Our Story
Hartwood Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization that develops and operates residential service programs for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Virginia. Founded in 1973 by a small group of families, our first program provided respite services to individuals and families at a time when there was virtually no services available in northern Virginia for young adults who had “aged out” of the school system. The organization has evolved over the years and we now operate 17 additional community based group homes, along with a variety of family support programs. Nearly 100 persons live in our full-time community homes. Some 30 to 40 persons use the respite program annually. And, many others are involved in the family support programs we operate in cooperation with the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board.
Our Mission
is to develop and operate residential programs and services to further opportunities and life skills of individuals with intellectual disabilities and other developmental disabilities. Programs and services are designed to develop and support independence through personal choice and futures planning; community and family education and involvement; advocacy for civil and human rights; and acquisition and administration of resources needed to provide appropriate and effective services.
Our Commitment
Our commitment is to provide safe, quality of life accommodations in our residential programs and services for those individuals with intellectual disabilities and other developmental disabilities. Creating fun programs and services that further develop and support independence through personal choice and futures planning; community and family education and involvement. We are resolved to making a difference in our residents lives and providing a quality, safe environment to thrive within.
2025/26 ANNUAL HOLIDAY APPEAL
Dear Families and Friends of Hartwood,
As you may know, Hartwood was founded 52 years ago in June of 1973. From our early beginnings as a family cooperative sharing resources and providing essential respite services to the thriving public-private community service organization of today, Hartwood has been an innovator and devoted collaborator in the development and operation of community-based residential and respite services for persons with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. Of course, we look to continue that leadership well into the future.
Continuing to support our residents as they age-in-place often means making expensive modifications to our homes and procuring specialized vehicles and equipment that enable safe and comfortable community living. Please help us to meet the challenge of providing individualized person-centered services and support to our current program participants while also positioning ourselves to serve those on the waitlist who, after many years of struggle, are finally receiving funding for services.
Please give generously as you have in the past. With your help we can make a real difference in the lives of those we serve and those now seeking services. We thank you and wish you a happy, healthy and safe Holiday Season!
With warmest regards,
Christian A. Brown, President
Hartwood Foundation, Inc.