Penn-Mar Human Services

Penn-Mar supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in living courageous lives, whether that’s securing a job, being an active member of their community, building independence, or developing new relationships. We do this by supporting people on their own unique personal journeys. Penn-Mar provides an array of customizable services and supports to the Maryland and Pennsylvania regions.

Over 40 Years of Innovation.

Since opening in 1981, Penn-Mar Human Services has evolved to become the region’s leading provider of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Whether you’re a person we support, a family member, a team member, a volunteer, or a member of the community at large, our goal is to enrich every life we touch and support a life well lived.

In the last 40 years, Penn-Mar has grown exponentially, adding new and innovative programs to further support the people we serve. Yet we began as a very modest operation. 12 visionary families teamed up to help their adult children unlock new opportunities for independence, with a focus on community inclusion. Meeting on weekdays at the Maryland Line United Methodist Church, the initial budget in 1981 was just $2,000.

Today, Penn-Mar supports nearly 2,000 people a year with an operating budget of about $50 million, and multiple dedicated locations across Maryland and Pennsylvania, as well as numerous community living homes.