Message from Woods' President
The Woods Services family cares very deeply, both personally and professionally, for the individuals and families we serve. For nearly 100 years, we have been serving exceptional children and adults with very complex special needs in a manner that is accepting and respectful and in an environment that is safe and caring.
Profound Loss
The fact that tragedy struck twice in this year – with the deaths of our clients, Robert Percaro and Bryan Nevins – remains unfathomable to all of us. Words are inadequate in expressing our deep sympathy and sorrow to these families. Their passings tear at the very fabric of what we do so well at Woods and touch all who work here. Collectively, our campus continues to grieve their losses, and their memories stand as a constant reminder to all of us to remain vigilant in our pursuit of doing the very best that we can for those we serve every minute of every day.
Dedication to Our Clients
We remain steadfast in our dedication to providing opportunities for our residents that allow and encourage them to live their lives to the fullest. We continue to uphold the integrity of our mission—one that guided the work of our founder, Mollie Woods, when she established The Woods Schools in 1913—to help people maximize their potential for independence and individuality. That happens through the dedication of the men and women who serve our clients in numerous capacities – direct care, education, physical therapy, recreation, nursing and medical care, psychiatric services, and nutritional services, to name just a few.
To our employees, the safety of those in their care is paramount. For all of us, consistently improving how we serve our clients is part of that process. With the guidance and direction of a number of nationally renowned scholars and practitioners on our staff, we regularly examine our protocols to determine how they can be strengthened. In response to these tragic events, we immediately engaged in a critical review of our processes and, in fact, have begun to phase in additional safeguards. A more comprehensive proposal of enhanced standards has been submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. At this time, we are awaiting their response in order to proceed with implementing meaningful, additional safeguards.
Continuous Improvement
While this time has been extremely challenging, we are thankful for the countless families and friends who have generously expressed their support and concern. So many of you have said that Woods has had a dramatic, positive impact on your family members in our care and on your families as a whole. Please know that you remain the focus of all our efforts and energy. We will continue to provide you with updates as we move forward to advance the high standards established by Mollie Woods nearly a century ago.
