Our History

Our Founding

Windwood Farm Home for Children, Inc. was established in 1985 as a private, non-profit long-term residential care program by local businessman, Joseph L. Tamsberg, Jr. Since his initial donation of our Awendaw property, previously his family’s home, the Windwood Family of Services is utilized as a valued resource in our community. Governed by a Board of Directors, Windwood serves children and their families through residential and community support services in Charleston and Dorchester counties. Mr. Tamsberg continues to assist Windwood Farm in the delivery of our mission: to prevent child abuse and neglect. Through this mission we are building foundations to influence futures.

Big Picture History

Since 1985, when the home opened its doors to six children, Windwood Farm’s residential programs have continued to grow at a steady pace serving over 700 young boys and adolescents in its thirty-eight year history. Currently Windwood Farm’s residential programs are licensed to serve 28 children at a time.

1985

Windwood Farm Home for Children opens.

Wando River Group Home blue house for Windwood's boy residents to live

1991

Wando River Group Home constructed.

1997

Schoolhouse constructed through funding from the Sertoma Club of Charleston.

Two boys riding bikes down a field beside a lake

2000

Mr. Tamsberg purchased the neighboring 60 acres, including a 30-acre lake and an outpost cabin.

2005

Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility house constructed.

A pair of hands of a windwood boy matching a counting puzzle activity

2010

Outpatient clinic opened in Mount Pleasant. This clinic provides individual, group, and family therapy services. Due to Covid, this program has been suspended.

2012

Windwood started providing Community-Based Prevention Services (CBPS) to families in Charleston and Dorchester counties who have come to the attention of the Social Services for being at-risk to abuse and neglect.

A black bed and wooden desk in a plain gray room

2022

CBPS transitioned to Family-Centered Community Support Services (FCCSS) through JusticeWorks. We also received DHEC approval of 4 additional beds in the PRTF.

An older boy reads a picture book to a younger boy on a marsh bridge

2023

Became the first Qualified Residential Treatment Program in the state of South Carolina. The Transition Program for Youth began working with clients in the Qualified Residential Treatment Program.