Godfrey’s Farm 3^rd annual Blueberry Boogie 5K Walk/Run, to take place on Saturday, June 17^th, will once again benefit Benedictine. Last year’s event raised over $15,000 which included a matching gift from a generous donor that has pledged to match the funds raised again at this year’s race.

“The excitement from last year’s race was amazing!” commented Lisa Godfrey.“Working with Benedictine just feels right, because we can visibly see the impact each dollar raised has right here, locally. Students from Benedictine have been visiting our farm for many years. We love to see the excitement they bring and the kindness of their caregivers. This made our choice to support Benedictine an easy one!”

Last year, a generous Benedictine supporter pledged a matching gift and has once again pledged to match the funds raised in this year’s race. “We have supported Benedictine for many years and thought this was a wonderful way to give and bring recognition to both Benedictine and the partnership with Godfrey’s Farm,” commented Denise Kaczmarczyk.“We are so happy that Benedictine has been selected again as the beneficiary of the race and we look forward to seeing the results!”

Festivities at the event will include live music by Red Sammy, an American Folk Rock band, plus Godfrey’s homemade apple cider donuts and blueberry scones at the finish line, prizes and more. All race participants will receive an event shirt.

Registration starts at 8AM. Race begins at 9AM. Rain or Shine. Healthy Kids Run (10 and under) begins at 8:55AM.

Godfrey’s Farm is located in Sudlersville, Maryland. To register, please go to https://runsignup.com/Race/MD/Sudlersville/BlueberryBoogie5KRunWalk. Registration is $30 until June 1^st and then $35 after and on the day of the event. Sign up as a team of 5 or more and get a discount on all the registrations.

For more information about Godfrey’s Farm, please visit www.godfreysfarm.com.

Benedictine is a non-sectarian, nonprofit organization helping children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities and autism achieve their greatest potential. For more information on Benedictine and how you can support their mission, please contact Claudia Cunningham, Chief Advancement Officer at 410 634 2292 or Claudia.cunningham@benschool.org.

About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit organization supporting close to 200 children and adults with developmental disabilities and autism achieve their greatest potential and highest level of independence. Benedictine’s year-round educational program is one of only 26 nationwide to earn a two-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers employment and vocational services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, in the community and those who live in Benedictine’s group homes in Caroline, Talbot, and Anne Arundel Counties. Benedictine’s Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it serves to enter the workforce and collaborates with the collaborates with the Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Caroline and Dorchester County public schools to provide services to their students through the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) Program. Benedictine is one of the Eastern Shore’s largest employers with over 350 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

Benedictine celebrated the winner and all the nominees of the distinguished Sister Jeannette award during a luncheon earlier this spring. The award was established in 2012 by the Benedictine Board of Directors in honor of Sister Jeannette, who served as Benedictine’s leader for over 30 years. The annual award recognizes an employee who exemplifies Benedictine’s values of Hospitality, Dignity of Work and Compassionate Caring.

This year’s award was given to Sharon Walbert, Adult Services House Counselor. Among the long list of accolades, it was noted that she works tirelessly to provide the adults she supports with opportunities to increase their skills, to be involved in the community, to stay connected with their families, and to be as independent as possible. Sharon works at several of Benedictine’s 18 adult group homes and she willingly fills in for night shifts when needed.

Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director, commented at the award luncheon, “This is truly one of my favorite things to do at Benedictine as it provides an opportunity to stop and reflect on the incredible work that is being done here every day. We celebrate those that go above and beyond in making a difference in the lives of the students and adults living with developmental disabilities and autism. I applaud all the nominees!”

The nominees includedGalan Anderson, School Vocational Liaison and Team Leader; Steve Ebell, School Education Assistant; Karen Gibson, Payroll Coordinator; Jody Mitchell, School Teacher; Danielle Poore, School Teacher; Corina Schline, School Nurse; and Marie Truitt, Adults Services House Counselor. All the nominees were presented with a framed image of Sister Jeannette’s “Rules To Live By” which includes, “respect the dignity of those you help by giving in quiet and hidden ways.”

Sharon Walbert was presented with the Sister Jeannette award at a celebratory luncheon that recognized all the nominees. Pictured (left to right): Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director; Sister Mary Agnes, Benedictine Board of Directors; Cecelia Duckworth, Emeritus Board Member; Sharon Walbert, Adult Services House Counselor and Winner of Sister Jeannette Award; Charley Mills, Benedictine Board of Trustees President.

About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit organization supporting close to 200 children and adults with developmental disabilities and autism achieve their greatest potential and highest level of independence. Benedictine’s year-round educational program is one of only 26 nationwide to earn a two-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers employment and vocational services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, in the community and those who live in Benedictine’s group homes in Caroline, Talbot, and Anne Arundel Counties. Benedictine’s Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it serves to enter the workforce and collaborates with the collaborates with the Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Caroline and Dorchester County public schools to provide services to their students through the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) Program. Benedictine is one of the Eastern Shore’s largest employers with over 350 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller toured the Benedictine campus as part of the new administrations first 100 days in office. The tour was conducted by Benedictine Executive Director Scott Evans and Assistant Principal Stephanie Franklin. Benedictine leadership team and board members, local officials, supported adults, students, and parents also had the opportunity to meet with the Lieutenant Governor.

“Benedictine is critical to providing quality and enriching support to Marylanders with moderate to severe developmental and intellectual disabilities and autism,” commented Lieutenant Governor Miller. “The driving mission behind the Moore-Miller administration is to leave no Marylander behind, which is why it was an honor to spend the 100th day of this administration at Benedictine, celebrating its important work to serve supported individuals from early childhood through adulthood.”

The Lieutenant Governor’s tour was conducted on Benedictine’s school campus in Ridgely, Maryland. The campus includes student classrooms, residential suites, vocational training spaces, and recreational facilities. Adults that are supported by Benedictine also utilize many of the campus amenities. The original school and residential suites were built in the early 1960’s and a master plan – Transforming a Campus to Transform Lives – has been developed to address obsolescence, safety, and health issues of the current and future student population that attend school and reside on campus. The first phase of the project is to renovate and construct new residential suites for the school-age population, a new nursing and kitchen facility, and new traffic access improvements.

Photo: Lieutenant Governor Miller Tours Benedictine on 100th day in office. Pictured (left to right): Claudia Cunningham, Benedictine Chief Advancement Officer; Anthony Casey, Ridgely Town Commissioner; Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director; Stephanie Franklin; Benedictine Assistant Principal; Larry Porter, Caroline County Commissioner; Aruna Miller, Maryland Lieutenant Governor; Rebecca, Benedictine supported adult; Sr. Mary Agnes, Benedictine Board of Directors; Greg Hviding, Benedictine Board of Directors and supported adult; April Frankton, Benedictine Chief Financial Officer; Jenn Kerwin, Benedictine Board of Directors and parent; Charley Mills, President, Benedictine Board of Trustees and parent; Ade Laditan, Benedictine Senior Director, Adult Services. Photo credit: Chris Dorr 

“I would like to thank Lieutenant Governor Miller for visiting Benedictine and meeting with the students, staff and the adults we support,” commented Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director. “I also want to thank the Moore-Miller administration for adding capital funds to this year’s budget for Benedictine’s new student residential facility.  This shows their commitment to Maryland students with moderate to severe disabilities and we are very grateful for their support.”

The visit concluded with a special delivery by supported adult, Greg, who presented the Lieutenant Governor with a gift.

For more information on Benedictine and how you can support its mission in serving the developmentally disabled, please contact Chief Advancement Officer, Claudia Cunningham, at 410 634 2292 or claudia.cunningham@benschool.org.

About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit organization supporting close to 200 children and adults with developmental disabilities and autism achieve their greatest potential and highest level of independence. Benedictine’s year-round educational program is one of only 26 nationwide to earn a two-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers employment and vocational services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, in the community and those who live in Benedictine’s group homes in Caroline, Talbot, and Anne Arundel Counties. Benedictine’s Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it serves to enter the workforce and collaborates with the collaborates with the Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Caroline and Dorchester County public schools to provide services to their students through the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) Program. Benedictine is one of the Eastern Shore’s largest employers with over 350 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

Benedictine will be holding its annual Spring Gala fundraiser, themed “An Evening In Casablanca,” on Saturday, May 6^th at the Trident Aircraft Hangar in Easton. This important fundraiser benefits the students and adults living with developmental disabilities and autism that Benedictine supports. Families, staff, community members, and businesses are all invited to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year.

“Each spring we look forward to our gala where we celebrate the accomplishments of the students and adults we support, and the dedicated staff who help them reach their greatest potential,” stated Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director. “We cannot achieve our goals alone, so this year we will share some stories about our community business partners and families who help us fulfill our mission.”

“An Evening In Casablanca” includes the “Here’s Looking At You, Kid” cocktail reception followed by “Round Up The Usual Suspects” for dinner, a live auction, and awards ceremony. Benedictine’s“Dignity of Work” video will debut, showcasing partnerships with local businesses and how the Benedictine students and adults bring value and enthusiasm to the workplace. The evening’s festivities will continue with desserts and dancing in the unique setting of the Trident Aircraft Hangar.

“The gala is an important and fun celebratory event for the community, families, and staff. It raises critical funds that support Benedictine’s vital work of providing the best care and services for the students and adults clients we serve, helping them learn, grow and achieve their greatest potential!” commented Claudia Cunningham, Benedictine Chief Advancement Officer.

Gratitude is extended to the Benedictine families and community members that support Benedictine’s Spring Galaalong with business sponsors including Easton Utilities, Tri-Gas & Oil, Trident Aircraft, Barstow’s Heating and Cooling, NRG Indian River, Cox Graae&Spack Architects, Momma Maria’s catering, Attraction Magazine, Tidewater Times, and Tred Avon Players.

To purchase tickets to Benedictine’s “An Evening In Casablanca” Spring Gala, click HERE or contact Ashley Downes at 410.364.9613 / Ashley.downes@benschool.org.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact Caroline Bauerle, Director of Development, at 410.369.9612 /caroline.bauerle@benschool.org.

Contact the Tidewater Inn by April 5^th at 410.822.1300 to get a discounted rate on your room reservation. https://tidewaterinn.com/

About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit organization supporting close to 200 children and adults with developmental disabilities and autism achieve their greatest potential and highest level of independence. Benedictine’s year-round educational program is one of only 26 nationwide to earn a two-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers employment and vocational services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, in the community and those who live in Benedictine’s group homes in Caroline, Talbot, and Anne Arundel Counties. Benedictine’s Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it serves to enter the workforce and collaborates with the collaborates with the Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Caroline and Dorchester County public schools to provide services to their students through the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) Program. Benedictine is one of the Eastern Shore’s largest employers with over 350 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

Adedapo Laditan has joined Benedictine, a service provider for developmentally disabled and autistic children and adults, as the Senior Director of Adults Services. In this role, Laditan provides leadership to all aspects of the Adult Services program including management and fiscal sustainability. Benedictine’s Adult Services program serves over 90 adults that live in Benedictine owned and managed group homes or as participants in a day-only program.

“I am honored to have joined Benedictine. I see this as a great opportunity to carry on the work that is being done here in support of Benedictine’s mission of hospitality, dignity of work and compassionate caring,” stated Laditan. “My passion for supported individuals, their families, and the staff that work in this field has grown over the years. I have served in roles as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), house manager, program manager, and most recently as the Director of Quality Enhancement at the Regional Office of the Developmental Disabilities Administration, Eastern Shore.”

​​Benedictine’s Adult Services program serves adults 21 years of age and older and includes residential living accommodations in 18 group homes located on the Eastern Shore and Anne Arundel county. Adult Services manages the Meaningful Day program which is responsible for providing opportunities for participants to develop skills and seek employment, along with a personal enrichment program, and community engagement opportunities. These services are managed through Benedictine’s Easton Office employment resource center and are also open to individuals living with developmental and intellectual disabilities in the surrounding community.

Laditan shared his excitement about the vast program opportunities Benedictine offers the adults it supports especially in the area of job development. “The adults we serve bring a great spirit of enthusiasm to the workplace and they look forward to going to work and engaging with their community. We provide our job seekers skills in interviewing and problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and are trained in specific job related responsibilities. Benedictine currently collaborates with organizations in Talbot, Caroline, Anne Arundel and Queen Anne’s counties and is always looking to partner with more.” Laditan encourages businesses to reach out to Benedictine to learn more about its trained workforce and how they can bring value to their organization.

For more information on Benedictine, please go to www.benschool.org. You can reach Adedapo Laditan at Adedapo.laditan@benschool.org.

About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit organization supporting close to 200 children and adults with developmental disabilities and autism achieve their greatest potential and highest level of independence. Benedictine’s year-round educational program is one of only 26 nationwide to earn a two-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers employment and vocational services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, in the community and those who live in Benedictine’s group homes in Caroline, Talbot, and Anne Arundel Counties. Benedictine’s Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it serves to enter the workforce and collaborates with the collaborates with the Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Caroline and Dorchester County public schools to provide services to their students through the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) Program. Benedictine is one of the Eastern Shore’s largest employers with over 350 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

Benedictine has been awarded a Maryland Capital Grant of $1.5 million from Governor Hogan’s FY’23 Budget. These monies will be used to fund construction and engineering costs associated with building a new student residential facility on Benedictine’s school campus located in Ridgely, Maryland.

“Receiving this Maryland Capital Grant for Benedictine’s new student residential facility is crucial in our efforts to provide a homelike setting for a student population with significant sensory sensitivities that the current building, nearing the end of its useful life, does not accommodate,” stated Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director. “Securing the funds needed for this project will have a huge impact on the population we support.”

Benedictine’s student demographic has significantly changed since the existing residential space was built in the 1960s. Now, over 80% of the students supported are moderately to severely autistic. Each suite will be equipped with multiple recreational and sensory areas for the students to access along with an updated dining area and a state-of-the-art infirmary that will accommodate these students.

Benedictine is a nonprofit service provider, not a private school and no students’ families pay tuition. Most of the students come from school systems throughout Maryland, and it is only one of five organizations in the state offering residential and special education facilities for students with developmental disabilities and autism. Operating on a year-round basis, the Benedictine School offers highly individualized special education programs which meet the specific needs of each student.

The Maryland Eastern Shore Delegation was instrumental in helping Benedictine secure the Maryland Capital Grant. This included Senators Hershey and Eckardt, and Delegates Arentz, Jacobs, Ghrist and Western Shore Senators Guzzone and Zucker.

About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit organization supporting more than 200 children and adults with developmental disabilities and autism achieve their greatest potential and highest level of independence. Benedictine’s year-round educational program is one of only 26 nationwide to earn a two-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers employment and vocational services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, in the community and those who live in Benedictine’s group homes in Caroline, Talbot, and Anne Arundel Counties. Benedictine’s Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it serves to enter the workforce and collaborates with the Talbot County Public Schools to provide services to their students through the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) Program. Benedictine is one of the Eastern Shore’s largest employers with over 350 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

Benedictine celebrated milestones in service for 44 of its dedicated staff members in early December. The awards were presented to employees with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years.

Staff were given a special thank you gift during a recognition luncheon. Staff celebrating 5,10 and 15 years of service were each given a certificate; 20 years received a framed, personal write-up award; 25, and 30 received a framed certificate noting years of service with number of months, weeks, days, hours, minutes and seconds plus a canvas picture of the iconic Benedictine mile lane with its original stone wall entrance. In addition, all staff received a monetary gift based on their years of service.

Chris Whitesell, Operations Manager, celebrated 30 years and retired from Benedictine at the end of December. Whitesell’s career spanned many areas as a Teacher, Counselor, Vice Principal, Coordinator of Therapeutic Group Homes, Interim Education Director, Interim Open Community Program Director, and Operations Coordinator.

“Each year I look forward to celebrating Benedictine’s staff by presenting the Milestone Awards,” stated Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director. “This accomplishment truly reflects the dedication that our staff have in supporting the students and adults we serve with dignity and compassion.”

Benedictine commends all its staff milestone awardees for their compassion, dedication, dependability and caring devotion for the children and adults they serve and for their commitment to Benedictine. These traits shine through in their daily interactions with the people they support and their families, as well as co-workers and staff at Benedictine.

Benedictine has over 350 employees who serve children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities and autism at its Ridgely Campus and in its 22 group homes in Caroline, Talbot and Anne Arundel Counties,as well as at the Community Services and Training Center in Easton. Guided by its core values of compassionate caring, dignity of work and hospitality, Benedictine’s mission is to help each individual reach their greatest potential and highest level of independence.

About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit organization helping more than 200 children and adults with developmental disabilities and autism achieve their greatest potential. Benedictine’s year-round educational program is one of only 26 nationwide to earn a two-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers employment and vocational services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, in the community and those who live in Benedictine’s group homes in Caroline, Talbot, and Anne Arundel Counties. Benedictine’s Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it serves to enter the workforce and collaborates with the Talbot County Public Schools to provide services to their students through the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) Program. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

Benedictine was awarded a 2022 Rural Impact Award for Outstanding Rural Community Development. This award is presented by the Rural Maryland Council (RMC) which serves as the State’s federally designated rural development council and advocates for the interests of rural Maryland. Through their work they recognize individuals and organizations that have performed extraordinary acts of service to communities throughout rural Maryland.

Awards were presented at the 2022 Annual Meeting held at the Kent Island Resort in Stevensville. The Outstanding Rural Community Development award is given in recognition for leadership, dedication and noteworthy achievement to help improve rural communities.

“We are honored that Benedictine has been selected for a Rural Impact Award. Benedictine’s impact on Maryland’s eastern shore is significant and we are honored to do this work for our community and the people we serve,” stated Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director.

Benedictine’s work began over 60 years ago as a school for 17 children with Downs Syndrome and has grown into a multi-functional year-round education and residential center serving close to 200 students and adults with a variety of services. Benedictine is one of the largest employers on the eastern shore with over 350 staff members, a school campus in Ridgely, 22 group homes, and an office in Easton.

Rural jurisdictions share common characteristics that set them apart from their suburban and urban counterparts, such as geographic isolation, lack of transportation, and lack of access to and availability of health care, and includes 18 of the 24 jurisdictions in Maryland. RMC’s vision is a future where all of Rural Maryland is prosperous with thriving resources, vibrant economies and healthy, connected communities.

Benedictine was nominated for this award by Anthony S. Casey, Commissioner, Town of Ridgely. Support for this nomination was provided by Larry C. Porter, President, Board of Commissioners, Caroline County, MD; Steven J. Arentz, State Delegate; and Tony Holt, Account Manager, BDK, Inc.

For more information on Benedictine, please go to www.benschool.org. If you would like information on how you can support the children and adults with developmental disabilities and autism at Benedictine reach their greatest potential, please contact Claudia Cunningham at Claudia.cunningham@benschool.org.

About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit organization helping more than 200 children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities and autism achieve their greatest potential. Benedictine’s year-round educational program is one of only 26 nationwide to earn a two-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers employment and vocational services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, in the community and those who live in Benedictine’s group homes in Caroline, Talbot and Anne Arundel counties. The Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it serves to enter the workforce and collaborates with the Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Caroline and Dorchester County public schools to provide services to their students through the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) Program. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

The Benedictine Foundation raised over $150,000 on Giving Tuesday through the support of numerous donors. Denise Kaczmarczyk and John Johnson longtime Benedictine supporters matched what was raised with a donation of $75,000.

Benedictine employs over 350 staff that are dedicated to serving children and adults with moderate to severe developmental disabilities and autism. When Denise and John learned of the Benedictine Foundation’s effort to raise money on Giving Tuesday in support of the Benedictine staff, they pledged a $50k match. And upon hearing that the Foundation had raised $75K, Denise and John generously increased their match to $75k.

“We wanted to give to the Benedictine staff that work so tirelessly in supporting the student and adult population that Benedictine serves,” stated Denise Kaczmarczyk. “Seeing the dedication and the everyday miracles that happen at Benedictine is an inspiration to me and my husband. It is a mission we feel very strongly about and want to give to those that work so hard.”

Denise and John learned about Benedictine a number of years ago at a Christmas Bazaar. They were deeply inspired by the mission of Benedictine and have become dedicated supporters.

“Benedictine is overwhelmed by this incredible display of support from all of our donors. Denise and John’s support for the staff and individuals Benedictine serves is a tribute to their selfless generosity and dedication to making a difference in the lives of others. It has been a privilege to get to know them.” said Claudia Cunningham, Chief Advancement Officer, Benedictine Foundation.

For more information on Benedictine’s events, services and ways to support, please contact Claudia Cunningham at Claudia.cunningham@benschool.orgorcall 410 634 2292. Visit Benedictine at www.benschool.org.

About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian, nonprofit, comprehensive service provider helping more than 200 children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities and autism achieve their greatest potential. Benedictine’s year-round educational program is one of only 26 nationwide to earn a two-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers employment and vocational services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, in the community and those who live in Benedictine’s group homes in Caroline, Talbot and Anne Arundel counties. The Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it serves to enter the workforce and collaborates with the Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Caroline and Dorchester County public schools to provide services to their students through the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) Program. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

Benedictine was the recipient of a Phillips Charitable Foundation Grant in the amount of $48,558that was utilized to upgrade adult group homes located in Annapolis and Denton, Maryland. Phillips Charitable Foundation mission is to support organizations that provide necessary change in the lives of vulnerable populations by solving problems and removing obstacles that lead to lasting solutions. This is a perfect match to Benedictine’s belief that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, can be productive and active members of their communities.

The renovations improved living conditions and make the homes safer for the men and women who live there.

“Through our grant-giving we aim to bring dignified living to the people we serve,” stated Jennifer Good, Vice President, Phillips Charitable Foundation. “We saw this project as a perfect opportunity to do just that. On behalf of all of us at Phillips Charitable Foundation, it was an honor to be able to improve the living conditions for these individuals.”

The Annapolis group home, which is nearly 40 years old, serves as the permanent residence for four adult men who range in age from 46-54 that live with developmental disabilities and autism. The carpeting was replaced with vinyl flooring which will prevent potential tripping hazards – especially as the men age, simplify the daily cleaning process, and eliminate the need for frequent and costly carpet cleaning. The worn and damaged kitchen cabinets, countertops, appliances and wiring were also replaced.

Paul, who has lived at the group home in Annapolis for over 25 years, shared how proud he is of the home he lives in and it makes him happy to see how nice it is now. “And it is easier to sweep the floors than vacuum!” he exclaimed. He also added that he loves to make eggs in the new kitchen.

The Phillips grant also enabled Benedictine to replace a pair of sliding doors at the home along with upgrades to a fire suppression system in an adult group home in Denton.

Benedictine manages 18 adult group homes located in Caroline, Talbot, and Anne Arundel County, servicing close to 70 adults with developmental disabilities and autism.

For more information on Benedictine’s events, services, and ways to support, please contact Claudia Cunningham at Claudia.cunningham@benschool.orgorcall 410.634.2292. Visit Benedictine at www.benschool.org.

About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian, nonprofit, comprehensive service provider helping more than 200 children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities and autism achieve their greatest potential. Benedictine’s year-round educational program is one of only 26 nationwide to earn a two-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers employment and vocational services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, in the community and those who live in Benedictine’s group homes in Caroline, Talbot and Anne Arundel counties. The Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it serves to enter the workforce and collaborates with the Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Caroline and Dorchester County public schools to provide services to their students through the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) Program. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.