North Laurel resident Lisa Kawata has joined The Arc of Howard County as Volunteer Coordinator in the Resource Development department. A native of Howard County, Kawata has 22 years experience as a community journalist with Patuxent Publishing Co. and the Baltimore Sun.

A recent graduate of the Leadership Premiere program of Leadership Howard County, Kawata is a founding member of the Southeast Horizon Council and has served as a volunteer with the Howard County Library and local PTA boards.

Other additions to the Resource Development department include Jennifer Caine, Events and Communication Coordinator, and Jessica Dalrymple, Fiscal Development Associate.  Caine, a Timonium resident, has worked in broadcasting and is a member of The Immaculate Conception School Board.  Dalrymple, a Columbia resident, is an assistant track coach with Special Olympics, where she has volunteered for 10 year. 

The Arc of Howard County was started by a group of parents in 1961 as an advocacy and support group.  From its grassroots beginnings, it has grown to become one of Howard County’s largest employers.  It provides housing, job placement, vocational training and a wide variety of individual and family support services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

For information, visit www.archoward.org, or call 410-730-0638.