Over 3500 disabled individuals under 65 live in Pike County
- United States Census Bureau
We Support Caregivers through
Quarterly Respite Events
If you would like to enroll your loved one, fill out an intake form under "Forms"
If you would like to offer a tax deductible donation to show your support, click the Donate button above or Give Button at the top to explore options
The Joy Community Center’s Respite Events are dedicated to creating a joyful and inclusive environment for teenagers and young adults with special needs.
Our mission is to provide a space where they can connect with peers who share similar interests, build social confidence, and experience a sense of independence and achievement.
Through engaging activities such as arts and crafts guided by the Johnson Arts Center, indoor festival games with prizes, a mini indoor obstacle course, and a light sensory room, we aim to foster a community of support and celebration.
We also recognize the importance of respite for caregivers. By offering an afternoon of fun and caregiver-free activities, we encourage parents to take time for themselves, whether it's for shopping, a date, or some much-needed self-care. Our goal is to create a memorable and enriching experience for both the participants and their families.
The event will include light refreshments for our teens and young adults. Our first events will serve individuals ages 17 - 21.
Why Joy Community Centers are needed in Pike County
Intellectual Disabilities affect us all
The Statistics are Alarming
In 2019 there were 7.39 million people with an intellectual or developmental disabilities in the United States.
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7 out of 10 of those individuals were children under 21 years of age.
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Children must leave the public schools by the age of 21. What happens to them then? Much of the time, some family member must leave the workforce to care for them.
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According to the Alabama State Board of Education for the 2019 - 2020 school year in Pike County:
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~ There were 631 students enrolled in school with a diagnosed disability.
~ That same year 122 of them were high school students.
The most significantly affected students are taught in a self-contained classroom. These students are not self-sufficient. They cannot be left alone. They cannot hold a job. Someone will need to care for them 24/7.
The Self-Contained High School Classrooms in Pike County during the 2023-2024 school year contain approximately 25 students. All of these students will age out of the school system over the next few years.
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Other students who need additional support and care are able to attend regular classrooms but are unable to manage life after graduation without ongoing support. They will also age out of the school system.
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The numbers continue to grow.
More are coming every year!​​
We Want to Make a Difference
Joy Community Centers will be a place where disabled individuals and their caregivers can find support and resources to improve their lives. Our vision is to recognize the challenges faced by disabled individuals and their caregivers, and to make a impact on our community. We committed to providing an inclusive environment for all.
Joy Community Centers was incorporated December 2023 as non-profit organization located in Pike County, Alabama.
Our focus is on helping our members grow and learn in a safe and supportive setting. As we look to the future, we are excited to expand our offerings to include vocational and residential facilities, providing even more opportunities for our members thrive.