Letter from Leadership
Each year, Forward Journey grows stronger through the compassion and dedication of those who believe in our mission. The past year was one of progress and reflection, driven by the people who make our work possible—participants, staff, families, and friends across Delaware.
Vivian J. Turner, MPA
President and CEO
A message from President & CEO Vivian J. Turner and Board Chair Cindy Jenkins.
In 2004, a small group of parents and school staff gathered with one shared goal: to create meaningful opportunities for students with significant disabilities after graduation. Forward Journey was born from that vision.
Cindy Jenkins was among those early supporters, knowing her son Matthew would one day need such a program. Two decades later, she remains deeply involved, now completing her term as Board Chair. In 2007, when Forward Journey hired its first part-time executive director, Cindy was one of the people interviewing a candidate named Vivian Turner. Nearly 20 years later, Vivian leads the organization as its President and CEO.
As Vivian reflects on her journey, she recalls, “I thought I’d be here for just a few years. But this mission and the people behind it captured my heart.” Together, we’ve watched Forward Journey grow from a small local idea into a thriving organization that continues to make a tangible difference in the lives of participants and their families. FY2025 marked another year of growth. Our census is nearly back to pre-pandemic levels, and our team now includes 28 full-time staff members with competitive pay and benefits, evidence of both stability and purpose in action.
This year also brought thoughtful planning for the future. The Board strengthened its committees, advanced succession planning, and worked alongside staff to finalize a strategic plan that will guide Forward Journey’s next chapter.
As we look ahead, we invite everyone who believes in our mission to get involved, whether by donating, joining a committee, or serving on the Board. Our vision to expand services across the state is within reach, and your support will help bring it to life. Together, we are shaping a future filled with opportunity, belonging, and hope for every individual we serve.
Cindy Jenkins
Board Chair
Letter from Leadership
Each year, Forward Journey grows stronger through the compassion and dedication of those who believe in our mission. The past year was one of progress and reflection, driven by the people who make our work possible—participants, staff, families, and friends across Delaware.
A message from President & CEO Vivian J. Turner and Board Chair Cindy Jenkins.
In 2004, a small group of parents and school staff gathered with one shared goal: to create meaningful opportunities for students with significant disabilities after graduation. Forward Journey was born from that vision.
Cindy Jenkins was among those early supporters, knowing her son Matthew would one day need such a program. Two decades later, she remains deeply involved, now completing her term as Board Chair. In 2007, when Forward Journey hired its first part-time executive director, Cindy was one of the people interviewing a candidate named Vivian Turner. Nearly 20 years later, Vivian leads the organization as its President and CEO.
As Vivian reflects on her journey, she recalls, “I thought I’d be here for just a few years. But this mission and the people behind it captured my heart.” Together, we’ve watched Forward Journey grow from a small local idea into a thriving organization that continues to make a tangible difference in the lives of participants and their families. FY2025 marked another year of growth. Our census is nearly back to pre-pandemic levels, and our team now includes 28 full-time staff members with competitive pay and benefits, evidence of both stability and purpose in action.
This year also brought thoughtful planning for the future. The Board strengthened its committees, advanced succession planning, and worked alongside staff to finalize a strategic plan that will guide Forward Journey’s next chapter.
As we look ahead, we invite everyone who believes in our mission to get involved, whether by donating, joining a committee, or serving on the Board. Our vision to expand services across the state is within reach, and your support will help bring it to life. Together, we are shaping a future filled with opportunity, belonging, and hope for every individual we serve.
Vivian J. Turner, MPA
President and CEO
Cindy Jenkins
Board Chair
Program Engagement and Impact
Every moment at Forward Journey is shaped by creativity, care, and connection. From hands-on learning to meaningful friendships, our programs help adults with complex disabilities live full, engaged lives.
Do More 24 Was a Success
Thanks to your generosity, we raised $4,108 from 30 donations in just 24 hours, our best year yet. These funds will directly support daily programming and operations, including essential supplies for art, baking, and gardening, as well as fair wages and ongoing training for our Direct Support Professionals.
Driving Impact Through Collective Action
The Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community, part of the Bright Blue Futures initiative, is an annual fundraising event that brings together individuals and organizations to raise funds for nonprofits focused on promoting health equity, enhancing quality of life, and fostering economic resilience. Highmark provides full funding for the event, ensuring that all participant fundraising goes directly to nonprofit partners. Forward Journey has participated for five consecutive years. In 2025, we received 24 donations and sponsorships, raising $6,611—our highest amount and largest turnout to date.
Our operations
Transparency and accountability are at the heart of Forward Journey’s work. We are committed to using every dollar wisely to provide exceptional care, support our staff, and expand services for adults with disabilities throughout Delaware.
2025
Notable Achievements
Forward Journey implemented the Electronic Medication Administration Record (eMAR) on February 19, 2025, marking a major step forward in participant care and operational efficiency. The system has recorded 3,521 medication passes with a 99.83% accuracy rate.
Digital Progress in Participant Care
The eMAR system replaces traditional paper records used to track and document medications during program hours. This digital upgrade allows staff to access information in real time, improves accuracy, and reduces the cost and storage needs of paper documentation.
Both nurses and direct support professionals have noted the speed and convenience of the new system compared with manual record keeping. Most importantly, eMAR enhances the participant experience by ensuring the safe, secure, and legally compliant management of medications.
“eMAR offers a clear, comprehensive, and real-time record of medication delivery,” said Erin Chandler, RN, BSN, Director of Nursing for Forward Journey Adult Day Services. The system has recorded 3,521 medication passes with a 99.83% accuracy rate.
FY2025 Financial Data
About Forward Journey
Forward Journey was founded because no day programs were serving Delawareans with intellectual & developmental disabilities, as well as significant physical disabilities, when they aged out of school. Since 2006, we have offered a meaningful, supportive day program that enables participants to learn, grow, and belong.
Our Mission
Our mission is to enrich the lives of adults with multiple, severe disabilities and their families through an active, personalized day program.
Our Vision
Our vision is to expand our services throughout Delaware so that adults with multiple, severe disabilities have access to a personalized day program that improves the individual’s quality of life and well-being.
Our Values
Individuality
We believe each person has unique qualities which we recognize and value. We support each participant in exploring and asserting their own individuality.
Self-Determination
We believe in a person’s right to make their own choices. We empower and support our participants in personal decision-making.
Respect
We believe every life has equal value, and every person deserves to be treated with dignity. We are respectful of participants at all times.
Connection
We believe positive human relationships are essential for every person’s emotional health. We encourage social activities that build healthy friendships among participants, staff, and community members.
Belonging
We believe in a person’s right to be accepted and celebrated for exactly who they are. We create a welcoming environment of inclusion, safety, acceptance, and genuine care.
Access
We believe every person should have access to resources and support that help them reach their full potential. We make it possible for participants to engage in meaningful activities that support their physical and personal growth.
Staff
The strength of Forward Journey lies in its people. Our dedicated staff members bring patience, skill, and compassion to their work every day, creating a safe and joyful environment for every participant.
Melissa Beaty
Donneshia Bowman
Erin Chandler
Melina Coates
Brady Council
Samantha Covey
Tanisha Foster
Nina Frisby
Jasmine Gallardo-Thomas
Kalyn Gibbs
Cristina Holder
Sherry Hopkins
Corrina Klair
Ebony Mathis
Cherinity McRae
Tasia Miles
Tracey Miller
Ikedah Murray
Darlene Myers
Jillian Oldham
Deanna Pedicone
Sharuanda Robinson
Chantel Scott
Michelle Shorter
Katherine Smith
Vivian Turner
Tajuana Warren
Emily Williams
Board of Directors
Forward Journey’s Board of Directors provides vision and oversight that guide our mission forward. Their leadership ensures our continued growth and long-term sustainability.
Cynthia Jenkins,
President
Blerta Profiri,
Vice President
William Hudson,
CPA, Treasurer
Amy Haughey
Erika Grimes
Michael Guida
Abimbola Olowo, MD
David Sisson
Partner Agencies and Collaborations
Collaboration is key to lasting impact. Forward Journey is proud to work with partners across Delaware who share our commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and quality care.
To effectively advocate for Delawareans with disabilities and drive meaningful change, the Ability Network of Delaware depends on strong partnerships with its members. One of the most outstanding examples of this collaboration is our work with Forward Journey. Vivian’s testimony at the Joint Finance Committee hearings each year has been a vital part of some of A.N.D.’s most significant accomplishments in recent years.
— Carolyn A. Petrak, MPA, Executive Director Ability Network of Delaware
Easterseals and Forward Journey share a strong commitment to supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Delaware. Together, we promote independence, foster inclusion, and enrich the lives of those we serve.
— Verna Wilkins Hensley, Vice President of Public Affairs Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore
Community Testimonials
The stories shared by participants, families, and volunteers speak to the heart of Forward Journey’s mission—creating a community where every individual is valued, supported, and celebrated.
“It is a pleasure to get the guidance of the staff when we make a PAWS visit.”
— Janice Baldwin-Hench
“The DSPs are amazing and wonderful with the clients. My daughter loves attending and all the staff. Fabulous program!”
— Karen J. Ward
“Ikedah, you are the best! You are so loved by Christine and us. You truly make a difference in our world!”
— Maryanne Milligan Payne
A Family’s Perspective
Released with permission from Dianne’s family.
When Stephen aged out of the Meadowood Program, we reviewed every available option carefully. Forward Journey immediately stood out as a place where participants are engaged and respected. Staff communicated, listened, and worked with us to make things work for Stephen. Their persistence paid off, and we are forever grateful. During Dianne’s illness, we knew Stephen was safe and supported at Forward Journey, which allowed us to focus on being with her. The compassion and dedication of the staff provided immense comfort. We cannot express how grateful we are for their care and commitment to every participant.
— Charlie Fair
Donor Appreciation
Every success story at Forward Journey begins with your generosity. To our donors, partners, and friends, thank you for sustaining our programs and strengthening our staff.
Thank you to our 2024–2025 supporters
Your generosity helps create a community where adults with disabilities learn, connect, and thrive. We are grateful for every person, organization, and grantmaker who made a difference this year.
Individuals
Rosemary Allen
Tracey Ancona
Michele Baldwin
Melissa Beaty
Beth Bohannon
Lotus Cheng Brown
Donna Carpenter
Kat Caudle
Erin Chandler
Anne Marie & Tim Curley
Jean Davison
James Delaney
Elizabeth DiDonato
Patrick Doherty
Carol Dolor
Carlotta Dykty
Barbara Facciolo
Kathleen Fintak
Julio Fioravanti
John Flood
Virginia Germano
Lisa Glazewski
Erika Grimes
Kim Gropp
Jared Grundish
Michael Guida
Lynne Gunter
Janet Hall
Amy Haughey
William Higginbotham
Herbert Hodos
William Hudson
Cara Imperato
Karen Ingram
Cindy Jenkins
Denise Jenkins
Michelle Jenkins
Jessica Jordan
Eileen Larkin
Kathy & David MacCord
Mark and Mary Maloney
Edward Manasyan
Mary Ann Mehaffey
Barbara Miller
Brian & Anita Miller
Tracey Miller
Randy Nelson
Gene New
Brandi Niezgoda
Madison Niezgoda
Deb and John Nuss
John Nuss
Kala Nuss
Sherry and Mel Olicker
Abimbola Olowo
Maryanne Payne
Deanna Pedicone
Mark Pedrick
Elpida Perna
Stanley Plastek
Lisa Prettyman
Blerta Profiri
Kathleen Reed
Vanessa Rojas
Masood Sadiq
Rich and Michelle Shorter
David Sisson
Diane Slaninko
Vivian Turner
Karen Ward
John Werner
Organizations
CSC Global
Dawson Wealth Management
State Employees Charitable Campaign
TEK Electronics, LLC
Wilmington University
Grants
BHA (Borkee Hagley Fund) Foundation Fund of the Delaware Community Foundation
Community Foundation of Harford County
Delaware Cedar Foundation
Delaware Controller General’s Office
Delaware Division of the Arts
DFRC – Delaware Foundation Reaching Citizens with Intellectual Disabilities
Joshua Twilley / Kent County Fund for the Arts
Mid-Del Charitable Foundation (Nicole Boone)
Power for Good Foundation
The Discover Brighter Futures Fund
Planned Giving:
Create a Legacy of Care
Every day, adults with complex disabilities find purpose and friendship at Forward Journey. Since 2006, we’ve provided specialized care and community for people whose needs are too complex for other programs. By including Forward Journey in your estate plans, you’ll help ensure these life-changing services continue for future generations.
Bequests
Add Forward Journey to your will or trust with a gift of cash, property, or assets.
Gift Annuities
Receive steady income and possible tax benefits in return for your charitable gift.
Charitable Trusts
Provide income to yourself or your heirs while supporting Forward Journey’s long-term mission.
Gifts of Stock or IRA Transfers
Donate stock or make a direct IRA contribution to maximize your impact.
Your Legacy, Their Future
Talk with your financial advisor or contact Forward Journey to explore the best option for you. Together, we can make sure every journey continues—forward.
Partner with us by donating
Forward Journey’s mission continues because of people like you; families, donors, partners, and advocates who believe in the power of inclusion and care. We encourage everyone who believes in the mission of Forward Journey to get involved. Together, we can build a stronger Delaware where every adult with disabilities is supported to live with purpose, dignity, and joy.
New Castle County
52 Reads Way
New Castle, DE 19720
Kent County
699 S. Carter Rd #1
Smyrna, DE 19977