Bello Machre Raises Pay for Direct Support Professional To $23.50 Per Hour

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MARYLAND - June 4, 2024 — Bello Machre, a Maryland-based non-profit organization offering a lifetime of loving care, guidance, and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities, announced a $3 hourly pay increase for Direct Support Professionals and Family Living Directors. This sets the starting pay for Direct Support Professionals at Bello Machre to $23.50 per hour. The pay raise will go into effect on June 10, 2024.

“Our Direct Support Professionals are the talented team members who make our mission possible at Bello Machre,” expresses Dr. Ireland, President and CEO of Bello Machre. “This pay raise is just a small way for us to convey what our Direct Support Professionals truly mean to us. We hope the pay adjustment brings all of our DSPs joy and relief as they continue to enrich lives every day.”

Direct Support Professionals are adaptable, expert problem solvers who are committed to enriching the lives of people with developmental disabilities through dedicated support and care. The Direct Support Professionals at Bello Machre appreciate how rewarding their work can be helping people build meaningful lives; an outcome made possible through hard work and patience.

The increase in pay for Direct Support Professionals comes amidst ongoing efforts of Bello Machre to show appreciation and support for all staff members.

In March, a new Health & Wellness Reimbursement Program was announced, allowing employees to purchase up to $250 in health and wellness-related equipment, supplies, or services. Employees will be reimbursed upon submition and approval of transaction receipts.

Bello Machre also rolled out an updated benefit package in April for benefit-eligible employees who elect to enroll in the organization’s medical insurance plan. The revamped plan included lower out of pocket costs, and updated coverage with more no-cost virtual providers.

About Bello Machre

Bello Machre, founded in 1972, means home of my heart in Gaelic. It is a non-profit organization with offices in Anne Arundel and Carroll Counties, MD, that provides a lifetime of loving care, beautiful wheelchair-accessible homes, and community support to people with developmental disabilities. Many of the people supported live in its 50 community homes located throughout Central Maryland as part of our Residential/Group Home Services.

Bello Machre also provides Personal Supports Services to hundreds of children and adults in their own homes. Respite care is an add-on service to Personal Supports during family hospitalizations, emergencies, and vacations. Our caring staff is available during this time for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Meaningful Day Services provide community-based day services, plus supported employment for people with developmental disabilities. The Hertha and Jesse Adams Ray of Hope Program offers assistance with expenses such as specialized summer camps, physical therapy, and adaptive equipment. Bello Machre is here to help, empowering people with developmental disabilities to live life to its fullest