Upper Marlboro, MD – Melwood, an organization devoted to empowering individuals with disabilities, today announced a new corporate structure aimed at streamlining operations and positioning the organization for future growth and greater impact.
Since 1963, Melwood has been advocating for and empowering Americans with disabilities to live, work, and thrive in the community – with its many services and programs run out of one corporation. Now, Melwood is excited to introduce the next chapter in its evolution: the introduction of a Melwood family of companies, including Melwood Inc. (www.melwood.org), Melwood Enterprises (www.melwoodenterprises.org), and Melwood Community Services (www.melwoodcommunity.org).
The services, programs, and activities that Melwood’s community has come to know and rely on are not changing — instead, they will now be offered by independent specialized companies that will be able to focus on their respective strengths and grow.
Melwood Enterprises will continue to deliver top-tier business solutions to public and private sector clients across more than 60 locations in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., while employing the best individuals suited for the job.
Melwood Community Services will continue to offer impactful programming that empowers children, youth, and adults with disabilities to live, work, and thrive in their communities, including abilIT, Building Paths, Camp Accomplish, the Workforce Innovation Skills Hub, and Youth Enrichment Services.
Defined by an innovative and flexible mindset willing to challenge norms, Melwood Inc. will continue leading as an innovator, educator, and advocate in expanding opportunities for people with disabilities, while acting as a resource for those looking to grow and learn from best practices.
“Melwood has a strong legacy of responding to the current and future needs of our community, demonstrating leadership, flexibility, and resilience. This significant milestone in our history is yet another step in our ongoing commitment to innovation and delivering exceptional value,” said Larysa Kautz, President & CEO of Melwood Inc.
“I am honored to lead the outstanding Melwood Enterprises team who provide first class services to customers throughout our region. By aligning our teams and optimizing operations, we are well-positioned for sustainable growth and will be better able to meet the needs of even more customers in the years ahead,” said Karl Groninger, Executive Director of Melwood Enterprises.
“Melwood has built an impeccable reputation for providing high-quality services and programs that meet the individualized needs of our stakeholders. This new structure allows each of our divisions to focus on their individual strengths and efficiency in service to our mission. Most crucially, it helps us continue to grow, innovate, and invest in services, research, and partnerships to empower individuals with disabilities. As Melwood Community Services, we will remain focused on supporting people with disabilities in overcoming barriers and expanding opportunities so people can live lives of their choosing,” said Emily Homer, Executive Director, Melwood Community Services.
Founded in 1963, Melwood has been at the forefront of disability acceptance, advocacy, and empowerment for more than six decades and today employs more than 1,600 people, nearly 900 of whom have significant disabilities.
About Melwood
Melwood is a family of companies with a shared vision of a world where people with disabilities are fully included. Melwood comprises three primary companies—Melwood Enterprises, Melwood Community Services, and Melwood Inc.—together serving as one of the nation’s leading advocates, service providers, and employers of people with disabilities and their caregivers. We offer employment, job placement, job training, life skills for independence, support services, and youth and community recreational services to more than 3,000 people each year in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. For more information, visit www.melwood.org.
About Melwood Enterprises
Melwood Enterprises delivers top-tier business solutions to public and private sector clients across more than 60 locations in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., while expanding employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Boasting a team of seasoned performers, industry-respected certifications, unparalleled retention rates, and excellence in long-standing contracts, Melwood Enterprises delivers satisfaction, stability, and exceptional return on investment. For more information about Melwood Enterprises, a part of the Melwood family of companies, visit www.melwoodenterprises.org.
About Melwood Community Services
Melwood Community Services offers innovative programming that empowers children, youth, and adults with disabilities to live, work, and thrive in their communities. Melwood Community Services focuses on developing bold new ideas and activities designed to foster community integration and personal growth and fulfillment for people with disabilities. With a focus on overcoming barriers and expanding opportunities, Melwood Community Services’ programs and services are designed to support people to live fully in their communities, enjoying recreational activities, exploring and retaining career choices, and providing respite for caregivers. For more information about Melwood Community Services, a part of the Melwood family of companies, visit www.melwoodcommunity.org.
About Melwood Inc.
Melwood Inc. is a leading innovator, educator, advocate, and expert in expanding opportunities for people with disabilities to work and thrive in the community, as well as a source of critical services for those looking to grow and learn from our best practices. Learn more at www.melwood.org.
