Adventures with Leslie: Advocacy
Advocacy starts with the individual. But when done well, it builds a community. As we close out 2025 and look toward a new year, I’ve been reflecting on one of my core leadership principles: Advocate. Most people think advocacy is something you do for others.But it’s first something you learn to do for yourself. I learned it long before titles or leadership roles, when I was a high school dropout trying to get my first job in business, working in a call center. No one was opening doors for me. So I learned how to knock. Repeatedly. Years later, I used those same skills to advocate for justice, I called persistently, following up, and refusing to be dismissed. Until a decision-maker finally listened. Two decades after one of the most terrifying nights of my life, that advocacy led to accountability. And ultimately, to freedom for others and additional felony convictions for the same perpetrator. Different arenas.Same skill. Advocacy transcends background, career, and context.What I learned in business served me in the justice system.And that same skill showed up again. This time for my sister, Leslie. Before Leslie came to live with me, she spent her days in a program where she was essentially warehoused. Sitting in a small room, watching television and doing word searches. I knew that couldn’t be the full measure of her life.So I advocated. Today, Leslie is thriving in a deeply engaged residential program, supported by direct support professionals who have become like family. Her days are full with activities, community events, celebrations, and connection. And in the process, my life has expanded too. I’ve come to know the DSPs who care for her—not just as professionals, but as people. We’ve celebrated birthdays, attended religious services, toured the Festival of Lights, gone to shows at Toby’s Dinner Theatre, and shared moments of real joy. They show up—even on their days off. They also handle the hard parts no one sees: illnesses, endless doctor appointments, grocery runs, emergencies, and yes—even a bedbug outbreak. This work requires patience, kindness, and extraordinary care. As 2025 draws to a close, I want to acknowledge every direct support professional caring for loved ones in our communities. The quality of care matters. How these professionals are treated and valued matters. It directly shapes the lives of the people they support. Richcroft Inc was recently named a Top Workplace by The Baltimore Sun, an award based on employee feedback. That didn’t surprise me. Advocacy doesn’t stop with placement; it continues in partnership, respect, and presence. Leadership isn’t just what you build.It’s who you’re willing to stand up for.And how relentlessly you’re willing to do it. hashtag#ResourcefulLeadership hashtag#DirectSupportProfessionals hashtag#AdventuresWithLeslie
Adventures with Leslie: Richcroft Appreciation
This week, The Baltimore Sun recognized Richcroft Inc as one of the region’s Top Workplaces — and I couldn’t be more thrilled to see this organization celebrated. For me, Richcroft isn’t just a nonprofit. It’s personal. My sister, Leslie, who is developmentally disabled, is supported by Richcroft. The care, dignity, and independence they’ve given her is something my family and I will never take for granted. I’ve seen firsthand what true commitment looks like, not just from leadership, but from every staff member who shows up with heart and purpose. That’s why I’m honored to serve as Chair of Richcroft’s Advisory Board and soon as Chair of the Host Committee for our annual gala. The mission isn’t abstract — it’s lived every day in homes and communities across Maryland. Top Workplace awards aren’t just plaques or recognition. They’re proof of something deeper: ✔️ a culture built on respect ✔️ teams that go above and beyond ✔️ leadership that puts people first ✔️ work that genuinely transforms lives Congratulations to the entire Richcroft team on this well-deserved honor from The Baltimore Sun’s 15th Annual Top Workplaces Celebration. As a bonus, I ran into a bunch of old friends, including Meisha R. Dockett ❤️ And thank you Richcroft from me, from my sister, and from the many families whose lives you improve every single day. And Trif Alatzas for this great event! Your work matters. And it shows. hashtag#leadership hashtag#service
Adventures with Leslie: Transformation
Adventures with Leslie Who’s ready for a Leslie update? Everywhere I go, people ask how she’s doing—and I love that you care as much as I do. Leslie is still rocking her signature style: frilly pastel dresses, the occasional leopard print, and making more decisions for herself. But not all of them. It took some convincing but her new favorite—VEJA velcro sneakers (both chic and life-changing!). The biggest news? When Leslie came to live with me, she was registered for her day program but hadn’t attended in years. She had spent every day in her room alone, watching television or listening to music. If you know Leslie, you know every suggestion starts with a firm no. Eventually, she warms up, but sometimes I have to help her take the leap.This was one of those times. We started small: one day a week at her program. Then two. Then three. Building slowly, celebrating each milestone—walking up stairs upright, learning to take a shower, saying please and thank you. None of it easy, but step by step, Leslie showed us all what persistence and courage look like. Recently, with the support of her Service Coordinator (thank you, Kyree Neal!), we moved her to a new day program at Richcroft Inc. This also started with a no but… The change has been transformative. Instead of of up to 50 calls a day out of boredom, Leslie now calls me smiling—and even a little tired from all the activities! Behind the scenes, programs like Community Pathways (Medicaid) make this possible. They cover Leslie’s healthcare, her residential and day programs, and the support services that give her dignity and independence. For the first time ever, Leslie even has her own savings account—an ABLE account—helping her pay for little joys like coffee outings, movie nights, and recently, her very first airplane ride to visit her brother. As I often remind my children: “How we care for the most vulnerable is a reflection of who we are as a society.” Leslie’s story is one of courage, love, and yes—resourcefulness. And I’m so grateful to share it with all of you. 💜
Adventures with Leslie: International Women’s Day
For International Women’s Day I’d like to recognize my sister, Leslie. Yesterday, we did what we do every month: a Target run. This is our tradition—stocking her up with snacks and coffee creamer (only the flavored kind—machiatto, vanilla). Shopping with Leslie is always an adventure. When Leslie first came to live with us, my kids were confused by some of her behaviors, especially when she didn’t say “please” or “thank you.” They didn’t understand. I chalked it up to the way we were raised—politeness was present, but grace was in short supply—and I gave her a pass because she’s differently-abled. But my kids? They didn’t let that slide. Sitting at the kitchen counter, having her meals, Leslie would ask for things like a fork or iced tea—but they insisted: “Say please.” When they handed her something, they expected to hear, “Thank you.” Leslie wasn’t avoiding these pleasantries intentionally, she just didn’t understand. Now she walks through Target, hands firmly on the cart as she breaks land records wheeling her way through the store, and says “Thank You” to every person she passes. Afterwards, we went to Starbucks for her favorite – a Frappucino. As I stood there next to her, it occurred to me that while there are moments of frustration (like when she drives the cart into my Achilles tendon), I feel a deep sense of gratitude. I know that Leslie might not fully comprehend the potential her life could have had, but I do. And I feel blessed that she’s here with us, teaching us more than we realize. I see the small moments: how people sometimes pull their children in when Leslie gets a little too close. I understand, but it still breaks my heart. Leslie might be oblivious to these small interactions, but I’m not. And what I’ve come to realize is that people like Leslie teach us the most important lessons of all—compassion and acceptance. So today, on International Women’s Day, I celebrate Leslie: my sister, my childhood best friend, and one of the kindest souls I know. She’s an amazing woman. And I’m so lucky to call her family. hashtag#InternationalWomensDay hashtag#Compassion hashtag#Acceptance hashtag#DifferentlyAbledInternational Women’s Day
Adventures with Leslie: Holiday Lights
Adventures with Leslie Leslie continues to live her best life! In the last few weeks, she visited the Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular with her roommates and is enjoying holiday festivities with family and friends. Her biggest focus, however…the Baltimore Ravens. A few weeks ago, she said, “Laura, the Ravens aren’t doing too good. I don’t follow football quite as closely so I just listened. “Justin Tucker needs to stay on his kicking.” I’m starting to think he’s her favorite. And today she proudly said, “the Ravens will be in the payoffs.” I often wonder how much people like Leslie really understand…her IQ is 59…but I think it’s more than we realize. I was able to combine her two favorite things in one gift: Wockenfuss, a Baltimore candy tradition, makes a Ravens-colored nonpareil. Her favorite candy and favorite team in one gift! It’s not about the price, it’s about the connection. I am wishing every one of you a peaceful and joyful time with family and friends. #AdventuresWithLeslie hashtag#UnlikelyFootballExpert hashtag#RavensPlayoffs
Adventures with Leslie: First Time for Everything
Adventures with Leslie If you’re wondering if it’s too late, you’re too tired, or too set in your ways to try something new, consider this: When Leslie came to my house sixteen months ago, she was taking the stairs on all fours. Today, at sixty-one, she took her very first flight. Over the last year, you’ve joined me on this journey of Leslie having many firsts, demonstrating extraordinary resilience: > first identification card> first time she said “I love you”> first time taking MTA Mobility> first time using an iPad> first time making decisions about what she enjoys All of this change has not been easy for her…in fact, it’s been very difficult, despite her persistent smile. When we started the conversation about flying several months ago, she said, “NO!” …in all CAPS. Today she is all smiles as she flies to New Mexico for a little time with other family members! I hope Leslie’s determination and joyful smile bring you a smile during this week of thanks!! hashtag#resilience hashtag#determination hashtag#gratitude
Adventures with Leslie: Update
Adventures with Leslie So many of you have asked about Leslie and I’m happy to share this update! She has so much to teach all of us! At sixty-one, Leslie has had many new adventures this summer: she’s been to Deep Creek with roommates, had her first-ever pedicure, visited HersheyPark, started doing her own laundry (thanks, Marlene) and signed up for Spirit Club, a social program for the differently-abled. She comes to my house for dinner regularly, and she brought a friend, along with Marlene, the best residential manager ever! Every time I make dinner for Leslie, I ask, “How is it?” And EVERY time, she replies, “I love it.” I haven’t heard that since I took my kids to Chuck E Cheese the first time. No matter how many new things she tries, she still most enjoys being with anyone in her family, and most of the time that’s me. I try to be creative in coming up with ways to spend the time together but the truth is that we could just sit and watch the news and she’d be happy. I recently joined her Wednesday night bingo game. I got to call the numbers and, during a gripping game where it took two dozen numbers to call a winner, I noticed her water bottle was looking a bit ragged. “Leslie, how about we get you a new water bottle.” “No, it’s fine,” she said. “But it looks like it’s falling apart.” I replied…it’s covered with dents and the dishwasher has taken a toll. “It’s fine.” Ok, case closed. I had a call the next day from Leslie letting me know I left MY water bottle at her house. It’s a Stanley that was a birthday gift from my son, chosen to color-match the interior of my car. “Laura. You left your water bottle here. Can. I. use. It.” “Yes,” I said. “But you told me you don’t need a new water bottle. “I don’t. Can I use this one.” Connection. More important than a water bottle. ❤️ Richcroft Inc Stanley 1913 hashtag#community
Adventures with Leslie: Sunglasses
“Laura. I need you to come and get me. I need sunglasses.” I thought this was just a ploy from Leslie to get me to visit her. I hadn’t been able to drive for six weeks and she wasn’t having it anymore. She wanted to come to my house and take care of me. When she couldn’t do that, she reverted to something she knew would work – a request. A new one. Never did I imagine Leslie asking for sunglasses. She barely set foot outside for decades. Leslie is in a great program. In the last few weeks, she’s been to the Great Blacks in Wax Museum, Hershey Park, and Toby’s Dinner Theatre. It’s a full life. But there is no substitute for the joy Leslie experiences in her family relationships. Every single person who regularly interacts with her, including her Direct Service Providers, is family to her. They are what she talks about. “Which rides did you ride at HersheyPark,” I asked. “The monorail. Laura, Conrad took a cruise. You should call him and talk about it.” And then she’d tell me about Conrad’s trip. Conrad works at her day program. Leslie’s joy is in being connected to family, and for her that includes community. She enjoys the other activities but it’s connection that matters most to her. That’s why I invited every member of our family to her recent birthday party. It was the first time she has been celebrated in years. I ordered pizza, dozens of balloons, and we made a cake. In our family, we always make our own cake – even if it’s from a box. Decorating it is half the fun. Family members who’ve barely spoken to each other in years all celebrated and smiled together. That’s the power of Leslie and of the special people like her in our community. They love everyone. I get big hugs from her roommates every time I visit. It’s lovely. hashtag#Community hashtag#Connection
Adventures with Leslie: Board Meeting
Adventures with Leslie Sometimes you don’t pick the cause, it picks you. When I took over my sister Leslie’s care, I had no idea what the future would bring. I was reeling from the impact on my career and family. Then, I quickly realized I hadn’t been working all these years for myself, I was working for the people I love. Leslie was very happy in my home, but I knew she needed care beyond what I could provide. She needed a place where she could be with friends and have a fuller life, in addition to being part of my family. The first time I took her to visit her new Richcroft Inc home, she already knew two of her roommates. They hugged warmly after not having seen each other for years. I knew right away that Richcroft was a special place. I am honored to share that I have been asked to chair Richcroft’s first-ever advisory board. It’s exciting to to bring my many years of experience in business and non-profits to an organization that is helping Leslie live her best life! I attended my first board meeting this past week. I’d already experienced first-hand how they are redefining care for Leslie, but here are just a few examples of their innovative approach: · Chef Manny Robinson explained how he was hired to go into the homes and teach healthy food preparation to the house managers. · A supported individual spoke about how her house manager was by her side every step of the way as she achieved her healthy-weight goals. · Someone from the day program shared his adventures kayaking, which I loved hearing because so many day program just house people like Leslie in buildings, without meaningful activities. At Richcroft, supported individuals are encouraged to live their best life, and employees are valued. It is a special place and I am honored to be part of it. Thank you, Kevin Drumheller!
Adventures with Leslie: Compassionate Care
Adventures with Leslie I got a call a few weeks ago, “Hello, my name is Kyle (name changed) and I’m looking for the representative for Leslie. I’m her new service coordinator.” Ugh. My luck had run out. When I took over Leslie’s care, I sifted through piles of documents from my mothers’ house, many were crammed in boxes and covered with layers of dust and debris, looking for clues to Leslie’s diagnosis and care. In 2016, we had tried to get Leslie removed from my mother’s house…the court filings were in there. I found healthcare records dating back to 1969, and a copy of every W2 for disability benefits over the years. One specific/generic letter came up over and over. They all start with “I’m your new service coordinator.” By my count, Leslie had fifteen service coordinators in fifteen years. Sometimes up to three in a year! But, since 2017, she has had the same person – Jeanne Gonzales. Jeanne was truly my partner in getting Leslie the care she needed. A service coordinator is someone – outside the family – who ensures the vulnerable in our community have access to support, service and care. As taxpayers, the care provided is a significant investment, and service coordinators ensure every person they serve is making the most of this investment. I did my very best to support my sister, but I could not have done any of what I did without Jeanne. She made great recommendations on programs, and she helped me find the perfect place for her. When Leslie went to visit her new home for the first time, Jeanne was there. She’s like family. Leslie loves everyone so I know she’ll love Kyle, but stable, compassionate care is what the most vulnerable in our community really need.
