Nonprofit Spotlight
Nonprofit Spotlight
Bay-Community Support Services (Bay-CSS) has provided personalized care to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the community for over 30 years. The organization’s programs suit the needs of each person’s goals, aspirations, and preferences. Bay-CSS tailors its care to foster independence and celebrate uniqueness.
Bay-CSS serves St. Mary’s, Calvert, Charles, and southern Anne Arundel counties and was awarded the “Best of Annapolis – Nonprofit Organization” Award from the Annapolis Award Program in 2021.
Bay-CSS provides a variety of services for adults with disabilities. The organization’s residential program provides 24/7 care in 13 agency-owned homes. The supported living program provides personalized drop-in care to individuals living in their own homes.
The supported employment program helps people identify, find, and maintain employment. Bay-CSS works with over 60 employers; 85% of individuals enrolled in the program are currently employed and 58% have also been employed at the same location for over five years.
The nonprofit’s two activity centers are hubs for learning and socialization. They focus on daily living skills, communication, and identifying and meeting goals and aspirations.
CEO Catherine (Cat) Raines, R.N., has transformed Bay-CSS since moving upward in the company. She focuses strongly on employee culture, thoughtful communication, and clinical training. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bay-CSS adapted its programs and operations to keep clients and the organization’s team safe. Human Resources Manager April Krauth remarked, “I really feel that it was Cat’s constant communication with the families and staff, and clear rules about PPE that kept us all safe during COVID. We were able to make it through all of 2020 and 2021 without any clients getting COVID!”
After Bay-CSS had to close its activity centers in March 2020, the nonprofit took action to combat negative mental health concerns. Virtual classes and activities were held on Zoom every day for all clients. The sessions included live fitness classes, interactive cooking classes, Spanish lessons, grant-funded inclusive art classes with SMCR, grant-funded environmental education courses with the Greenwell Foundation, music therapy, resume workshops, money management, and much more.
To fight burnout due to long work hours and short-staffing, Bay-CSS offered employees incentives, wage increases, bonuses, and shift bonuses. Bay-CSS prioritizes a healthy employee culture, since a stable and consistent team means more effective care for clients. To combat current inflation and increases in living expenses, Bay-CSS management approved a $4 per hour wage increase across the board for all employees. This makes the starting wage at Bay-CSS $18/hour.
The nonprofit accepts public donations through a variety of methods. The donations fund the services provided to people with disabilities. Bay-CSS accepts donations via check or PayPal, made directly on the company’s website. Donors can give while they shop by using iGive and AmazonSmile. Additionally, gift donations are appreciated; giving items mentioned in the organization’s wish list is recommended. Other giving methods include different types of bequests and trusts, gifts of insurance, and a charitable gift annuity. Learn more about ways to give.
Bay-CSS is currently hiring. Job positions vary from a few hours a week to full-time employment, with a starting wage of $18/hour. All positions require the completion of a background check. Bay-CSS is an equal-opportunity employer that values all employees equally regardless of their positions. A job application is available on the nonprofit’s website.
Visit the BAY-CSS website to learn more about the nonprofit.
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