The Inn Named Kennedy Krieger’s 2024 Business of the Year

The Children’s Inn at NIH has been named Kennedy Krieger’s 2024 Business of the Year. The award was given out at the Project SEARCH graduation event in Baltimore.

“We are honored to be recognized by Kennedy Krieger as this year’s Business of the Year,” said The Inn’s Senior Volunteer Engagement Manager, Meghan Smith. “Our partnership with their neurodiversity program has been rewarding and has brought so much joy to our building. For them to recognize us in this way is a true honor.”

The award recognizes The Inn as a business partner that supports workplace or volunteer experiences for Kennedy Krieger’s community members and volunteers throughout the year. The Inn’s partnership with Kennedy Krieger began prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through Kennedy Krieger’s CORE Foundations, volunteers have come to The Inn to help with such tasks as managing kitchen supplies, organizing the playroom, helping with administrative duties, and walking Zilly, The Inn’s therapy dog.

CORE Foundations at Kennedy Krieger supports individuals with disabilities, helping them obtain and maintain meaningful employment and community engagement for lifelong success. Currently, The Inn has three volunteers from CORE Foundations who work on a weekly basis. One of them, Timaron, was featured on The Inn’s website during Volunteer Appreciation Month in 2023.

“The Children’s Inn has been a fantastic partner,” said Hannah Wayne, the Director of Meaningful Community Services at Kennedy Krieger. We absolutely love finding volunteer opportunities for the young adults who we support, and we want to thank The Children’s Inn for providing these opportunities and for being so warm and welcoming for us.”