History
In 1963 President John F. Kennedy called for a reduction of persons confined to residential institutions “…and there to restore and revitalize their lives through better health programs and strengthened educational and rehabilitation services.” This resulted in deinstitutionalization and increased community services for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
1967
Bobby Ann Nash of Stevensville and volunteer parents founded “Guiding Hands” organization to provide services to children with disabilities. Eventually, the new organization is named Chesterwye by combining the names of the two major rivers in Queen Anne’s County, “Chester” and “Wye”.
1968
Chesterwye volunteer Board of Directors recruited
Chesterwye Center awarded nonprofit tax exempt status
1970s
Chesterwye focuses programs toward adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as Queen Anne’s County Public Schools expands services to children with disabilities
In 1972, overcrowding and inhumane conditions exposed in “Willowbrook: The Last Disgrace” led to a class-action lawsuit (New York ARC vs. Rockefeller) filed that year against the State of New York by the parents of 5,000 residents of the Staten Island state school
1975
The Education for Handicapped Children Act of 1975—now called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)—signed into law, guaranteeing free, appropriate, public education for all children with disabilities in the least restrictive environment
Born just one year after the historic legislation of 1975, Harry Thomas (below), completed his education in Queen Anne’s County Public Schools. He has been employed for several years at a Queen Anne’s County grocery store.
Chesterwye opens Ringgold House, the first ‘alternative living unit’ in Maryland.
1979
Dr. Harry Rhodes, retired Superintendent of Queen Anne’s County Schools, officiated at the groundbreaking for a new day support building on three acres of land donated by Grasonville businessman Thomas Ewing in memory of his mother Katie Cray Ewing
Funds raised at the first Chesterwye Dinner Auction go to build Chesterwye’s private residences for adults with developmental disabilities.
1980
The new Chesterwye Center opens in Grasonville, with 22 adult participants. Some live with their family and some in homes operated through Chesterwye.
1984-2011
Chesterwye expands residential program to provide housing and support for 34 adults in nine neighborhood-based, accessible houses. Brian shows off décor he chose for his bedroom in the rebuilt Grasonville residence shared with three Chesterwye housemates. The original house was destroyed in an early morning fire at the end of 2016.
1988
Chesterwye’s custodial crew works nine contracts including at Kent Island Elks, VFW and American Legion, the Grasonville Moose, St. Peter’s and St. Christopher’s Catholic churches, Galilee Lutheran and Grasonville Methodist churches, the Maryland Marine Police and Stevensville Village Apartments
1990
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on July 26.
2008
New 2200 square foot addition opens at Chesterwye Center featuring a commercial kitchen, program space, medical suite and offices.
2018
New Chesterwye residence opens in Stevensville, MD in partnership with Queen Anne’s County government, featuring state of the art technology for adults with developmental disabilities who require assistance with physical and medical needs.
