Breakthrough Corporation

Breakthrough is a not-for-profit company founded by parents of children with autism that is changing how services are provided to adults with autism in East Tennessee. Our mission is to Improve the Lives of Adults with Autism.

Description:
We offer: residential services; in-home supports; a Saturday therapeutic recreation program; day activities focusing on lifelong education, job skill development and community integration; and also host a social group for adults with Asperger’s Syndrome. Our largest project is the construction of a neighborhood in South Knoxville which will provide safe and economical housing, when finished the neighborhood will include homes, a chapel and a recreation center.

History:
Over the past four years Breakthrough made significant progress in fulfilling our mission. Here are some highlights:

• January 2005- Breakthrough launched a Respite and Recreation Program in conjunction with the University of Tennessee Therapeutic Recreation Program as a first step in meeting the needs of adults with autism in the greater Knoxville area. Program sessions are held every Saturday at the Cansler YMCA facility.
• November 2006- Breakthrough began providing in-home support services and residential services through Tennessee’s Medicaid Waiver.
• June 2008- We started a new community based day service program for adults with autism. Our newest program helps adults in the greater Knoxville area who have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and are eligible for either Vocational Rehabilitation services and/or adult day services through the Division of Intellectual Disability Services. The program focuses on volunteering, therapeutic recreation, and job placement and job skill development.
• April 2009- Initial closing on our first HUD-811 development project. As of July 2009, three homes in our neighborhood for adults with autism are under construction.

Contact person: Tom Beeson, Executive Director, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (865) 247-0066

Address:

1805 Maryville Pike Knoxville, TN 37920 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.breakthroughknoxville.com

Last updated on August 3, 2009