News Archive

Independence is essential for everyone. At MHDS, we understand that each person’s journey to self-sufficiency is unique. Our mission is to support individuals in gaining the skills and confidence they need to thrive. Watch the video below to see how MHDS is changing lives of those in our community.

After 46 years in at a facility on Garland Drive, last year MHDS relocated to facilities which will support their services for decades to come. We formalized the move with an Open House & Ribbon Cutting recently. The Bill Brewer Office Complex allows for program expansion as needs change for the next generation of persons supported.

Component programs and functions are housed in separate buildings. The Bob Ellis Administrative Office is housed at 27 Conrad Drive. Human Resources and Training operate from 57 Conrad Drive. Supported Employment, Community Integration, Employment & Community First (ECF), & Medicaid Alternative Pathways to Independence (MAPs) provide services at 53 Conrad Drive. The PLACE mental health program is located at 59 Conrad Drive.

Bill Brewer, CEO, shares “MHDS has been able to remain relevant over our 52 year existence with our willingness to embrace change. We look to his recent change in our facilities as a means to better serve the persons we support. They are our reason to exist and their needs take priority always.”

If you missed the opportunity to tour our facilities during the Open House, please contact our office at 731.664.0855 to schedule a time to visit. We have much to be thankful for in our new location and we welcome the chance to show off the resources we have that improve lives.

Our annual Spring Banquet is coming up on Friday, April 26, 2024, from 5 -8 pm at the Jackson Fairgrounds!

Join us for an evening of fun, food, and dancing! ** Register by April 1, 2024. Click the flyer to see the brochure and registration form.

Tennessee Community Organizations (TNCO) is a statewide trade association for service provider organizations that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Tennessee.

TNCO member organizations provide a full array of services such as residential, day and supported employment, to approximately 12,000 Tennesseans with disabilities. TNCO’s main purpose is to collaborate the efforts of our member agencies to ensure disabled Tennesseans receive quality services.  We coordinate public relations activities such as conferences, educational training, networking and political advocacy opportunities.

Award #1: Community Leader of the Year

The nominee for this award will be selected for outstanding dedication and contribution to the improvement and expansion of community services for people with disabilities.

Awarded to:
Anna Cook, DNP, PMHNP-PC, CNS-BC
Owner of iMind Mental Health and Wellness

Nomination Narrative:
Dr. Anna Cook filled a huge gap for mental health services in Jackson and surrounding areas of West Tennessee by opening her own practice, earning her doctorate, and providing services that would often require travel to larger cities.

iMind Mental Health and Wellness provides a wide range of mental health services from assessments, diagnostic testing, counseling, treatment, and care with a person-centered approach.

Unfortunately, people who have a co-occurring diagnosis that includes intellectual disabilities are far too often overlooked or misunderstood.   Anna and her team never hesitate to provide the utmost care and attention.  They provide an extraordinary service to the community.

Award #2: Outstanding DSP West Region
(Each Regional winner will receive a $100 monetary award)

The nominee for this award must be an agency staff member who has provided exemplary support during the past 12 months to one or more people with a disability. The nominee should have exhibited compassion, initiative, ingenuity, or creativity and should have demonstrated professionalism.

Awarded to:
LaShun Woods
DSP – Jackson

Nomination Narrative:
LaShun Woods has worked with our agency for six years. The residents of her assigned home are employed during regular business hours, so LaShun gladly helps routinely in 4-5 other homes with a positive attitude by covering a shift, delivering meds or supplies, etc.

LaShun is the Residential Home Coordinator (RHC) at a tech-enabled home.  LaShun helped them embrace the technology that extends their independence and has learned it herself.  After the persons she supports return from work, she takes them to run errands, pick up supplies or whatever they need. The two staff she supervises respect LaShun and they work well together.

LaShun often provides Community Integration for two persons at another home because their third roommate can’t leave the house.  She actively engages them in the community.    She is well received by Persons Supported at any assignment.  She is a loyal and hardworking team player.

We are so proud of the recognition given to these two persons who give so much to those we support and MHDS.

Moving office is a lot like moving house – it’s no small feat! But we’ve completed our move and we’re getting settled in.

We also took this opportunity to name our office communities and we think you’ll love the changes! Take a look below at a gallery of images from our new offices.