The Woodlands is a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with disability and chronic illness. With its fully accessible and barrier-free facilities, Woodlands programs enable its participants to experience social, cultural, environmental, recreational and spiritual growth. Serenely nestled in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, the Woodlands' 32-acre site features an indoor heated pool, 48-bed lodge, dining hall, creative arts and computer center, activity center, camping area, sports court, nature trail, amphitheater and a par 3 adaptive golf course. The Woodlands sponsors a variety of programs and is also available year-round to other organizations that serve individuals with special needs.

The Woodlands site has a storied history. In1937 it was camp for underprivileged and orphaned youth run by Father Lawrence A. O’Connell, a Catholic priest of the order St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore City. In 1944, Fr. O'Connell conveyed the property to the Variety Club of Pittsburgh which became owners and shepherds of the property, continuing the mission originally begun by Fr. O'Connell.

In 1983 the Spina Bifida Association of Western Pennsylvania (SBAWP) ran a two-week pilot camp for children with spina bifida. Two years later SBAWP leased the land for summer and developmental programs for children with spina bifida. A few years later the name of the property was changed to the Woodlands. A series of capital development projects, funded predominately by charitable dollars, helped establish the Woodlands as a premier facility designed to help children and adults learn and improve life skills as well as provide opportunities for social, recreation, spiritual and environmental enrichment.

In 1995, SBAWP conducted a strategic planning process and established a goal to open the property to all people with disability and chronic illness. To achieve that goal, in 1998, the independent, nonprofit Woodlands Foundation, Inc. was formed, transitioning the management, marketing and maintenance of the property. SBAWP then became a provider of direct service to families and individuals with spina bifida.

The Woodlands Foundation continues the legacy initiated by Fr. O'Connell. In 2006, the Woodlands Foundation purchased the property, ensuring the future of the Woodlands and its ability to provide meaningful, joyful and rich experiences in a barrier-free environment.

Today, the Woodlands Foundation annually serves over 5000 people and partners with more than 20 organizations to host camps, retreats and other programming. By continuously fostering new relationships with organizations that serve individuals with special needs, and developing its facilities and programming, the Woodlands Foundation is forward focused to ensure that it fulfills its mission of enriching the lives of children and adults with disability and chronic illness.