For your Friday afternoon, we here at Paradiso Insurance would like to share with you all the story of an organization that we have tried to help out and assist as much as possible because they do so much for those who cannot. In February of 2013, fifty-one (51) people with intellectual disabilities and their families were notified that the agency providing their homes and other vital services was no longer going to serve them or contract with the state of Connecticut as of June 30, 2013. This threatened to totally disrupt the lives of those people, their families and the 192 staff who supported them.
In a heroic effort, six parents of people served came forward and committed to create an agency for the sole purpose of continuity of care for their children and the other 47 people. They wanted to save the homes, the services and keep the caregivers in place who had cared for their loved ones so well over the years.
Journey Found was born from the love and commitment of these parents; the dedication of the staff who had served them and a true partnership with the state of Connecticut. On May 16, 2013, Journey Found was incorporated. Six weeks later, the doors opened on July 1st to a fully formed nonprofit organization without disruption of care to any of the fifty-one people and without losing a single job.
In just over a year, Journey Found has not only survived but it has thrived. New programs are starting and the number of people served has increased. They are one of eight agencies chosen by the state to actively work toward system change and engage in person centered practices that afford those with intellectual disabilities true choice and control in living their lives to the fullest.
Journey Found – people caring for people to enable each person to be what they are capable of being.