Melwood Shines at the Nonprofit Communications Awards and CSR & Diversity Awards 

September 27, 2024

Upper Marlboro, Md.– Melwood, a leading national employer, advocate, and preferred provider for people with disabilities, was celebrated at the prestigious Nonprofit Communications Awards and CSR & Diversity Awards, hosted by Ragan Communications and PR Daily. 
 
Melwood’s Camp Accomplish collaboration with Children’s National Hospital, Curley Company, and Contrast & Co. won the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Communications award at PR Daily’s Nonprofit Communications Awards.   

The award recognizes the massive rebranding effort that transformed the identity of Melwood’s Camp Accomplish as a summer camp for children with and without disabilities into a summer experience for children with and without disabilities and chronic health conditions. The transition was necessary after Melwood joined forces with Children’s National Hospital to create a first-of-its-kind summer camp program able to accommodate children and teens who may have disabilities, be medically complex, or who want to share a summer camp with siblings and friends who live with unique conditions.    

 Melwood’s leadership also shone bright as Larysa Kautz, President and CEO, was a finalist for the 2024 Professional of the Year title at Ragan’s CSR & Diversity Awards. This nomination celebrates her visionary work in championing corporate social responsibility and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, both at Melwood and within the wider nonprofit landscape. 
 
“When you think about how people with disabilities have traditionally been treated, it is a story of exclusion and disenfranchisement,” said Larysa Kautz, President & CEO of Melwood. “Melwood is actively proving that people with disabilities are qualified and capable not just of working – but of earning promotions, advancing their careers, and participating fully in every aspect of society. This recognition is a testament to the tireless work of the Melwood team and our partners who are helping us build a world where people with disabilities are fully included.”  
 
The award ceremony held today in New York City, brought together communications professionals from across the country to recognize excellence in nonprofit and corporate social responsibility initiatives.   

About Melwood: Melwood is one of the largest employers of people with disabilities in the country, employing more than 1,600 workers – over 900 of whom are people with disabilities. Melwood offers job placement, job training, life skills for independence, and support services to more than 3,000 people each year in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Melwood also has an inclusive summer camp program for children and provides additional youth and community recreational services for individuals with disabilities. For more information, visit www.Melwood.org.