The Freedom Center

Today is Election Day in Frederick County!

Your vote is your voice, and decisions made at every level of government can impact housing, transportation, healthcare, employment, accessibility, and community services.

If you're eligible to vote, make a plan to cast your ballot today. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

It’s Election Day, and every vote counts! 🎉 Polls are open from 7:00 am–8:00 pm today, so stop by your polling place and make your voice heard. Returning a mail in ballot? Today is the last day to do so. Use a drop box or get it postmarked by USPS before the deadline.

Today marks the 27th anniversary of the landmark Olmstead decision, a civil rights milestone that affirmed the right of people with disabilities to live, work, and participate fully in their communities.

The Olmstead ruling recognized that unnecessary segregation of people with disabilities is discrimination and reinforced the importance of choice, independence, and community living.

Just two years later, in 2001, The Freedom Center was founded to help turn the promise of Olmstead into reality for people with disabilities in Frederick and Carroll Counties. For 25 years, we have worked alongside individuals, families, and community partners to promote independent living, remove barriers, and expand opportunities for people with disabilities to live where and how they choose.

As we celebrate both the legacy of Olmstead and The Freedom Center's 25th Anniversary, we remain committed to advancing the principles of independence, self-determination, and full participation that continue to guide the independent living movement today.

IMAGE: Graphic celebrating the 27th anniversary of the Olmstead ruling. Large gold and white text reads "Celebrating 27 Years of the Olmstead Ruling" on a bold blue background with red and gold brushstroke accents. Supporting text highlights the right of people with disabilities to live, work, and thrive in the community, emphasizing choice, independence, and equality. The Freedom Center's 25th Anniversary logo appears in the lower right corner alongside the message, "The Promise of Olmstead. Our Fight Continues."

Happy Father's Day from The Freedom Center!

Today, we celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, mentors, and father figures who provide guidance, encouragement, and support to their families and communities.

Thank you for the many ways you help others grow, thrive, and achieve their goals. We wish all fathers and father figures a wonderful day filled with appreciation, joy, and time with loved ones.

IMAGE: Father’s Day graphic featuring The Freedom Center’s 25th Anniversary logo above the words “Happy Father’s Day” on a cream background with gold, blue, and red decorative accents. The graphic honors fathers and father figures and includes the message: “Thank you for leading with strength, loving with purpose, and building a better tomorrow.”

Today, we join communities across the country in celebrating Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and honors the resilience, achievements, and contributions of Black Americans throughout history.

Juneteenth is a time for reflection, learning, and recognition of the ongoing pursuit of freedom and opportunity for all.

In observance of the holiday, The Freedom Center offices will be closed on Friday, June 19. We will resume normal business hours on Monday.

We wish everyone a meaningful Juneteenth as we honor the past and celebrate the future.

IMAGE: Graphic celebrating Juneteenth with The Freedom Center's 25th Anniversary logo in the upper left corner. Large text reads "Celebrating Juneteenth" with the words Freedom, Resilience, and Community below. A Juneteenth flag waves across the lower half of the graphic against a light cream background with subtle sunburst rays and gold accents. Text at the bottom reads "June 19, 1865."

If you or someone you love is currently living in a nursing facility and would like to learn more about moving back into the community, we invite you to join our upcoming "I Want My Life Back" virtual support group.

This free session provides information, resources, peer support, and real-life success stories from people who have successfully transitioned from nursing facilities to community living. Learn about available programs, services, and supports that can help you regain independence, choice, and control over your life.

July 21, 2026 at 1:00 PM via Zoom
Register today: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/MucNyP4qRdaCILd5QmWOsw #/registration

Please share with anyone who may benefit from this information.

IMAGE: Flyer for "I Want My Life Back," a virtual transition support group for people with disabilities and nursing facility residents interested in community living. The flyer includes photos of two individuals with disabilities, a description of the program, monthly Zoom seminar dates, a QR code, and registration information.

🌟 Become a sponsor of Music with a Mission and help celebrate 25 years of impact by The Freedom Center!

On Friday, October 9, community members, business leaders, advocates, and supporters will come together for an unforgettable evening of live music, great food, and celebration — all in support of empowering people with disabilities to live independently and thrive in their communities.

Sponsoring Music with a Mission is a meaningful way to:
- Support disability inclusion and independent living
- Showcase your business or organization’s community commitment
- Connect with attendees from across Frederick and Carroll Counties
- Help sustain vital programs and services that change lives

The evening will feature live performances by Nashville-based singer-songwriters Taylor Teasley and Tori Hughes, a silent auction, buffet dinner, and more.

❤️ Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are available now: https://buff.ly/FTQU5dR

For sponsorship information, please contact Dave Drezner at [email protected]

And don’t wait to grab your tickets — we’d love to celebrate this milestone anniversary with you!

🌯 TONIGHT!!

Join us for a Chipotle fundraiser benefiting The Freedom Center, where every order helps support independence and opportunity for people with disabilities in our community.

TONIGHT- June 17
5–9 PM
Chipotle, 5223 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick, MD

❤️ 25% of event sales will go directly to The Freedom Center!

Order online for pickup using code X6Q8H4H
Or show this flyer in the restaurant: https://buff.ly/fIYhh6y

Grab dinner, support a great cause, and help make a difference in our community one burrito bowl at a time.

✨Be sure to add it to your calendar and invite your friends and family to join you!

Looking for ways to connect, celebrate, and support independent living this summer and fall? ☀️ Check out our latest Upcoming Events newsletter featuring Disability Pride events, cooking classes, voter education workshops, our Spring Carnival, and Music with a Mission—The Freedom Center's 25th Anniversary Celebration.

Read more: https://buff.ly/7cR5Bar



IMAGE: Graphic promoting The Freedom Center's Upcoming Events newsletter featuring the organization's 25th Anniversary logo and icons representing community events, Disability Pride celebrations, cooking classes, and fundraisers.

This is great information for families this summer! ☀️ The Summer Food Service Program helps ensure children have access to free, nutritious meals while school is out. Check out the schedule, find a meal site near you, and help spread the word to anyone who may benefit.