Journey21 launches campaign to build a residential community and Enrichment Center for adults with disabilities at Pabst Farms in Oconomowoc

“What will life be like for our son or daughter when we are no longer here?”

Journey21 launches campaign to build a residential community and Enrichment Center for adults with disabilities at Pabst Farms in Oconomowoc; $6 million of $18 million goal has been raised

To address a substantial and growing need to find safe, supportive and independent residential living options for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD), Journey21 has officially launched its campaign to develop a 12-acre residential community on Pabst Farms in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Groundbreaking is planned for spring of 2022.

“It all began about six years ago when we were sitting in the bleachers at Muskego High School watching our sons compete in a Special Olympics track meet,'' said Sheila Frisinger, Co-founder and President of Journey21.  “We talked about our dreams of independence and bright futures for our sons, and wondered what would happen when we were no longer here.  We learned that many other families had the same concerns about their adult children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).  

She and Co-founder Susan Marriott, together with their families, have started their own field of dreams.

“The truth is that at age 21, the services and support provided to adult children with IDD by the public school system simply stop.  With the end of those resources, families are forced to search for new avenues of independence for their children,” said Susan.

The community will be a safe and inclusive neighborhood of supportive one and two bedroom condominiums; one and two bedroom cottages; an Enrichment Center and amenities designed for the needs and aspirations of approximately 40 adults with IDD.  The residential component will be situated around a common greenspace and pedestrian-oriented with vehicular traffic directed around the perimeter of the housing.

Journey21 is a Wisconsin nonprofit corporation founded in 2020 to develop safe, supportive and enriching living and learning options for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

To view more images from the event, visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Journey21.org