Woods System of Care: Transforming Lives Through Integrated Support 

Woods System of Care  

 By Liz Hayden, MPH, MS.Ed 

Imagine a world where individuals with disabilities—especially those with intellectual disabilities, autism, and behavioral health challenges—can easily access the healthcare and services they need throughout their entire lives. This dream inspired the creation of the Woods System of Care, a bold step toward making that vision a reality. 

Despite groundbreaking federal and state legislation designed to enhance community-based services, significant barriers remain for people with complex needs. Access to essential care—whether primary care, behavioral healthcare, or supportive services that address social determinants of health—is still out of reach for many. The systems meant to serve these individuals are fragmented, making it difficult to provide the comprehensive care they deserve. As a result, people with disabilities face alarming health disparities compared to the general population. 

This is where the Woods System of Care steps in. 

Rooted in the rich history of Woods Services, Inc.—a nonprofit organization with over 100 years of experience providing holistic services for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, autism, and complex medical challenges—the Woods System of Care has evolved far beyond its origins as a special education school. Today, it is a forward-thinking population health management network dedicated to uniting services that empower and uplift. 

Together with its 12 affiliates and partners, the Woods System of Care impacts the lives of more than 50,000 individuals across Southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Through an integrated network, it provides an expansive array of services, including specialized healthcare, clinical support, crisis prevention and mobile crisis intervention, special education, vocational training, day programs, life-sharing, community living, and much more. 

At the heart of the Woods System of Care is a “no-wrong-door” approach—ensuring that individuals, families, and caregivers can seamlessly access the right services, regardless of where they enter the system. From early childhood to adulthood, this model offers a clear, coordinated pathway to support at every stage of life. 

By fostering mission-driven partnerships, strategically expanding programs, concentrating services within key regions, and harnessing shared data and administrative systems, the Woods System of Care is breaking down barriers and building a more unified, effective support system for people with complex needs. 

Our ultimate goal? To close service gaps, enhance the quality of care, and transform health and quality-of-life outcomes for the individuals we proudly serve. Together, we are making the world we imagined one of inclusion, empowerment, and comprehensive care—because everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive. 

Liz Hayden, MPH, MS.Ed, is  

Vice President, Strategy Development,  

Woods System of Care.