What Journey21 does

Journey21 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2021 and headquartered in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, that provides programs, enrichment activities, and residential living options for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). The organization serves approximately 130 individuals across Waukesha County and surrounding communities, addressing the well-documented "falling off the cliff" gap that occurs when school-based services end at age 21. Its portfolio is organized around five pillars: Learning Academies (18-21 Transition Academy, Life Academy, LAUNCH Academy, Summer Academy), Enrichment Programs (Life Enrichment Program, CORE outings, Winter Retreats), Employment Services, Residential Living (The Journey at Pabst Farms), and an Enrichment Center facility.

The Enrichment Center is a purpose-built, 10,000-square-foot facility opened in April 2023 that houses multipurpose rooms, fitness studio, art and music rooms, teaching kitchen, and accessible outdoor spaces. Programs are delivered by 19 staff members with deep IDD credentials, including a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (Director of Operations) and a former Special Education Transition Coordinator (Enrichment Center Director). Life Academy students attend classes at Waukesha County Technical College, and LAUNCH Academy students complete internships at Marquette University and other post-secondary institutions. A planned $28 million residential community, The Journey at Pabst Farms, will add 40-50 apartment units on a 12-acre parcel adjacent to the Enrichment Center.

Journey21's business model combines program fees (charged per session, with Wisconsin Medicaid waiver funding accepted), individual and corporate donations, foundation grants (notably a $175,000 grant from Friends of Autism in October 2025, the largest in FOA's 25-year history), event sponsorships, and signature fundraising events (Golf Classic, Gala, beer tasting). Go-to-market is community-led, driven by school district partnerships, special education teacher and transition coordinator referrals, parent networks, and word-of-mouth within the IDD community. An 80+ partner ecosystem supports internship placements, employment pathways, and community engagement. Guardian satisfaction is high across all programs (86-100% recommendation rates, 4.57-4.88/5 ratings). The organization is governed by a board that includes the former CEO of Northwestern Mutual and the former CEO of Landmark Credit Union.

Name

Journey21

Legal name

Journey21, Inc.

Website

https://journey21.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Journey21 is a Wisconsin-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2021 that operates Learning Academies, Enrichment Programs, and a planned $28M residential community for approximately 130 adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities in the Oconomowoc/Waukesha County region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services

NAICS

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability Facilities (62321), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Integration & Travel Training (Public Transportation Navigation) (EDAKANAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Transportation-Integrated Adult Day Programs (Day Program + Non-Emergency Transport) (HLADAIAK), Accessibility & Mobility Equipment Provisioning (Car Seats, Harnesses, Securement Systems) (EDAKAOAJ)

Keywords

• Adult IDD services
• Developmental disability programs
• Post-secondary transition academy
• Supportive residential living
• Nonprofit disability support

Headquarters

HQ city

Oconomowoc

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Program Fees: Fees charged for participation in structured programs including Learning Academies (18-21 Transition Academy, Life Academy, LAUNCH Academy, Summer Academy), Life Enrichment Program, CORE Program, Winter Retreats, and the residential community. Fees are quoted per program session (e.g., $750 per week for Winter Retreats).
2. Individual and Corporate Donations: One-time or monthly gifts from individuals and corporations supporting the mission. Monthly giving programs allow donors to provide ongoing support. Includes donor recognition programs and the Amazon Wish List for in-kind giving.
3. Grants: Grant funding from foundations and organizations supporting IDD services. Notably, Friends of Autism awarded Journey21 $175,000 (the largest grant in FOA's history). Also includes grants for the residential community development.
4. Event Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorship of Journey21 events (Golf Classic, Gala, beer tasting) in exchange for brand recognition. Custom sponsorship levels are offered and tailored to sponsor goals.
5. Fundraising Events: Revenue from signature events including the annual Golf Classic, Gala, and home-crafted beer tasting event. Includes ticket sales, silent auctions, and live fundraising during events.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Journey21 delivers structured educational, recreational, and residential programs for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) through Learning Academies, Enrichment Programs, and a planned Residential Living community. Services are operated from a purpose-built 10,000-square-foot Enrichment Center in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, and supported by tuition-style program fees, donations, grants, and event sponsorships.

Product overview

Journey21 is a nonprofit organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of programs and services for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) in Wisconsin. The organization operates across five core pillars: Learning Academies (18-21 Transition Academy, Life Academy, LAUNCH Academy, and Summer Academy), Enrichment Programs (Life Enrichment Program, CORE, and Winter Retreats), Residential Living (The Journey at Pabst Farms), Employment Services, and an Enrichment Center facility. Learning Academies provide structured educational and career-readiness programming with internship components, while Enrichment Programs offer recreational activities and social experiences. The Enrichment Center serves as a hub for programming, and the residential community provides independent living options. The organization also facilitates community engagement through volunteer opportunities, corporate sponsorships, and event fundraising.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 18-21 Transition Academy A semester-based program for young adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) aged 18-21 who are still eligible for school district services, combining hands-on learning, career exploration, and social skill development. Runs Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. Includes academic skills (consumer math, employment-related vocabulary, workplace technology), employment/vocational skills development with supported internship placements, social skills and relationship building, and independent daily living skills training.
• Life Academy A highly structured two-year post-secondary program offering 32 carefully designed courses for adults with IDD to develop essential skills in independence, employment, and community engagement through four separate 14-week internship placements. Life Academy students attend classes at Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) as part of their post-secondary educational experience.
• LAUNCH Academy A one-year inclusive college certificate program for adults with IDD focusing on employment skills development, social communication, and self-advocacy strategies, with two internship placements (e.g., at Marquette University) to prepare for competitive or supported employment. Admits graduates of Life Academy, Shepherds College, UW-Whitewater LIFE Program, or other recognized post-secondary programs.
• Summer Academy A uniquely designed three-week summer program held Monday through Friday for individuals ages 15 and older with IDD, emphasizing life and independent living skills, creative learning, and engaging community outings. Curriculum covers social development, independent living skills, wellness, creative expression, and community engagement. Waiver funding accepted.
• Life Enrichment Program A year-round, full-day experience for adults 18 and older with IDD led by a Recreational Therapist, blending skill-building classes with enriching community experiences from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Focuses on social skills, independent living (meal prep, cleaning, hygiene), community outings, health and wellness, and creative expression.
• CORE (Community Outings & Recreational Experiences) Inclusive community-based outings and recreational experiences for adults with IDD, offering two- to three-hour experiences across art, cooking, fitness, games, and special events to build friendships and social skills. Managed through the Trellis platform (trellis.org/journey21-core) with approximately 12 programs per month.
• Winter Retreats Mid-winter retreats offering adults with IDD opportunities to stay active, connected, and engaged during winter through life skills, creative expression, movement, and social development activities held at the Enrichment Center. Priced at $750 per week session, with daily activities 9:00 am – 3:00 pm and waiver funding accepted.
• The Journey at Pabst Farms A first-of-its-kind residential community for adults with IDD in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, featuring private one- and two-bedroom apartments with amenities including fitness areas, game rooms, outdoor basketball and pickleball courts, fire pit and patio spaces, a Lodge with gathering spaces, dining program, and enhanced safety and security systems. Designed to support independence within a connected social community.

Quantifiable outcome

• 18-21 Transition Academy: 86% of guardians would recommend Journey21; 4.57/5 average overall rating; 5/5 average staff rating.
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Arrowhead High SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArrowhead High School is a key education partner. Journey21's Enrichment Center Director, Heidi Hamilton, previously served as Transition Coordinator at Arrowhead. The school district refers students to Journey21 programs and collaborates on IEP implementation. Arrowhead graduates (including Journey21 Ambassadors Marvin and Max Marriott) are among those served.
• Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWCTC is an education partner where Life Academy students attend classes as part of their post-secondary educational experience, gaining real-world classroom exposure alongside typical college students.
• Marquette UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMarquette University provides internship placement opportunities for LAUNCH Academy students. Matt Frisinger, a Journey21 student, interned at Marquette University as part of his employment skills development.
• Shepherds CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerShepherds College is a recognized post-secondary education program for individuals with developmental disabilities. Completion of Shepherds College is one pathway for admission to Journey21's LAUNCH Academy.
• University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (LIFE Program)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUW-Whitewater's LIFE Program is a recognized post-secondary education program. Completion of the LIFE Program is one admission pathway to Journey21's LAUNCH Academy. Several Journey21 staff have backgrounds at UW-Whitewater.
• Carroll UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCarroll University is listed as an education partner on the Journey21 partnerships page, likely providing academic or internship collaboration opportunities.
• Inclusion Coffee CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInclusion Coffee is a nonprofit providing employment opportunities for adults with IDD. Journey21 ambassadors intern and work at Inclusion Coffee. Caleb Dorothy, Journey21's CORE Program Lead, previously served as General Manager at Inclusion Coffee.
• Best BuddiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBest Buddies is a nonprofit organization that creates one-to-one friendships and employment opportunities for people with IDD. Ambassador Marvin Marriott is an active Best Buddies member.
• Special OlympicsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJourney21 was founded at a Special Olympics event. Co-Founders Susan Marriott and Sheila Frisinger met at Special Olympics. Journey21 Ambassadors (Marvin and Max Marriott) are Special Olympics athletes competing in volleyball, track, and basketball since 2014/2016.
• Community Smiles DentalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Smiles Dental is a nonprofit dental clinic. Life Enrichment Program participants volunteer at Community Smiles Dental as part of community engagement and give-back activities.
• Pantheon IndustriesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPantheon Industries provides employment and training for adults with disabilities. CORE Program Lead Caleb Dorothy previously worked at Pantheon, learning to plan supports and teach job-specific skills.
• YMCAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe YMCA is listed as a nonprofit partner. Journey21's residential community at Pabst Farms benefits from proximity to a YMCA within walking distance.
• Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern WisconsinminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRMHC Eastern Wisconsin is a nonprofit partner. Community Engagement Coordinator Olivia Kresse previously served as Volunteer Services Manager at RMHC Eastern Wisconsin.
• Momentum Early LearningminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJourney21 established a student internship at Momentum Early Learning in collaboration with Board Member Jenni Miller, where students build foundational skills in early learning and childcare.
• The Valerie (Event Venue)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Valerie, an event venue in Oconomowoc owned by Board Member Jenni Miller, is the location for Journey21's annual Gala. Jenni has donated the venue and its staff for the event for two years.
• Pack LogixminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPack Logix is a business partner and its CEO, Adam Puzach, serves as Chairman of the Journey21 Board of Directors.
• ProHealth CareminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProHealth Care is a business partner. CEO Judie Taylor serves on the ProHealth Care Board of Directors, creating a governance-level connection.
• St. CamillusminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSt. Camillus is a nonprofit partner. CEO Judie Taylor serves on the St. Camillus Board of Directors.
• Waukesha County Community FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWaukesha County Community Foundation is a community partner. CEO Judie Taylor serves on its Board of Directors.
• BoelterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoelter is listed as both an education and business partner, providing equipment, supplies, or commercial services support.
• Kettle Moraine Curling ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKettle Moraine Curling Club is a community partner. Craig Heinze (18-21 Transition Academy Instructor) is an active curler at the club.
• The Ability CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Ability Center is a nonprofit partner. Journey21's Marketing Manager Christina DeCheck previously served as Community Program Director at The Ability Center, managing recreational programs and volunteer initiatives.
• Islands of BrillianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIslands of Brilliance is a nonprofit partner. Marketing Manager Christina DeCheck previously mentored and worked alongside individuals on the autism spectrum at Islands of Brilliance.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• St. Camillus: A Wisconsin-based nonprofit providing residential, post-acute, and community-based services for individuals with disabilities and complex needs. Journey21's CEO sits on St. Camillus's board, indicating a direct governance connection and a closely comparable residential/disability services model in the same region.
• Caravel Autism Health: A larger, multi-state provider of autism-focused therapy and behavioral health services for children with IDD. While focused on therapy for younger children rather than adult programming, it is a comparably scaled Wisconsin-headquartered organization serving the IDD community.
• Special Olympics Wisconsin: Statewide sports training and competition organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Journey21 was founded at a Special Olympics event and its ambassadors compete in Special Olympics athletics, making it a foundational but adjacent (athletic rather than educational/residential) peer.
• Best Buddies: A national nonprofit creating one-to-one friendships and employment opportunities for people with IDD. While Journey21 ambassadors participate in Best Buddies, the organization operates at much greater national scale, making it a broader incumbent in the IDD social/employment space rather than a direct local competitor.

Emerging players

• Inclusion Coffee Company: A Wisconsin-based nonprofit providing employment opportunities for adults with IDD. Journey21 ambassadors intern and work at Inclusion Coffee, and Journey21's CORE Program Lead previously served as its General Manager, making it a closely related employment-focused IDD nonprofit in the same geography.
• Islands of Brilliance: A Wisconsin-based nonprofit offering creative and technology-based learning programs for individuals on the autism spectrum. Journey21's Marketing Manager previously mentored and worked alongside individuals on the autism spectrum at Islands of Brilliance, making it a comparable emerging local IDD-focused education provider.

Direct peers

• Shepherds College: A recognized post-secondary education program for individuals with developmental disabilities. Journey21 lists Shepherds College as a core strategic partner — completion of Shepherds College is one pathway for admission to Journey21's LAUNCH Academy — making it a directly comparable post-secondary IDD education provider.
• Pantheon Industries: A Wisconsin-based nonprofit providing employment, training, and supports for adults with disabilities. Journey21's CORE Program Lead previously worked at Pantheon, indicating it is a directly comparable regional provider of adult disability employment and day services.
• University of Wisconsin-Whitewater LIFE Program: A four-year post-secondary program at UW-Whitewater for students with intellectual disabilities. Listed by Journey21 as a core partner and an admission pathway into LAUNCH Academy, making it a directly comparable inclusive college certificate program for adults with IDD.
• The Ability Center: A Wisconsin nonprofit serving individuals with disabilities through recreational programs, volunteer initiatives, and community engagement. Journey21's Marketing Manager previously served as its Community Program Director, indicating directly overlapping mission and programming in the same region.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/journey21

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Journey21