History

Milne Developmental Services traces its origins back to Alexander Milne, a visionary who emigrated from Scotland to America in 1776. Born in 1742 in the village of Fochabers, Milne’s journey began as a footman to the Duke of Richmond and Gordon. After leaving his post in pursuit of a new life, Milne settled in New Orleans, where he thrived in the hardware and brick-making business, especially following the devastating Great New Orleans Fire of 1788.

Milne’s forward-thinking nature led him to create a will in 1838, just two years before his passing. His attorney put Milne’s words to pen citing the following: “It is my positive wish and intention that an asylum for destitute orphan boys and another for the relief of destitute orphan girls shall be established at Milneburg, in this parish, under the name of the Milne Asylum for Destitute Orphan Boys and the Milne Asylum for Destitute Orphan Girls.” This legacy laid the foundation for what is now Milne Developmental Services.

Despite challenges, including the Civil War and yellow fever outbreaks, Milne persevered and found renewed purpose under the leadership of Miss Jean Gordon, a gifted social worker who helped guide the organization in assisting women and young girls with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

As the organization grew, Milne relocated its facilities in the 1920s to the Gentilly Boulevard area, then known as Milneburg. The organization continued to evolve, providing farming resources like gardens and livestock until the city’s expansion restricted this activity.

In the 1950s, Milne expanded its facilities once again, adapting to the needs of women with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The challenges of the late 20th century were met with continued resilience, and in 2005, Hurricane Katrina forced the evacuation of Milne residents, temporarily relocating them to Laurel, Mississippi.

In 2015, after years of planning, Milne returned to a new community in Waldheim, Louisiana, introducing a new service model with residents living in single-family home communities. In 2017, Milne expanded its mission to include males with developmental and intellectual disabilities, and today, Milne is committed to promoting inclusion and freedom of choice for all residents within a supportive living neighborhood integrated into the larger community of Covington.