Benedictine receives $150,000 from Weinberg Foundation

RIDGELY ? The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation is supporting adults with developmental disabilities who live and work on Maryland's Mid-Shore through a $150,000 grant. This two-year grant will help fund and expand Benedictine's adult programs and services.

The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation is one of the largest private charitable foundations in the U.S., assisting low-income and vulnerable individuals and families through nonprofit grants to direct-service providers. Benedictine offers programs and services that support more than 100 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities including autism, through its main campus in Ridgely, a community office in Easton, and area group homes.

Benedictine's adult services range from in-home support and care, to employment, volunteer, community and meaningful day programming. Benedictine offers training and work opportunities at its Ridgely campus, and has established relationships with more than 100 community employers and training partners.

The Benedictine Community Services and Training Center in Easton serves adults and students through a partnership with the Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS). Through this partnership, Benedictine finds unique ways to provide classroom training and employment field experiences relating to specific vocations.

"At Benedictine, we are dedicated to providing opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to gain competitive, integrated employment, community volunteerism, and meaningful life experiences," said Beth Mathis, director of Benedictine's Adult Services. "In addition, those supported have opportunities to plan and participate in community, leisure, and recreation activities of their choice."

"We at Benedictine are always looking to expand our network of community partners and employers," MS. Mathis said. "Our mission is ?Helping children and adults with developmental disabilities achieve their greatest potential.' We thank the Weinberg Foundation for helping us to fulfill this mission."

Providing opportunities to live meaningful, productive lives in communities of choice, Benedictine helps children and adults with developmental disabilities reach their greatest potential without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, or age.