ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today toured Benedictine Programs and Services campus in Ridgely, one of the most comprehensive providers of services for children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities and autism. Joined by Maryland Department of Disabilities Secretary Carol Beatty, the campus is the governor’s first stop through the Eastern Shore as he attends the annual Maryland Association of Counties summer conference.
“It was my privilege to visit Benedictine Programs and Services and witness firsthand the amazing work being done by the staff that is crucial to the success of our students,”
said Gov. Moore. “The caring leadership of Director Scott Evans and Director Julie Hickey aligns with our administration’s mission to leave no one behind. I thank them for their admirable work toward this vital goal.”
Benedictine Programs and Services offers a year-round educational residential program for students throughout Maryland, ages 5-21, as well as adjoining states, and an expansion is set for the facility with the support of a $1.5 million capital grant in the FY2023 budget. The funding will be used for the construction and engineering costs associated with building a new student residential building. The FY2024 capital budget included an additional $2.5 million for the campus project.
“It was an honor to host Governor Moore at our campus in Ridgely. We had the opportunity to tour our facility, where the Governor met students, teachers, and our supported adults,”
said Benedictine Executive Director Scott Evans. “We thank the Governor and his staff for taking the time to learn about what we do here at Benedictine in fulfilling our mission to help the individuals we support achieve their greatest potential and highest level of independence.”
Benedictine is a non-sectarian, non-religious nonprofit organization supporting close to 200 children and adults with developmental disabilities and autism to achieve their greatest potential and highest level of independence. Benedictine’s year-round educational program is one of only 22 nationwide to earn a two-year accreditation from the
National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES).
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 is one of only four residential facilities for the developmentally disabled and autistic, who can accept students with moderate to severe challenges. Benedictine is one of the Eastern Shore’s largest employers with 350 employees.
To learn more about Benedictine Programs and Services, visit:
https://benschool.org/.