Who we are
For more than 60 years, Melwood has been working towards a world where people with disabilities are fully included. Today, we are one of the nation’s leading advocates, employers, and providers for people with disabilities and their caregivers. With an impact that extends far beyond our horticultural roots, our mission continues to stretch across everything we do.
Our mission and path
Melwood advocates for and empowers people with disabilities by expanding opportunities to work and thrive in the community. Here’s how:
We elevate supportive work environments by creating accessible places to live, work, and thrive.
We use data in bold new ways to drive innovation, empowerment, and excellence.
We are innovative in how we think and act, setting an example for others to follow.
We lead the conversation about disability policy concerning work and economic empowerment.
We deliver results by securing resources needed to support our mission.
We’re all in
At Melwood, we have one attitude and approach to everything we do: we’re all in.
Being all in is our pledge to go above and beyond. To take on the obstacles that others avoid. To do whatever it takes to achieve our mission.
We understand the immense scale of the challenges we face. We must look to not just support Americans with disabilities but transform the programs and systems that impact their lives.
We’re dedicated to creating solutions where none exist. Whether in workforce development, education, or housing, we are committed to innovating, asking questions, and creating pathways for true, lasting change.
We invite community leaders, stakeholders, and donors to join us in this endeavor – to be part of a movement that refuses to accept anything less than a society that embraces our disabled community.
Be all in with us.
Where did it all begin?
In 1963, on seven acres of unimproved land — donated by the USDA — our founders pitched an Army surplus tent. They began to lay the groundwork for a place where people with disabilities could gain job skills and earn a respectable income.
Over the following decades, Melwood would pioneer many new milestones in the field that would be known as social-entrepreneurial ventures: businesses with the “double bottom line” of providing revenue to support program services as well as jobs and independence for people with disabilities.
We continue to utilize the innovative and effective social-entrepreneurial model we were founded on to offer more people with disabilities the training they need to become members of the workforce in their communities. We channel the proceeds from our business ventures back into the local community, fueling growth and opportunity. Without shareholders to satisfy, our efforts focus on creating impact for our community stakeholders, alleviating the burdens of government by driving innovative solutions that benefit everyone.
Explore our milestones
1963
Melwood Agricultural Training Center is founded to teach job skills to people with disabilities.
1970s
Changed name to Melwood Horticultural Training Center, Inc. Acquired 108-acre property in Charles County, Maryland, now home to the Melwood Recreation Center.
1980s
Awarded first of many federal grounds and custodial contracts in Washington, D.C. region. By 1989, provided employment and services to more than 800 individuals across the region.
1990s
Opened Camp Accomplish, which started as a camp for kids with disabilities and went on to become a camp for children with and without disabilities or chronic health conditions.
2010s
Melwood ended the payment of subminimum wages for people with disabilities and began advocating for its abolition at the state and federal level. By 2017, Melwood employed or supported more than 2,100 individuals.
2025
Now employing more than 1,600 people and supporting more than 3,000 people each year, Melwood announces corporate restructuring, introducing Melwood Inc. and the creation of our two new primary divisions: Melwood Enterprises and Melwood Community Services.
Leadership
Melwood’s leadership is passionate about and dedicated to empowering people with disabilities.
Board of directors
The Melwood board serves a vital role in organizational governance and stewardship to advance our mission.
Our companies
Melwood is a multifaceted organization, concentrated on breaking down the barriers that continue to exist for people with disabilities.
