Appalachian Crossroads

Appalachian Crossroads is a Garrett County nonprofit that helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live, work and spend their days as full members of the community. Its main office is at 39 S 3rd St in downtown Oakland, and its services reach individuals and families across the county.

Rooted in a Parents' Group

The organization began in 1975 as an informal gathering of parents of people with disabilities in Garrett County, with social groups, work crews and family support. It grew into the Appalachian Parent Association, which is still its legal name, and later took the Appalachian Crossroads name as the needs of the people it supports changed. Today it supports more than 110 people with a team of about 120 employees, including eight group homes in the county.

Services Offered

• Community Living: personal supports, supported living, recreation and respite
• Employment Support: supported and customized employment, grounds and custodial work crews, and a school-to-work program for students
• Day Services: day habilitation and community inclusion

Its employment support services are accredited by CARF and run from a branch on North 8th Street in Oakland.

How to Get Started

Start by calling the main office, where staff will talk through your options, set up a follow-up meeting and offer program tours. Residential and day services require eligibility through Maryland's Developmental Disabilities Administration, while employment services can also be funded through the Behavioral Health Administration or the Division of Rehabilitation Services, and high school students are referred through their school. The staff can help you through each step, since the process can take time.

If you'd like to support the work, the website has a donation page and current job openings.

Call Us!

• Website
• (301) 334-8449
• Email
• Facebook