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Our Journey

Our Journey

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joyful-journey-our-journey-cathy-and-jean-west-lafayette-indiana

The Beginning

of our Journey

What is life but just a journey, if we don’t share it with others, love them well in the process and turn life’s difficulties into blessings? This was the vision Cathy and Gerard Benner embraced after Cathy’s mother, Jean, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2007. After over 50 years of marriage, Cathy’s father, Marvin, suddenly found himself in the unfamiliar role of caregiver.

Cathy and Gerard were acutely aware of the challenges of caring for her mother at home. However, given Jean's overall good physical health, the family made a steadfast commitment to avoid placing her in a nursing home prematurely. With this promise in mind, they began searching for care options that would allow Jean to have meaningful days while also providing rest and support for Marvin.

In 2013, Cathy and Gerard set out on a mission to create a better solution. Drawing on their strong faith and the lessons learned over the previous six years, they began to envision an adult caregiving center for their community. That vision came to life with the founding of Joyful Journey, Inc. They purchased property, secured nonprofit status, launched a building campaign, designed a day center for future Friends, and assembled a dedicated team. Thanks to the generosity of over 400 supporters from West Lafayette, Lafayette, and surrounding areas, their dream was realized in June 2015 with the completion of the Joyful Journey house. On July 29, 2015, Joyful Journey opened its doors to its first Friend, debt-free and ready to serve.

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Our Mission

Joyful Journey is a community-based not-for-profit organization committed to providing compassionate and loving adult day service that preserves the dignity and well-being of everyone who visits and provides encouragement and support to every caregiver.

Our Mission

Joyful Journey is a community-based not-for-profit organization committed to providing compassionate and loving adult day service that preserves the dignity and well-being of everyone who visits and provides encouragement and support to every caregiver.

600 Lindberg Rd, West Lafayette, IN 47906          |         (765) 607-6156          |         Monday-Friday: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm

(765) 607-6156

600 Lindberg Rd, West Lafayette, IN 47906

Monday-Friday: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm

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