BrightStone’s programs and residential homes answer the heart cry of those caring for adults with disabilities
Founded in 1999, BrightStone is a nonprofit organization that provides post-secondary education and vocational training to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, giving them life-long purpose and skills to help each individual gain more independence. Five days a week, for 8 hours each day, the adults who attend BrightStone’s day program participate in programs focused on job training and matching, education, computer usage, music and arts, ceramics, health and wellness, and a social enterprise program. Students participating in the PATH (Preparation And Training for HireAbility) Program also intern at local partner businesses and nonprofits to use and expand their job training skills further.
While education is at its core, BrightStone prides itself on offering its services in a loving, spiritual environment while fostering key social, health, and life skills.
BrightStone relocated to its “Land of Dreams” campus on 140 acres in Franklin, TN, in November 2022 with the completion of its 23,000sf main educational center, the Center for Learning, Arts, and Enterprise. Two residential teaching homes, a new offering to BrightStone’s life-changing solutions for adults with disabilities to gain independence, are currently under construction and will complete Phase One of a massive capital campaign – one which the local community has embraced and supported, leaving BrightStone just $1,000,000 away from fully funding the first phase of $20,000,000.
The vision for BrightStone is unprecedented for adults with disabilities in Tennessee, and the “Land of Dreams” is poised to be a model campus for the entire nation, with additional phases including plans for an equestrian program, horticulture, a chapel, a gymnasium, and more residential teaching homes. BrightStone is anxious to build out these additional phases as the support from the community continues.
BrightStone’s educational programs, plus the new residential options provide aging parents and caregivers a clear path for their adults with disabilities to enjoy a meaningful life with a lifetime of support. Their growing programs are working to solve a critical issue for the state of Tennessee and answer the heart cry of many families who are left wondering what will happen to their loved ones when they can no longer care for them.
With a newly expanded campus, BrightStone has the opportunity to welcome more adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities into the programs and help more families. To learn more about supporting BrightStone or prospective family admissions, visit www.BrightStone.org.
BrightStone’s Mission: To provide a comprehensive work, social support, and residential community for adults with special needs, expanding their potential and helping them develop mentally, physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.