Testimonials

My time working as a Community Living Manager at Target Community and Educational Services, has been such a wonderful opportunity to experience! It wasn’t always easy, there were times where challenges would occur, but each and every moment has taught me something valuable. I gained many practical skills to use in any work force area while supporting these individuals with disabilities and managing a team of direct support professionals. As a single manager, in my first year in the program, I learned skills to be more effective with time management with both direct care and administrative tasks. With the support of my director, I was also able to develop better communication skills as it was very important, especially as a single manager. As time went on, my confidence in managing my participants and staff grew each and every day. This experience gave me further confirmation that this area of human services is where I am supposed to be! I have met so many incredible people through Target and working in this community. I take pride in having been through this program and hope to continue to take what I have learned into my future endeavors in the human services field. 

My time in the Human Services Management program, while working as a Community Living Manager at Target Community and Educational Services, has been nothing short of transformative. It wasn’t always easy—this journey came with its share of challenges—but each moment has taught me something valuable. I gained not only practical skills in supporting individuals with disabilities but also personal insight and growth that I hadn’t anticipated fairly quickly. This experience pushed me to be more grounded, compassionate, and self-aware. I walk away with a deeper sense of purpose and a sincere appreciation for the people I’ve worked with and learned from. I carry this experience with pride and hope to continue making meaningful connections and lasting impact wherever life takes me.

We are honored to write this letter in strong support of Target Community and Educational Services and the invaluable contributions their participants make through their partnership with Interfaith Works Essential Needs Center (IWENC). The individuals supported by Target play a vital role in helping us serve our community with compassion, consistency, and care.

Equally important is the profound impact that Target has on its participants. Through meaningful community engagement and skill-building opportunities, participants gain confidence, independence, and a strong sense of purpose. Their involvement not only enriches our organization but also supports their personal growth and empowerment.

At IWENC, we provide free clothing, home goods, and other essential items to individuals and families in need across Montgomery County. Our mission is rooted in community and meeting people where they are, and we rely heavily on the contributions of our volunteers to help us create a welcoming environment for all and keep our store organized and fully stocked for the people we serve.

Target Community and Educational Services has been one of our most dedicated and valued volunteer partners. Their team joins us twice a week and contributes significantly to our daily operations; helping to sort donations, hang and organize clothing, and keep our store space running smoothly. In addition, they recently offered to expand their volunteer activities by supporting our cleaning efforts, especially in the food pantry. This thoughtful initiative has helped us maintain our high standards of organization and care across all service areas and their contributions continuously help ensure that our clients can access the essentials they need with dignity and ease.

What makes this partnership so meaningful is the dual impact: while Target’s team helps us serve our community, the individuals they work with also gain real-world experience, build workforce skills, and grow in confidence. It’s a powerful example of how inclusive volunteerism can create meaningful growth and uplift everyone involved.

We are truly grateful for our ongoing partnership with Target Community and Educational Services and cannot overstate the value they bring to our center and to our mission.

Sincerely,

The Interfaith Works Essential Needs Center Team

I have worked with Adam T. in tandem with Target Community and Educational Services at my restaurant Potomac Pizza, for almost a decade now. I have seen Adam really grow and own his role on our team. Target has been there each day as he has built his own regulars in our dining room! The coaches are also part of our team after so many years working together. Their willingness to be part of our greater team operations has helped Adam get to where he is now. Target’s team members treat being in our restaurant as more than just a job. They care for Adam, our customers, and Potomac Pizza.

I got involved with Target Community because of the incredible individuals we serve. Their resilience and determination resonated deeply with my own vision, and I knew immediately that Target’s calling was where I could truly make an impact every single day.

Working here has transformed my life. I now have a profound sense of accomplishment knowing that my efforts contribute to transforming lives rather than boosting a for-profit bottom line. Every day, I witness the joy on our participants’ faces when they learn a new skill, land that job they’ve been dreaming about, or form lasting friendships with fellow participants and team members. Each smile and every moment of connection is a reminder of why our work matters.

The tangible benefits are undeniable—I’ve seen an improved outlook in our community, where the individuals we serve exude positivity, love, and support that you simply can’t find elsewhere. Supporting Target is more than just a feel-good experience; it’s a real, visible impact that you can see reflected in the faces of those we help, so powerful it sometimes feels like a warm, personal hug.

Working with Target Community has not only enriched my professional life but has also given me the chance to be part of something that truly changes lives. It’s a calling that transforms not only those we serve but also everyone who joins our mission.

I have had the pleasure in being a part of the Human Services Management program as a Community Living Manager at Target Community and Educational services. This program not only enables you to learn how to work with and contribute to bettering the lives of individuals with disabilities, but it teaches you about yourself. Through this process I have learned patience, humility, and gained the strength, determination and confidence that is needed to be successful. In the future, I hope to continue to make a difference in anyone’s life I may come across.

I have an unwavering belief in the importance of getting outside the classroom to pursue hands on, fulfilling real world experiences. The Target Community Living Manager (CLM) program offered me the opportunity to do just that. Crucial time management and organizational skills were cultivated while balancing classes and the responsibilities of managing a Target home. Sharing the CLM role with another house manager cemented the importance of effective communication and teamwork. But more importantly, Target embedded a mindset of helping others and this invaluable simplicity has been the backbone of my professional growth.

I had a wonderful experience in the CLM program with Target. I got to know a lot of amazing people and was able to gain extremely valuable skills working in the human services field. In addition, I was able to achieve my Master’s Degree Program in Human Services Management, and am very excited to continue my education by pursuing a Ph.D in Applied Behavior Analysis. My aspiration is to be a Behavioral Therapist, particularly for children with autism, and my experience with Target has been invaluable towards achieving these goals. It truly was an incredible experience that I will never forget.

I’m Sam Havighurst, President of North Carroll Community School in Westminster. We’ve been in operation for twenty years and have consistently valued creating a positive and inclusive work culture. About two years ago, we made the decision to hire Hunter DeMarcy as an instructional assistant for our PE program. After a chance encounter with Hunter while visiting Target’s offices, it became clear that his passion for working with students, combined with his love of athletics, made him the perfect fit for our school community. Although we initially had concerns about the logistics of doing so, given the requirements for working in a school setting, we were able to do so, and it’s been a positive experience for all parties involved.
Having Hunter as a part of our staff and community has been a huge benefit. His natural connections with students and his ability to form relationships with them are amazing. Having a staff member who our students with learning differences or disabilities can connect with and see as a role model has been a huge plus as well. Hunter leads by example each day and shows all those he comes into contact with the power of a positive attitude, perseverance, and never giving up on one’s dreams and aspirations. I’ve watched Hunter navigate relationships with other staff members and students, learn best practices for the classroom, and handle the unexpected that comes each day in a school setting.
He’s grown in his ability to teach, support, and enhance the experience of everyone in our community. He is now an integral part of what we do, and we can’t imagine him anywhere besides NCCS. For anyone who may be hesitant to work with or hire those with disabilities, I would encourage you to put your fears or skepticism aside and take a chance on the fantastic individuals who are out there.
The benefits of doing so will not only be evident for the individual you are employing, but for you as your business will surely benefit from all of the positive contributions that can be made. If you would like to discuss our experiences further, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’d love to chat with you over a cup of coffee about all of the potential benefits for your business by working with Target and individuals with disabilities.

I have had the pleasure of working as a Community Living Manager for Target Community and Educational Services. As a single manager, I have gained an immense amount of experience working one-on-one with clients having different abilities. I learned how to coordinate my time management skills working direct care shifts and completing all administrative tasks. My confidence grew managing clients and staff with the support of my directors. I take pride in creating an organized, happy, and safe home. Not only did I grow professionally within the company, but I have also grown personally. I feel enriched with all of the tasks handed my way, especially as an intern for the Behavior Management and Human Resources Committee. In total, this program has helped me to become knowledgeable in the human resources field. I am very grateful to have had this opportunity, but also to enrich the lives of the clients I served. This program is truly one of a kind!