Founded in 1987 by the Lackey Family to care for Donald Lackey, the Center for Living and Learning is a private non-profit residential supportive living facility for women and men who have experienced severe and persistent mental illness. Its mission is to create a restorative environment for individuals in a community setting by responding to the total range of their physical, spiritual and emotional needs. Special emphasis is placed on self-sufficiency to promote independent living at the highest level possible. Twenty-four hour supervision by trained staff is provided to assist residents with their personal hygiene, diet and medication protocols. At present, the full time residential program cares for 8 residents. With the addition of Phase II accommodations for an additional 6 residents are available in this new semi-independent living facility. The day program involved many more clients who come to the Center for work therapy supervised by trained staff. As many as 500 clients have come through the Center’s day programs.
The Center services the Middle Tennessee area in its residential and vocational training programs. The Horticultural Vocational Training Program developed by the CEnter is classified as a “Community Rehabilitation Program” operating primarily for the purpose of providing vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities. The horticultural training program takes place in two jumbo greenhouses and 3 outdoor gardens where trainers teach individual methods of growing plants and vegetables organically in a year round work environment. A new Bicycle Repair Shop has recently been added to the Center’s job training program. The goals of these programs are to train clients, build self-confidence and assist with job placement when clients are ready for employment in thie community. Programs currently involve 20 to 24 individuals at any given time. Candidates for the programs must be 18 years of age or older and been diagnosed with a disability.
Executive Staff:
Fran Clippard – President and CEO
25 years of experience in the mental health field, Member of the Tennessee Medntal Health Association Board, Member of the Tennessee Licensing Review Board, Member of NAMI.
Graham Goodloe – Resident Manager
10 years of experience in the mental health field, Licensed Recreational Therapist.
Chris Johnston – Horticulture Training Supervisor/Manager
8 years of experience working with people with multiple disabilities, certified Job Coach through Tennessee Vocational Rehabilitation.
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
It is hard to believe twenty five years have passed since we opened our doors at The Center for Living and Learning. Many of you have supported The Center since the beginning and we will always be grateful to you.
The Center has grown and changed in twenty five years and our staff has had the privilege of serving many wonderful people in the Residential and Vocational Training Programs. We believe we have had a positive impact on those individuals whose lives we have touched and feel blessed for the opportunity to be a part of their lives.
Also, I would like to thank the Lackey Family for helping start The Center, and thank Dr. William Petrie, our medical director for is steadfast loyalty and exceptional care he has given the residents during the past twenty five years.
Fran Clippard, Executive Director
Staff and Residents
