A Perfect Match in Silver Spring

Even organizations focused on international work in countries like Colombia, Liberia, and India can find ways to get involved with communities right in their own backyards. For one Silver Spring-based NGO, the perfect match was just a town away.

Over the past five years, CHF International (CHF), an international development organization, has partnered with the ARC of Montgomery County, whose mission is to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Thanks to a determined manager, an eager worker, and lots of support along the way, a strong bond has formed between this unlikely pair.

Amanda Sperber, a young woman with developmental disabilities, began working part time with CHF in 2006 thanks to placement support from the ARC. Jim McGirr, CHF’s Administration Manager, became Amanda’s supervisor during just his fourth month on the job.

“Amanda has an acute attention to detail and incredible knack for organization,” said McGirr. “I quickly learned what an important asset she was to this team when she started flying through tasks that I thought would take her the rest of the day. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and I know that inspires other members of our team.”

Sperber’s roles include helping manage heavy filing workloads, sorting hundreds of year-end 401k statements, and other special projects.

“I like sorting & delivering the mail which is the first thing I do every day. I also like filing and scanning documents. I like making Excel spreadsheets with new business contacts for co-workers. I like helping people with different projects. I like organizing an event with my friends at work like going to Fro-Yo on warm days or Starbucks on cold days,” said Sperber.

Thanks to the connection kept strong by McGirr, Sperber, and Maura Solomon, Sperber’s Program Coordinator with the ARC, CHF’s relationship with the ARC has also led to furniture donations to the ARC’s offices and group houses, and a clothing drop off to ARC’s thrift store.

In February, the ARC recognized McGirr with a Distinguished Employer Award, presented to an employer who has made a significant contribution in hiring and assisting with the employment of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

 “It was an honor to be recognized by the ARC of Montgomery County,” said McGirr. “I know this will be a partnership that lasts for many years to come.”