Ark of Prince George's County outlines early-intervention, transition and mental-health supports to Disability Issues Advisory Board

Entuma Kamara, resource navigator for Project Live at the Ark of Prince George's County, told the Disability Issues Advisory Board on June 22 that the nonprofit provides “case management services to approximately 1,500 children ages 0 to 3” through the infants-and-toddlers program administered with the Maryland State Department of Education and Prince George's County Public Schools.

Kamara and Lauren Lewis, outreach coordinator for Project Live, gave a 45-minute overview of the Ark’s services, which include early-intervention supports, a JC Early Learning Center that serves 12 children ages 2 to 5 with on-site nurses and behavior support, an autism-waiver service-coordination role and multiple transition programs for older youth.

“Project Live connects young people between the ages of 16 and 25 with a mental health therapist,” Kamara said, describing a program funded through a five-year federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). She said Project Live also offers case management, referrals to a partner outpatient clinic (Synergy Family Services) and a small incentive program: clients who complete intake and three therapy sessions are eligible for a $25 gift card.

The Ark described Ready at 21, a pre-employment transition service for students 14–21 that focuses on work-readiness skills delivered in 10-session modules, and Ready for Advocacy, a fellowship that places 12 youth and young adults in leadership and outreach roles. Kamara also described Project Search, an internship pathway run in partnership with Andrews Air Force Base and Prince George's County Public Schools to support students in their final year of school into competitive employment.

On adult services, Kamara said the Ark’s programming for people 21 and older — funded through the state Developmental Disabilities Administration — includes Meaningful Day activities, Bridges (a program for people with complex medical needs that operates from a McCormick office and staffs two nurses), employment services, personal supports and transportation assistance tied to Metro Access cards.

Board members pressed for details. Miss Blackwell asked for Project Search’s age limits; Kamara said participants are typically 19–21 in their final year of high school. Members asked about wait lists; Kamara said the autism-waiver wait can span years, while Project Live’s connection time to a therapist was running “one to two months” but could be shortened now that an in-house therapist was hired.

A meeting participant, Natalie, described receiving in-home speech and fine-motor visits through the infants-and-toddlers program and praised staff commitment. Board members asked how the Ark could partner with Prince George’s County Public Schools to expand Families Involved in Transition; Ark staff said they host regular outreach sessions (including a parent session scheduled for July 14) and maintain email contact lists for event notices.

A policy question raised concern about a recent Department of Justice opinion memorandum affecting community-based services; Ark staff responded that the primary barriers families report are lack of awareness and funding, and urged more outreach, repeated information sessions and additional funding opportunities for community providers.

Chair Teresa Smith opened the meeting and emphasized the board’s role after recent federal oversight changes. The board did not hold a quorum and therefore could not conduct votes; members agreed to proceed with the presentation and to invite the Ark back for follow-up. The next meeting of the Disability Issues Advisory Board is scheduled for Aug. 18, 2026.

The Ark provided contact information, event flyers and QR codes for signups; staff said they would follow up by email with additional documentation and links.