Background
Journeys in Community Living was established in 1975 as the Rutherford County Adult Activity Center. A name-change occurred in August 2011 to better align the organization’s name with its evolved missions.
Rutherford County Adult Activity Center was a good name 38 years ago, when the organization operated primarily as a day care & recreational center, but it is far more than that now, and the individuals here have led the way.
It is now understood that people with 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
· Make decisions about where they live and work
Throughout all these years and the changes they’ve brought, it was the people being supported who have led this journey. Their abilities, their interests and most importantly their dreams and aspirations are what paved the way forward. They continue to lead us even further into the future today!
And while it is difficult to predict where they will be heading over the next several decades—other than more into the community—a few things are certain. The people served by this organization will continue to amaze with their abilities; move and inspire with their courage; and bring joy to the daily lives of those around them.
The journey is never-ending!
Impact
1) live healthy and secure lives,
2) work at meaningful jobs which they enjoy,
3) live in homes of their own with whom they choose,
4) have friends and other relationships in their lives, and
5) participate in and contribute to their communities. To enrich the lives of persons with disabilities by increasing their community presence and the community's understanding of their abilities and contributions.
Our most significant accomplishments over the past year were to:
1) continued in our mission to locate and secure affordable housing for individuals we serve
2) continued to utilize our Healthcare Oversight Program to improve the health of all individuals we serve.
4) continued to increase community awareness of our agency and its mission through traditional and new media avenues.
Goals: In the current year we wish to:
1) continue growing awareness of our agency and its mission.
2) improve staff retention by creative floater positions that allow more flexibility in staffing schedules
3) acquire community employment for several more our clients and
4) improve our program funding by expanding our grant application and fund-raising efforts.
Needs
Over the next year, we need to:
1) improve our financial situation. We need to fully recover from seven years without rate increases from the state in order for employee salaries and benefits to become competitive.
2) continue developing a quality workforce. We must evaluate and enhance our training and development program to ensure that only the most qualified candidates are hired to aid the individuals we serve.
3) increase awareness of our program. We need to take all possible steps to increase awareness and distinguish our program. This includes, among other things, developing and updating PR materials, conducting open houses, submitting information to media outlets, improving social media other online efforts.
4) grow our program in an intelligent manner. We will need to continue developing our supported employment business model, as well as our Semi-Independent Living residential program, Family Based residential services, and Personal Assistance programs.
5) update our equipment and facilities. In order to deliver services in the most efficient manner possible, we must replace outdated equipment. We must also consider our long-term facility needs within the framework of program expansion.