Rock Creek Foundation

As humans, our dignity starts with the small things. One of our consumers recently received a weekender bag filled with new clothes and full-sized toiletries through our Community Closet initiative. What happened next? He got a haircut. He smiled more. He felt fresh. He started taking care of his new things — because they felt worth caring for. Sometimes, it’s not about grand gestures. It’s about showing someone they’re seen, valued, and deserving of feeling good in their own skin. At Rock Creek, we know that real support goes beyond services. It’s clean clothes. It’s shampoo that isn’t travel-sized. It’s the confidence that comes from feeling your best — and being treated like you matter. Because you do. 💙

🦋Maryland just passed Eric’s ID Law, allowing individuals with non-apparent disabilities (like autism, PTSD, or mental illness) to add a butterfly symbol to their ID. Why? Because in moments of stress — during a traffic stop, at an airport, in a crowded space — understanding can change everything. Named after 20-year-old advocate Eric Carpenter-Grantham, this law is about more than symbols. It’s about safety, empathy, and being seen. Rock Creek Foundation stands firmly behind legislation that protects, empowers, and honors the full dignity of those we serve — visible or not. Inclusion isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s quiet. Subtle. And powerful. Let’s keep showing up for everyone.

Today we’re celebrating one of our own — and the powerful legacy she’s building both inside and outside of Rock Creek. Sonia has been a beloved part of the Rock Creek Foundation family for years — serving with heart while pursuing her academic goals. Her recently defended dissertation explores lung cancer stigma and screening behaviors in African American women — a deeply personal topic inspired by the memory of her late mother, Cinderella Salmon. But Sonia didn’t stop there. She also founded The Cinderella Foundation, a nonprofit raising funds and awareness for lung cancer research and education in communities that need it most. At Rock Creek, we’ve walked with Sonia through her journey — providing the flexibility and support she needed to chase her dream without stepping away from the work she loves. And in turn, Sonia has poured just as much back into our community. From donating tickets for Cinderella Foundation’s Comedy Night fundraiser to our gala, to seeing Rock Creek staff show up in support of her cause — this relationship has been nothing short of a two-way street of love and purpose. Because at Rock Creek, we don’t just support people at work — we support them as whole people. When something matters to our staff, it matters to us. Congratulations, Dr. Salmon-Gayle. You are building a legacy that lifts all of us — and we’re honored to be part of the journey. 💙

Our care for our consumers doesn’t end when we clock out. It follows us into the streets. Into hearing rooms. Onto Capitol Hill. This week, Cheri — our Director of Developmental Disability Services — stood on the steps of the Capitol to protest the devastating cuts being proposed to Medicaid and DDA funding on a national level. She stood there not just as a professional, but as someone who knows what’s at stake when services are stripped away. Federal funding cuts don’t just hurt on paper — they ripple through lives. Recent discussions at the national level point to billions in potential cuts to Medicaid and disability services — including nearly $1 billion in funding losses for Maryland alone. It’s a one-two punch: first the federal blow, then the state is left scrambling to rework budgets that were already carefully negotiated. It’s frustrating. It’s disheartening. But we’re not backing down. We want to thank the Maryland lawmakers — and allies across the U.S. — who are working tirelessly to protect critical funding for individuals with disabilities. Your fight helps keep real support in place for real people. We see you. We stand with you. And we’ll keep speaking up — until every voice is heard. 💙

Not all disabilities are visible. But they’re all real. Just because you can’t see something doesn’t mean it’s not there. Disabilities don’t always look like a wheelchair or a cane—sometimes, they look like anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or a million other things you’d never notice at first glance. At Rock Creek, we’re here for the people who live at the intersection of disability and mental illness. The ones who’ve been misunderstood, overlooked, or told they don’t “look” disabled enough to need support. We see them. We believe them. And we’re making sure they get the respect, care, and independence they deserve. Because real inclusion means recognizing every disability—seen or unseen.

“You know, Rock Creek has been around for a long time—since 1973, actually. Back then, we were one of the first to provide community-based support for people with both developmental disabilities and mental illness. And here’s the thing: We didn’t just want to help people survive—we wanted to help them thrive. In those early days, there weren’t any state funds to support this kind of care, so we had to get creative and secure Medicaid funding ourselves. It was a game-changer. We were the first to offer private, fee-for-service mental health and psychiatric rehab programs in Maryland, and honestly, people took notice. In fact, in 1979, the President’s Committee on Mental Retardation recognized us as a “program of national significance.” We’ve always believed that everyone should have the chance to live independently and reach their full potential. And even though we’ve grown so much since then, that’s still at the heart of everything we do.”

At Rock Creek Foundation, we believe that real care goes beyond just meeting basic needs. Creating belonging means showing up for people, treating them with respect, and helping them create a life where they feel empowered, valued, and connected. We’re here to make sure that individuals with disabilities and mental illness have the support they need to thrive in their communities. Because real independence means feeling like you belong—and we’re committed to making that happen for every person we serve.

Rock Creek been helping people with disabilities for over 50 years! It's true, we have been around for a long time—since 1973, actually. Back then, we were one of the first to provide community-based support for people with both developmental disabilities and mental illness. And here’s the thing: We didn’t just want to help people survive—we wanted to help them thrive. In those early days, there weren’t any state funds to support this kind of care, so we had to get creative and secure Medicaid funding ourselves. It was a game-changer. We were the first to offer private, fee-for-service mental health and psychiatric rehab programs in Maryland, and honestly, people took notice. In fact, in 1979, the President’s Committee on Mental Retardation recognized us as a “program of national significance.” We’ve always believed that everyone should have the chance to live independently and reach their full potential. And even though we’ve grown so much since then, that’s still at the heart of everything we do.

“Making history isn’t the assignment — building a legacy is the assignment.” We were so honored to have Governor Wes Moore speak this heart felt message as we celebrated the Rock Creek Foundations 50th year. For 50 years we have built a foundation that centers around people-first service — and we couldn’t be more proud. For five decades, we’ve stood at the intersection of deep care, bold innovation, and real community. We’ve never followed the crowd — we’ve built new paths. Not because it’s easy, but because every person we serve deserves a future filled with dignity, independence, and joy. That’s the heart and soul of Rock Creek — and it’s what has made growth possible for so many. We also celebrate a milestone within our own walls: the leadership of President Najla Wortham — the first female and first African American president in Rock Creek history. Her vision, passion, and presence are a powerful reminder that when we lead with purpose, we build something that lasts. Here’s to 50 years of impact — and the legacy we’re still writing, together.

🚨 The Disability Community Is at Risk. 🚨 The U.S. House has passed a budget resolution that includes $880 billion in cuts, with Medicaid squarely in the crosshairs. The Senate could vote as soon as next week. Let’s be clear: A cut of this magnitude would be devastating to the disability community. Medicaid isn’t just a line item — it’s lifesaving support for millions of people with disabilities. It’s access to care. Housing. Employment supports. Independence. Dignity. At Rock Creek Foundation, we see what happens when people get the support they need — and what’s at stake when that support disappears. Now is the time to speak out. 📣 Contact your Senators. 📣 Share this message. 📣 Stand with the disability community. Because real care doesn’t cut corners — and we cannot afford to be silent. #FundDisabilitySupport #NoCutsToMedicaid #DisabilityRightsAreHumanRights #RockCreekFoundation #RealSupportRealLife