In 1971 New Horizons Corporation became the first organization of its kind in Middle Tennessee. Its purpose was straightforward: to develop the character and work ethic of adults with developmental disabilities so that they could fully participate in the life of our community and become productive citizens.
Wanda Burkett's two daughters with developmental disabilities lacked such services, and she led the effort to establish the new group. "In the early days we didn't have very much money and we didn't have a curriculum," she said. "The curriculum that I developed was just what adults would need to function in the community."
The benefit for families of developmentally disabled adults was immediately significant. Jody Hupka's sister Nancy Eanes has worked at New Horizons for over 30 years. "As much as the family would like to provide every need that she has, we can't," Jody said. "Being at New Horizons gives Nancy a sense of a place to be."
Staff members are proud to take part in the program. "It's very rewarding," longtime employee Debbye Johnson said. "It's just the best job I ever had and I wouldn't want to do anything else."
New Horizons has never faced a shortage of challenges. Traditionally, developmentally disabled adults have been a forgotten segment of our society, and that unfortunate fact is reflected in public funds now available for their care. The government reimburses only 62 cents of every dollar we spend.
Our service recipients work contracts provide for much of the shortfall. That simply proves our belief that every person has a unique ability and desire that have value in the workplace. As Wanda Burkett put it, "We promised the community that we would do the best job that they'd ever seen and we had uniquely qualified people to do this."
We have succeeded because we have never strayed from our purpose and we continue to concentrate on the people we serve.