Greenwell Foundation serves the needs of the community by offering inclusive programs to individuals, families, centers and businesses.
We are a nonprofit dedicated to providing accessible and inclusive programs, services, and facilities for all community members, with and without disabilities, in Southern Maryland.
Greenwell Foundation operates in Greenwell State Park, a 600-acre property located along the lower Patuxent River in Hollywood, Maryland.
In 1966, John Philip Greenwell, Jr. established Greenwell Foundation and began long-term plans for his Southern Maryland estate. John Philip Greenwell was a true visionary. Long before the Americans with Disabilities Act, he envisioned a place where people with disabilities could experience health benefits, the beauty of nature and the joy of outdoor recreation, just like anyone else.
To that end, he donated his property to the state of Maryland and created Greenwell Foundation. The park opened to the public in the mid-1990s. In 1997, Greenwell Foundation began offering active programs. This included a Therapeutic Riding Program meant for participants with physical and intellectual disabilities, with veterans particularly welcome.
Today, the foundation offers a range of inclusive programs, striving to provide opportunities for all people of all abilities. Through an innovative partnership with Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the property has been consistently upgraded to improve access to the buildings, grounds, and waterfront. Greenwell Foundation currently serves individuals from St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Charles counties, as well as from Prince George’s County and Washington, D.C. The foundation provides outdoor nature connection and therapeutic, environmental and recreational programs. The programs are for veterans, active military, military families and all people with and without disabilities.
Foundational program areas are the Equestrian, Nature Connection and Outdoor Programs for children and adults with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities. Current programs targeted towards veterans and active military include charter boat fishing trips where up to 16 veterans enjoy a half day on the water with lunch and all equipment provided. We host trail rides and sessions of Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies for local vets, as well as kayak fishing tours. Our activities are often linked with volunteer opportunities, since veteran participants want to give back to the organization and be served by us. The Greenwell Foundation Therapeutic Retreat Project is a natural extension of our existing programs. The project features longer, eventually overnight, stays and reflective time that is facilitated by our therapist. Both aspects can add so much to the positive experience we hope our participants have.
