Journeys in Community Living

Journeys in Community Living has been in the business of supporting adults with intellectual disabilities in Rutherford and Cannon County for almost 40 years. The non-profit's mission is to support these individuals in choosing and realizing their visions of where they want to live, work and socialize. In other words, it's about helping them gain independence! It is Journeys' sincere belief that all persons with intellectual disabilities, regardless of the severity of their disabilities, should have the support necessary to live healthy and secure lives; work at meaningful jobs which they enjoy; live in homes of their own with whom they choose; have friends and other relationships in their lives; and participate in and contribute to their communities. Journeys, previously known as the Rutherford County Adult Activity Center, changed its name in 2011 to better reflect its mission. Our old name fit almost forty years ago when Journeys served primarily as a day care and recreational center, but we are far more than that now, and the individuals we serve have led the way. We know now that adults with intellectual disabilities can work in regular jobs and be taxpaying citizens; live in their own homes in regular neighborhoods; be good neighbors and friends; give back to the community through volunteer work; and can make decisions about where they'd like to live and work. Throughout all of Journeys' existence, it has been the people the agency supports who have been leading us on this incredible journey—their abilities, their interests and most importantly their dreams and aspirations have been our compass. The individuals we serve continue to lead us. Though we don't know where they will be taking us over the next 40 years — other than more into the community — we do know three very important things: The people we serve will continue to amaze us with their abilities, inspire us with their courage and bring us joy on a daily basis.