Making Dignity Visible: Bello Machre Raises Over $215,000

Being part of a community includes a home with neighbors, local employers, family and friends. According to its website, Bello Machre, a nonprofit organization serving Anne Arundel and Carroll counties, offers people with developmental disabilities the services, opportunities, and support they need to live full, independent, rich lives.

Nestled within residential areas, Bello Machre offers people with developmental disabilities a community that is rooted in loving homes. As the 35th annual Every Step Counts walk and bike fundraiser kicked off at Anne Arundel Community College on June 13, Bello Machre President and CEO Robert Ireland shared an important reminder.

“I often realize it’s not just the people we support that we serve. We serve their families — their moms and dads and grandmas and grandpas,” Ireland said.

Event volunteers David and Pat Menzel, parents of a Bello Machre resident, wanted to find permanent and thriving care for their son as they aged, yet they struggled to mobilize a plan.

“It’s a slow process because we don’t want to let go, but it’s inevitable that we (had) to,” David said as he shared how Bello Machre involved them in their son’s plan, especially during the transition into his new family five years ago. David fondly remembers the moment he could finally exhale.

“We were doing FaceTime with (our son) … and he says, ‘I am happy’ — and that … that alone is powerful. That is powerful stuff,” David said with a tear in his eye.

Stephanie Walder, another event volunteer, said she and her children have been treated like VIPs over the years despite having no family members with developmental disabilities.

“I’ve learned so much about how to treat and respect people with disabilities,” Walder said while sharing how Bello Machre emphasizes how important visibility is for human dignity.

The participation of volunteers, the support from local employers, the welcoming of neighbors, and the commitment of Bello Machre staff bring home a relatable point Ireland made about what community is — feeling seen.

“Visibility just makes people feel accepted,” Ireland said. “Isn’t that what we all want? It’s really that simple.”

Together with its sister event in Carroll County the same morning, Every Step Counts was made possible thanks to 35 volunteers who assisted staff members as they helped and greeted more than 450 attendees who came to walk, run, ride (even with motorcycles) or bicycle each route. Bello Machre and its 30 event sponsors raised more than $215,000 total. The nonprofit currently has 44 homes located in Anne Arundel County and four located in Carroll County. To learn more, visit www.bellomachre.org.