Our Mission
Our mission is to create, organize and support activities and services needed to continually improve the safety, and quality of life for citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Wilson, Macon, Trousdale, and Sumner Counties of Tennessee through Advocacy, Training and Education, Public Awareness, Providing Information and Referrals, Collaborating and Networking.
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"I love seeing all my pals at Project 22!"
— Alex Bacon |
It all started in the hearts of those who dreamed of a more inclusive community. Teachers, employers, parents and family members of individuals with disabilities decided to act on those dreams and developed a program that would address all parts of living life with disabilities outside of the school system. Bryan Scruggs, an owner-operator of a local franchise, first got the inspiration by working with the Transition To Work program through Beech High School. Bryan didn’t just want to have the students wash windows and sweep the floor like other businesses would do. No, he wanted them in the kitchen learning how to portion food, set up a kitchen for the day’s work, and assist in making tea and cookies for the customers.
After working with two students in the program for a couple of weeks he noticed changes within the morale of his crew. They missed the kids when they weren’t around and loved telling others about the interactions they had while working with them in the kitchen. They became excited to come into work on the days the kids would be there. After the school year was over Bryan and his management team decided to hire one of the students, then one became two, and from there the passion grew.
Patricia Daniels, CDC Educator at BHS, also had a dream, a dream of a day program for her students who aged out of the school system at 22. You see, once individuals with disabilities reach the age of 22 they are no longer allowed to participate in the school system. These young adults have few choices: Go to College, Vocational Rehabilitation, get a job, or sit home. Patricia wanted a place where these young adults could commune with their peers, continue their education, and live life to the fullest.
After meeting with other local stakeholders, parents, influential groups, and eager volunteers, The Arc of Cumberland Valley was formed and their cause, Project 22, came to life in the Spring of 2011.
Since then, Project 22 has offered many inclusive opportunities within the community. We’ve built a Victory Garden for a local VFW/VVA Food Bank, made treats for the local Humane Society, put together Care Packages for the homeless, held annual Community Christmas Concerts, participated in local Parades, and thrown the best Dances.
We continue to have bi-monthly meet ups where we learn arts and crafts, cooking skills, exercise, and grow in our relationships.
We continue to provide these inclusive opportunities and strive to cultivate our relationships because this is what we stand for, inclusiveness and positive relationships.
After working with two students in the program for a couple of weeks he noticed changes within the morale of his crew. They missed the kids when they weren’t around and loved telling others about the interactions they had while working with them in the kitchen. They became excited to come into work on the days the kids would be there. After the school year was over Bryan and his management team decided to hire one of the students, then one became two, and from there the passion grew.
Patricia Daniels, CDC Educator at BHS, also had a dream, a dream of a day program for her students who aged out of the school system at 22. You see, once individuals with disabilities reach the age of 22 they are no longer allowed to participate in the school system. These young adults have few choices: Go to College, Vocational Rehabilitation, get a job, or sit home. Patricia wanted a place where these young adults could commune with their peers, continue their education, and live life to the fullest.
After meeting with other local stakeholders, parents, influential groups, and eager volunteers, The Arc of Cumberland Valley was formed and their cause, Project 22, came to life in the Spring of 2011.
Since then, Project 22 has offered many inclusive opportunities within the community. We’ve built a Victory Garden for a local VFW/VVA Food Bank, made treats for the local Humane Society, put together Care Packages for the homeless, held annual Community Christmas Concerts, participated in local Parades, and thrown the best Dances.
We continue to have bi-monthly meet ups where we learn arts and crafts, cooking skills, exercise, and grow in our relationships.
We continue to provide these inclusive opportunities and strive to cultivate our relationships because this is what we stand for, inclusiveness and positive relationships.
“I love being part of Project 22 and all the different events that we have throughout the year. Seeing my friends at our meetings gives me such joy! I know that all of this wouldn’t be possible without Mrs. Daniels and her leadership to start Project 22. Since Project 22 started it has been outstanding, She always goes above and beyond for all of us!”
— Tiffany Ann Moore
