Last updated: June 2025

 

ABOUT MAIN STREET

Mission Statement

To create dynamic opportunities through affordable, inclusive housing and community engagement so people of all abilities can live their best lives.

Vision Statement

A world where people of all abilities thrive together—are included, feel connected, and have abundant choices and opportunities.

Values

Integrity— trusting, ethical, moral, honest, authentic, fair, decent, just, open, transparent

Dignity— respectful, kind, compassionate, caring, honoring individuality, fostering optimism

Collaboration— sharing, inviting, engaging, communicative, cooperative, nurturing creative teamwork and partnership

Reliability— committed, consistent, dependable, steadfast, loyal

Excellence— holding high standards, professional, adaptable, distinctive, delivering sustainable and outstanding outcomes

Boldness— ingenious, innovative, original, courageous, resourceful

 

WAIVER OF LIABILITY

User hereby agrees that Main Street shall not be liable for injury to or loss of or damage to any property of User, User’s employees, or invitees, or any other person in or about the Access and Use Space, nor shall Main Street be liable for injury to the person of User, User’s employees, agents, contractor or invitees, whether such damage or injury is caused by or results from any cause whatsoever. User, as a material part of the consideration to Main Street hereunder, hereby assumes all risk of damage to property of User or injury to persons, in, upon or about the Access and Use Space arising from any cause, including Main Street’s negligence or the negligence of its agents, partners or employees, and User hereby waives all claims in respect thereof against Main Street, its agents, partners and employees.

 

CODE OF CONDUCT

Main Street is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all. To safeguard well-being and comfort, all residents, members, support personnel, volunteers, staff and guests are asked to behave appropriately at all times while on Main Street premises (building and grounds) and when participating in or leading Main Street programs and events. Expected behavior includes:

  • Acting responsibly, kindly, courteously and honestly and respecting the rights, dignity and worth of others
  • Demonstrating self-control, tolerance and cooperation
  • Abiding by Main Street policies, rules and regulations – This includes but is not limited to following proper safety precautions and practices and avoiding damage to or loss of any Main Street property.
  • No fighting, no harassment, no bullying (including physical and verbal abuse) or any menacing behavior toward any other person
  • No smoking in any Main Street community space or apartment

All are encouraged to immediately report any observed breaches of this Code of Conduct to Main Street Management.

Progressive Discipline Process

Main Street will make every reasonable effort to collaborate in correcting misbehavior at the lowest possible level of discipline and to support the learning of skills necessary to enhance a positive environment. In all instances, interventions or consequences for misbehavior will be reasonable, timely, fair, and match the severity of the misconduct. A progressive discipline process will be employed, including verbal warnings, probation, prohibition, suspension, or termination of membership and visiting privileges.

Main Street has the sole discretion as to which, if any, disciplinary actions will be taken in the event of a violation of the Code of Conduct. While an incident is being investigated, the membership or privileges of individuals accused of violating the Code may be suspended pending a final decision.

Grievance and Appeal Process

Members have the right to voice concerns and to appeal decisions related to Code of Conduct violations. A formal review and discussion of the remedy or penalty decision with Main Street Management can be requested in writing. Main Street management is committed to being responsive in resolving such disputes.

 

ABOUT MEMBERSHIP

Membership Levels and Benefits

Main Street is a membership-based community that celebrates people of all abilities. Main Street offers multiple levels of membership to accommodate different needs and interests. Details are available at mainstreetconnect.org/membership/

Community Access Pass

The Community Access Pass (CAP) is an optional add-on allowing certain members to access Main Street Rockville community spaces outside of programs. A CAP requires an in-person safety orientation and must be renewed annually. Details are available at mainstreetconnect.org/community-access-pass/

Member in Good Standing Guidelines

To remain in good standing all members are expected to:

  • Pay membership dues and fees on a timely basis (Those with financial need may apply for financial assistance as explained below.)
  • Complete required enrollment and intake forms
  • Adhere to Main Street policies as outlined in this document

Loss of Membership Privileges

Main Street reserves the right to suspend or terminate membership without refund for any reason including but not limited to the following:

  • Failure to pay membership dues and fees
  • Failure to follow safety precautions and practices
  • Failure to follow Main Street policies as outlined in this document

New Member Orientation

Main Street is committed to ensuring that new members feel welcomed, enthusiastic about joining, and are fully aware of all the ways their membership provides them with personal benefits. Main Street strives to demonstrate the value of membership from the moment a member begins an application.

New members must attend an orientation within their first 30 days which will help them understand Main Street’s culture and expectations.

Membership Status Changes and Termination*

Members must submit payment information at the time of enrollment. Payment will be collected automatically. Refunds will not be given for membership fees.

Memberships will auto renew until canceled by a member. Main Street requires written notice, by e-mail at least 30 days in advance, to change membership type or terminate membership. Annual memberships are paid in full upon enrollment and are not eligible for a refund.

New Main Street members may cancel their membership without penalty within the first 30 days of their membership. Cancellations must be made in writing by email.

*This section does not apply to UMD Plus One members. Refunds are not given for early withdrawal from this program.

Membership Dues Increases

The membership dues structure is reviewed regularly. Increases that occur reflect increases in operating costs and are made to ensure the ongoing quality of all offerings.

Main Street, at its discretion, may adjust membership dues no more than once in a 12-month period. Main Street will provide members with 30-days advance email notice of any increases.

Financial Assistance

Main Street strives to make its programs available to all regardless of an individual’s financial status. Main Street offers financial assistance to individuals who are not able to pay full fee for Main Street memberships. Financial assistance is based on current financial need and is reassessed annually for each member.

Please contact us using the contact form at https://mainstreetconnect.org/contact/ for further information. Application and discussions of need are held in the strictest confidence.

Individuals eligible for financial assistance will have a portion of their membership dues and/or event fees covered by Main Street on a sliding fee scale. Selected individuals may receive financial assistance for events.

Event Registration Fees, Cancellations and Refunds

Some special events may require an additional fee. Main Street reserves the right to cancel any event for any reason including insufficient enrollment or usage. Fees paid for cancelled offerings will be refunded in full. Main Street also reserves the right to change staffing or class instructors, as needed. Members will be notified of a cancellation.

Members are expected to notify staff in advance by email if they cannot attend a program. In the event that there is a fee associated with the program, refunds may be given depending on the amount of notice provided, as shown below:

  • 2 weeks or more notice – 100% refund
  • 1-13 days notice – 50% refund
  • Less than 24 hours notice – no refund

Any requested refund will first be applied against any delinquent balances. All refunds will be issued via the original form of payment.

Event Waitlists

Some programs or events have a limit on how many people may attend, and waitlists may be kept once the event registration is full. Members who are on the waitlist should not attend the program unless Main Street staff notifies them that they have been taken off the waitlist and given a spot in the program.

Photos, Videos, Screenshots and Recordings

By participating in our membership-based programs, community events, and activities (in-person and virtual), members agree that photos, videos, screenshots and recordings may be taken and may be used for community engagement and promotional purposes by Main Street Management.  If members have any concerns or wish to opt out, members should inform Main Street Management by email upon membership registration.

Members, support personnel and guests are prohibited from taking photographs, taking screenshots, filming videos or recording audio during Main Street virtual and in-person programs without explicit permission from Main Street Management.

 

ACCESSIBILITY

Bring Your Own Independence (BYOI)

Main Street’s philosophy of inclusion and social integration is based on the fundamental precept of “Bring Your Own Independence”. Members participating in Main Street classes, programs and events are responsible for doing so independently, either using their own natural abilities and independence skills or by bringing the supports they need (staff, friends, family) to attend with them. Main Street encourages members to bring with them whatever and whomever they need to help them fully access and enjoy the benefits of membership – spending time with friends, participating in engaging pursuits and going places. Members are responsible for coordinating their own transportation to all programs and events, whether at Main Street or another location.

Main Street provides trained and caring personnel to facilitate programs and ensure that members are engaged and gain from a wide range of activities. Main Street does not provide caregiving or support staff to meet individualized, customized, one-on-one needs. Main Street Rockville is not a Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) day center or a drop off facility and is not responsible for members when they are on Main Street premises or attending events. Main Street reserves the right to determine whether a member is bringing with them what they need to participate independently and to take appropriate action.

Support Personnel

A support person is defined as a Direct Service Provider or private-pay caregiver. Support personnel must abide by the Main Street Code of Conduct and all policies explained in this document. Support personnel must always be accompanied by a member while on the premises.

Pets and Service Animals

Main Street Rockville permits trained service animals that provide assistance to members, but does not allow pets in its public spaces.

Interpreter Support

If the services of an interpreter for the hearing impaired are required for an event, a written request should be submitted to Main Street management through our contact form at https://mainstreetconnect.org/contact/ at least 15 days prior to the event.

 

BUILDING INFORMATION

Building Access

Main Street Rockville premises are currently only open to members attending programs and events or for members who have purchased a Community Access Pass (CAP) and completed an orientation and safety tour. The current calendar of events is available at https://events.mainstreetconnect.org/.

Guests and prospective visitors who wish to visit Main Street Rockville must make arrangements by contacting our office through https://mainstreetconnect.org/contact/ or by calling 301-810-3199.

Entering the Main Street Building

Main Street Rockville has a virtual concierge system called Carson that members must use when entering the building for programs and events. As part of a new member’s orientation, Main Street staff will demonstrate how to use the virtual concierge. Members are encouraged to reach out to Main Street staff if they have any issues or concerns.

Dress, Grooming and Hygiene

Appropriate dress and grooming help create a positive social environment. Members, support personnel and guests have the responsibility to dress appropriately and to be clean and well groomed. They have the right to wear clothes of their choice as long as those clothes are appropriate for the Main Street setting, respect the rights of others and do not create disruption on the premises. Clothing may not be suggestive, revealing or indecent or bear inappropriate designs or advertising or offensive comments or language. Shirts and shoes are required at all times.

Use of Restrooms

Main Street Rockville restrooms are for residents, staff, volunteers, members, and authorized guests. Main Street Rockville provides gender neutral restrooms on the second floor for use by members and guests. Members who require the assistance of a support personnel are permitted to enter a restroom with their support personnel of the opposite sex or gender.

Food and Beverage

Main Street Rockville reserves the right to limit the consumption of food and/or beverages on its premises. Food, chewing gum and drinks are permitted in designated areas only. Glass containers are prohibited at all times. Water is allowed if it is in an enclosed, unbreakable container. Members are not permitted to bring their own alcoholic beverages to a Main Street program.

Solicitation

Main Street Rockville prohibits the solicitation, distribution and posting of materials on or at its building by any member, employee or non-employee, except with express permission from Main Street Management.

Smoking, Tobacco, Drugs, Alcohol

The Main Street Rockville campus (building and surrounding areas) is a smoke free, drug-free environment.

Smoking, using illegal drugs, possessing drugs or drug paraphernalia, or selling/transmitting drugs, and/or tobacco products is not permitted on the premises including exterior spaces such as entryways, patio and parking lots.

 

SAFETY AND SECURITY

The safety and security of the Main Street community is a top priority. To enter the Main Street Rockville building, all members, support personnel, volunteers and guests are required to utilize Main Street’s virtual concierge system or to be accompanied by a staff member or resident.

An internal notification system is in place that will allow staff to communicate and respond in the event of an emergency. Main Street Rockville has taken precautions to ensure safety and security that may not be explicitly noticeable (including, but not limited to emergency call buttons, safety drills, security rounds, staff training). Members are encouraged to share in the responsibility of alerting staff to any concerns or unsafe conditions.

Main Street reserves the right to exclude or remove any person from its premises and programs for any violation of the Code of Conduct or for jeopardizing the safety and well-being of other individuals.

Health and Wellness Policy

Main Street reserves the right to deny individuals who show any signs of illness access to its premises and/or programming. Individuals with a communicable illness (including but not limited to strep throat, conjunctivitis, head lice, ringworm, chicken pox, fifth disease, H1N1, COVID, etc.) should not participate in Main Street programs.

Abuse Policy

It is the policy and covenant of Main Street Connect to do everything in our power to prevent physical, emotional or sexual abuse against children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities who patron our facility or activities sponsored by our organization. We agree to be aware of our legal responsibilities and to comply with those responsibilities and go beyond those responsibilities when necessary to act justly in the best interest of those who have been abused or those who are most vulnerable to abuse.

Main Street Connect will implement orientations and training seminars for persons in management and employment who have direct or indirect contact with children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities. Our facility will screen persons in management and employment who have direct or indirect contact with children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities and will report all instances of abuse. Management and employees will receive ongoing training as designated in our facility’s employment and training practices.

Incident and Accident Reporting

All incidents, accidents, or serious violations of the Code of Conduct and of Main Street safety and emergency procedures will be investigated and documented by Main Street staff. Reports will be maintained in the Administrative Office. Incident reports will be analyzed on a regular basis to identify systemic concerns and trends and to formulate corrective actions.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Main Street‘s membership application and orientation process require members to voluntarily provide personal background information either through the Main Street website or in person. Main Street is committed to protecting this information and to using it wisely. Main Street will not sell, share or otherwise transfer members’ personal information to anyone without member consent.

Main Street takes precautions to restrict access to member information to employees authorized to have such access for business and programming purposes only.

No data transmission over the internet is 100% secure. Main Street cannot ensure or warrant the security of such information should members communicate with Main Street via email or phone.

This policy does not apply to member usage of unaffiliated sites to which the Main Street website links.

Technology Use – Video Technology and Camera Use

Main Street Rockville utilizes video technology to protect all persons on its premises. Cameras are installed in open and public spaces only and not in private areas such as restrooms.

 

SUGGESTIONS AND FEEDBACK

Main Street is always looking for ways to improve and ensure that its offerings are of the highest quality in meeting member needs. We encourage and appreciate comments and suggestions, which can be shared with Main Street Management by submitting a form at www.mainstreetconnect.org/feedback. This form can be completed anonymously, if preferred.

In addition, Main Street systematically collects programming and satisfaction data. Event surveys are common practice, and we also send out Member Experience Surveys annually to gather feedback from our community. At times, we may also reach out to our community with offers to participate in interviews and/or focus groups to capture more in-depth feedback on our approach.

The information that our members share provides Main Street Connect with important, real-time feedback which we use to continually improve our membership programs and services. Over time, these results will also generate knowledge about membership program effectiveness and will allow Main Street Connect to help us better understand and share the most impactful components of our model.