Woods Story

An Exceptional Place

For nearly a century, Woods Services has responded to the unique challenges of children and adults with special needs. Its roots lie in the vision and determination of Mollie Woods who, as a 32 year-old Philadelphia schoolteacher, set forth to establish a setting that could provide care for the exceptional child in a home-like environment and maximize each child's potential.

Through Mollie Woods' determination and leadership, The Woods Schools with its warm atmosphere, high ethical standards, and understanding of each child, was established in a Pennsylvania farmhouse. Mollie began to build a curriculum of work, play, and socialization that would meet each child's particular needs. Through her creativity and the love and guidance of a dedicated staff, her dream soon began to take shape.

An Exceptional Program

By Woods' 25th anniversary, Mollie had many accomplishments to celebrate. The school had proven to be successful as one of the first residential care and training centers for children who could not thrive in traditional educational programs. Mollie implemented a progressive approach of grouping students by their social maturity rather than by IQ or age.

Over the years, Woods grew and its reputation spread. During this time, Woods became an international source of information on the care and training of individuals with special needs. Through conferences, professional journals, and publications, Woods was renowned for its activities to advance knowledge about developmental disabilities.

In 1948, Mollie established a Board of Trustees to assume responsibility for the future management and oversight of The Woods Schools. This restructuring did not change Woods' purpose or direction, but solidified it.

An Exceptional Future

Nearly a century after its founding, Mollie Woods' vision has evolved into a diverse, innovative, and fiscally healthy organization – Woods Services. Today Woods is more than a school – it is a private, nonprofit organization that provides a broad range of human services to people with special needs and challenges.

In a manner consistent with Mollie's pioneering spirit, Woods continues to help people with exceptional needs face significant life challenges with dignity.

• Woods Services: A Century of Excellence – Take a journey through Woods' history.