A few words
How We Started
Our story
Assisting people in finding a sense of value and meaning in their lives
- 2001 - Wendell becomes certified independent provider
- 2008 - Wendell meets co-founder jessica watanabe
- 2008 - Walk of joy is officially established
- 2020 - around 25 individuals served through supported living
- 2020 - nine individuals attend walk of joy day program
- 2021 - support employment in the community
Walk of Joy was officially established in 2008 but was brewing long before that. Wendell Anderson started working in the supported-living field when he was just 22 years old. He was hands-on, managed multiple houses, and gained invaluable experience. He later worked in the social work field where he met Walk of Joy co-founder, Jessica Watanabe.
Both Wendell and Jessica soon realized they wanted to be in a relationship with people, which they were lacking in their jobs. Wendell started coaching a basketball team and noticed that his players that had disabilities had aging parents that soon would not be able to care for their children. One parent asked Wendell if he would be an independent provider and in 2001 Wendell was certified (but never used the certification). Finally, in 2008, Wendell became an independent provider and started by serving that same basketball player. By the end of 2008, Walk of Joy was serving eight individuals.
