The Benedictine School is one of only 22 nationwide to earn accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES) for its school program. This is the second time Benedictine has earned this accreditation; the first was in 2017. The accreditation process is based on a study of compliance to fifty standards covering process, procedures, and practices critical to the functioning of a special education setting. It also includes a comprehensive site-review performed by a team of special education experts.

“Benedictine’s dedicated staff work compassionately 24 hours a day with our students. I continue to be honored to be among such an impressive group and program,” commented Benedictine Education Director Julie Hickey. “And this accreditation is a testament to their efforts as well as that of our volunteer Board of Directors and leadership team.”

The accreditation is an intensive process that reviews standards in the following categories: organization and administration, finance, planning and evaluation, personnel records, facilities, confidentiality, student records, instructional process, individualized education program (IEP), curriculum, classroom management, behavioral affective practices and medication administration. To see the complete list, please go to https://www.napsec.org/ncases-accreditation

For more information about the Benedictine school program, please contact the admissions coordinator at [email protected].

About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit service provider supporting close to 200 children and adults living with developmental disabilities and autism. Benedictine’s mission is to help the individuals they support achieve their greatest potential and highest level of independence.

The year-round educational program is one of only 22 nationwide to earn a four-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 also has 4 student group homes located in Caroline and Talbot Counties. 

Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers Meaningful Day and job training services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, who live in the community, and in 18 Benedictine adult 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. Benedictine also collaborates with the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) to provide training programs and job search services for students in the Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Caroline and Dorchester County public schools and adults living in the surrounding community.

Benedictine serves individuals from all over the state and Mid-Atlantic region and is one of the Eastern Shore’s largest nonprofit employers with 350 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

Godfrey’s Farm held its 3rd annual Blueberry Boogie 5K Run/Walk with 215 participants walking or running in the race. This year’s event raised $17,000, which included a matching grant from Denise Kaczmarczyk and John Johnson, to support Benedictine’s programs that provide crucial services for moderate to severe developmentally disabled children and adults.

“With another great race behind us, I find myself so grateful for the relationship we have created with Benedictine,” stated Lisa Godfrey. “The energy, the excitement, the community, the positive impact we see from this day, makes it an easy decision to support their great work.”

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. Awards were presented to the participants by Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director.

Sponsors of the event included Godfrey’s Farms, Richard Brusca Nursery, Harbor Sales, Willard, Cross Street Market, Keany Produce & Gourmet, Tammy’s Cool Things, Graul’s Market, Willey Farms, Langenfelder Pork, Zen Denton Yoga and Wellness, Peoples Bank, Bearing Construction, Inc., and Everbloom Ockels Acres. Fresh fruit at the finish line was donated by Teddy Bear Fresh.

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

For more information on Benedictine and how you can support their mission, please contact Claudia Cunningham, Chief Advancement Officer at 410 634 2292 or [email protected].

About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit service provider supporting close to 200 children and adults living with developmental disabilities and autism. Benedictine’s mission is to help the individuals they support achieve their greatest potential and highest level of independence.

The year-round educational program is one of only 22 nationwide to earn a four-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 also has 4 student group homes located in Caroline and Talbot Counties.  

Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers Meaningful Day and job training services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, who live in the community, and in 18 Benedictine adult 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. Benedictine also collaborates with the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) to provide training programs and job search services for students in the Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Caroline and Dorchester County public schools and adults living in the surrounding community.

Benedictine serves individuals from all over the state and Mid-Atlantic region and is one of the Eastern Shore’s largest nonprofit employers with 350 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

Benedictine is proud to announce the graduation of eight students from its school on June 8^th. The ceremony took place on the campus in Ridgely. Graduates gathered after the ceremony for a reception with family, friends and staff to celebrate. For Benedictine’s students, this graduation is a culmination of many years of hard work overcoming challenges to move forward and live their best life.

“This year, I had the honor and pleasure of teaching three individuals from the class of 2023,” commented Danielle Poore, Transitional Functional Academics teacher. “Seeing my students grow and reach their greatest potential is my biggest goal for each of them.” One of her students, Ben, received the 2023 Student of the Year Award.

“Ben is a hard working young man who has touched the lives of many students and staff members at Benedictine. He came to us when he was 13 and over the last 9 years through his hard work has gained independence and developed skills to serve him in his life beyond Benedictine. He loves to be involved in things and has participated in many local community events and school activities. You will often find Ben drawing in his room, or listening to music in his down time. He loves to create new things and is always willing to lend a helpful hand.” Ben was recently employed at Tenchi Restaurant in Greensboro.

For the past seven years, Nick Fox, a Functional Academics teacher, has taught recent graduate N’Faly. Nick commented, “N’Faly entered my classroom at age 14 and it was his first placement away from home. He is filled with passion and a sense of humor that has made him a pleasure to teach throughout his time at Benedictine. He loves singing songs and dancing to Motown.” Fox went on to share, “But what N’Faly loves most is his family and he was always asking when his next visit would be. On graduation day, I saw a large group of his family and friends in attendance all wearing matching t-shirts in celebration of N’Faly’s accomplishments. It is great to know he is going back to live in his childhood home supported by caretakers and surrounded by his large and loving family.” N’Faly won a senior award for speech and music and received the superlative award for class clown.

Students with developmental disabilities can join the Benedictine school as early as age 5 and graduate when they turn 21. For more information about the Benedictine school, please contact Admissions and IEP Coordinator at [email protected].

For more information about Benedictine’s job-ready workforce, please contact Adult Services Director at [email protected]. For ways that you can support Benedictine and its mission, please contact the Chief Advancement Officer at [email protected].

About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit service provider supporting close to 200 children and adults living with developmental disabilities and autism. Benedictine’s mission is to help the individuals they support achieve their greatest potential and highest level of independence.

The year-round educational program is one of only 22 nationwide to earn a four-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 also has 4 student group homes located in Caroline and Talbot Counties. 

Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers Meaningful Day and job training services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, who live in the community, and in 18 Benedictine adult 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. Benedictine also collaborates with the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) to provide training programs and job search services for students in the Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Caroline and Dorchester County public schools and adults living in the surrounding community.

Benedictine serves individuals from all over the state and Mid-Atlantic region and is one of the Eastern Shore’s largest nonprofit employers with 350 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

Marking its 21^st year, the Benedictine Foundation Chrome City Fundraiser will take place on Sunday, July 30^th. Known as one of the largest rides in Maryland, this annual event 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 has always been an event that our students and adults look forward to every year. But what makes this event more special is that it gives the community, that extends well beyond our Eastern Shore region, the opportunity to join us on campus to support our mission,” stated Benedictine Executive Director Scott Evans.

Motorcycles, hot rods, classic and custom cars are all invited to participate. Everyone that registers will receive an official Chrome City t-shirt, lunch from Famous Dave’s and a day of fun and entertainment with door prizes, car contests, live music and more. Don’t have a classic car or motorcycle – you can still join the festivities.

Please note that this will not be an escorted ride this year. We encourage friends and families to gather together to ride to Benedictine. Day-of registration locations this year will be at the Outback Steakhouse in Annapolis (9-10am) and at the Benedictine campus in Ridgely (9:30-11am). Participates are encouraged to register online prior to the event for a discounted fee of $35. You can register online HERE or call 410.634.2292. Event takes place on the Benedictine campus from 10-2pm.

If you are interested in sponsoring Chrome City, please contact Benedictine by July 14^th to ensure that your name/logo is on the official Chrome City t-shirt. Sponsorships can be found HERE or contact Ashley Downes at [email protected] or call 410. 634.2292. Visit Benedictine at www.benschool.org.

About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit service provider supporting close to 200 children and adults living with developmental disabilities and autism. Benedictine’s mission is to help the individuals they support achieve their greatest potential and highest level of independence.

The year-round educational program is one of only 22 nationwide to earn a four-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 also has 4 student group homes located in Caroline and Talbot Counties. 

Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers Meaningful Day and job training services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, who live in the community, and in 18 Benedictine adult 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. Benedictine also collaborates with the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) to provide training programs and job search services for students in the Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Caroline and Dorchester County public schools and adults living in the surrounding community.

Benedictine serves individuals from all over the state and Mid-Atlantic region and is one of the Eastern Shore’s largest nonprofit employers with 350 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

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 [email protected].

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.