This April, Notre Dame alumni, parents, and friends from across the world joined together for the fourth annual Notre Dame Global Day of Service, a celebration of the University’s impact as a force for good in the world.
For the Notre Dame Club of Grand Rapids, Father Sorin’s call to be a “most powerful means for good,” led them to Benjamin’s Hope, a 52-acre alumni-founded farmstead community in Holland, Michigan, that provides semi-independent living for 32 adults with developmental differences.
Krista and Dave Mason ’91 J.D. built Benjamin’s Hope for adults like their son, Ben, whose autism diagnosis includes nonverbal communication. Designed like many suburban neighborhoods, the community features multi-resident homes, walking trails, a petting barn, garden, and worship space, creating an environment for residents to lead full, thriving lives.
Since launching in 2023, the Global Day of service has inspired thousands of volunteers to give back in their local communities in the name of Our Lady, reaching all 50 states and dozens of countries. Hosted by the Notre Dame Alumni Association, the effort receives significant support from the Notre Dame clubs network, alumni groups, and individual organizers.
2026 Notre Dame Global Day of Service By The Numbers
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6,000+ service hours
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2,000+ volunteers
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165 service projects
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128 Notre Dame clubs
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52 states & territories
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15 countries
Learn more about Benjamin’s Hope in the video above.
