innovation Archives - Woods Services

Woods System of Care’s Three Outpatient Healthcare Centers in Langhorne, Pa. Welcome Patients for Primary, Dental, and Behavioral Healthcare

May 18, 2023

Woods Healthcare Opens to the Community, Providing Exceptional Outpatient Health and Behavioral Care for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Autism, and Emotional and Behavioral Challenges

Woods System of Care, a network of healthcare organizations located in Pennsylvania and New Jersey that ensures lifelong support to individuals with disabilities, has launched Woods Healthcare to offer world-class outpatient health and behavioral care for children, adolescents, and adults in the community with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and emotional and behavioral challenges. Woods Healthcare includes three outpatient healthcare centers – The Center for Behavioral Health at Woods, The Medical Center at Woods, and Penn Dental Medicine at Woods Mikey Faulkner Dental Care Center – which are now open to the community. The three centers are located on the Bucks County site of Woods Services at 10 Meadowood Drive in Langhorne, Pa. Community members can now make appointments by calling 215-750-4004 and learn more at www.woodshealthcare.org.

“With the launch of Woods Healthcare, we are building on a long tradition of experience and service to our community,” said Tine Hansen-Turton, president and CEO of Woods System of Care and Woods Services. “For more than a century, Woods has been a leader in providing comprehensive lifelong care to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and emotional and behavioral challenges at Woods. Our industry-leading specialists know how to break down the barriers that stand in the way of quality care for people with disabilities,” she said. “Now, with Woods Healthcare, we are expanding our services to support the community by providing individuals with disabilities access to world-class comprehensive primary care, dental care, and behavioral healthcare throughout their lifetime.”

The Center for Behavioral Health at Woods specializes in helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and emotional and behavioral challenges achieve their highest potential and independence. With a wellness team that includes psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychologists, nurse navigators, counselors, and family therapists, The Center for Behavioral Health at Woods provides outpatient services for individuals ages six years through adults and seniors, including: intake, psychiatric, and diagnostics assessments; medication review and coordination; complex condition nurse navigation; and extended therapy. The Center for Behavioral Health at Woods also evaluates children ages 12 months through adolescents aged 18 years for autism spectrum disorder, making diagnoses and treatment recommendations. Sailaja Musunuri, MD, executive vice president of Integrative Medicine and Chief of Psychiatry, oversees integrated healthcare at Woods and across the Woods System of Care, including the new Center for Behavioral Health at Woods.

The Medical Center at Woods, which is led by Dr. Stephen J. Kolesk, chief medical officer/vice president for Medical Affairs and Managed Care at Woods, provides primary care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and emotional and behavioral challenges. The Medical Center offers outpatient services for individuals ages six through adults and seniors. The Medical Center at Woods serves as a national model for providing comprehensive, coordinated personalized care for people with complex diagnoses and medical conditions. In April 2023, the Medical Center at Woods was awarded Recognition by the National Committee for Quality Assurance Patient-Centered Medical Home Program (www.ncqa.org).

Penn Dental Medicine at Woods, Mikey Faulkner Dental Care Center is a state-of-the-art dental care center providing enhanced and leading-edge dental treatment for individuals of all ages. Woods partnered with the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, one of the leading dental schools in the United States, to develop the dental program, and Dr. Marc Henschel, director of Penn Dental Medicine’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry program, oversees the new center. The Woods facility includes five treatment rooms with advanced equipment, quiet space for those needing a lower-stimulation environment, a waiting area and reception check-in, and conference room. In addition to meeting the dental care needs of individuals with disabilities, Penn Dental Medicine at Woods, Mikey Faulkner Dental Care Center is helping prepare the next generation of dentists to care for patients with disabilities.

“We launched the Medical Center at Woods in June 2018, to provide a patient-centered medical home for the clients we serve and our Woods employees,” Hansen-Turton said. “We added Penn Dental Medicine at Woods in February 2023, followed by The Center for Behavioral Health in March. Now, we are opening these centers to the community, providing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and emotional and behavioral challenges with needed services in close proximity to their homes,” she said.

Start-up funding of $500,000 for The Center for Behavioral Health was awarded to Woods by Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick through a Community Project Funding grant. The project was supported by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) and selected because it will bridge the gap in mental health services in Bucks County. Penn Dental Medicine at Woods Mikey Faulkner Dental Care Center renovations and operational expenses were made possible through generous donations from foundations and individuals. Woods Services is grateful to the Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation for supporting start-up operational expenses and to the Joseph and Mary Faulkner Family Foundation, Eamon Foundation, The McLean Contributionship, TD Charitable Foundation, and Simon and Lisa Kimmelman for supporting the renovations, and Penn Community Foundation for funding operations. The waiting room renovation was made possible by the Joseph and Mary Faulkner Family Foundation.

In early 2024, the three new Woods Healthcare centers will be joined by a primary care center to serve individuals in N.J. In April 2023, RWJBarnabas Health, Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care, and Woods Services announced they joined forces to establish the very first integrated primary and behavioral health care center for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism in New Jersey. The Governor and the New Jersey Legislature recognized the critical need for I/DD services by supporting a grant of $800,000 toward the start-up costs for the initiative. The world-class center is expected to open to families and individuals in early 2024 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton in Hamilton, Mercer County, New Jersey. The Center will serve individuals who live in the central New Jersey region, with future plans to expand services to other areas of the state.

For more information about Woods Healthcare or to schedule an appointment at one of its three outpatient centers, call 215-750-4004.

About Woods Services

Woods Services is a nonprofit organization that supports children, adolescents, and adults with complex medical and behavioral health care needs, including intellectual and developmental disabilities, achieve their highest potential and independence through innovative and individualized approaches that promote learning and personal fulfillment. Woods’ vision is a world where individuals have opportunities and supports that promote self-determination, dignity, respect, the joy of achievement, and a fulfilling life. Woods achieves this vision by providing comprehensive and integrated health, education, housing, workforce development, behavioral health, and case management services, along with a population health management strategy that includes the integration of primary and specialty medical care with behavioral health. More than 600 individuals from 23 states and 175 school districts are supported by Woods and its 1,400 staff at its Langhorne, Pennsylvania headquarters.

To ensure lifelong care and supports for the individuals its serves, Woods created the Woods System of Care – a $400 million organization with 10 affiliates and joint ventures that provide a full range of lifetime integrated services that include mental and physical healthcare, education, housing and residential treatment and workforce development for an estimated 22,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities, autism, and /or mental health challenges who may also have complex medical and genetic conditions.

Founded in 1913 by Philadelphia schoolteacher Mollie Woods to advance the quality of life and standard of care for individuals with disabilities, Woods continues this mission today. For more information, visit woods.org.

About University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine

Founded in 1878, the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine (Penn Dental Medicine) ranks among the nation’s leaders in oral health education, research, and patient care. The School’s educational programs include: a four-year DMD program; postgraduate study in all the major clinical specialties as well as general dentistry; advanced graduate degree programs, including Doctor of Science in Dentistry, Master of Science in Oral Biology, Master of Advanced Dental Studies, and Master of Oral Health Science; and the Program for Advanced Standing Students in which foreign-trained dentists earn a DMD. As one of 12 schools within the larger urban campus of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Dental Medicine is uniquely positioned to provide a depth of opportunities for interdisciplinary study and research across other professional disciplines. The School is a major provider of oral health care for the Philadelphia community, serving approximately 31,000 patients each year in its care centers and Penn Dental Family Practice, while students also provide nearly 65,300 hours of clinical care in the community each year.

Woods Services, RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care Partner to Open the First New Jersey–based Integrated Primary Care and Behavioral Health Care Center for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Autism

April 18, 2023

New Jersey’s largest provider of I/DD services joins the state’s largest hospital system to dramatically improve access to care for an underserved population

RWJBarnabas Health, Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care, and Woods Services, are joining forces to establish the very first integrated primary and behavioral health care center for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and autism in New Jersey.

The Governor and the New Jersey Legislature recognized the critical need for I/DD services by supporting a grant of $800,000 toward the startup costs for the initiative. The world-class center is expected to open to families and individuals in early 2024 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton in Hamilton, Mercer County, New Jersey. The Center will serve individuals who live in the central New Jersey region, with future plans to expand services to other areas of the state.

By providing equitable access to primary, specialty, and behavioral health services, this Center will improve health outcomes and reduce the overall costs of care for children and adults with I/DD and autism, and related behavioral and medical conditions, many of whom currently face a severe lack of services.

Individuals with intellectual disabilities traditionally have poor health outcomes and a life expectancy that is nearly 20 years below that of the general population. Many have multiple severe conditions that require highly specialized services and careful care coordination across medical, social, and community services. Communication barriers, mobility issues, and severe mental or behavior concerns make care needs complex and difficult to access, creating significant health inequities. Furthermore, there is an extreme shortage of providers who can or will work with this complex population of largely Medicaid recipients, in part because of the need for longer office visits and specialized skills, lack of accessible medical offices, and low reimbursement rates. As a result, gaps in care are common and people in this population experience significant disparities in access to care and health outcomes.

This Center will address and overcome these barriers by providing innovative, comprehensive, and coordinated care across primary, specialty, and behavioral health settings. Patients of the center may receive comprehensive medical and behavioral services onsite or through outpatient telehealth and in-home visits. The addition of telehealth will extend the program’s reach and remove barriers to care that are unique to the I/DD and autistic populations.

“We are excited to partner with RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care to bring Woods’ highly successful and leading edge Patient-Centered Primary Care Model to New Jersey,” said Tine Hansen-Turton, Woods President and CEO. “Through the Medical Center at Woods, our model has shown that providing integrated primary care and behavioral healthcare can increase both access to and quality of care and, at the same time, lower overall Medicaid and Medicare cost of care by at least 20% by decreasing emergency room visits and inpatient hospitalization.”

“This new partnership highlights our shared commitment to increasing the capacity of existing primary care and behavioral health providers serving individuals with I/DD, ensuring that these patients receive the attention and specialized care they deserve,” said Frank A. Ghinassi, PhD, ABPP, Senior Vice President of Behavioral Health and Addictions services at RWJBarnabas Health and President and CEO of Rutgers University Behavioral Health. “Building a robust program of experts and a network of providers dedicated to caring for the I/DD population is a major step forward in addressing the gaps in care that these patients face all too often.”

About Woods Services and System of Care

Woods Services is a nonprofit, life cycle care management and advocacy organization that, along with six affiliate organizations located in Pennsylvania and New has formed a System of Care which provides innovative, comprehensive, and integrated health, education, housing, workforce, behavioral health, and case management services to more than 22,000 children and adults in the intellectual and developmental disability, mental health public health sectors who have complex and intensive medical and behavioral healthcare needs. For more information, visit woods.org.

About RWJBarnabas Health

RWJBarnabas Health is the largest, most comprehensive academic health care system in New Jersey, with a service area covering eight counties with five million people. The system includes twelve acute care hospitals – Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, Community Medical Center in Toms River, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, Jersey City Medical Center in Jersey City, Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset in Somerville, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton in Hamilton, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway in Rahway and Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth, three acute care children’s hospitals, Children’s Specialized Hospital with a network of outpatient pediatric rehabilitation centers, a freestanding 100-bed behavioral health center, two trauma centers, a satellite emergency department, ambulatory care centers, geriatric centers, the state’s largest behavioral health network, comprehensive home care and hospice programs, fitness and wellness centers, retail pharmacy services, affiliated medical groups, multi-site imaging centers and two accountable care organizations.

RWJBarnabas Health is among New Jersey’s largest private employers – with more than 38,000 employees and 9,000 physicians– and routinely captures national awards for outstanding quality and safety. RWJBarnabas Health launched an affiliation with Rutgers University to create New Jersey’s largest academic health care system. The collaboration aligns RWJBarnabas Health with Rutgers’ education, research and clinical activities, including those at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey – the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center – and Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

About Rutgers University Behavioral Care

Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care (RUBHC) provides a myriad of programs to address behavioral and physical health with individuals, families and communities throughout their lifespan. Services include all levels of care, such as inpatient, outpatient, community-based programs, integrated physical and behavioral health and 24-hour national peer help lines. RUBHC is dedicated to advancing science through programmatic research and educating the current and next generation of health care professionals.

Social Innovations Journal Announce the WINNERS of the 2023 New Jersey Social Innovations Awards

March 6, 2023

On Thursday, February 23, 2023, The Social Innovations Journal (SIJ) hosted the inaugural 2023 New Jersey Innovation Awards, where New Jersey’s Leaders presented awards in Human Services, Social Mobility, Education, Arts and Culture, Systems and Policy Change, and Health to 69 Finalists. The Social Innovation Award Finalists were selected through an open nomination and public voting process by residents of New Jersey.

The theme of the awards, “Celebrating Innovations in the Social Sector,” to highlight the novel ideas from healthcare, healthcare systems, hospitals, direct care service providers, educators, funders, government, and advocacy organizations, working in the social sector in New Jersey who have a shared commitment and drive to improve our society, to improve conditions for all community members regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, income, race or ethnicity, and to improve systems and policies so that people have access to the services they need to thrive. The Social Innovation Awards is honored to bring this award to New Jersey to highlight the state’s most passionate social innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers whose work and social impact too often goes unacknowledged. These efforts will be recognized among the region’s best; they are what make our communities thrive for all people.

Tine Hansen-Turton, Co-Founder of the Social Innovations Journal stated, “these awards honor our region’s most passionate social innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers whose work and social impact too often goes unacknowledged, yet their efforts are what makes our communities across the New Jersey thriving region of innovation and opportunity they are for all people”. Vanessa Briggs, Host and Presenter stated “these awards are New Jersey’s most valued Social Sector Awards because finalists were nominated and recognized by colleagues who “know” who are authentic regional change agents.”

The New Jersey Social Innovation Awards have been sponsored by the regions organizational social sector leaders including: RSM, NJACP, Woods System of Care, Rutgers University Behavioral Healthcare, RWJBarnabas Health, Conner Strong & Buckelew, Salem Health & Wellness Foundation, Paycom, Legacy Treatment Services, Acenda Integrated Health, Archway Programs, Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services, Homestead Smart Health Plans, Allies, NJAMHAA.

The New Jersey Social Innovation Award Presenters include the region’s industry thought leaders:

Cory Storch, President & CEO of Bridgeway
Frank Ghinassi, President & CEO, Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care
Mike Haggerty, President & CEO, Allies
Joe DiBella, Executive Partner, Connor Strong & Buckelew
Debra Wentz, President & CEO, New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies
Nancy De Leon Link, Chief Administrative Officer, Homestead Smart Health Plans
Tim Titus, Career Ownership Coach
Michele Juliana, Principal, RSM Business Applications
George Richards, President & CEO, Archway
Melissa Fox, COO Acenda Health
Valerie Seller, CEO, New Jersey Association of Community Providers
Roy Leitstein, Chief Executive Officer, Legacy Treatment Services
Tom Grant, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Woods Services
Liz Hayden, Vice President of Strategy Development, Woods Services
Paul DiLorenzo, President & CEO, Salem Health & Wellness Foundation
Traci Jordan, Chief Operating Officer, PCS

The Winners are…

COMMUNITY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Innovative service models in behavioral health leading to emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

1^stShannon Reese, Salem County Department of Health & Human Services
2^nd Derry Holland, CEO, Oaks Integrated Care
3^rd The SERV Foundation Scholarship Fund, SERV Behavioral Health System
RUNNERS UP:
- Joseph Haber, Legacy Treatment Services
- SERV Foundation Wellness & Development Conference, Scholarship Fund, SERV Behavioral Health

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

Innovative service models integrating social determinants of health and health care, services that strengthen families, and approaches that ensure a healthy environment and other community conditions.

1^st: Peri Nearon, Executive Director, New Jersey Department of Disability Services, New Jersey Department of Human Services
2^nd: Rayletta Garrison, Kylen Robinson and Bianca Dumas Youth Consultation Services
3^rd: Tianna Gresham, Tinks Golden Girls
RUNNERS UP:
- Karly Forman, Raise the Bar Family Services Inc
- Cristina Jones, Easterseals, NJ

INNOVATION IN SERVICES FOR SPECIAL POPULATIONS, INCLUDING PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY AND/OR AUTISM, MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES, AND OLDER ADULTS

Innovative strategies and services that improve health outcomes and quality of life.

1^st Dr. Wendy Aita and Dr. Jennifer LeComte, Rowan Integrated Special Needs Center
2^nd James Paoletti and Dan Minko, Spectrum Sports LLC
3^rd Tracy McShea, Archway SBS
RUNNERS UP:
- Lyndee Breece, The PILOT Services
- Porsche Laws, Kelsch Associates

COMMUNITY VOICE IMPACT

Novel strategies to promote community voice inclusion and belonging that influence program and/or policy, with a focus on improving health for medically underserved populations at greatest risk for poor health.

1^st CHOICES, RWJ Medical School, Div of Addiction Psychiatry: Represented by Patricia Dooley
2^nd Ayana Abdul-Raheem, Timbuk2 Academy
3^rd Family Resource Network
RUNNERS UP:
- Paul Aronsohn, Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families State of New Jersey
- Linda Thomas, Red Ribbon Academy’s Medical Day Program

POPULATION HEALTH IMPACT

Innovative strategies improving clinical health outcomes, improved care coordination and patient engagement supported by appropriate financial and care models for a disadvantaged or minority population.

1^stLisa Vara and Buddy Garfinkle, Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services
2^ndMichelle Joo, Oaks Integrated Care
3^rd Stacey Edwards, Archway Programs
RUNNERS UP:
- Samantha Kunz, LPC, Division Director Adult Services, Legacy Treatment Services

PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY IMPACT

Sustained innovative, practice, and or policy changes(s) in response to the COVID pandemic.

1^st Keri Basler and Kevin Kelly, Legacy Treatment Services
2^nd Dr. Kerri Powell, CEO ,Neighborhood Health Services Corporation
3^rd Jay Patel, Union Avenue Pharmacy
RUNNERS UP:
- Jeff Chesebro, Princeton Partners

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Innovative service models leading to earning a living wage and economic freedom, especially targeted to typically marginalized groups.

1^st Dan Rhoton, Hopeworks
2^nd Susan Perron, Abilities Solutions
3^rd SERV University, SERV Behavioral Health System
RUNNERS UP:
- Cindy Wildermuth, CEO, Abilities of Northwest New Jersey
- Ricky Alfaro, Allies
- Mickie Patetta, Archway Programs

EDUCATION

Innovative ideas that advance access to high-quality education and/or interventions and services that allow people to enter post-secondary education, vocational programs or employment.

1^st Theresa Wilson-Fall, Allies
2^nd Riscee Langhorne, Director, Workforce Internship Pathways at Hopeworks
3^rd Susan Lafferty, Archway Programs
RUNNERS UP:
- Ana Alfaro, NJDOE (Camden county)
- Susan Recce, ASAH
- Mary Bawarski, School Accounting Professionals

HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Innovative attainable, stable or permanent housing service models that strengthen individuals, families and communities.

1^st Amy Scartocci, New Jersey DDD
2^nd Victor Luna, CEO, Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey
3^rd Dr. Manuel (Manny) Guantez
RUNNERS UP:
- SERV Properties and Management, SERV Behavioral Health System
- Tom Toronto, Bergen County’s United Way

INNOVATIVE FUNDER STRATEGIES

Funders who take an innovative approach to social sector investment strategies.

1^st LorieAnn Wilkerson-Leconte, Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund
2^nd Cheryl Mackey, United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
3^rd Ajay Raju, Ark Institute
RUNNERS UP:
- Paige Carlson-Heim, Renee Rattigan, and Shelly Sylva, TD Charitable Foundation

INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIPS

Innovative cross-sector approach to solving complex social or environmental issues on a large scale, especially to help those with complex needs.

1^st Stephanie Simon, Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services
2^nd Kathleen Noonan, President, Camden Coalition
3^rd Advocates for Children of New Jersey Represented by Mary Coogan
RUNNERS UP:
- Ellie Willoughby, The J-Cares Intern Program
- Dana Redd; Dr. Reginald Blaber, and Donna Antenucci, Camden Community Partnership and Virtua Health
- West Bergen Mental Healthcare and Vantage Health System Represented by Karen Acker and Teresa McMahon
- Anthony Mongeluzo, PCS

LEGISLATIVE IMPACT

Innovation through policy reform and improvements in financial models to improve service delivery and reduce barriers to care.

1^st Kate Kelly, Integrated Community Project Manager, Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey
2^nd Edward Dobleman, Legacy Treatment Services
3^rdJoanne St. Amand, A Voice of Reason
RUNNERS UP:
- Martha Cray and Alieen Rivera
- Donna Gomez, ASAH
- Brian Woods, Chief of Staff at 8th Legislative District Office

Woods Partners with University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine to Provide Leading-Edge Oral Health Care for Individuals with Disabilities

February 3, 2023

On February 3, 2023, Woods Services, a Pennsylvania- and New Jersey-based nonprofit organization that serves children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries, and the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, one of the leading dental schools in the United States, cut the ribbon on Penn Dental Medicine at Woods, Mikey Faulkner Dental Care Center. The state-of-the-art dental care center on Woods’ Langhorne, Pa., campus, is providing enhanced and leading-edge dental treatment for Woods clients and residents. Starting in March 2023, services will expand to include the surrounding disability community, including former clients and residents of Woods who are still in need of care.

Residents and staff of Woods Services, doctors and representatives of Penn Dental Medicine, donors, and community members participated in the opening ceremony, which featured remarks from Tine Hansen-Turton, Woods president and CEO; Dr. Mark Wolff, Morton Amsterdam Dean of Penn Medicine; and Dr. Marc Henschel, director of Penn Dental Medicine’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program. Attendees also joined a tour of Penn Dental Medicine at Woods, Mikey Faulkner Dental Care Center, which includes five operatories with state-of-the-art equipment, quiet space for those needing a lower-stimulation environment, a waiting area and reception check-in, and conference room.

In addition to meeting the dental care needs of individuals with disabilities, Penn Dental Medicine at Woods, Mikey Faulkner Dental Care Center is helping prepare the next generation of dentists to care for patients with disabilities.

“Woods is pleased to announce our partnership with the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and to work with the school’s dean, Dr. Mark Wolff, to enhance dental services for our clients and residents,” said Tine Hansen-Turton, president and CEO, Woods Services. “Penn’s personalized care and interdisciplinary team approach are perfectly aligned with Woods, as is its emphasis on preparing the next generation of dentists to care for patients with special needs. Penn’s dentists are now able to perform procedures at our on-campus dental clinic that in the past would have required a visit to a specialist for treatment. This expansion of services will be less disruptive for our clients, further enhancing their quality of life,” she said.

Dr. Mark Wolff was appointed in 2018 as the new Morton Amsterdam Dean at Penn Dental Medicine and brought with him international renown as a pioneer and leader in teaching and providing care for patients with special oral health needs. Upon arrival, he established dental care for persons with disabilities as a priority for the school and set about raising money, renovating a space, and hiring team members, each with 20+ years of experience treating patients with special health care needs. In 2021, Penn Dental Medicine opened the state-of-the-art Care Center for Persons with Disabilities at Penn Dental Medicine, and under his leadership, Penn has established a national reputation for excellence in treating the dental needs of people with disabilities and in training dental students to care for these individuals.

“We are thrilled to be expanding our service and care within the community through this Woods partnership,” says Dean Wolff. “It not only allows us to help provide comprehensive care to the Woods clients, but also offers an invaluable setting for our students to gain experience caring for individuals with a wide range of disabilities.” Postgraduate students within Penn Dental Medicine’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry program will provide clinical care at the center under close faculty supervision.

Woods’ existing dental clinic was extensively renovated and modernized to create Penn Dental Medicine at Woods, Mikey Faulkner Dental Care Center, with renovations and operational expenses made possible through generous donations from foundations and individuals. Woods Services is grateful to the Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation for supporting start-up operational expenses for Penn Dental Medicine at Woods, Mikey Faulkner Dental Care Center, and to the Joseph and Mary Faulkner Family Foundation, Eamon Foundation, The McLean Contributionship, TD Charitable Foundation, and Simon and Lisa Kimmelman for supporting the renovations. The waiting room renovation was made possible by the Joseph and Mary Faulkner Family Foundation.

Woods is organized around the principles of population health management and addresses the social determinants of health through a comprehensive continuum and system of care that connects prevention, wellness, education, behavioral health, and social services with coordinated and integrated healthcare delivery. “The Medical Center at Woods serves as a national model for providing comprehensive, coordinated personalized care for people with complex diagnoses and medical conditions, like Mikey Faulkner, current Woods client and the clinic’s namesake,” Hansen-Turton said. “The opening of Penn Dental Medicine at Woods, Mikey Faulkner Dental Care Center continues Woods’ commitment to providing an integrated healthcare experience for our clients – an approach that optimizes outcomes for individuals.”

Woods Services Leadership Debuts Book, Webinar Series on Organizational Change

February 3, 2023

“Thriving Through Transformation: A Practical Guide to Creating Organizational Change in the Social Sector” seeks to inspire current and emerging professionals in organization management

Few organizations have undergone the kind of radical transformation that helped Woods Services, a nonprofit organization that serves the complex needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, comprehensively re-envision its structure, services, and future. Now the organization is sharing its lessons learned and providing a roadmap to help other organizations in the newly released book, “Thriving Through Transformation: A Practical Guide to Creating Organizational Change in the Social Sector.”

In the 228-page book, Tine Hansen-Turton, MGA, JD, FCCP, FAAN, president and CEO of Woods Services, and Peter Shubiak, MS, former chief operating officer, break down the essential elements of Woods’ transformation. They use employee stories, research findings, and business best practices to explore themes that include creating a clear and consistent organizational vision; developing strategic directions and planning; managing change; engaging employees; cultivating a culture of innovation and care; planning for mission-driven growth; improving infrastructure and enterprise shared services; and developing strategic positioning, policy, and thought leadership.

“We didn’t set out to write a book, but as we saw how our work changed the lives of our clients, employees, and community members, we wanted to share what with learned with other mission-driven organizations,” said Hansen-Turton.

Coinciding with the book’s release is the launch of a free, monthly webinar series, Thriving Through Transformation. Moderated by Hansen-Turton, the symposia will include 90-minute virtual panel discussions with national and regional visionaries who will discuss cutting-edge innovation in the health and human services sector and beyond.

“All organizations must embrace change to best serve their clients, but it can be difficult to know where to start,” said Hansen-Turton. “We hope our success story will inspire others to start the journey and serve as a roadmap to plan their own transformative journeys.”

In the first webinar of the series, “Vision, Strategy, and Cultivating a Culture of Innovation,” which took place Jan. 12, four health and human services experts discussed how they developed their own visions for organizational change, and then established both a strategy and a culture of innovation to weave those visions through every level of their organizations. Panelists included Josh Rubin, Principal, HMA; Rita Gardner, President and CEO, Melmark; Dawn Holden Woods, President, Generative Consulting Partners; and Dawn Diamond, Executive Vice President of Operations, Woods Services. This webinar is available as a recording.

Upcoming webinars will address employee engagement (Feb. 16), integrated and complex care for special populations (March 15), and Strategies for Avoiding the Cliff at 21: Models for Education, Behavioral and Family Supports (April 12). All webinars run from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and will be available as recordings.

“Thriving Through Transformation” is available for free electronically by clicking here or on www.socialinnovationsjournal.org. Hard copies are also available on Amazon. Hansen-Turton has written several other books, including “Making Strategy Count in the Health and Human Services Sector,” “Practical Tools for Not-for-Profit Leaders,” “The Social Innovator’s Playbook 2.0,” and more. All are available on Amazon.