Elwyn isn't a character out of Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings . It's a not-for-profit organization that serves more than 13,000 disabled and disadvantaged people of all ages at multiple sites through education, rehabilitation, and vocational counseling. The organization also operates residential communities, including more than 80 group homes and apartments, and provides a variety of health care services for persons with developmental, physical, and emotional disabilities. The group also publishes training materials and hosts conferences and seminars for human services professionals. Founded in 1852 as a school for children with mental retardation, Elwyn is one of the oldest organizations of its kind in the US.