Down Syndrome group homes and community services in maryland

Comprehensive Care & Support for People with Down Syndrome in Maryland

View Admissions Process

Celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month

While we celebrate the Down Syndrome community all year long, October is officially Down Syndrome Awareness Month (DSAM). It’s a time to raise awareness of the abilities and gifts of our loved ones with Down Syndrome, and to advocate for inclusion and breaking down barriers. 

During this time, we shine a spotlight on people like Spike, Eric, and Kelly, individuals with Down Syndrome who are living rich, meaningful lives with support from Bello Machre. 

Through our Residential, Community Development, and Employment Services, we offer individuals with developmental disabilities the services, opportunities, and support they need to live full, independent lives.

Learn more and help spread the word by visiting the National Down Syndrome Society.

Dr. Robert Ireland and Spike Valway showing Spike's artwork on CBS Baltimore.

Spike Valway on CBS Baltimore

Spike Valway is an artist who will be featured in the documentary, Thriving Together, which focuses on resilience, talent, and inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Spike’s woodworking skills, kind spirit, and drive for independence make him a shining example of what’s possible when inclusion leads the way.

Watch Spike’s Interview on CBS Baltimore

Serving Individuals with Down Syndrome Throughout Their Lifetimes

Bello Machre Serves Individuals with Down Syndrome Across All Age Groups

Bello Machre provides seniors and adults with Down Syndrome access to community-based programs, residential group homes, and employment support for a lifetime of loving care. Our focus is always on the individual and their desired outcomes – not their diagnosis. Whether someone wants to learn independent living skills, secure employment, or participate in community activities, Bello Machre supports each step of the journey.

Group Homes for People with Down Syndrome in Maryland

Bello Machre’s Residential Services create safe, welcoming group homes for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ages 21 and older. Residents live in small households of three to four people, enjoying a sense of community while receiving live-in caregiver support. Our internal Nursing Department provides added support to ensure consistent, person-centered care.

Every home emphasizes independence, fun, and meaningful engagement. Residents share meals, pursue hobbies, and participate in community activities, while DSP caregivers provide guidance and encouragement. Families can trust that their loved ones are thriving in a home built on community, connection, and personal growth.

Residential Group Homes
Resident with Down Syndrome and her DSP embracing and smiling for the camera.
Individuals participating in community-based program showing off their crafts.

Community Development Services

Our community-based day programs offer adults with Down Syndrome and other disabilities the opportunity to grow, socialize, and explore the community in safe, structured group activities. Each day includes recreational, educational, and social activities tailored to participants’ strengths and interests.

With a 1:4 staff-to-individual ratio and transportation provided, CDS fosters independence while building confidence, friendships, and life skills. More than just a day program, CDS helps participants connect with their community and take meaningful steps toward greater autonomy.

Community Development Services (CDS)

Employment Services for Your Loved One with Down Syndrome

Our Employment Services guide adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in finding fulfilling jobs that match their interests. Through personalized coaching, hands-on training, and ongoing support, participants develop skills and confidence to succeed in the workforce.

Transportation support is provided through local transit options, and staff teaches strategies for independent travel. From first interviews to long-term careers, our team supports every step of the journey, helping individuals build pride, purpose, and independence.

Employment Services
Kelly Sigmon in front of her vendor table of home made bath bombs, sugar scrubs and more.
When Kelly Sigmon, who has Down Syndrome, realized she wanted to start her own business, Ashlie Pack, a Job Coach through Bello Machre’s Employment Services, helped Kelly get her company up and running. Through logo design, event planning, and overall business organization, Ashlie helped Kelly launch Kelly’s Homemades, which sells all-natural bath bombs, sugar scrubs, body butters, and much more.
Eric receives care from Bello Machre.

Person-Centered Disability Services for Individuals with Down Syndrome

Bello Machre believes all people deserve the services and support to enjoy a full, independent, rich life. Our Ray of Hope program helps individuals with Down Syndrome and other developmental disabilities bridge funding gaps in care plan funding, including therapies, adaptive equipment, and inclusive activities.

Bello Machre is Here to Help.

Contact Bello Machre to learn more about how we serve individuals with Down Syndrome.

Contact Us

FAQS About Our Services for Individuals with Down Syndrome

understanding services for adults with down syndrome

Organizations that support adults with Down syndrome help individuals live full, enriched lives. At Bello Machre, we offer community-based programs, residential group homes, and employment support to provide lifelong care. Specifically, we provide:

  • Community Development Services to support socialization and skill-building, with recreational, educational, and social activities tailored to participants’ strengths and interests.
  • Employment Services that align fulfilling jobs with individual interests, through personalized coaching and hands-on training. This includes transportation help, on-the-job assistance, and ongoing career support.
  • Residential Services that offer group home living environments that include assistance with daily skills (cooking, hygiene, budgeting), on-site support and supervision, healthcare and nursing, and access to community and employment support.

While both Community Services and Residential Services promote independence and quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities, each fulfills a distinct purpose. Community Services are designed to build skills in a community or public setting. Residential Services are designed to build skills and provide support within a group home setting.

At Bello Machre, our Community Development Services provide engaging day programs that combine learning, social connection, and recreational activities, with transportation included and a 1:4 staff-to-individual ratio that allows participants to safely explore the community while working on socialization and independence. Our Residential Services offer living opportunities in small communities of three to four people, where caregivers are available onsite to assist and provide opportunities for social connection, hobbies, building confidence and creating friendships.

Organizations that support people with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities typically offer a wide range of programs designed to improve skills related to daily living, socialization, employment, and self-care.

At Bello Machre, our programs provide targeted opportunities to build a variety of skills that help increase self-confidence and improve quality of life, including:

  • Work Skills: Interviewing and applying for a job, job expectations and workplace behavior, time management, following instructions, working with a team, and safely using public transportation.
  • Daily Living Skills: Personal hygiene, grooming, dressing correctly for work, weather and activities, cooking and meal preparation, cleaning, laundry, and establishing routines.
  • Financial Skills: Understanding how to budget, handle money, make purchases, plan for expenses, save and earn money.
  • Social Skills: Expressing needs, creating social boundaries, building friendships, and navigating community, social, and work settings.

residential and community living in maryland

Yes, there are residential group homes in Maryland that serve adults with Down syndrome and other intellectual or developmental disabilities. These homes are licensed and regulated by the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and Maryland’s Office of Health Care Quality. You can search for providers here.

Bello Machre currently operates 50 handicap-accessible residential group homes within Carroll and Anne Arundel Counties.

Bello Machre operates two local Maryland offices, one in Glen Burnie and one in Westminster. Our Residential Services program currently operates 50 handicap-accessible residential group homes within Carroll and Anne Arundel Counties.

employment support

Employment services support people with Down syndrome by providing personalized career support, including goal matching, skills assessment, aptitude analysis, interview coaching, job training, job transportation support, and ongoing help with job retention.

At Bello Machre, we provide dedicated community-based employment services that focus on individual interests, talents, and job aspirations. Our services help people with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities achieve meaningful employment and career success.

Financial Assistance and Specialized Support

Bello Machre’s Ray of Hope program provides funding to children & teens, adults and seniors with intellectual and developmental disabilities for a variety of needs, from specialized summer camp to physical therapy to adaptive equipment expenses. Since 2011, we have provided Ray of Hope funding to hundreds of Maryland-based individuals and families to help improve the quality of life of their loved ones with disabilities.  

Getting Started With Services

To begin the admissions process or apply for services for a loved one with Down syndrome, you can fill out this online form or call one of our local Maryland offices: 443.702.3000 (Glen Burnie), 443.821.3386 (Westminster).

Awareness and Advocacy

Down Syndrome Awareness Month takes place every October, with the goal of increasing public understanding and acceptance of Down syndrome. Every October, Bello Machre works to raise awareness of the abilities and gifts of our loved ones with Down syndrome, and to advocate for inclusion and breaking down barriers in local communities and beyond.

Last October, we celebrated Todd “Spike” Valway, a talented woodworker and artist who was featured on CBS Baltimore. With support from Bello Machre’s Community Development and Employment Services, Spike turns creativity and determination into opportunity, inspiring others to embrace inclusion and independence.

Learn About the Impact We Make in The Lives of People with Down Syndrome