Nonprofit Honors Parkvillians For Working With The Disabled

Two Parkville women were recently recognized for the hard work they put in with The Arc of Baltimore.

Kelly Bell and Nina Manuel were given awards during the nonprofit group's recent annual meeting.

Bell, who volunteers with Arc Baltimore, received the Arc Community Connections Award for the work she does helping people with developmental disabilities to attain greater independence and community involvement.

"Kelly has done everything from taking individuals to visit friends to arranging outings at the circus, Motor Cross, the State Fair, and even a Beach Boys concert," wrote Arc Baltimore spokesman Ray Weiss in an email. "She also is involved in The Arc’s Connections program, organizing dinners, dances, and other social activities."

Founded back in 1949, The Arc (formerly called the Baltimore Association for Retarded Citizens) works with more than 4,000 adults and children who have developmental diabilities, according to the group's website.

Manuel, an Arc Baltimore employee, was named direct support employee of the year.

"Working in a number of The Arc’s community houses, Nina makes sure the people she supports are involved in community outings and helps them host birthday and holiday parties," Weiss wrote of Manuel. "Last year, she even drove them all to Disney World for a week-long vacation."