Glenwood celebrates 50 years as a leader in autism + behavioral health care in Alabama—how to get involved

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It’s time to celebrate one of Birmingham’s most impactful nonprofits—Glenwood is turning 50 this May!

Read on to find out how this local nonprofit—built on hope, faith and love—became a leader in helping children and adults with autism and other behavioral health needs in Alabama. 

About Glenwood 

Glenwood was formed in 1974 by a group of Birmingham-area residents seeking mental health treatment and assistance for family members. With little to no programs available at the time nearby, this motivated group decided to create their own. 

They started with 16 individuals and a staff of volunteers working out of a donated space at a church in Crestline Village. 

Fun fact: Glenwood is still serving eight of their original 16 individuals. In celebration of Glenwood’s 50th year, you can see some of their unique stories highlighted on their Facebook page.

Growth in services

A look at Glenwood’s history–1980-1998. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

As Glenwood was beginning to make a name for itself, a need for autism and mental health support began to grow across Birmingham and the state of Alabama. 

Within a few years, funds were secured to purchase 363 wooded acres near what at the time was the still-undeveloped Liberty Park area. Its founding program was the Allan Cott School, which was—and still is—devoted to the education of young students with autism. 

Christy Castleberry, Glenwood Chief of Staff, said growth is one of Glenwood’s biggest accomplishments in its 50 years.

“We began with 16 students and have now served over 8,000. We also started with one program and now have over 40 and touch the entire spectrum of autism from early intervention to our aging population.”

Christy Castleberry, Chief of Staff, Glenwood

A look at Glenwood’s history–2000-2024. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Services offered

Here are just some of Glenwood’s services:

• Child + Adolescent Services
  • Testing + Diagnosis
  • Therapy + Counseling
  • Children’s Center Early Intervention
  • Children’s Residential Services
  • Allan Cott School for Autism

• Adult Autism Services
  • Full-time residential care
  • Day programs

More reasons for Glenwood’s success

A growing need for autism and mental health support is just one reason for Glenwood’s success in Birmingham and across the state. 

Here’s a look at a few more:

Testing + diagnostics

“We’ve attained a reputation statewide in Alabama for our services to the autistic community, for children and adolescents and people into adulthood. I think the testing and diagnostic work our team started doing over 30 years ago has put Glenwood in the leading position.”

Ken Oliver, President + CEO, Glenwood

Strong community 

“One of the things I’m most proud of is how this community comes together to support Glenwood.

We’ve been extraordinarily blessed with phenomenal leadership. We have urban campuses and programs. We go outside to the outer parts of Birmingham. We have a great diversity of board leadership and a junior board.

There’s no greater testament to a civil society than one where the community comes around and supports such an important need.”

Ed Sledge, Board Chairman, Glenwood

Dedicated staff

“You’re not attracted to this line of work because of the money. It’s because of the fulfilling satisfaction you get from serving someone else.

We’ve been fortunate to attract people who feel that way.”

Ken Oliver, President + CEO, Glenwood

Glenwood’s future

Glenwood has had 50 amazing years with many accomplishments.

In their next 50, they hope to continue their commitment to faith, hope and love as well as further their reach to help as many individuals as possible.

“We keep hearing more statistics of increased incidence of autism in society.

Currently, statistics indicate that 1 in 36 children in America today will be somewhere on the autism spectrum. 

I think the demand and need for services will continue to expand and Glenwood is positioned and has the resources and leadership to continue to be a leader in Alabama.”

Ken Oliver, President + CEO, Glenwood

How you can get involved

If you love Glenwood’s mission and would like to get involved or show your support, here’s how:

• Apply for open jobs.
• Become a volunteer.
• Donate.
• Nominate someone (or yourself!) for Glenwood’s 2024-2025 Junior Board.
• Take part in Glenwood’s largest annual fundraiser Pecans for Autism.

Learn more about Glenwood—visit their new website and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

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