About Essence Health Support Services
By honoring your choices and treating your journey with dignity, we build the path to independence and well-being through compassionate, dedicated care
A Developmental Disabilities (DDA) Provider
Essence Health Support Services is a licensed and approved DDA provider by the State of Maryland. We provide specialized support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Western and Central Maryland, ensuring they have the resources needed to thrive in their chosen communities.
Our Mission
At Essence Health Support Services, our mission is to provide high-quality, person-centered support that empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead lives of purpose, dignity, and joy. We are dedicated to celebrating the unique story of every person-nurturing the talents, dreams, and perspectives that make them who they are.
Our Philosophy
"At Essence Health Support Services, we believe that everyone deserves a life defined by their own dreams, not their diagnosis. We don't just provide care; we support you in choosing experiences that steer your life toward health and happiness as you grow and evolve. By nurturing everyone's unique abilities and honoring every personal choice, we create a community where inclusion, security, belonging, and independence are not just goals - they are the foundation of everything we do."
Our Approach
We don't believe in 'one size fits all' care. Our team works hand-in-hand with participants, their families, and their Circle of Support - including CCS coordinators and health professionals - to build a plan that honors every piece of a full life. Whether it's routines, safety, meaningful community roles, or leading an active and healthy life, we pay attention to it all. With expert advice and a genuinely compassionate spirit, Essence Health creates an environment where independence is not just an aspiration - it's a reality.
Why We Do It
"We're driven by the idea that life should be lived to the fullest, no matter the challenges. We don't just 'provide care' - we build bridges to the community. We believe a disability should never stand in the way of a great friendship, a busy social life, or chasing a new dream. Whether we are providing around-the-clock support in our homes or a helping hand out in the community, we are dedicated to showing up with excellence and a genuine respect for who you truly are."
Our Core Values
These are the promises we make to every participant and family we support.
We lead with kindness. Every interaction is rooted in empathy and a genuine commitment to the well-being of the people we serve.
We believe you are the expert on your own life. We respect your right to make your own choices, take risks, and define what happiness looks like for you.
We build trust through honesty and transparency. We treat every person with the utmost respect, honoring their individual rights and cultural backgrounds.
Everyone deserves a seat at the table. We work tirelessly to remove barriers so that the people we support can thrive in their chosen communities.