About Us
MHDS, Inc. was organized in 1972 in Jackson, TN by a group of parents and volunteers seeking fun and meaningful activities for their mentally challenged children and young adult family members. Charles R. "Bob" Ellis was chosen as the agencies first Executive Director, and he maintained this role until his retirement in 2006. Activities were initially provided in homes, space provided by churches, and Lambuth College.
In 1977, the agency broke ground on it's new Day Facility at 38 Garland Drive. The agency provided day activities for clients that included job training skills, life skills and independence training. The agency operated several group homes that provided residential care to 8-10 clients per home.
In 1985, the agency expanded services to Haywood County, providing similar day services at the Ben-Rich Center in Brownsville, TN. At this time the agency name was officially changed to Madison-Haywood Developmental Services to include the new center.
In 2004, MHDS, Inc. became involved with the developmental center in Hardeman County at Bolivar. MHDS, Inc. became the official managing company on April 1, 2004.
Madison, Haywood, and Hardeman Counties currently serves more than 250 clients in the day programs, and more than 110 clients in Residential Services. The agency only operates one group home, providing all other residential services through Supported Living and Personal Assistance Services. MHDS, Inc. employees more than 400 staff in all three counties combined.
In 2006, Bill Brewer became only the 2nd Executive Director for the agency since 1972. Bill has been with the agency since 1977.
