In this special, longer-than-usual episode of On Target Minis, host Matthew Ramsay is joined by Nelson (House Manager at Houck House), John Joseph (Community Living Director), and Gail Garland (end-of-life doula) for an honest conversation honoring the life of Tommy Zeller, a longtime Target residential participant who passed away on October 9.

The episode opens with the eulogy read at Tommy’s service—an intimate portrait of a Santa-loving, cheeseburger-eating, magazine-flipping original whose life reflects both the harsh legacy of institutionalization and the possibility that comes with dignity, belonging, and consistent support. From stories of Tommy’s joy in the community (and his legendary love of bands, sports, and the holidays) to a candid look at what it means for an agency to walk with someone through hospice and loss, this conversation explores the realities behind end-of-life care in disability services: advocacy in medical settings, supporting direct support professionals, and creating meaningful rituals of remembrance.

More than a tribute, this episode is also a practical resource—offering insights for staff, leaders, and families navigating grief and the responsibilities that come with caring relationships.

What does it take to build an organization where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to change lives every day? In this powerful episode of The On Target Podcast, host Adam Stultz sits down with Dr. Matthew Ramsey, President & CEO of Target Community & Educational Services, for an honest and heartfelt conversation about agency culture—and why it matters more than ever.

Dr. Ramsey opens up about the workshops he leads across Target, where staff share their personal and professional “whys,” revealing a deep, selfless commitment to service. Together, Adam and Matt unpack the core values that define Target’s culture:

✨ Quality – Doing every job well, from top to bottom.
✨ Grace – Allowing people to be human, show up authentically, and have hard days.
✨ Empathy – Seeing the spark in every person and meeting them where they are.

They explore how these values shape decision-making, reduce conflict, strengthen communication, and create a team aligned around one mission: enhancing the lives of people with disabilities.

Matt also reflects on the challenges of leading an already strong organization, the importance of innovation, and how culture drives the future of Target — even in uncertain times.

Whether you're part of the Target team, a nonprofit leader, or someone who cares about mission-driven work, this episode is a moving reminder that culture isn’t a slogan — it’s the heartbeat of an organization.

🎧 Listen now to discover why great culture doesn’t happen by accident… it happens because people choose it every day.

🎙️ Episode 6: “The Fight for Education — Why Access Still Isn’t Equal”

For decades, America has promised inclusive classrooms where every student can learn, grow, and belong. But for many children with disabilities, that promise is still out of reach.

In this powerful episode of The On Target Podcast, hosts Adam Stultz and Dr. Matthew J. Ramsey, President & CEO of Target Community & Educational Services, explore the history and heart of the fight for equal education — from the legacy of institutionalization to the laws that opened classroom doors for millions of students.

Dr. Ramsey shares the story of Tommy Spohn-Zeller, a longtime Target participant whose life represents both how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go. Together, Adam and Matt unpack:

• The evolution of special education and the impact of landmark legislation like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

• The difference between mainstreaming and true inclusion, and why equality means more than simply sharing a classroom.

• The critical role of advocacy, access, and culture in shaping opportunity for every student.

From powerful personal stories to honest reflections on policy and practice, this episode challenges us to see education as more than a system — but a promise of dignity, opportunity, and community for all.

🎧 Listen now to learn why inclusion is more than placement — it’s participation, potential, and power.

👉 Visit TargetCommunity.org

This is the first episode of our On Target Minis and today Dr. Matthew Ramsey is talking with Hunter. A participant from Target Community & Educational Services, Inc.

What happens when the systems meant to support individuals with disabilities begin to crack under pressure?

In this episode of The On Target Podcast, hosts Adam Stultz and Dr. Matthew J. Ramsey, CEO of Target Community & Educational Services, pull back the curtain on the growing challenges facing nonprofits today — from workforce shortages and rising costs to policy shifts and shrinking resources.

More than just service providers, nonprofits like Target are holding communities together — ensuring inclusion, independence, and dignity for people with disabilities.

But they can’t do it alone.

Tune in as we explore:

• The urgent pressures nonprofits are navigating in today’s climate

• The impact on individuals, families, and communities

• Why inclusion is not guaranteed — and what’s at risk if we stay silent

• How everyday people can step up and support the mission

This is a candid, urgent conversation about what’s really happening on the front lines — and why we all have a role to play in protecting the future of inclusive support.

🎙️ Episode 4 – From School to Community: Building a Bridge to Adulthood
What happens when the school bus stops coming?

For many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the transition from school to adulthood is one of the most critical — and challenging — chapters of life. Services change. Routines disappear. And families are left to navigate a confusing system without a map.

In this episode, hosts Adam Stultz and Dr. Matthew Ramsey explore what it really takes to make that transition successful. From the risks of “falling off the cliff” to the power of early planning and community-based supports, they share insights, real-life stories, and strategies for building a future filled with purpose and possibility.

Whether you're a parent preparing for what’s next or a community member who wants to help, this episode sheds light on the path forward — and how we can walk it together.

✅ Learn how Target’s programs empower young adults.
✅ Hear stories of real transitions done right.
✅ Discover how we can turn fear into hope — and uncertainty into opportunity.

Subscribe now to The On Target Podcast — where every story moves us closer to inclusion.

What happens when decisions that shape your life — your benefits, your support, your future — are made without your voice in the room?

In this powerful episode, Adam and Dr. Matt Ramsey explore the untapped potential of the disability community as a voting bloc and why civic participation matters more than ever. With over 60 million Americans living with disabilities — and millions more as family members, allies, and caregivers — this group has the numbers to shape elections, influence policy, and demand a more inclusive future.

But barriers remain — from inaccessible polling places to the overwhelming flood of misinformation. This episode digs into the roots of those challenges and offers real stories, historical context, and practical solutions for how individuals and communities can rise above them.

From the legacy of curb cutouts to the fight for marriage equality and self-determination, Adam and Matt remind us that advocacy is not a moment. It’s a movement.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your vote counts — or how to help others find their voice — this episode is your rallying cry.

Listen in and discover:

• Why the disability vote could be a powerful force for change

• The real impact of policy on daily life — from benefits to civil rights

• How advocacy happens in big moments and everyday interactions

• Why inclusion benefits everyone — not just some

💡 Take Action:
✅ Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it
✅ Register to vote — and help someone else do the same
✅ Visit TargetCommunity.org to learn how your voice can make a difference

Because when we show up together, our voices can’t be ignored.

🎧 Subscribe, share, and help build a world where every voice counts.

What happens when critical disability services are underfunded—or disappear entirely?

In this powerful episode, co-hosts Adam Stultz and Dr. Matthew J. Ramsey, CEO of Target Community & Educational Services, pull back the curtain on the real, human consequences of cutting essential supports. This isn’t about budgets. It’s about dignity, independence, and the future we choose to build.

Through firsthand stories and frontline experience, Adam and Matt explore the ripple effects of service cuts on individuals, families, and entire communities. They confront the myth that slashing services saves money—and reveal the hidden costs we all pay when society stops investing in people.

If you believe everyone deserves a chance to live a full, meaningful life, this conversation is for you. It’s raw. It’s real. And it’s a call to action we can't afford to ignore.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How service cuts devastate lives—and why the impact reaches beyond individuals

• The true economic and moral cost of neglecting people with disabilities

• What’s happening right now in Maryland and beyond

• Why investing in services is one of the smartest, most compassionate choices a community can make

Take action with us:✅ Share this episode.
✅ Visit TargetCommunity.org to get involved.
✅ Advocate for a world where no one is left behind.

Because real change starts when we refuse to look away—and choose to care.