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, Charles Palmer, who was the administrator at the National Benevolent Association ECHO Children’s Home at the time, arrived at the idea of the Woodhaven Christian Home for Exceptional Children — the forerunner of Woodhaven.
Woodhaven began on May 1, 1964, when Charles began providing residential services for children with disabilities. The Woodhaven campus initially housed 16 individuals in two cottages — one for eight young men and one for eight young women.
From its inception, the inclusion of adults with developmental disabilities has always been part of Woodhaven’s mission. Recognizing that inclusion extended to employment, Woodhaven started a sheltered workshop in 1969, which was soon spun off into its own corporation and is still operating today, separate from Woodhaven, as Central Missouri Subcontracting Enterprises. Individuals at Woodhaven also operated an egg farm and, later, a driving range, both of which offered employment opportunities.
The Woodhaven Hand Bell Choir, formed in 1972 after a church in Florida donated a set of English handbells, also offered opportunities for individuals to get involved in the community. The choir traveled around the United States and recorded several albums and tapes of their music, even performing at the World Convention of Christian Churches in 1980 and a religious service at President Ronald Reagan’s inauguration in 1981.
The transition to community-based services began in the late 20th century, when 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 individuals served on its campus also matured; the organization began focusing exclusively on serving adults with developmental disabilities.
Soon after, Woodhaven began integrating the people served into community homes and apartments, marking the beginning of Woodhaven’s goal to “create an environment that allows all people, regardless of ability, to participate fully and equally in all aspects of community life.” Today, the individuals we serve can fully participate in community events. With every relationship our individuals foster through volunteering, working, and just being active throughout Columbia, the men and women we support are building a community of inclusion as they work toward changing the face of ability.