MHDS Inc.

MHDS LEGACY OF SERVICE

MHDS, Inc. (Previously known as Madison Haywood Developmental Services) was organized in 1972 in Jackson by a group of parents whose children had intellectual disabilities. Their purpose was to provide meaningful and enjoyable activities which fostered their independence. Originally called the Adult Day Activity Center, programs were offered out of a home in mid-town Jackson through volunteers and a small paid staff. In 1977, the center broke ground on its current Jackson location at 38 Garland Drive. The enlarged facility allowed for additional persons to be served and expanded the scope of programs they could engage in. In 1985, the Jackson facility combined forces with the Ben-Rich Center in Brownsville. The agency name was changed to Madison Haywood Developmental Services to reflect the broadened service area. The Hardeman County Developmental Center in Bolivar came under the agency umbrella in 2004. MHDS has only had 2 Executive Directors. Charles R. “Bob” Ellis directed the agency from its formation in 1972 through his retirement in 2006. William D. “Bill” Brewer, Jr., who had been the Assistant Director since 1977, took over as the Executive Director in 2006. Today MHDS Inc. is a private, non-profit agency serving 220 clients from throughout West Tennessee with a staff of over 400. Service recipient ages range from 22-80’s and each person’s care is individually designed to allow for optimum independence, self-reliance and dignity. Programs provided via the TN Department of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) waiver include Day Centers and Community Integration services located in Jackson, Brownsville & Bolivar which train and coach participants in basic social, self-help and adaptive skills allowing them to better integrate in community, residential, social or work environments. Through the Supported Employment Program, MHDS assists persons to secure and retain employment at area businesses by maintaining regular interactions, monitoring their work performance and providing support to help them improve and keep their jobs. MHDS helps Supported Living clients to secure their own homes or apartments suitable to their needs with modifications necessary for health and welfare. Staff assists with daily living activities including meal preparation, bathing, dressing, and personal finances, going to medical appointments or to the grocery to the extent required by each individual. Personal Assistance provides many of the same services in a home the individual shares with family. The Family Support Program is designed to assist individuals with disabilities who are not receiving waiver services and their families to remain together in their homes and communities. This program helps families purchase services, supplies and equipment. Services provided are flexible and responsive to families and their needs. We are also an Employment & Community First (ECF) Choices provider through TennCare which targets ages 16+ to develop community engagement and independence. Participants learn to integrate into their community while working or developing skills needed to secure employment. MHDS plans to stay on the cutting edge of service delivery for those we serve and is proud to be a part of the network of services which make West Tennessee a great place to live and work.