Lifelong Home for the Bennett Family: A Heartwarming Story of Compassion and Community

The Bennett family's remarkable journey of adopting 13 children with developmental and intellectual disabilities, including Down syndrome, is a testament to the power of love and perseverance. After decades of providing a loving home, the family is now set to receive a new, purpose-built residence that will allow them to remain together for the rest of their lives, thanks to the tireless efforts and generous support of various organizations and individuals.

Uniting a Family, Empowering Futures

A Family's Unwavering Commitment

The Bennett family's story is one of extraordinary compassion and dedication. Despite already having four children, Marlyn and her family made the selfless decision to adopt 13 more children with developmental and intellectual disabilities, including Down syndrome. This decision was driven by a deep desire to provide a loving, nurturing environment for those in need, and to ensure that these children would have the support and care they required throughout their lives.As the years passed, the Bennett family grew, and the children blossomed under the care and guidance of their devoted parents. However, as Marlyn, now 79 years old, began to consider the long-term future of her family, she knew that a more permanent solution was needed to ensure their continued well-being and togetherness.

A Community-Driven Solution

Recognizing the Bennett family's unique needs, the Village of Patchogue, Independent Group Home Living (IGHL), the Knapp-Swezey Foundation, and the Island Outreach Foundation came together to create a lasting solution. Through tireless work and generous donations of time and money, these organizations have collaborated to construct a new, purpose-built group home for the Bennett family.The nearly 6,000-square-foot, 12-bedroom house, designed by Jerry Rumplick of AIA and built by Bob Conklin of The Flagg Group, will provide the Bennett children with a comfortable, state-of-the-art living environment that caters to their specific needs. The home will feature medical gases, a patient lifting system, and enhanced nursing services, ensuring that the family members receive the comprehensive care and support they require.

A Lifetime of Togetherness

For Marlyn Bennett, the new group home represents more than just a physical structure – it is a symbol of the unwavering commitment and support that her family has received from the community. "I cannot express enough gratitude to IGHL for keeping my family together," she said. "It is such a comfort to know they will be together and so well taken care of in a lovely home."The new Independent Group Home Living Patchogue residence will not only provide the Bennett family with a permanent, secure living arrangement, but it will also offer a range of specialized services and programs to ensure their continued growth and well-being. These include physical, speech, music, and recreation therapy, as well as a dedicated in-home day program that focuses on independent living skills and meaningful recreational and social opportunities.As the life expectancy for people living with disabilities continues to increase, the Bennett family's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community-driven solutions and the transformative impact they can have on the lives of those in need. The new group home will not only provide the Bennett family with a lifetime of togetherness, but it will also inspire others to follow in their footsteps and make a difference in the lives of those with developmental and intellectual disabilities.