50 years of Glenwood

By: Whitney Salts

Glenwood began in 1974, serving about 18 children in a church basement.  At the time, 1 in 10,000 children were being diagnosed with autism.  Today, that number is 1 in 36.

Glenwood currently touches the lives of more than 8,000 families each year through over 40 programs that include diagnostic services, residential support, early intervention/education, and teacher trainings. 

Some of the first students at our Allan Cott School. (Glenwood)

Timeline of Glenwood

Board Members reminisce on their favorite memories of Glenwood.

Hear from families that have benefitted from Glenwood services.

To celebrate 50 years of providing vital services to our community, friends of Glenwood gathered at our founding program, Allan Cott School, on May 14, 2024.

Ken Oliver, President & CEO of Glenwood with Lee Yount Glenwood’s previous President & CEO during Glenwood’s 50th anniversary celebration. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
Ken Oliver, President & CEO of Glenwood with Lee Yount Glenwood’s previous President & CEO during Glenwood’s 50th anniversary celebration. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
Ed Sledge, Chair of Board of Directors, Christy Castleberry, Chief of Staff and Ken Oliver, President & CEO. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
 Ed Sledge, Chair of Board of Directors, Christy Castleberry, Chief of Staff and Ken Oliver, President & CEO. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
Ed Sledge, Chair of Board of Directors, at Glenwood’s 50th anniversary celebration on May 14 in Birmingham
Ed Sledge, Chair of Board of Directors, at Glenwood’s 50th anniversary celebration on May 14 in Birmingham. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
Members of Glenwood's Board of Directors and Junior Board. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
Members of Glenwood’s Board of Directors and Junior Board. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
Glenwood was recognized for outstanding care and received $10,000 from the Jefferson County Commission. (Whitney Salts/Glenwood)
Glenwood was recognized for outstanding care and received $10,000 from the Jefferson County Commission. (Whitney Salts/Glenwood)

Hear below from Glenwood’s President and CEO, Ken Oliver, about the growth and future of Glenwood.