Our History 

Since 1983, Target Community & Educational Services, Inc. has been dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through innovative, community-based services. 

 

The Beginning 

Target was founded by parents concerned about the quality and consistency of care their children with disabilities were receiving. They partnered with Dr. Donald Rabush of Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College) to create a service model supported by well-trained professionals. This led to the development of a Master’s in Human Services Management and the opening of Target’s first three homes in Carroll County in 1984. 

 

Growth & Innovation 

  • 1984–1990: 
  • Opened vacation program at Deep Creek Lake 
  • Launched Community Living services 
  • Introduced vocational training at Winchester Country Inn 
  • Began Supported Employment Program 
  • Expanded residential services to Montgomery County 
  • 1991–1999: 
  • Opened Sawmill Hollow Lodge 
  • Vocational Program accredited by Maryland DORS 
  • Began Apartment Program in Montgomery County 
  • Changed name to Target Community & Educational Services, Inc. 
  • Launched CSLA (now Personal Supports) services 

 

New Leadership & Expansion 

  • 1994–1997: 
  • Dr. Joel Macht named CEO, followed by Dr. Thomas Zirpoli in 1996 
  • Vocational Department recognized as Outstanding Organization by MD DORS 
  • Major office and program expansions in Carroll and Montgomery Counties 
  • 2000–2010: 
  • Apartment Program expanded to 17 clients 
  • Opened new homes and added accessible facilities 
  • McDaniel College presidents and faculty continued deep involvement 

 

Strategic Growth & Community Investment 

  • 2011–2016: 
  • Expanded training and recruitment efforts 
  • Purchased first owned office in Montgomery County 
  • Opened new William ALU and consolidated older homes 

 

Recent Milestones 

  • 2017–2022: 
  • Opened two new fully accessible homes, relocating all participants to Carroll County except those in the Montgomery County Apartment Program  
  • Strengthened leadership team and internal operations 
  • Completed Carroll County office addition with modern accessibility features 
  • Managed COVID-19 pandemic with strong safety protocols and six vaccination clinics 
  • Sold older homes and opened Kings View residence, completing a six-home rebuild project 
  • In 2022, Dr. Zirpoli retired, and Dr. Matthew Ramsey became CEO 

 

Today 

Target supports individuals across Carroll and Montgomery Counties through Residential Services, Vocational Programs, the Apartment Program, Personal Supports, and more. Every step in our history reflects our mission: to empower individuals with disabilities to live full, independent, and meaningful lives.