Through the foresight, and efforts of dedicated parents OADS has proudly served our community for nearly 40 years.

We began with the opening of the Petaluma Training Center on July 12, 1971. To address the needs of our clients we quickly advanced from site based programs to community based by developing the Petaluma Recycling Center, along with landscape and janitorial work crews. In 1978 we incorporated as Old Adobe Developmental Services, Inc. (OADS) to more clearly state our mission and goals.

From our beginnings we have had a philosophy of involving our clients in the development of an array of services that best meets their needs and goals. Our board and staff believe each client has the right to achieve his or her chosen goals. Because of our belief we have maintained accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) since 1983.

Growth has included expanding our Work Services and Employment Services Programs and the establishment of our third service site, Rohnert Park Services. Early on we recognized the need for programs for older adults and established the Senior Services Program. Also in recognition of our partnership with the community we founded Friends of OADS.

Our 35 anniversary year, 2006 was the beginning of a new era for OADS. Our first great change was the move from our original location to more spacious and flexible facilities at 1301A Rand Street in Petaluma. In 2008 Elizabeth Clary, returned to OADS after serving several years with North Bay Regional Center to take on the leadership of OADS as Executive Director. The financial crisis created by the recession caused severe cuts. However, the Board, Elizabeth and OADS management reorganized our structure of programs without lessening services to our clients and developed additional funding sources.