About Us
Our Vision
Our vision is a world where people with disabilities and older adults live independent and
fulfilling lives as active, valued members of the community.
Our Mission
The mission of Journeys In Community Living is to empower adults with disabilities and
older adults to live, work and socialize as they chose.
Our Beliefs
We believe that people with disabilities and older adults can:
Live healthy and secure lives
Work at meaningful jobs they enjoy
Live in homes of their own and with whom they choose
Have friends and other relationships in their lives
Participate in and contribute to their communities
Our Team
Journeys In Community Living believes strongly in the importance of leadership and we are proud of those who are called to dedicate their time and talent to this agency and those we serve.
Frances Cook
Executive Director
Rachel Burch
Executive Director of
Human Resources
Susan Gulley
Assistant Executive Director
of Operations
Mike Pinkston
Assistant Executive Director
of Quality Assurance
Felicia Martinez
Assistant Executive Director
of Programs
Board Officers
Teb Batey, Board Chair
Michael Busey, Past Chair
Sheri Morgan, Vice Chair
Jennifer Shain, Secretary
Greg Lyles, Treasurer
Board Members
Janet Bowman
James Calder
Robert Coggin
Jonathan Dodson
Debbie England
Jodie McCrary
Josh McCreary
Angela Murphy
Russ Spivey
Transforming Lives for 50 Years
Journeys In Community Living (JICL) has been serving adults with disabilities and older adults for 50 years, and counting!
In 1975, a group of visionary families – who sought a better life for their adult children with disabilities – founded The Rutherford County Adult Activity Center. At the time, options were limited. Families were forced to choose between institutionalization or navigating care alone. In response, these families created a program where their loved ones could visit during the day, providing much-needed support for families.
The agency was first housed in the basement of the old Cox Memorial gymnasium on Maple Street. It began as a day care center with approximately six participants who met daily and participated in recreational activities as well as arts and crafts.
As the agency evolved, the focus shifted to more developmental endeavors. Independent living skills such as grooming, bathing, toilet training, cooking, cleaning, and socialization were taught. Therapies including communication, physical, and occupational were also added. Job training skills were offered with classes and activities taught in a specialized sheltered workshop referred to as Rutherford Industries. Soon, JICL began assisting those it served to find community employment. It was during this period that the agency first offered residential services by opening an eight-person group home. Over time, JICL also opened additional smaller supported living homes.
In 1988 the agency moved from its former location in downtown Murfreesboro to a newly constructed building on Haley Road, allowing for the support of additional persons. In 2012, the Rutherford County Adult Activity Center formally changed its name to Journeys In Community Living (JICL).
Over the years, JICL has grown into a thriving organization that empowers adults with disabilities and older adults to live meaningful, community-integrated lives. Today, we have 20 residential homes and offer a number of services, including residential living, health care oversight, employment, facility-based programs, and community-based programs, ensuring that persons supported receive the skilled care and services they need to reach their fullest potential.
Transforming Lives for 50 Years
Journeys has been serving adults with disabilities for 50 years!
In 1975 a group of visionary families – who sought a better life for their adult children with disabilities – founded The Rutherford County Adult Activity Center. At the time, options were limited: institutionalization or navigating care alone. In response, these families created a program where their loved ones could visit during the day, providing much-needed support for families.
The agency was first housed in the basement of the old Cox Memorial gymnasium on Maple Street. It began as a day care center with approximately six participants who met daily and participated in recreational activities as well as arts and crafts.
The activity center evolved, and the agency’s focus shifted to more developmental endeavors. Independent living skills such as grooming, bathing, toilet training, cooking, cleaning, and socialization were taught. Therapies including communication, physical, and occupational were also added. Job training skills were offered with classes and activities taught in a specialized sheltered workshop referred to as Rutherford Industries. Soon, Journeys began assisting those it served to find community employment. It was during this period that the agency first offered residential services by opening an eight-person group home. Over time, Journeys also opened additional smaller supported living homes.
In 1988 the agency moved from its former location in downtown Murfreesboro to a newly constructed building on Haley Road, allowing for the support of additional persons. In 2012, the Rutherford County Adult Activity Center formally changed its name to Journeys In Community Living.
Over the years, Journeys In Community Living has grown into a thriving organization that empowers adults with disabilities and older adults to live meaningful, community-integrated lives. Today, we have 21 residential homes and offer a number of services including residential living, health care oversight, employment, and community-based programs, ensuring that the persons supported receive the skilled care and services they need to reach their fullest potential.
JICL Mural painted by DSPs and Staff. Designed by Rutherford Arts Alliance
Our Accreditations
JICL is dedicated to providing the very best support to those we serve. We believe in continuous improvement and excellence and we are proud to have earned the following accreditations.
