Frequently Asked Questions

Our name came about because at the age of 21 is when most of the supportive and social structure of school that has supported children and adults with IDD ends (also known as falling off the cliff), and families and those adults begin their new journey towards independence. Life is a Journey, EVERYONE should have the OPPORTUNITY to live their best life.

Journey21 is the result of passionate and mission-driven families who came together in pursuit of building a community based in love and acceptance and dedicated to helping adults with an intellectual or developmental disability achieve their fullest potential.

Our vision embodies 5 guiding principles. They include; 1 Community - Create a sustainable community of trust, respect, and life-long friendships. 2 Safety - Provide a safe and supportive environment. 3 Independence - Encourage self-determination and self-advocacy. 4 Wellness - Promote the wellbeing of mind, body, and soul. 5 Enrichments - Foster life-long learning through community collaborations.

You can see our event calendar here: Programs, Outings, and Clubs Calendar

Journey21 is currently an approved provider with: IRIS, Children’s Long-Term Support Waiver, MyChoice Wisconsin and Community Care.

We serve individuals 15 years and older.

Our goal is to provide and support enrichment opportunities within and outside of the community that will fulfill the person-centered plans of our participants.

Our community will be a safe and inclusive neighborhood of supportive one- and two-bedroom condominiums and amenities designed to meet the needs and aspirations of adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD).

Approximately 40-50 adults.

We do not yet have a specific timetable, but our goal is to open in the next 3-5 years. The Enrichment Center opened in April 2023 and the residential community infrastructure has been built (i.e. storm sewer, walking path, and roads).

We own a 12-acre parcel at the southeast corner of Old School House Road and Hackney Way in Pabst Farms in Oconomowoc. We chose Oconomowoc for these reasons: Pabst Farms master-planned community; YMCA within walking distance; thriving downtown scene; plentiful nearby dining, retail, services, and healthcare; supportive local government and business community; accessible to Milwaukee and Madison; open space, nearby park, pathways and trails.

We expect that to complete the entire project will cost about $28 million.

We will disclose specifics at a later date but we anticipate utilizing a combination of funds from sale of condos, unrestricted donations from the public, grants, and in-kind contributions from our partners.

All of our condos will be for-sale properties at market-rate prices.

Adults ages 21 and older who have an intellectual or developmental disability. Journey21 staff and familes will complete an assessment to help determine what supports will be needed so the individual can maximize their indepenence and be successful in their home. We expect there to be a range of abilities, support needs, and mobilities. Adults will need to be able to communicate their wants and needs whether verbal, nonverbal, or through assistive or augmentative communications (AAC) devices. Adults and their families will be required to demonstrate that they have a sustained ability to pay for a residence, programs fees and utilities, and have in place the necessary supports for their son or daughter.

We will not be a skilled nursing or long-term care facility; therefore, we do not believe that adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or require skilled nursing may be able to live successfully in our community. Because our first priority is safety, we do not believe that adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities whose behaviors make them a risk to the safety and security of themselves, other residents, staff, and guests, or to property will be able to live successfully in our community.

Yes, our Ambassadors are integral in shaping the heart and soul of our community. We also plan to form a Resident Advisory Board to help us gather input from families and the community and provide ongoing advisement to the Journey21 Board of Directors.

Although exact amounts are yet to be determined, residents will have HOA, community service, and food service fees.

We expect families will purchase a condo for their family member. Journey21 is in the process of determining if the community service fee can be covered by waiver funding. The resident may be able to utilize one or more sources of funds to supplement their own personal needs and resources including SSI/SSDI, SNAP, waiver funds, their own earned income, and family supports.

In residences for adults with IDD, supportive means the residence is designed with accommodations that can include specific architectural features, providing meal service, amenities, security, and Resident Life Associates who are trained in creating a living environment optimal for the needs and desires of these adults.

We are still developing the details, but we anticipate that Journey21 may provide optional lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, wellness, and social opportunities for our residents, in a safe and supportive environment, that promote friendships, independence, and community integration. Journey21 will not be a supportive home care provider.

The supports and services that our residents may need may be determined through Journey21's and family assessment. Residents may contract with their choice of Supportive Home Care and/or Self-Directed Personal Care providers.