forward journey delaware

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can attend Forward Journey?

Forward Journey is for adults (21+) with multiple, severe disabilities who cannot attend other day programs due to their specialized needs. For example, our staff can accommodate individuals with feeding tubes or tracheostomies. We can also manage attendees who cannot toilet independently. View our complete admissions criteria for more information.

How do you apply to Forward Journey?

All applicants must get a referral through the Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS) for day habilitation services. However, the prospective candidate must tour our site first to make sure it’s a good fit. We’ve outlined a three-step application process to make it easier for caregivers.

Is there a cost for participants?

There is no cost for eligible participants to attend Forward Journey. As a certified provider of adult day habilitation services through the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS), reimbursements cover a portion of our costs. We rely on grants, special events, and donations to make up the difference, keeping our services free.

Where is Forward Journey located?

Forward Journey has two locations in Delaware.

New Castle County 52 Reads Way New Castle, Delaware 19720

Kent County 699 South Carter Road, Suite 1 Smyrna, Delaware 19977

What are Forward Journey’s hours of operation?

The Forward Journey program is delivered Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., unless there is a holiday or staff in-service. Caregivers will receive notification about these closings well in advance. You can also view our agency calendar .

In the event of inclement weather, Forward Journey is set up with SnoWatch on the radio (WDEL 1150 AM, WDEL 101.7 FM, and WSTW 93.7 FM) and online ( WDEL and WSTW ). You can sign up for text alerts by going to these two links. If you do not see Forward Journey/C.E.R.T.S. listed as being closed by 7:00 a.m., that means the program will be open for the day.  Because the weather between counties can vary, there may be a day where one Forward Journey location is closed for the day and the other is not. Please be sure to listen/read carefully.

Will Forward Journey provide transportation to and from the centers?

Forward Journey does not provide daily transportation to and from our locations for participants. Families/group homes are responsible for arranging transportation. There are three options:

• DART Paratransit (an application must be completed and approved if not already)
• Modivcare (formerly Logisticare; a regional dispatch company working with a network of private transportation companies to provide an alternative to Paratransit)
• Family members/group homes can drive the participant

Note: Forward Journey provides transportation for community outings.

What is the MOVE™ program?

MOVE™ stands for Mobility Opportunities Via Education/Experience. This is an internationally recognized program designed to help those with severe disabilities improve their sitting, standing, walking, and transitioning skills. Our staff incorporate skills practice throughout the individual’s day, making it fun and motivating. The goal is always for the individual to participate in all aspects of their day with as much independence as possible.

The MOVE™ Program has six steps:

• Step One determines the individual’s present skill level through an interview assessment.
• Step Two determines the functional goals needed for the individual to become more independent.
• Step Three creates meaningful, functional activities and embeds appropriate skills into the activity for the individual to be successful in reaching their goals.
• Step Four looks at the supports the individual currently needs.
• Step Five reduces the prompts the individual needs.
• Step Six defines and schedules teaching of the skills throughout the individual’s typical day.

Participants have shown increased circulation, muscle mass, enhanced digestion, and a decrease in bone loss. Plus, with improved communication and greater movement, we’ve seen their social skills blossom as well.

Forward Journey is a MOVE™ Model Site, which means we have trained our entire staff and can host visitors who would like to see the program in action. We’re proud to be the first MOVE™ for Adults Model Site in Delaware, and only the third worldwide.

How do you ensure each participant’s health and safety?

Before admission, Forward Journey gathers information about the participant’s health status to develop a customized plan for their care. This is incorporated into their Person-Centered Plan (PCP) and reviewed every year (or more often if their health changes). We’ll review topics such as:

• Primary and secondary diagnoses
• Dietary restrictions
• Prescriptions
• Seizure protocols
• Emergency protocols

In addition, staff provides a daily update, notifications about any new behaviors, and special reports if there’s been an injury, seizure, or other emergency. We collaborate with the caregiver for the best possible outcomes.

How is the adult day program staffed?

Forward Journey carefully selects our team members through a rigorous process that includes a structured interview with two senior managers, job shadowing during the program day, in-depth background checks, and other pre-employment tests to make sure they’re a good fit.

We maintain a low staff to participant ratio, which is crucial to providing high quality, focused care. Without this, our staff wouldn’t have the time to get to know each participant and provide the positive, encouraging interaction that makes all the difference. In addition, we have a Director of Nursing, Program Manager, Program Nurse, and Assistant Program Manager in New Castle County. The Kent County site has a Program Specialist who is a Registered Nurse and also provides supervision of direct care staff. Both sites share the Executive Director, Assistant Executive Director, and the Operations & Human Resource Manager. We subcontract any specialized therapies.

How is the staff trained?

Forward Journey carefully selects our team members through a rigorous process that includes a structured interview, job shadowing, in-depth background checks, and other pre-employment tests to make sure they’re a good fit. Direct care staff are regularly recertified on topics such as seizure management, safe feeding, MOVE® Basic Provider, CPR/First Aid, universal precautions, lift training, fall precautions, medication administration, and wheelchair safety. Even staff who don’t provide direct care must be CPR/FA trained. 

Who manages and is responsible for the Forward Journey program?

Forward Journey is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. Our Board of Directors is comprised of educational professionals, parents of adults with disabilities, and interested members of the business community. Reporting to the President of the Board, the Executive Director is responsible for delivery of daily services, employee supervision, fundraising, and implementation of all federal and state standards, policies, and procedures. Learn more about our Board and Staff .

How can I contact Forward Journey?

The main number for all locations is 302-731-0301. The prompts on our voice system will ask if you wish to speak to someone at New Castle County or Kent County. If you know the extension, dial it at any time. There are additional prompts on the system for emergencies and for contacting a specific staff member. You can also send a message through this website by visiting the Contact page.

• Police & Fire
• Weekly Review

Forward Journey: Programs for young severely disabled adults

Betsy Price October 5, 2022 Business , Headlines

Forward Journey is the state’s adult day program for those with multiple issues.

The only Delaware agency that offers day programs for young adults with multiple and severe disabilities has changed its name and is holding a COVID-delayed open house to show off a facility that was new in 2020.

Forward Journey Adult Day Services, founded in 2006 in a church Sunday School room, was formerly known as C.E.R.T.S., or Collaborative Effort to Reinforce Transition Success.

It began when parents — whose children at 21 would age out of their school system programs — started looking for their children’s next step.

“The world kind of turns upside down,” said Cindy Jenkins, whose son Matthew has been in the program for 14 years.

Those parents didn’t like what little they could find, which strongly resembled warehousing kids in a large room with hospital beds.

Instead, the parents began searching for providers who might be willing to offer something with more support and programming. They didn’t get far.

So they did it themselves.

Forward Journey’s genesis

The first site opened in North Wilmington’s Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd. Every Friday, the program had to pick up all its equipment so the room for could be used on Sunday. On Mondays, they’d come in early to bring everything back out.

“We started with four people and then we got to eight, and that room was too small,” said Vivian Turner, executive director of Forward Journey.

In 2011, the program moved to a larger site, and then again in 2013. Along the way, it expanded to Kent County with a Smyrna location. Finally, it moved in 2020 to a larger headquarters in New Castle County in the New Castle Corporate Commons.

Six weeks later, the pandemic shut everything down.

Forward Journey now serves 32 clients in New Castle and Kent counties and expects to serve 50 soon. Even so, it would like to expand into Sussex County.

It now has 32 participants — 22 in New Castle and 10 in Smyrna — and expects to quickly add another 17. The average age of their clients is 32.

Most clients cannot communicate verbally, but some can signal yes, no and other things. They often need assistance with eating and using the toilet. Many have several medical issues that require high levels of support.

Matthew Jenkins, for example, had a cerebral hemorrhage before he was born. He’s nonverbal, but can signal yes, no and that he’s hungry. He has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, seizures, cerebral palsy and, recently, rheumatoid arthritis and acid reflux. He can walk short distances with support.

If Forward Journey didn’t exist, he would have to stay at home, where he would have few activities and little interaction with the outside world.

“At home, he’s very bored because we can’t entertain him like they do,” said Cindy Jenkins, who also chairs the nonprofit’s board.

Vivian Turner

She credits the program with helping Matthew become happier than he ever was at Christiana High School and with improving his ability to walk further. It also gives him something to look forward to.

Jenkins said her son likes the program so much that he won’t try to stand up and head to bed until they tell him he’s going to the program the next morning.

“He gets the biggest smile on his face and then he’s up and ready to go to bed,” she said. “He really enjoys the interaction with the staff because they treat him like he’s just one of their buds. It helps that they actually have him up in walking a little bit, which is difficult for us. The house really doesn’t lend to a lot of walking.”

The point of the program, Turner said, is to help participants engage in a variety of personalized, enriching activities such as arts and crafts, music, and even field trips, while also enhancing functional mobility.

“Our original name just was no longer fitting what we did,” Turner said. “It was a little bit confusing.”

They worked with Blue Blaze Associates to come up with a new name and slogan, “Aspire. Achieve. Celebrate.”

The name “Forward Journey” sets a path for the future, Turney said.

The company’s operating funds largely come from the state of Delaware. It is certified by the Division of Developmental Disability Services to provide day services and is reimbursed a set amount for each client enrolled each day.

That covers about 90% of the nonprofit’s $1,889,337 budget, with fundraising providing the rest.

Forward Journey has to build out its space to accommodate the amount of equipment its clients bring and that the nonprofit needs to safely handle the clients.

The clients are referred from school district programs for the disabled. Most are on Medicaid already, and parents don’t have to pay fees, but usually line up for fundraising efforts, Turner said.

Not everyone who participates in high school programs would want to be in Forward Journey over another program, she said.

“We describe it as the 1% of the population who have the most high level of support needs and would be least likely to be supported at another day program,” Turner said. “Though it’s really a niche, if somebody has a disability and they can walk and speak, this isn’t the program for them.

“Our focus is really on functional mobility, getting people up out of their chairs and into adapted walkers and helping them with those types of things. I feel like there’s a program for everybody, but not every program is for every person.”

Forward Journey uses a new MOVE International program to incorporate movement throughout the day. It’s the first MOVE for Adults model site in Delaware, and the third worldwide.

Many of their clients live at home, while others live in residences for the disabled. They arrive at Forward Journey via transportation from their residence, riding Paratransit through DART, or being dropped off by their parents. There’s also a private ambulance service that will pick up and drop off the patients.

If the agency has a dream, it’s to offer services in all three counties, Turner said.

But finding a site is not easy. At this point, the program can’t move into any old space, and state law prohibits it from being set up at a site where there’s already a residential nursing home, so some sites that may seem obvious are out.

The clients require large amounts of space for their adaptive walkers and activity chairs. The space also needs lots of room and power plugs for equipment such as lift systems to help move clients.

Forward Journey built out its space in the Corporate Commons, which is the location at 52 Reads Way that they plan to show off in their Open House on Oct. 18 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The program is already running out of space in Smyrna, and Turner hopes to identify a larger space there soon.

Jenkins said the two things she’s like to see the program receive are visibility and recognition for the role it fills for many families.

Because it serves a small population, it has low visibility and that becomes a problem for funding, she said.

That funding keeps the clients out of institutions and improves their quality of life while filling needs for many families.

“It gives me peace of mind. I know he’s in a place where he’s happy. I know he’s in a place where people respect him, which was very important to him. I can go about my day feeling very comfortable that he’s in a great place,” Jenkins said. “I just really can’t say enough that this program is just so helpful to all the participants who are there.”

RELATED STORIES:

Betsy Price is a Wilmington freelance writer who has 40 years of experience, including 15 at The News Journal in Delaware.

Share this Post

• Government |
• Education |
• Police & Fire |
• Weekly Review |

Your message (optional)

Forward Journey Adult Day Services

To enrich the lives of adults with multiple, severe disabilities and, in turn, their families through an active, personalized day program..

$2,450 raised from 25 donors

About Forward Journey Adult Day Services

Mission: To enrich the lives of adults with multiple, severe disabilities and, in turn, their families through an active, personalized day program.

Forward Journey is a nonprofit organization that provides day services for adults with multiple, severe disabilities. Started by parents 2007, this agency was established to address the needs of this niche population once graduated from a school program. Daily activities provide educational, recreational and creative experiences for attendees as well as community outings. Served is the 1% of the disability population that is most affected by their disabilities. The MOVE program is implemented as well allowing participants to use specialized equipment to stand and walk. This functional mobility component has had a life altering effect on our population which primarily uses wheelchairs.  The agency formerly known as C.E.R.T.S. is now Forward Journey due to a name change that occurred in October of 2022.

Recent donors

• Audrey Bernier
• Jessica Jordan $50
• William Dowdell
• Kathleen Bayard $50
• Erika Grimes $100
• Tracey Miller $100
• Cynthia Jenkins $200
• Deanna Pedicone $50
• Matching gift from CSC Employee Match $100
• Carol Dolor (in honor of In honor of my daughter Jenna Dolor) $100

Challenges won

Current matches, current challenges, embed this on your own site.

Copy and paste this HTML code:

The Future is a "Forward Journey"

A fundraiser for forward journey adult day services.

$0 raised from 0 donors. Be the first to donate!

$5,000 goal

About Forward Journey Adult Day Services

Mission: To enrich the lives of adults with multiple, severe disabilities and, in turn, their families through an active, personalized day program.

Forward Journey is a nonprofit organization that provides day services for adults with multiple, severe disabilities. Started by parents 2007, this agency was established to address the needs of this niche population once graduated from a school program. Daily activities provide educational, recreational and creative experiences for attendees as well as community outings. Served is the 1% of the disability population that is most affected by their disabilities. The MOVE program is implemented as well allowing participants to use specialized equipment to stand and walk. This functional mobility component has had a life altering effect on our population which primarily uses wheelchairs.  The agency formerly known as C.E.R.T.S. is now Forward Journey due to a name change that occurred in October of 2022.

Challenges won

Current matches, current challenges, embed this on your own site.

Copy and paste this HTML code:

Your guide to biking in Delaware. Plus, cycling trail projects to look forward to

H owever you plan to spend your time outdoors now that the weather is warmer, don’t sleep on the ample opportunities to bike through Delaware among the state’s cycling trails.  

Whether you prefer a paved path or a rugged ride through the woods, Delaware’s bike trails are bound to have a journey fit for you.  

Here’s where you can cycle in the First State, along with some new trails to look forward to. 

Capital City Trail 

Dover’s Capital City Trail offers a 4.5-mile route for walking, running and biking through the city and connects visitors to local historic attractions, parks, Dover Air Force Base and government offices.

This trail merges with the Silver Lake Trail at Division Street, past Legislative Hall and along Court Street to the Isaac Branch Trail and the Public Safety Boulevard Pathway.  

Georgetown-Lewes Trail 

The Georgetown-Lewes Trail features 10 miles of paths for cycling or walking. It includes a network of trails surrounding Lewes and Rehoboth, with plans to expand.   

The trail currently extends from Gills Neck Road to Fisher Road. One extension is complete, the 17-mile trail will connect Lewes and Georgetown — with access to the Junction & Breakwater Trail from Lewes to Rehoboth Beach — and from Lewes into Cape Henlopen State Park, making it the single longest trail in Delaware, according to Delaware Greenways.

Isaac Branch Trail 

The Isaac Branch Trail is a 2.6-mile asphalt segment of the St. Jones River Greenway that is designed for pedestrians and cyclists of diverse abilities.

The trail runs along the St. Jones River. Future expansion of the St. Jones River Greenway is expected to add a 14-mile-long riverside pathway that links the greater Dover area to the Delaware Bay.  

James F. Hall Trail 

The James F. Hall Trail in Newark is part of the Newark Bikeways’ Central Loop. It runs along the Amtrak railroad and passes through three of the city’s parks.

The 1.8-mile trail is paved and lighted, connecting locals to a transit station, the University of Delaware and shopping centers. The path also features adult exercise equipment and connects to the Pomeroy and Newark rail trails.  

The path is a section of the East Coast Greenway, which covers 3,000 miles across 15 states — and has been designated a National Recreation Trail. 

Where to hike in Delaware: First Day Hikes in Delaware: Hiking on New Year's Day 2024 through Delaware State Parks

Michael N. Castle Trail 

The Michael N. Castle Trail in Bear provides a scenic route along the north shore of the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal. It is named after former United States Congressman and Governor Michael N. Castle.  

The 12.1-mile trail is paved, has three trailheads and features amenities like benches, landscaping and kiosk comfort stations. Some sections of the trail are suitable for horseback riding. According to Delaware Greenways, the popular path sees 200,000 visitors annually.

Delaware State Parks

Delaware’s state parks system features 17 locations around the state suitable for various activities, including biking.  

Looking for beachy views? There’s a state park trail for that.  

Into a woodsier experience with forests and wildlife? There are plenty of state park trails for that, too.  

Whatever you’re looking for, there’s bound to be a state park nearby with trails suitable for your biking desires.  

Bike trail projects 

In recent years, some of Delaware’s trails have been extended and remodeled to provide better accommodations for pedestrians and cyclists.  

Here are updates on existing cycling trail projects around the state.:

Augustine Cut Off  

As part of the Delaware Department of Transportation’s efforts to improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure in the state, the agency has prioritized improvements along the busy Augustive Cut Off in Wilmington.  

The proposed plan includes connecting Trolley Square to the Incyte Campus, the trail network north of Route 202 and the Wilmington Friends School. 

According to DelDOT, the study for the project is complete. Design changes that have occurred since the last public workshop include the removal of the crosswalk at the proposed Incyte expansion.  

The project does not have a timeline yet, but a final study is available on DelDOT’s website for the project, said Charles McLeod, DelDOT’s director of community relations. 

Take a hike: The 5 best places for summer hiking in Delaware

See a rare tree: Hike-able forest outside Milton is home to Delaware's largest Atlantic white cedar

Brandywine Heritage Trail  

This 6-mile Brandywine Heritage Trail would connect the end of Brandywine Park at Market Street in Wilmington to the Brandywine Creek State Park and First State National Historical Park that extends into Pennsylvania.

The trail remains in the planning stages, with little movement on the project since last May, according to Delaware Greenways.  

Jack A. Markell Trail  

The Jack A. Markell Trail , also known as the “JAM” Trail, is named after the former governor and is a 5.5-mile path connecting the Wilmington Riverfront to New Castle’s Battery Park. It takes visitors through the Christina River’s tidal marsh refuge and over a 3,300-foot elevated boardwalk to historic New Castle.  

In early 2023, New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer announced that JAM trail extensions were in the works.  

JAM expansion includes connecting it to Commons Boulevard, called the Commons Boulevard Pathway. As of mid-April, the county is negotiating easements for the construction of phase 2 of the project, which focuses on a side path parallel to Commons Boulevard between Route 141 and Airport Road, said Brian Cunningham, a spokesperson for New Castle County.  

Newport to Newark Pathway/Newport River Trail 

For the past few years, New Castle County government has been involved in efforts to add a 2.3-mile extension, the Newport River Trail , to the JAM trail that would eventually connect Newport and Newark, providing access to open spaces, river viewsheds, parks and wildlife areas.

Last year, the project was in its final design phase. As of mid-April, the county is working on environmental and other permitting required for the project. The grant agreement with DelDOT is expected to conclude during the summer, said Cunningham. 

Iron Hill Park to Glasgow Park pathway 

Part of New Castle County’s Connecting Communities Initiative, a project to connect Iron Hill Park to Glasgow Park was created. The project would include a system of shared-use pathways within the Route 72 and Route 896 corridor.

As of mid-April, the pathway’s feasibility study was in its final phase, with the final report expected to be available soon, according to Cunningham.  

Wilmington Loop  

The Wilmington Loop is a proposed project that would create a continuous community trail around Wilmington. It could become the longest trail in Delaware, at 15.6 miles, and would be a natural extension of the Life Science Loop and seamlessly connect the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail and the JAM trail; Wilmington, Newport and New Castle; and multiple National Heritage sites. 

The project is still in the early stages and has yet to begin fundraising for a planning study, according to Delaware Greenways.

Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at  [email protected] . 

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Your guide to biking in Delaware. Plus, cycling trail projects to look forward to

Guide to Delaware beaches for summer 2024: What…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)

Baltimore Sun eNewspaper

• Latest Headlines
• News Obituaries
• Death Notices
• Things To Do

Things To Do Travel

Guide to delaware beaches for summer 2024: what not to miss.

Delaware Wine and Ale Trail

The trail is a unique collection of 12 wineries and breweries that will take you on a flavorful journey from the riverfront in Wilmington to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Visit the featured Delaware wineries and breweries for a tour, a tasting and a memorable experience while traveling this tempting trail. Go to visitdelaware.com/wineandale to download a passport.

Phish Festival

AUG.15-18: Mondegreen, a four-day festival, takes over The Woodlands in Dover. Phish is known for hits, “Lushington,” “You Enjoy Myself,” and “Divided Sky.” The rock band will perform over four days and nights, alongside an array of interactive fan experiences, specially curated regional food and drink, art installations and much more. 31750 Lake View Dr., Selbyville. Packages start at $450 for general admission which includes parking. mondegreen.phish.com

Poseidon Festival

MAY 24-26: Come out to downtown Bethany Beach for the Poseidon Festival. Live sand sculpting, pirates and mermaids, island music, bubble magic, luau, Marina Science Camp and emergency meet and greet. Festivities start at 1 p.m. townofbethanybeach.com/497/Poseidon-Festival

Mid-Atlantic Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival

JUNE 1-2: Join the Lewes Historical Society in their celebration of sea glass and coastal arts. Discover the origin and history of your own collection of sea glass from shard identification experts. Bring your family and enjoy a fun, interesting, and entertaining time. Demonstrations will be featured throughout the weekend, along with live music and food. 9 a.m to 4 p.m. Admission is $10 per person, per day, Children 12 and under are free. Lewes Historical Society, 110 Shipcarpenter St., Lewes. historiclewes.org

Goodguys Mid-Atlantic Nationals

JUNE 7-9: Join Goodguys, the world’s largest hot-rodding association, for the first Mid-Atlantic Nationals at Dover Motor Speedway. See more than 2,000 rods, customs, classics, muscle cars, imports and trucks. Activities include a Kids Zone, live entertainment, Nitro Thunderfest with vintage dragsters and stock car rides. Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. General admission is $25.  Dover Motor Speedway, 1131 N. Dupont Hwy., Dover. good-guys.com/man

Bethany Beach Seaside Concert Series

JUNE 6- OCT. 7: Kick off beach season with The Dave Matthews Tribute Band on June 6. Summer concerts will take place on Thursday nights in June, July, and August at 7:30 p.m. September and October shows will take place on Saturday and Sunday nights at 6:30 p.m. For a list of bands, go to townofbethanybeach.com/261/Bandstand

Rehoboth Beach Fireworks

JULY 6: The City of Rehoboth Beach is set to put the “ooh” and “ahh” into the 2024 Independence Day holiday with a fireworks display to launch around 9:30 p.m. The display is visible along Rehoboth’s mile-plus beach and boardwalk. cityofrehoboth.com/visitors/fireworks

More in Travel

Travel | A 2-year quest for Swiss citizenship culminates in a springtime sojourn amid snow-topped Alps

Travel | Travel junk fees are a virus with no easy fix

We took in Utah’s ‘Mighty 5’ national parks in one epic campervan trip

Travel | Here’s how to stay safe when visiting national parks this summer