Nick Lentz - A JOURNEY WITH BENEDICTINE

Nick Lentz's story is an inspiring one of living with a developmental disability. His family knew very early on that public school was not going to be the right fit for him and through friends they learned of Benedictine.

Sister Mary Agnes fondly remembers Nick when he first came to Benedictine at age 5. She said he was shy and tiny and she would carry him. He was still drinking out of a bottle. The Benedictine staff helped Nick learn how to drink out of a glass. Other milestones for Nick included learning to bathe and dress himself. Nick's family always felt at peace knowing how well he was being taken care of by the staff at Benedictine. The atmosphere at Benedictine provided a nurturing place where Nick could thrive. His language skills improved and he even learned to read a bit. Through focusing on life skills, Nick was able to develop a better understanding of the world around him.

When the time came for Nick to graduate from the Benedictine school, his family knew they wanted Nick to continue on to one of Benedictine's adult group homes. While they pursued other options, an opening became available and Nick moved into a home with three other men in Henderson in 2006. Through the years Nick has developed relationships with his three housemates and they enjoy doing activities together. Nick even participates in horseback riding with Talbot Special Riders. He also enjoys music and likes to dance to music he refers to as "Oldies but Goodies!"

At home, Nick and his housemates work together to complete household chores including cleaning and sorting laundry. The skills Nick's learned enabled him to secure a job with a local, public golf course. Ann, his Benedictine job coach, says Nick loves talking with the staff and is a joy to work with - his excitement for his job is amazing! Nick also loves to watch the planes that fly overhead leaving from the nearby airport. Nick's dad is proud to say that he's a happy guy and everyone likes him.

Nick's story is truly a Benedictine success story, from his first days in the school to his transition to a group home and now contributing to his community through his work. Nick is a wonderful example of how all Benedictine's programs work together to bring about small miracles and success for the individuals served.