History
Progress was founded in 1971 by the Goodman and Powelson families who were seeking independent living arrangements for their adult sons. Billy Goodman and Tommy Powelson were two young men in their mid- twenties, still living at home with their families. Although Billy and Tommy had intellectual disabilities, they wanted "their own place." They longed to live independently in the community; they wanted an opportunity to try to fulfill their dreams and achieve their goals.
In the 1970's, their options for adult independent living arrangements were very limited. The Goodman and Powelson parents recognized that their sons' desires could not be accomplished living in a state institution. By 1972, they were living with seven other young adults in a large home with support staff. Their dream gave birth to what has become one of the largest providers of residential supports to adults with intellectual disabilities in Middle Tennessee.
Over time Progress evolved and expanded the range of services offered. In 1985 a sheltered workshop under the name Tennessee Diversified Industries (TDI) was established. In subsequent years Progress discontinued its sheltered workshop program in favor of more inclusive supported employment opportunities and community-based day supports.
In 1997, having identified a shortfall of supports available to adults with intellectual disabilities in Cheatham County, Progress opened an office in Ashland City, responding to the need for supported living and day service options to individuals who might prefer to live in a rural environment.
In 2009, and in response to the Statewide Home and Community-Based Services Waiver approved for seniors and other adults with disabilities, Progress expanded services again. Providing non-medical supports which allow seniors to remain in their own home, known as "aging in place", has been an excellent and mission consistent addition to what Progress does. It has been exciting to be a part of growing opportunities in Tennessee for many seniors, and adults with other disabilities, to have alternatives to institutional care.
Today, more than 40 years after helping two young men realize their dream, Progress, with its standard of excellence, is considered a leader in providing a wide range of quality supports.
In the 1970's, their options for adult independent living arrangements were very limited. The Goodman and Powelson parents recognized that their sons' desires could not be accomplished living in a state institution. By 1972, they were living with seven other young adults in a large home with support staff. Their dream gave birth to what has become one of the largest providers of residential supports to adults with intellectual disabilities in Middle Tennessee.
Over time Progress evolved and expanded the range of services offered. In 1985 a sheltered workshop under the name Tennessee Diversified Industries (TDI) was established. In subsequent years Progress discontinued its sheltered workshop program in favor of more inclusive supported employment opportunities and community-based day supports.
In 1997, having identified a shortfall of supports available to adults with intellectual disabilities in Cheatham County, Progress opened an office in Ashland City, responding to the need for supported living and day service options to individuals who might prefer to live in a rural environment.
In 2009, and in response to the Statewide Home and Community-Based Services Waiver approved for seniors and other adults with disabilities, Progress expanded services again. Providing non-medical supports which allow seniors to remain in their own home, known as "aging in place", has been an excellent and mission consistent addition to what Progress does. It has been exciting to be a part of growing opportunities in Tennessee for many seniors, and adults with other disabilities, to have alternatives to institutional care.
Today, more than 40 years after helping two young men realize their dream, Progress, with its standard of excellence, is considered a leader in providing a wide range of quality supports.
