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 the years, Progress has grown to include a full range of services to help people live independently. In 2009 the Senior Services division was added, in 2014 the social enterprise Smart Art + Craft Supplies launched, and in 2020 the Employment Center opened on campus. In addition to a wide range of programming, in 2020 Progress achieved agency-wide accreditation through The Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL).
Today, more than 50 years after helping two young men realize their dream, Progress is considered a leader in providing a wide range of quality supports for people with disabilities and seniors in Middle Tennessee.
CQL Accreditation
Progress is accredited through The Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL). CQL is an internationally recognized accrediting program that works to improve the quality of life for people with intellectual, developmental and psychiatric disabilities. The process for achieving accreditation at Progress has been ongoing for several years, and has included implementation of enhanced best practices and data and program analysis across all departments.
CQL accreditation involves incorporating Basic Assurances, Indicators, and more to measure quality in human services. These Basic Assurances include: Rights Protections & Promotion, Dignity and Respect, Natural Support Networks, Protection from Abuse, Neglect, Mistreatment and Exploitation, Best Possible Health, Safe Environments, Staff Resources and Supports, and Positive Services and Supports, Continuity and Security.
Through CQL Accreditation, Progress is able to demonstrate superior quality of services to those we support. For more information on CQL and the accreditation process, visit https://www.c-q-l.org
Mission, Vision and Values
Mission
Progress promotes independence, health, and happiness for people with disabilities and seniors. We support and guide people to direct their own goals and achieve the highest quality of life.
Vision
Progress will be Tennessee’s expert in delivering person centered supports to people with disabilities and seniors. We will continually demonstrate best practices through staff and technology supports, always strive for innovative ways to support people to achieve greater independence at home, at work, and in the community.
Values
Dignity - We believe all people are to be equally valued. This looks like kind words, patience, and thoughtful problem solving.
Empowerment - We believe everyone should know how to attain and express the best version of themselves. This looks like people setting goals and taking risks with full confidence and staff support.
Inclusion - We believe all people can be anywhere in the world they want to be. This looks like full exploration of where each person lives, works, plays, and aspires to be.
Integrity - We believe trust and honesty are fundamental to how humans should treat each other. This looks like showing up every day and being true to our words.
Quality - We believe in the best. This looks like best practices across the board; when given the choice between status quo and extraordinary, we choose extraordinary.
Teamwork - We believe our employees change lives. This looks like maintaining the highest quality training, highest performance standards and longest tenure.
