News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Pacesetters Inc. celebrated 50 years of service to individuals with disabilities and their families Friday.
County Services Director Bill Toye said in 1971, a group of families got together and wanted to change how people with special needs are involved in the community.
“They got together, got into a church with a basement to put it up and it got bigger and bigger,” Toye said. “Once people figured, ‘Hey, they can be in the community and be a part of the community,’ then more people joined in. Once it got large enough, it became a 501-C.”
Toye said the organization is now a state recognized provider that serves some 40 homes through five locations. Executive Director Robbie Phillips said one of the main ways Pacesetters gets people involved is by providing job opportunities.
“I think that that is very important for the community to know is that we have people out there working and making a difference, and we’re so happy to be able to make a difference in people’s lives,” Phillips said.
Interim Operations Director Gail Bilbrey said over the years, those who have disabilities have became more integrated into the Upper Cumberland through their work.
“We’ve gone through a lot and evolved from the way we were when we first started,” Bilbrey said. “Their lives are just as normal as anybody else’s and that’s our goal is to help them, promote them and support them to be everything they can possibly be.”
