Our Core Values

Hope

We believe in the power of hope to inspire change. By offering support and opportunity, we instill hope in the lives of those facing hardship.

Compassion

We are driven by empathy and the desire to alleviate suffering. Every action we take is rooted in care for those who need it most.

Empowerment

We believe in giving individuals the tools they need to rise above, foster self-reliance and sustainable standard of living.

Integrity

Transparency and honesty guide everything we do. We are committed to using our resources responsibly to maximize the impact on the lives we serve.

Collaboration

By working together with local communities, partners, and donors, we build stronger, more resilient pathways out of poverty.

Transforming Lives, Restoring Dignity

We support people with disabilities through person centered planning, respect, independence, dignity, assistive technology, residential services, and even rehab services, all while we empower and encourage self advocacy, support, and assist with daily living skills.

We Care About Doing What Is Right

At My Own Place, Inc., we strive to make sure that each person with an intellectual or developmental disability lives a life of dignity and empowerment. Our team is dedicated to creating dynamic environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported in their aspirations for independence. We believe all individuals should have the opportunity to determine what success looks like for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

A thorough understanding of environmental challenges, informed by rigorous research and direct community engagement, is essential for developing targeted and effective strategies.

Where Can I Donate?

What Donations Do You Accept?

How Can I Apply for Someone in My Life?

Do You Host Community Events?

Can I Schedule Recurring Donations?

Our Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is responsible for the overall policy and direction of the organization. They delegate responsibilities of the day to day operations to the Chief Executive Officer, approve the long range goals and the organizations budget. There are currently three self-advocates serving on the board to ensure a voice of those serviced, diagnosed with an intellectual disability, a developmental disability, autism, and down syndrome are heard and in keeping with our mission.

Ms. Scott is the Chief Executive Officer, Board Member and founder of My Own Place, Inc. She has over 38 years of experience supporting individuals diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the District of Columbia and Maryland.

Prior to the establishment of My Own Place, Inc., Ms. Scott spent fifteen years working with The Arc of the District of Columbia as the Director of Residential Services. In 2003, the Board of Directors of The Arc of the District of Columbia made her dream come true and she was asked to begin the work of establishing a new organization to transfer and support the individuals currently receiving community living services from The Arc of DC.

Kimberly A. Scott

Chief Executive Officer / Founder

Pierre Boehler was until recently a life-long resident of the Washington, DC area. He currently lives in Marblehead, MA. His brother Paul has been with My Own Place since 2004 and shares the Bellevue Street house in Silver Spring with two other gentlemen. Growing up with Paul gave Pierre an acute awareness of the special needs of people with disabilities, as well as their potential when provided with the proper resources.

Pierre received his BS in engineering from Cornell University and MS in engineering management from Catholic University in DC. He is the Subject Matter Expert for gas turbine technology for NRG Energy, with 40 years of experience in his field. NRG supplies electricity to the Texas grid and other grids around the country. As the corporate expert for his field, Pierre addresses “cradle to grave” issues from purchase and operation of new equipment through retirement.

Pierre Boehler

President

Mr. Williams has provided life skills counseling and employment career development to adults and youth. Mr. Williams is a Graduate of the University of Maryland with a B.A. in Criminal Justice. He went on to further is education at Bowie State University in the field of Guidance Counseling. He has held many positions such as Counseling Manager, Director of Career Services, Deputy Director, Program Director, and Center Director for various programs. He is an inspirational presenter, who has the ability to connect with the audience and deliver results to both our clients we serve and professionals in need of leadership development skills or motivational tools to inspire both themselves and others to achieve their own personal and management goals.

Fred Williams

Vice President

Arlene is an African American female who joined the Board of Directors of My Own Place, Inc. in 2009. In 2001 Arlene moved to a two bedroom apartment with My Own Place, Inc. She fell in love in 2017 to Richard Price and was married on May 22, 2021. The two live in Beltsville, Maryland

Arlene enjoys completing word puzzles, hook rugs that she likes to sell. In her spare time likes to travel, dance, bowl, play basketball and play the slot machines!

Arlene currently works for Aramark at Georgetown University. She has held this job for over 25 years and has received several awards for excellence and years of service.

Arlene Thompson Price

Director

William moved into an apartment with My Own Place, Inc. on September 2, 1999 and joined the Board of Directors of My Own Place, Inc. in 2016.

William enjoys watching television, talking on the phone with his family and friends and navigating sites on the computer and traveling with his friends.

William stopped working in the food service/janitorial industry in 2012 and is not interested in working any longer.

William Dawkins

Director

Bio Coming Soon

Emma Geiger

Treasurer

Mr. Swinson was born on March 20, 1979, to Elaine and Charles Swinson in Washington DC.

Mr. Swinson attended Avalon and Oxon Hill Elementary, Junior High and High School in Fort Washington, MD. After graduating from High School, Mr. Swinson started vocational training at Capitol Hill Supportive Employment Program. He soon began working for CHIMES at Andrews Air Force Base and has been employed with this company for approximately 19 years. He is known as a hard working, dedicated employee.

Mr. Swinson, in his spare time, enjoys playing video games, bowling, driving Go Karts, going to clubs, playing basketball on several teams in the Metropolitan area and traveling the world.
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Mr. Swinson is single and lives in College Park Maryland, where he has many friends and associates. He has been an active member of My Own Place Inc. Board of Directors since 2007.

Darryl Swinson

Director

Ms. Karen Marcelle is a Registered Nurse with over 30 years of nursing experience. A native of the United Kingdom, she began her nursing career at the Suffolk College. Ms. Marcelle has travelled extensively throughout Europe, living in Spain and Italy, finally settling in the United States in 1997. Karen moved to the DC metro area in 1999. Ms. Marcelle received her Master’s Degree in Nurse Education from Chamberlain University.

Karen served as the Director of Health Services for My Own Place for eight years. More recently, she has worked primarily in Community Health care and Public Health. Karen volunteers with several non-profit organizations that support the community. In her free time, Karen enjoys traveling and experimenting in the kitchen