The makeover is complete, but the vision remains the same at Mental Health and Developmental Services – an organization best known for providing optimum independence and self-reliance with individually designed support.

After a ribbon cutting made it official, Bill Brewer, who serves as CEO of MHDS, was able to catch his breath and discuss the organization’s move to the Conrad Drive campus from the Robert Smith Developmental Complex.

“This has been pretty amazing.” Bill Brewer said. “As I tell people, our field has not been an evolution, but a revolution in the way we provide services.

“As most people are familiar with Arlington Developmental Center, it went from there into the community, more community-based services … all of the things we are doing are in the community except for the mental health program – those individuals come to the facility.”

The eight buildings which total 75,000-square-feet, offers a campus-like environment for 270 plus individuals in four different counties – Madison, Haywood, Hardeman, and McNairy – where MHDS also works with about 145 individuals in 65 homes.

Brewer, who recognized Bob Ellis, the original director of MHDS, which spent its first 46 years on Garland Drive.

Brewer is passionate about those he serves and a staff that totals 450.

“We’ve had tremendous successes, some very small, but very large.” Brewer said. “Employers looking for good dependable employees and that’s what we offer. By moving to this campus, it provides new opportunities for new programs.”

(PHOTO: Ribbon cutting at MHDS campus on Conrad Drive)