A Tribute to Benchmark Human Services and HomePointe HealthCare Nurses Kim Galaviz RN, BSN, MPM Chief Nursing Officer Happy Nurses Week 2023! Nurses Week 2023 begins May 6 and continues through May 12, 2023. This particular week of recognition gives us an excellent opportunity to recognize the contributions of Benchmark and HomePointe HealthCare (HomePointe) nurses. […] Read More
Anthony Wayne Rehabilitation Center (AWRC) dba Benchmark Human Services was recently awarded a contract through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA) to implement a pilot project for behavioral health mobile crisis services in DeKalb, LaGrange, and Steuben counties. The goals of the pilot are to, prevent […] Read More
Welcome to Exemplar, the Benchmark company newsletter. Enjoy, and please contact our staff with any questions, Courtney Heiser, Chief Culture Officer or Sarah Chestnut, Director of Development Strategies. Welcome to Exemplar! By Doug Beebe, Benchmark CEO Benchmark Human Services (Benchmark) was formed in 1960 in Fort Wayne, IN. Since its inception, Benchmark has been focused […] Read More
Benchmark Human Services (Benchmark) and StationMD have created a partnership to establish an integrated care approach to support individuals with co-occurring intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and complex medical and behavioral health needs. This model aims to keep high-risk/high-cost populations out of emergency departments, hospitals, institutions, and crisis situations while decreasing costs, improving physical […] Read More
Holiday Cookie Recipes The leadership of Benchmark Human Services is thrilled to share their favorite cookie recipes for the winter season. Happy Holidays and Merry Baking! Doug’s Scotch Shortbread From Doug Beebe, Benchmark President “I’ll always go back for seconds on these cookies… maybe thirds.” Ingredients 1 1/2 sticks Unsalted Butter, softened 1/4 C Powdered […] Read More
Brian Gill has joined Benchmark Human Services (Benchmark) as Vice President of Behavioral Health and Crisis Services. Gill has worked in the behavioral health field for more than 30 years as a clinician and executive with operations and administrative oversight of outpatient, inpatient and crisis services. He has served as Regional Operations Director for Community […] Read More
Please read the letter linked below from Governor of Indiana, Eric Holcomb about a new federal grant and how it will affect individuals served by our industrial programs, AWRC Industries, Highway Safety Specialists, and others. “The Division of Disability and Rehabilitation Services Bureau of Rehabilitation Services is pleased to share that its application for the […] Read More
A.W. Holdings, LLC, dba Benchmark Human Services (Benchmark), and Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI) have formed a partnership to enhance services and outcomes for individuals experiencing mental health crises. The collaboration centers on offering a comprehensive approach to crisis intervention, stabilization, and prevention across populations and innovative behavioral health, substance use, and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities […] Read More
Benchmark Human Services (Benchmark) has been awarded a contract through the State of Colorado and Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) to provide Early Intervention (Part C) evaluations in the North Denver metro area including the counties of Larimer, Boulder, Broomfield, and Weld. Colorado’s Early Intervention (EI) Programs provides eligible infants and toddlers, and their […] Read More
For more than 25 years, Post Masters, Blue Octopus Printing and DOMA Document Solutions have provided print, mail and digital solutions to customers across the United States. Through close integration, the three companies have consistently delivered smart solutions to complex challenges, while providing employment for team members with disabilities. Today, Post Masters, Blue Octopus and […] Read More
Benchmark partners with Thomasville Police Department in Georgia to address mental health issues and improve systems. Learn more about this important collaboration here. Read More
Benchmark Human Services (Benchmark) recently initiated a 12-month project with Amerigroup Georgia to enhance the transition for children served in Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTFs) in Georgia to community placements. Headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Benchmark serves children and adults with behavioral health needs, intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and significant medical needs. […] Read More
As Benchmark continues to plan for resuming day services and expanding work centers and office staff to full capacity, as well as maintaining the utmost safe practices in residential programs, we have developed and distributed to our employees, a Safety Plan for each state in which we do business. The Plans are mostly the same, […] Read More
Benchmark is pleased to announce that Kristina Lambert, Cincinnati, OH area Day Services Director, has accepted the position of Director of Residential Programs in Helena, MT. Kristina has worked for Benchmark since 2008, serving in a variety of positions in both residential and day services programs across the state of Ohio. Kristina says she is […] Read More
Benchmark Human Services (Benchmark), a Fort Wayne headquartered social services organization that serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and behavioral health needs, as well as children with disabilities/delays and those with chronic health issues, has been awarded a contract through Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) to provide Family Preservation Services. The programs […] Read More
Benchmark is sharing the following article on behalf of ANCOR: #ForgottenFaces Campaign Acknowledging those we’ve lost, working to ensure further lives are spared. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic we have seen tremendous losses in our communities. From the loss of loved ones, essential supports and livelihoods, many are hurting. The field of disability supports is among […] Read More
Benchmark was recently awarded a 5-year contract renewal to continue providing early intervention services in Fairfax County, Virginia. Benchmark has served this region since 2015 and is thrilled to continue providing quality services to infants, toddlers, and their families in Northern Virginia. The contract renewal also gives us the opportunity to expand services, so we […] Read More
Benchmark Human Services was recently notified of a contract award to expand our current service area in Southwest Connecticut. The new area includes most of Fairfield and New Haven Counties. With over 60 years of experience as a leading provider of services to individuals with disabilities and their families, Benchmark is well-prepared for this growth […] Read More
Welcome to the electronic edition of Thrive, the Benchmark employee newsletter. Enjoy, and please share any stories you would like to include in a future issue with Courtney Heiser or Simon May! Benchmark Celebrates 60 Years! By: Doug Beebe, President/CEO On January 6, 2020, our company turned 60. What began in 1960 as Anthony […] Read More
Welcome to the electronic edition of Thrive, the Benchmark employee newsletter. Enjoy, and please share any stories you would like to include in a future issue with Courtney Heiser or Simon May! From the Front Lines Debbie Fischer, DSP, Dayton, OH What is the best part of your job? Seeing the people […] Read More
Benchmark Human Services announces the Acquisition of H&W Independent Solutions, Inc. Benchmark Human Services (Benchmark), a human services agency headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has acquired H&W Independent Solutions, Inc. (H&W), a consulting and training firm that specializes in supporting public and private agencies to provide quality services for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities (I/DD). […] Read More
On May 15, members of Benchmark’s leadership team, Jeff Cross, President of Public Solutions, Nikki Ford, Director of Development Strategies, and AJ Beyrer, Regional Director participated in a Capitol Hill briefing in Washington DC as part of Mental Health Awareness Month. The focus was on the growing number of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) who […] Read More
The National Association of County Behavioral Health & Developmental Disability Directors (NACBHDD) and Benchmark Human Services (Benchmark) have partnered to co-sponsor an initiative to bring national attention to the needs of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) as they relate to the criminal justice system. This call to action is to address the policy […] Read More
Benchmark Human Services will be bringing over 50 years of experience as a leading provider of services to individuals with disabilities and their families to South Florida. Benchmark is looking for energetic and dependable employees for this new location. Positions include: Program Director, Administrative Assistant, Service Coordinator, Family Resource Specialist, Clinical Specialist, Speech Language Pathologist, […] Read More
Benchmark Human Services (Benchmark) will be bringing over 50 years of experience as a leading provider of services to individuals with disabilities and their families to a new region in Montana. Benchmark was awarded a contract with the State of Montana to serve as the administrator for the Montana Milestones/Part C and Family Education and Support […] Read More
Kathy Cesar, Program Manager in St. Marys, Ohio, recently accepted the position of Assistant Director in Columbus, Ohio. She has been with Benchmark since December 2012. “During Kathy’s service, she has assisted in growing a market and opening new homes,” said Ryan Knodel, Benchmark Director, Ohio. “The employees she supervises appreciate her listening skills and […] Read More
Benchmark Human Services will be bringing over 50 years of experience as a leading provider of services to individuals with disabilities and their families to a new region in Montana. Benchmark was awarded a contract with the State of Montana to serve as the administrator for the Montana Milestones/Part C and Family Education and Support programs […] Read More
Camp Red Cedar, a division of Benchmark Human Services is a 57-acre summer camp and year-round horseback riding facility for children and adults of all abilities On Monday, September 25, Camp Red Cedar held groundbreaking ceremony to commemorate the building of a new activity center and cabins on the camp’s property. The 11,500 square foot […] Read More
The Board of Directors of the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) has named Benchmark Advisory Committee Member, Val Bradley, as a recipient of the John F. Kennedy Jr. Award for Direct Support Workforce Advocacy & Leadership for 2017. Ms. Bradley will be formally recognized, along with fellow recipient, Marianne Taylor, in Omaha, Nebraska […] Read More
Becky Bodey has been named Assistant Director of Residential Services in Northwest Ohio. Becky has served as a Program Manager with Benchmark since June 2015. She has a bachelor’s degree from Anderson University, and operated a non-profit childcare center for 11 years before joining Benchmark. She has a decade of experience working with people with […] Read More
Meg Nusbaum joined Benchmark as Director of Group Homes in Indianapolis, Richmond, and Southern Indiana in October 2016. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Virginia Tech. Meg worked for 12 years in various management roles within adult day services/day health, primarily with the aging population, which included persons with medical frailty, ID/D, dementia, […] Read More
Jeff Frady will join Benchmark on February 6 as Regional Director overseeing residential and day services programs in Richmond, Connersville, and Marion, Indiana. Jeff recently served as Regional Director of Operations for Indiana Mentor where, since 2013, he was responsible for the operational leadership of ICF, Medicaid Waiver, and Day Service programs. Prior to his […] Read More
Benchmark was recently solicited by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) to provide Intensive Support Coordination services in Georgia. Benchmark became a certified provider in September 2016 and initiated services in October 2016 in two of the six DBHDD Regions (2 and 5). The program currently serves nearly 200 people with […] Read More
Genevieve Massey joined Benchmark in 2016 as a Residential Manager and was promoted to Director of Residential Services in Montana in January 2017. Genevieve’s passion for helping people started when she became a Certified Nursing Assistant 18 years ago. In 2005, she enlisted in the Army as a Combat Medic. This endeavor led her to […] Read More
September is National Recovery Month, and Benchmark is hosting the second annual Recovery Celebration. The event takes place Saturday, September 24 from 10 am – 3 pm at the First Assembly of God church, 1613 Fenwick Street, Augusta, GA 30901. Festivities begin with a kick off at 10 am, followed by lunch at noon, and […] Read More
Benchmark recently began providing case management services throughout South Dakota. For the past several months, the company has been hiring and training a team of directors and case managers. The South Dakota team is led by Tacey Dunwoody, Director, and four Regional Directors, Jan Banghart; Sonja Cole; Karen Sudbeck; and Laura Wendland. 810 individuals and […] Read More
Anne Titus, Regional Director of Group Homes, was recently named Vice President overseeing all group home programs in Indiana and Montana. Titus has been employed with Benchmark since 1992 when she joined the company as a Direct Support Professional. Throughout her 24 years of service, she has served as a residential manager and director, and […] Read More
Benchmark was mentioned in an article by The Valdosta Daily Times with regard to a community information session organized by our company to inform and educate law enforcement and the public about a new drug called “Flakka.” Print Excerpt: by Adam Floyd VALDOSTA — Benchmark Human Services sponsored a community information sharing session this week […] Read More
Benchmark was mentioned in an article by KXLH News Media with regard to the State of Montana’s planned closure of the Montana Developmental Center. Excerpt: By Sanjay Talwani – MTN News HELENA – With the planned closure of the Montana Developmental Center in Boulder, the state is looking for new homes for dozens of residents. […] Read More
Blue Octopus Printing Company, a full service product design and printing facility in Indianapolis, IN, has won a silver level Gold Ink Award for their Open House Invitation in the category of Digital Printing, Variable Data, & Personalization, which was designed and printed by Blue Octopus staff to promote its new digital printing capabilities. The […] Read More
Doug Beebe was recently named President of Residential Services at Benchmark Human Services (formerly AWS), an organization that provides care to individuals with disabilities and mental illness throughout the United States. Beebe joined Benchmark in 2014 as Vice President, overseeing programs in Central and Southern Indiana and on the East Coast. In his new role […] Read More
Camp Red Cedar, a summer camp for children and adults with disabilities, is collaborating with the Fort Wayne Ballet to offer campers a unique summer camp experience. Beginning Tuesday, June 16, at 10:30 am, and once a week for the remainder of the summer camp season (7 weeks), dancers from the Ballet will visit the […] Read More
Fort Wayne, IN. – On May 5, the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) recognized Yared Belew of Benchmark Human Services (formerly AWS) in Fort Wayne as the 2015 Direct Support Professional of the Year for Indiana. “We at Benchmark are proud of Yared. The award shows the dedication he has to support […] Read More
Beginning Monday, April 6, Benchmark Human Services (formerly AWS) will begin administering the contract for Indiana Epilepsy Services in Allen County. The state-wide program is part of the Indiana University School of Medicine’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Center. Indiana Epilepsy Services offers monthly educational trainings to area providers and organizations, as well as a hotline (866-417-9205), which […] Read More
Dr. James Wiltz, PhD HSPP, Psychologist & Regional Director for Benchmark Human Services will present at the INARF (Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities) Annual Conference, Wednesday, March 18, at 10:30 am at the Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel, 8787 Keystone Crossing, Indianapolis, Indiana. Dr. Wiltz’s presentation, A Comprehensive Community Support Model for People with Challenging Behavior, will […] Read More
Camp Red Cedar has been selected among the winners of Old National Bank’s “Choose Your Charity” contest celebrating the company’s growth in the Northeast Indiana region. A member of staff at the parent company of Camp Red Cedar, Benchmark Human Services, found out about the contest while visiting a local branch of his bank. “I […] Read More
Fort Wayne, Indiana – Anthony Wayne Services (AWS), will change its name to Benchmark Human Services, effective January 1, 2015. This is simply a name change. Ownership and leadership of the company is not changing. In 2010, AWS launched Benchmark Human Services to take the AWS model of services and expertise to new program and […] Read More
Eric Weeks was recently promoted to Vice President of Human Resources at AWS/Benchmark after working as Director of Human Resources since 2004. Prior to joining AWS/Benchmark, Weeks served as Human Resources Manager for Parkview Health from 2000-2004. He also served in management roles at Spherion Staffing and Kroger. Weeks is co-chair of the Indiana Association […] Read More
The Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS) Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS) of Indiana has announced that Caregiver Support Services funds will be available for the fiscal year 2015 beginning July 1, 2014. The Caregiver Support Services is 100 percent state funded and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. As long as […] Read More
Simon May has been selected as the next Communications Manager of AWS/Benchmark Human Services. May is a graduate of Purdue University where he received his bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Advertising in 2012. He began his marketing career in Fort Wayne with an internship at Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana. Following this program, May […] Read More
Courtney Hartman has been selected as the next Director of Communications of AWS/Benchmark Human Services. Hartman has served as Communications Manager for the organization since 2003. She began her career as promotions director and on-air personality for a Fort Wayne radio station, followed by a stint as marketing assistant for the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, where she […] Read More
For Immediate Release: AWS Foundation grants money to Camp Red Cedar for camper scholarships Camp Red Cedar was recently awarded $25,000 from the AWS Foundation for camper scholarships and riding equipment. Camp Red Cedar, a 57-acre summer camp and horseback riding facility just north of Fort Wayne, is a fully accessible facility where campers of […] Read More
Doug Beebe has joined AWS/Benchmark as Vice President – Residential and Day Services, Central and Southern Indiana and East Coast. He succeeds Steve Cook, who recently accepted a new position as AWS/Benchmark Vice President, Business Development. Most recently, Beebe served as chief executive officer of Community Rehabilitation Hospital in Indianapolis. Previous positions include Director of […] Read More
January 22, 2014 Leaders of the Georgia Crisis Response System, managed by Benchmark Human Services, will address the Suicide Prevention Coalition 6 pm, Thursday, January 23, at the Cuthbert First United Methodist Church fellowship hall, 187 Lumpkin Street, Cuthbert. During the session, leaders will discuss the crisis response services and questions about the program. Representatives […] Read More
