Hello Makom Community, 

My name is Daniel Adams, and I currently serve as the Interest & Enrollment Coordinator at Makom, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I officially transitioned into this role in September 2024, though my journey with Makom began much earlier, in January 2023, when I initially joined as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) with the MOST program. This role marked the start of a deeply rewarding professional path, allowing me to foster meaningful connections and positively impact the lives of individuals with IDD. 

When I began as a DSP, I was immediately struck by the warmth, inclusivity, and commitment to personal growth that define the MOST program. The environment at Makom felt like home—a place where both staff and individuals are supported and empowered to thrive. This experience fueled my passion for working in the IDD field, and I quickly became deeply invested in my role. After nearly a year with MOST, I took the opportunity to expand my experience at the Kennedy Krieger Institute as a DSP and Job Development Coordinator. There, I focused on finding new job and volunteer opportunities within the community for individuals with IDD, helping them build new skills, gain independence, and achieve personal goals. 

Although my time at Kennedy Krieger was valuable and educational, I ultimately realized that my heart was still with Makom. The organization had become a second home to me, and I felt a strong desire to return and contribute in a more impactful way. This led me to apply for the position of Interest & Enrollment Coordinator, a role that allows me to leverage my experience and skills in alignment with my passion for empowering individuals in the IDD community. 

In my current role, I am thrilled to be back at Makom, directly contributing to our mission of empowering individuals with IDD. Over the past two months, I have been working to better understand the unique needs of those interested in Makom’s services and to identify ways we can continue to improve and innovate. One of my primary responsibilities is ensuring our programs are accessible and that potential participants can easily navigate the enrollment process. At the same time, I am looking for ways to strengthen Makom’s core values of integration, partnership, and advocacy—principles that have guided the organization for over 40 years.  

As I settle into this role, I am most excited about exploring new strategies for outreach and community engagement, ensuring Makom remains a champion for the IDD community. Our work at Makom is rooted in empowerment, and I am driven to support this mission in every way possible, whether through enhancing our intake process or identifying new ways to advocate for our participants within the broader community. 

Outside of my professional life, I have a strong interest in staying informed about current global affairs and the latest developments in science and history. I am always eager to learn new things and expand my knowledge. In my personal time, I am also an avid technology enthusiast, enjoying the challenge of building custom PCs for myself and friends, specializing in systems designed for video gaming and video editing. This passion for technology allows me to stay engaged with the evolving world of digital tools and innovations, which I believe can also be harnessed to support our individuals in unique and meaningful ways. 

Overall, my journey with Makom has been both fulfilling and transformative, and I am excited to continue contributing to the organization’s ongoing success. My experiences as a DSP and in other roles within the IDD community have given me a well-rounded perspective on the challenges and opportunities in this field. As the Interest & Enrollment Coordinator, I am committed to helping Makom continue its legacy of advocacy and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I look forward to learning, growing, and serving as part of this incredible organization.