History
Woodhaven began when parents and concerned individuals within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) wanted to provide innovative training and educational opportunities for children with developmental disabilities. At the time of its opening in 1964, the organization was called the Woodhaven Christian Home for Exceptional Children.
The initiative to establish the Woodhaven Christian Home came from the National Benevolent Association (NBA), the health and human services arm of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Charles Palmer, who was the administrator at the NBA ECHO Children’s Home, an orphanage, had noticed a need for a residential facility for children with disabilities. Others at the NBA agreed with him and they began planning Woodhaven. They chose Columbia, Missouri, as the site because of a land donation the NBA had received from the estate of Dr. and Mrs. Frank J. Nifong and because they could partner with the University of Missouri there.
In 1961, Charles Palmer began as the first Woodhaven Administrator. That same year, members of Woodhaven’s board and administration broke ground on the Woodhaven campus.
May 1, 1964 – First Students Arrive
Almost from its inception, Woodhaven had been receiving letters from parents of young adults with developmental disabilities asking for a program to serve that population. In March of 1966, two cottages were built, one for eight young men and one for eight young women. These cottages were dedicated to Frank and Viola Ackerman, two friends of Woodhaven. After the successful integration of these young adults, Woodhaven built more adult cottages in 1969 and 1972. By 1975, Woodhaven served over 225 adults and children with developmental disabilities.
Innovative Employment Opportunities
With the inclusion of adults in Woodhaven’s mission, a need arose for employment for these individuals. In 1969, Woodhaven started a sheltered workshop, which was soon spun off into its own corporation and is still operating today separate from Woodhaven as Central Missouri Subcontracting Enterprises. Woodhaven also operated an egg farm and later a driving range, both of which also offered employment opportunities to the people served by Woodhaven.
Woodhaven Hand Bell Choir
In 1972, the Woodhaven Hand Bell Choir was formed after a church in West Palm Beach, Florida, donated a set of English hand bells to Woodhaven. The Hand Bell Choir traveled all around the United States and recorded several albums and tapes of their music. They performed in all 50 states including at the World Convention of Christian Churches in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1980, and at a religious service at President Ronald Reagan’s inauguration in 1981.
Although the Woodhaven Hand Bell Choir no longer exists, several of its former members continue to play in a local bell choir sponsored by Columbia Parks and Recreation. This adaptive bell choir performs with a senior citizen’s bell choir and has allowed our members to make several new friends in the community.
Transition to Community-Based Services
As the people supported by Woodhaven matured, vast improvements were made within the public school system to be able to serve children with disabilities. This eliminated the need for Woodhaven to have a school and serve children. The organization began focusing exclusively on serving adults with developmental disabilities.
In 1993, with encouragement from the state of Missouri, Woodhaven began integrating the people served on its campus into community homes and apartments. The individuals we serve now are able to fully participate in community events. Community integration is very important to Woodhaven’s mission. The men and women served today are encouraged to be as involved in their community as they choose to be. Looking toward the future, Woodhaven continues to strive for greater levels of independence and choice for people with developmental disabilities.
Beyond Integration
Full inclusion in our community is not just about making adaptations specifically for those with disabilities; it is about creating an environment that allows all people, regardless of ability, to participate fully and equally in all aspects of community life. Moving to homes in the community was only the beginning of this process. With every relationship they foster through volunteering, working and just being active throughout Columbia, the men and women with disabilities we support are building a community of inclusion as they work toward changing the face of ability.