came to Beebe Healthcare in Lewes Nov. 13, to discuss the challenges facing the industry in the wake of federal cuts to Medicaid. A part of this year’s federal budget known as the One Big Beautiful Bill calls for large cuts to...

10/06/2025

Medicaid is so much more than what you've heard. Think it doesn't impact you or your community, read on...

Thank you to Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay for partnering with A.N.D. Executive Director, Carolyn Petrak to spread this incredibly important message!

In July, Congress passed House Resolution 1, commonly referred to as the “Big Beautiful Bill.” The bill will be debilitating for our already struggling care economy.