Arundel Lodge Main Campus in Edgewater | Photographs courtesy Arundel Lodge
When Arundel Lodge commemorates its 50th anniversary this year, the organization will celebrate its journey from a small residential program to a regional leader in behavioral health. Tracing its origins from humble beginnings, Arundel Lodge was founded in 1975 by a group of parents and community members in Anne Arundel County who were concerned about the lack of resources for individuals with mental health disorders.
Originally located in a small building on Renard Court in Annapolis, the organization created residential rehabilitation and day programs to provide support to individuals living with mental health challenges and to help them build essential life skills. Arundel Lodge moved to its current location (and main campus) in Edgewater in 2005. The organization, which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), served approximately 3,700 clients in 2023.
“We serve as a safety net provider for the community, and our staff is dedicated to providing the care and support that our clients need to lead healthy, productive lives,” says Kevin Hazucha, executive director and CEO of Arundel Lodge. “Raising public awareness and decreasing the stigma associated with behavioral health is critical to our mission. We take pride in the breadth of our services and our status as a trusted leader in the community.”
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission of “improving the lives of children, adults, and families impacted by mental health and substance use disorders,” Arundel Lodge has continued to grow and evolve throughout the years.
Executive Director Kevin Hazucha speaks to lodge patients | Photographs courtesy Arundel Lodge
Noteworthy Milestones
Arundel Lodge has achieved several milestones during its 50-year history. The following is a snapshot of a few of its accomplishments, which underscore its dedication to expanding its services for adults, children, adolescents, families, military service members, and veterans.
“Arundel Lodge is known for its strong commitment to providing comprehensive services to those in need—often those who are not served by others,” says Beverly Marcus, president of Arundel Lodge’s Board of Directors. “A dedicated, innovative, and passionate staff provides the care needed to improve the quality of life of those we serve.”
In 2008, the organization opened its Outpatient Mental Health Clinic (OMHC), which initially served 225 clients. The full-service clinic provides assessment of mental health and substance use disorders, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, and individual, group, and family therapy. In 2023, OMHC served 2,400 clients—a testament to the need for behavioral health services in the community.
Arundel Lodge established the Open Eye Gallery and Studio Program in 2010 to offer clients an opportunity to express their emotions through art and earn income. Artwork is for sale in galleries across the region and in Arundel Lodge’s gallery.
Another notable milestone is Arundel Lodge’s expansion of services for children and adolescents. In 2015, the organization established the Marcus Youth and Family Center. In addition, when Arundel Lodge received a grant from the State of Maryland in 2023, it launched the RAY Team (Rapid Access for Youth), which offers walk-in treatment services.
And in 2017, Arundel Lodge created the Service Members, Veterans & Families Program to meet the needs of veterans and their families.
Photographs courtesy Arundel Lodge
One of Arundel Lodge’s most significant milestones is the opening of its Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center in 2022. The facility, which is the first of its kind in Anne Arundel County, was funded by a grant awarded in 2021 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and is located in the Sajak Pavilion on the campus of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center.
“We’re extremely proud of this new facility, which provides immediate care to individuals experiencing mental health or substance use crises,” Hazucha says. “One of our goals is to expand crisis care and related services in Anne Arundel County.”
50th Anniversary Events
In honor of 50 years of service to the community, Arundel Lodge will host special events throughout 2025. Its 50th Anniversary Kickoff and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to rededicate its building will take place on January 17th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on its main campus. The event, which will feature speakers and light refreshments, is open to the community.
Arundel Lodge will host its Golden Anniversary Gala on June 28th from 6 to 10 p.m. at The Westin Annapolis. The black-tie-optional celebration includes dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions, and more. Tickets are $160 and can be purchased by e-mailing Carter Heim in the development office at cheim@arundellodge.org.
Photographs courtesy Arundel Lodge
“Our Golden Anniversary Gala will celebrate 50 years of innovation and expansion of programs and services,” Marcus says. “We look forward to continuing to fulfill our mission to improve the lives of children, adults, and families impacted by mental health and substance use disorders in the years to come.”
“Our motto is ‘hope reimagined,’ and it’s critical to our mission,” Hazucha adds. “Hope is an integral part of recovery. It enables our clients to move past their limitations and heal.”
For more information about Arundel Lodge, visit arundellodge.org or call 443-433-5900.
Special thanks to Carter Heim.
