Session D: Successful Models of Inclusive Housing

Located in Rockville, Maryland, Main Street is an affordable, accessible apartment building and a membership-based community center for people of all abilities. We provide a rich variety of social, cultural, educational and wellness programs in the building’s beautiful community spaces and around town. By creating a culture of kindness and possibility, and offering unique opportunities for community engagement, Main Street empowers people with and without disabilities to lead happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Sharon launched her career as an educator, with a master’s degree in early childhood special education, spending more than 10 years focused on children before pivoting into the world of entrepreneurship. Several adventures later, Sharon joined Main Street, where her role includes spearheading development, raising critical funds, and brokering creative and strategic partnerships. Sharon envisions and executes unique, memorable events and programs—including the Conversations Matter series and Bake with Sharon—and works with partners locally and nationally to advance advocacy efforts for affordable, inclusive housing.

Jillian Copeland was a public-school educator for several years before founding The Diener School in 2007 for students with learning differences. She was the head of school for six years and now serves on the board. Her latest endeavor, Main Street, is a joint initiative with her husband, Scott. Located in Rockville, Maryland, Main Street is a model and mindset - an inclusive and affordable apartment building and community center serving people of all abilities.

Sharon Cichy

Sharon Cichy
Chief Strategy Officer from Main Street Connect in Rockville, Maryland

Jillian Copeland

Jillian Copeland
Executive Director from Main Street Connect in Rockville, Maryland

Donna Budway is the director of Programming for Our Stomping Ground, a nonprofit located in Northern Virginia, which is dedicated to building inclusive and affordable communities and social spaces for people of all abilities. She has worked as a health educator, advocate and community builder in Arlington for over three decades. She serves on the Developmental Disabilities Committee of the Arlington Community Services Board and chairs the Arlington Autism Family Group.  Donna earned a Masters of Education in Community Health from Virginia Tech.

Donna Budway
Founder and Director of Programming and Community Outreach from Our Stomping Ground in Fairfax Station, VA