Students at Benedictine, a regional service provider for children and adults with developmental disabilities and autism, sent packages of letters and pictures to fire and police departments in New York City and Washington, D.C. in honor of all the heroes of 9/11.

Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, D.C. Cadet Roseburrow stated “Benedictine is a great place! Our officers would love that,” in hearing what Benedictine planned to do.

Upon receiving the package from Benedictine at the City of New York Police Department, Deputy Inspector Craig Contrera stated “On behalf of the New York City Police Department, thank you for forwarding the letters and drawings from your students. I would also like to thank your students for citing the bravery and service of our police officers during the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001.”

Katherine Fizhugh, a Benedictine school teacher for five years, was the inspiration behind this idea. “I realized that my students were not alive when the 9/11 attack occurred and I wanted to teach them such an important part of our history. I also teach my students about being kind and I thought sending letters of thanks and coloring pages to our first responders in New York and Washington DC would be a nice way to show our support. I invited the whole school to participate in this random act of kindness,” stated Fizhugh.

Katherine’s class, called Functional Academics, focuses on academics related to life skills such as money, reading comprehension, typing and social skills. ”I love the teamwork and support that is offered here at Benedictine and the opportunities our students are given. We are like a family!”

For more information on Benedictine and the programs and services it offers children and adults with developmental disabilities, please. Visit Benedictine at www.benschool.org. To find out how you can support Benedictine’s mission to help children and adults with developmental disabilities achieve their greatest potential, please contact Claudia Cunningham, Chief Advancement Officer, at claudia.cunningham@benschool.org or call 410 634 2292.

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 campus was gleaming with chrome on July 31^st, as the 20^th Chrome City Ride made its way back after a two-year hiatus. A fundraiser to support the children and adults with developmental disabilities that Benedictine serves was a welcome site to see. This year’s event raised $100,000 and Benedictine’s campus in Ridgely welcomed close to 1,000 riders, drivers and spectators. This event has grown into one of the largest rides in the state.

“The students and adults that we serve were delighted to see the motorcycles and classic cars descend upon our school campus,” explained Executive Director, Scott Evans. “This is an important fundraiser for Benedictine and it brings joy to everyone that attends.”

Spud Blake, the founder of Chrome City Ride, has led a team of dedicated friends and colleagues, mostly in state and local law enforcement, to execute this motorcycle rally ride and car show which has five rally points located on both sides of the Bay Bridge.

“I am eternally grateful to each and every committee member that has volunteered their time, many of them since the first Chrome City Ride event 20 years ago. I am also thankful for the dedicated staff at Benedictine,” commented Spud Blake. “My sister was placed with Benedictine many years ago after my family had done a nation-wide search. The residents of Benedictine are treated with so much dignity, love and respect. It has been a fantastic place for Barbara and for our family too.”

Sponsors of the event included WBOCCoast Country and Spicer Bros. Construction, Forever Media – WINX and WCEI, WRNR, A.H. Hatcher, Inc., The HILB Group Mid-Atlantic, Grimm + Parker Architects, M&T Bank, Hitchcock Autoworks & Custom Exhaust LLC, Clark Associates Financial Planning, Inc., Tri Gas and Oil, Kent Island American Legion, Choptank Transport, Easton Elks #1622, Association of Maryland Pilots, CORE Property Group of Coldwell Banker, Optimist Club of Loch Raven Maryland Inc., Blanchet Concrete Pumping LLC, and many Benedictine families and donors. Since its inception Chrome City Ride has raised over $2 million to support the children and adults with moderate to severe developmental disabilities that Benedictine serves.

“We are very proud to have been a sponsor of the 20th annual Chrome City Ride. Knowing that Benedictine provides life-changing service to countless children and adults with developmental disabilities, this was an event we were excited to get behind,” commented Brian Spicer, President of Spicer Bros. Construction. “Benedictine offers amazing educational programs, community living programs, as well as employment training programs to the individuals they serve. Community support is vital in allowing them to continue providing these important services, so we wanted to help bring as much awareness and support to the ride and the great cause behind it as possible.”

The winner of the Sister Choice Award, named after Sister Jeannette, who led Benedictine from its’ inception in 1959 until her retirement in 2012, was Joe Leabers for his 2009 Harley Davidson Custom-Built Road King and Dan Ruby for his 1949 Mercury Coupe. Rally point partners include Outback Steakhouse in Annapolis; CPR Porsche Restoration in Easton; Rommel Harley Davidson Delmarva in Salisbury; Old Glory Harley Davidson in Laurel; and Hitchcock Autoworks in Owings.

Motorcycles, street rods, classic and custom cars were all invited to participate and everyone that registered received an official Chrome City Ride t-shirt, lunch from Famous Dave’s and a day of fun and entertainment with door prizes, car contests and music.

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.

Godfrey’s Farm held its 2^nd annual Blueberry Boogie 5K Walk/Run with 216 participants walking or running in the race. The event attracts runners of all ages and experience, and the event raised over $15,000 to support Benedictine’s programs that provide crucial services for moderate to severe developmentally disabled children and adults.

“My husband and I are runners and have attended many races and we know things like cool t-shirts, a great finish line vibe, and a scenic course are important!” stated Lisa Godfrey. “We wanted to provide all of those things at our event and include a local beneficiary. Students from Benedictine have been visiting our farm for many years and seeing the excitement they bring and the kindness of their caregivers is heartwarming. This made our choice to support Benedictine an easy one!”

Upon hearing about this event, a generous Benedictine supporter pledged a matching gift. “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 a local business, Godfrey’s Farm,” commented Denise Kaczmarczyk. “We are so happy that Benedictine was selected by Godfrey’s Farm and to see how many people participated.”

Runners, walkers and guests enjoyed the sounds of Red Sammy, a Baltimore based band, and Godfrey’s homemade apple cider donuts and blueberry scones at the finish line.

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

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. For more information 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 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.

This year marks the 20^th anniversary of Chrome City Ride, one of the largest rides in the state of Maryland. This annual event, which is back after a 2-year hiatus, draws more than a 1,000 riders and brings together over 2000 people to Benedictine’s Ridgely campus in support of its mission.

“Chrome City Ride has been a celebrated event for Benedictine over the years. It provides a unique occasion for the community that reaches beyond our eastern shore location to come to our Ridgley campus,” commented Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director. “People join us from all over Maryland in support of our mission, and our students and adults we serve look forward to the festivities every year. We are thrilled Chrome City Ride is back!”

Chrome City Ride is organized and produced by a dedicated team of volunteers, primarily from state and local law enforcement along with Benedictine staff members.

“Each year I am amazed at the support we receive in producing this event. It takes numerous individuals to coordinate the effort and I am truly grateful for the work that is done to help raise funds for Benedictine,” commented Spud Blake, event chairman. “We are happy to be able to gather again for this important event and we will be excited to hear the roar of the motorcycles as they make their way down Benedictine Lane in support of this incredible organization.”

Riders gather at designated registration points throughout Maryland which include the Outback Steakhouse in Annapolis; CPR Porsche Restoration in Easton; Rommel Harley Davidson Delmarva in Salisbury; Old Glory Harley Davidson in Laurel; Hitchcock Autoworks in Owings and the Benedictine School Campus in Ridgely.

Motorcycles, street rods, classic and custom cars are all invited to participate. Everyone that registers will receive an official Chrome City Ride t-shirt, lunch from Famous Dave’s and a day of fun and entertainment with door prizes, car contests and music. The cost to register is $35. You can register now online or sponsor at CHROME CITY RIDE 2022.  If you are interested in sponsoring please contact Benedictine by July 18^th to ensure that your name/logo is on the official Chrome City Ride t-shirt.

For more information on Chrome City Ride, Benedictine’s services and ways to support, please contact Ashley Hinch at Ashley.hinch@benschool.org or call 410 634 2292. Visit Benedictine at www.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.

Benedictine was awarded the Caroline County Best in Business Nonprofit Award for 2021. This award is presented by the Caroline County Chamber of Commerce. The Nonprofit award criteria is based on the organization’s tremendous impact on Caroline County and demonstration of sound business management. Nominations are received by business associates, community members, staff, and, in Benedictine’s case, by the families it serves.

“Benedictine has been part of Caroline County for over 60 years and we are thrilled and honored to receive this award from the Chamber,” shared Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director. “While Benedictine may look unassuming when you drive by our lane – small miracles happen every day in our classrooms, in our group homes, in our residential facilities and in our community,” Evan further commented.

Benedictine shared in this honor with several other Caroline County award recipients. You can view Benedictine’s video here where Scott Evans shares in his gratitude for being selected along with plans for an expansion of the campus in Ridgely.

“Benedictine is on the verge of beginning to implement our “Transforming a Campus to Transform Lives” initiative. This includes renovating and updating our campus facilities to better meet the needs of our students and adults in our programs. This investment will give Benedictine state-of-the-art facilities that will enable us to continue to fulfill our mission far into the future,” stated Evans.

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@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.

Benedictine celebrated milestones in service for 52 of its dedicated staff members in early December. The awards were presented to employees with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40 years of service with a special recognition for the 46 years Sister Mary Agnes has served Benedictine.

Each staff member was presented with special thank you gifts 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; 25,30 and 40 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.

Sister Mary Agnes’s special 46-year recognition celebrates her extraordinary service as a role model, teacher, caregiver and vocational coordinator; she exemplifies the true spirit of Benedictine. She is loved and respected by all her colleagues and all those she has served at Benedictine.

“The Milestone Awards Ceremony is a favorite event of mine at Benedictine,” stated Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director. “It highlights the commitment our employees have to our mission and values, and the work they do to support the students and adults in our programs.”

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 close to 400 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 has been awarded a $562,335 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) through a partnership with Caroline County to begin work on a new ring road and sidewalks to provide access during the subsequent phases of “Transforming a Campus to Transform Lives” construction master plan. The “Transforming a Campus to Transform Lives” plan is a careful orchestration of building renovation and new construction to improve and update the facilities that are nearing the end of their useful life so Benedictine can better meet the needs of a current autistic student population with significant sensory sensitivities.

“The Caroline County Commissioners were eager to support the Benedictine School project that will enhance its campus as well as the learning experience for students and staff,” stated Larry Porter, Caroline County Commissioners President. “This future campus will be an asset to the members of our community for many years to come.”

In 2018 the architectural firm of Cox, Graae, &Spack was hired to craft a plan for the campus transformation. The plan encompasses 3 phases with Phase 1a to include the completion of the new campus ring road and sidewalks and Phase 1to include a new student residence wing, program space, a family visiting area and state-of-the art nursing station. Phase 2 will include a new academic core of classrooms and areas for physical, speech and occupational therapy. Phase 3 plans for a new adult services space and administrative office consolidation.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Caroline County and take this important first step in transforming our campus,” stated Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director.

Benedictine’s students with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum has greatly increased over the past 20 years and now make up approximately 80% of Benedictine’s student population.

“Accessing outdoors activities for our students allows them to engage in their environment, learn about the natural world and decrease hyperactivity. The new ring road will provide an additional safe place for that to occur and is an exciting first step in the larger project of transforming our campus,” stated Julie Hickey, Benedictine Education Director.

The CDBG award is funded by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).

For more information about the “Transforming a Campus to Transform Lives” plan and how you can support this initiative, please contact Claudia Cunningham, Benedictine Chief Advancement Officer, at 410.364.9610 or Claudia.cunningham@benschool.org.

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 Rehabilitative Services (DORS) Program. For more information, visit www.benschool.org

Benedictine was excited to hold its popular Birdies for Benedictine Charity Golf Classic on November 8 after a hiatus last year due to the pandemic. This year’s golf classic raised over $38,000 to help fund the Benedictine school and adult day and residential programs which serve developmentally disabled children and adults ages 5-70+.

“I was so impressed with the generosity of our sponsors and golfers,” commented Caroline Bauerle, the new Director of Development. “Their support will assure that Benedictine can continue to help the children and adults we serve achieve their greatest potential. Funds will also help with the regulations and challenges Benedictine faced by the Covid 19 pandemic.”

The event began with check in at 10AM, followed by a putting contest at 11:15AM and a shotgun start at 11:30AM. Golfers enjoyed passed appetizers and light fare during the awards ceremony announcing the year’s winners.  This year’s champions were “Team Special Olympics” which included father and daughter Frank and Kendall McCauley, along with Billy Ulevich and Will Montague.

Benedictine would like to thank all of their generous sponsors – PNC Bank, Insurance Solutions, Inc., Marasun Roofing, Patriot Cruises, The Hegarty Family, The Amato and DeGeorge Families, John and Pat Krieger, The Collamore Family and The Hoffman Family.

The Benedictine Charity Golf Classic was held at the Talbot Country Club. Founded in 1910, the Club sits on 194-acres along the waterfront in Easton. Designed by Ed Ault, the 18-hole championship course has ten par 4’s, four par 5’s and four par 3’s, providing a challenge for all skill levels.

For more information, including how to support Benedictine’s community and mission, please visit www.benschool.org.

About Benedictine: Benedictine began with a classroom of 17 children with Down syndrome more than 60 years ago. Our program has grown into one of the most comprehensive providers of services in Maryland for more than 200 children and adults with developmental disabilities and autism. 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 throughout Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers employment and vocational services for transitional youth and adults, and for the more than 80 adults ages 22 to 70+ who live in group homes. Guided by our core values of Hospitality, Dignity of Work and Compassionate Caring, our mission is to help each individual reach their greatest potential. Our values and mission are rooted in our founding by the Sisters of St. Benedict. Today, Benedictine is a non-sectarian organization, but we continue to honor and celebrate these values.

Benedictine hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, October 13, to celebrate the newest editions to the accessible playground on their Ridgely campus and all who made these upgrades possible.

Benedictine began planning for this multi-phased playground project ten years ago in an effort to meet the changing physical and developmental needs of its students. The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore provided generous financial assistance for phase 1, which included removing outdated, inaccessible equipment and replacing it with bright, accessible components. As Benedictine has continued to evolve and grow in size over the past decade, additional donor support has enabled the organization to transform the playground in a more comprehensive way. The recently-added phase 2 components will provide increased accessibility and inclusivity. More importantly, these additions will accommodate the unique challenges of both current and future students.

Attendees of the ribbon cutting ceremony included donors, parents, community members,  Benedictine leadership and staff members. Also in attendance were Secretary of the Maryland Department of Disabilities, Carol Beatty, and Caroline County Commissioners Larry Porter and Dan Franklin, and Senator Adelaide Eckardt joined Benedictine for the reception.

Photo: Lead donors John Johnson and Denise Kaczmarczyk help Benedictine Executive Director Scott Evans cut the ribbon to mark the grand unveiling of Benedictine’s newly upgraded accessible playground.

Benedictine’s Chief Advancement Officer, Claudia Cunningham, offered words of welcome at the start of the ceremony, and Executive Director Scott Evans spoke about the decade-long project, acknowledging the donors and staff members who made it possible. Education Director Julie Hickey spoke about the impact the new playground would have — not only on Benedictine’s student population, but also on their families and the other individuals supported by the organization. Adaptive Physical Education Teacher Brett Rhodes and Physical Therapist Haley Miner were largely responsible for the playground’s layout and design. Haley described how the new equipment will accommodate the varying physical and developmental needs of Benedictine students, and allow children to play together, despite differences in their abilities.

Lead donors John Johnson and Denise Kaczmarczyk of Lewes, DE, helped Executive Director Evans cut the ribbon to mark the unveiling of the new playground. Johnson and Kaczmarczyk generously contributed $40,000 to facilitate the completion of phase 2, and prior to the event, they committed an additional $150,000 for the completion of the final phase next spring.

Other donors and contributors included the Maryland State Department of Education, which awarded grant funds from Maryland’s Non-Public Aging Schools Program in 2019; Danny’s Lawn Care & Landscaping, LLC, a Ridgely-based company that provided and installed the woo fiber mulch base; Chaney Enterprises, which donated and delivered 15 tons of recycled concrete; the Mary and Daniel Loughran Foundation, Inc.; the Nora Roberts Foundation; and the Grasonville VFW Post 746

After the ceremony, guests joined Executive Director Scott Evans in Heritage Hall for light refreshments. Scott again offered his gratitude and unveiled Benedictine’s “Transforming a Campus to Transform Lives” plan, which includes converting the convent space on campus into a new residential wing for Benedictine School students.

If you wish to support Benedictine’s mission and campus transformation plans, please visit www.benschool.org and click “Donate.”

About Benedictine: Benedictine began with a classroom of 17 children with Down syndrome more than 60 years ago. Our program has grown into one of the most comprehensive providers of services in Maryland for more than 200 children and adults with developmental disabilities and autism. 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, MD campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from throughout Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers employment and vocational services for transitional youth and adults, and for the more than 80 adults ages 22 to 70+ who live in group homes. Guided by our core values of Hospitality, Dignity of Work and Compassionate Caring, our mission is to help each individual reach their greatest potential. Our values and mission are rooted in our founding by the Sisters of St. Benedict. Today, Benedictine is a non-sectarian organization, but we continue to honor and celebrate these values.