A Voice for the Good: The Journey
3Rivers is proud to support so many of the non-profit organizations that are committed to making our community a better place to live, work, and play, and we want to help spread the word about the difference they're making in our region. We’ve teamed up with 97.3WMEE to bring you A Voice for the Good, a series in which we feature local organizations on our website in the form of an informative articles as well as on-air segments highlighting the non-profits’ missions.
This article features The Journey, a local non-profit with a mission dedicated to assisting young adults in "their transition from unstable, sometimes traumatic childhoods to self-sustaining adulthoods."
We talked with The Journey to learn more about the important work they're doing in our region.
How did The Journey come to be? What’s the history/story behind how the organization initially got started?
The Journey officially became an organization in December 2018 when it received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. From the beginning, the heart behind The Journey has been to create a safe, stable, and nurturing place where young adults can grow, heal, and build the life skills they need to become self-sufficient.
Our first program launched in September 2019, beginning with small, relationship-centered gatherings focused on mentorship, emotional support, and practical life-skills development. These early sessions helped us understand the needs of young adults in our community and confirmed the importance of creating consistent, trusted spaces where they could learn, connect, and feel supported.
From day one, The Journey has held a long-term vision: to establish a residential program for young adults ages 18–26. This future home will provide a safe environment for individuals to gain independence while still having the support, guidance, and “family connection” that The Journey is committed to offering for life.
Until that residential dream becomes reality, our current programs serve as the foundation. By building relationships, strengthening our community partnerships, and developing essential resources now, we are laying the groundwork so the residential program can one day thrive. Every mentorship, class, connection, and experience we offer today is preparing us for what The Journey will ultimately become.
What is the official mission of The Journey, and how is it currently being put into play?
Mission: The Journey reaches out, with unconditional love, to young adults aged 14-26, assisting their transition from unstable, sometimes traumatic, childhoods to self-sustaining adulthoods. We teach them with a combination of individualized support, immersive experiences, and hands-on classes. We guide them to form healthy relationships, access resources and discover new possibilities for their futures.
Vision: Our vision is that those we mentor through healthy relationships will become resilient adults whose lives reflect God’s love; that they will live with hope, confidence, resourcefulness and purpose.
How do you see the mission and vision of The Journey evolving in the future in the Northeast Indiana community? Where do you see your organization a year from now, or even five years from now?
The Journey begins when a young person living in chaos reaches out to find change. They may not know exactly what that change will be, but they know they need something different. At The Journey, we’ve discovered that often the most transformative thing we can offer is our time—time spent in love, support, mentorship, and guidance. So we meet each young person where they are and walk alongside them with intention, consistency, and care.
The Journey helps teens and young adults, ages 14–26, transition from unstable, often traumatic childhoods to self-sustaining, resilient adulthoods. Many of our mentees have lacked adult support in preparing for life’s next steps. Others live with unacknowledged trauma that, if left unaddressed, negatively impacts their emotional and physical health. The Journey meets these young people emotionally, creates safe spaces to escape the chaos, fosters healthy relationships, and equips them with the tools and opportunities needed to live with purpose.
Our model follows three key phases: Rest, Release, and Respond.
These phases have been adapted as the organization’s current motto:
- REST: You have a safe space.
- RELEASE: You are not your stuff.
- RESPOND: You WILL MOVE forward.
Phase 1: Rest – You are now in a safe place.
Young people who come to us are often mentally and physically exhausted from living in chaos. Many have faced multiple Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), leading to "toxic stress"—a condition that disrupts brain development and increases long-term health risks. Before any healing can begin, a young person must find stability and rest.
Through our programs—Roots, Seeds, Creating Conversations, Nets, Living Out Load (LOL), Seasons, and consistent 1:1 mentoring—mentees find a safe space. Each session includes food, transportation, and a welcoming atmosphere. Mentors model healthy adult behavior, build trust, and show mentees that the way they've lived isn’t the only way to live.
Phase 2: Release – Your past does not control your future.
With safety and consistency, mentees begin to process and release the burdens of their past. They learn that while their experiences have shaped them, they do not define them. Our programs use tools like the ACE survey, 40 Developmental and 5 Love Language (Dr. Gary Chapman) assessments to guide supportive relationships. As they connect with mentors and peers, mentees realize they are not alone and can begin to let go of shame, fear, and pain, replacing these with hope and strength.
Phase 3: Respond – How do you want to move forward?
Responding is about growth and action. Once mentees gain awareness of their trauma and build trust, we help them discover how they want to engage with the world. We provide them with exposure, experiences, and introductions to community resources, education, employment, and service opportunities. They explore career paths, attend college visits, participate in workshops, and learn life skills such as budgeting, cooking, and healthy communication.
The Journey’s follow-through is what sets us apart. We act as a "gap filler" for our mentees—stepping in to meet practical needs that may otherwise go unmet. Whether it's providing a ride to work or a doctor’s appointment or helping a mentee get their hair done for graduation, we stand in the gap where support is lacking. We provide one-on-one support and remove transportation barriers. If a mentee needs help scheduling and getting to a job or doctor appointment, a mentor walks alongside them—sometimes literally—every step of the way.
In 2024, The Journey completed over 750 hours of volunteer work as an organization. These hours provided mentees with valuable exposure to real-world job skills—both technical and interpersonal—while reinforcing responsibility, teamwork, and community involvement.
In January, The Journey also launched a "Care Bin" initiative to meet the basic needs of our mentees. Creating a secure environment includes providing support for daily necessities, which empowers youth to function more confidently and effectively. Offering essentials for physical and emotional well-being helps our mentees feel supported in both visible and invisible ways.
Our programs operate on a consistent schedule:
- Roots – 1st & 4th Thursdays
- Creating Conversations – 3rd Mondays
- Seeds – 2nd Thursdays
- Seasons – 1st Mondays
- Living Out Loud (LOL) – 3rd Thursdays
- Nets - 2nd Sundays
- Mentoring – Ongoing
Each program addresses themes such as communication, career development, etiquette, emotional regulation, healthy relationships, nutrition, budgeting, and spiritual growth. We also offer unique exposure opportunities like attending professional theatre events, job shadowing, and community service. Our curriculum is designed to build resilience using the 7 C’s framework developed by Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg: Competence, Confidence, Connection, Character, Contribution, Coping, and Control.
In our faith-based context, these principles are deepened through mentoring rooted in God’s love. We help youth build competence by guiding them through real-life experiences. We foster confidence by affirming their strengths and identity in Christ. We model connection through genuine relationships, encourage character aligned with biblical values, and support mentees in giving back through contribution. Through conversations about coping and control, we teach stress management, self-regulation, and personal responsibility.
Our approach may be intensive, but it’s deeply intentional. We walk with youth through every phase of their development—meeting needs, building trust, and nurturing hope. Because when a young person knows they are loved, supported, and capable, they begin to see what is possible. That’s when true transformation begins.
Are there any exciting new developments, updates, or changes that have recently taken place at The Journey?
Yes—one of the most exciting developments is that our co-founder and Executive Director, Windy Cobb-Johnson, is on track to complete her master’s degree in counseling in December 2025. This milestone represents far more than an academic accomplishment. Windy’s training will expand The Journey’s capacity to serve young adults with deeper clinical insight, trauma-informed care, and evidence-based support.
Her growing expertise will open new opportunities for program development, emotional-wellness initiatives, and stronger mentorship practices. As she steps into this next chapter, The Journey looks forward to integrating this knowledge into our current programs and into the long-term vision for our future residential program.
This advancement reflects our ongoing commitment to growth, professional excellence, and providing the highest level of care to the young adults we serve.
Could you share a standout story or two that really illustrates the impact of The Journey and/or its programs has on those in our community?
One young adult who has been part of The Journey for five years is now a sophomore at the University of Saint Francis, pursuing a degree in animation. Over the years, she has grown in confidence, leadership, and vision for her future. Recently, she chose to join our marketing team, using her creativity and developing skills to give back to the organization that supported her. Her journey reflects the power of long-term mentorship, consistent relationships, and opportunities to lead.
Another young adult who has been with us for four years now volunteers his own time to provide transportation for other mentees. After experiencing the impact of reliable support and community connection himself, he now plays a key role in helping others access our programs. His decision to “give back” shows how The Journey fosters not only personal growth but also a deep sense of responsibility, generosity, and community-mindedness.
How can those interested in your services get the process started or get in touch?
Contact Windy Cobb-Johnson at 260.750.2800 or windy@restreleaserespond.org.
Are there other local non-profit organizations that The Journey works/partners with to enhance their programs?
The Journey partners with the following organizations:
Unity Performing Arts, Inasmuch Ministries, St John Lutheran Church, Salvation Army, Sensory Fun and Playroom, Lutheran Life Villages, Bring It Push It Own It, The League, Center for Non-violence, The Lighthouse
We are also in partnership with the following businesses:
Dwell Well, A Divine Encounter, Salvatori’s, Lee’s Famous Recipe
Are there opportunities for community members to volunteer at The Journey—and if so, how can they go about learning more?
Yes, we can utilize volunteers as adult mentors for our programming. This is hands-on engagement with our mentees.
We can also utilize individuals for one of our five committees: Fundraising, Marketing, Community Engagement, Finance and Programming.
We also have a board of directors that individuals may want to serve on.
Information can be found on our website or by reaching out to Windy at 260.750.2800 or windy@restreleaserespond.org. We also share on our Facebook page!
In what other ways can community members support The Journey? Do you have any kind of wish lists or are you tied to any donation giveback programs?
A Journey Guide is a monthly donor who partners with The Journey by providing steady, dependable financial support that fuels our mission year-round. Their ongoing investment allows us to offer consistent programming, meals, transportation, mentorship, and life-skills experiences for the young adults we serve. Monthly giving is vital to our organization because it creates financial stability, helps us plan confidently for the future, and ensures that every mentee has access to the relationships and resources they need to grow. Journey Guides are more than donors—they are ongoing partners who walk with us as we help young adults build resilience, community, and hope.
Help Us Fill the Gaps — Support The Journey's Care Bin!
At The Journey, we meet our mentees where they are—and sometimes, that means meeting basic needs before we can meet emotional or spiritual ones.
That’s where our Care Bin comes in.
The Care Bin is stocked with essentials like hygiene products, socks, laundry soap, dish soap, deodorant, and more—small items that make a huge difference. When a mentee is struggling, your donation can help restore dignity, reduce stress, and create a more supportive home environment.
By donating to the Care Bin, you’re helping The Journey be a gap filler—supporting youth and young adults (ages 14–26) in practical, tangible ways so they’re ready to engage in deeper mentorship, learning, and growth.
- Sponsor transportation with a gas gift card.
- The Journey has an Amazon Wishlist: Program supplies, snacks and drinks for meals, paper products for meals, items for the care bin.
- We can utilize gas gift cards, Walmart gift cards, cases of water and paper products for our meals.
- We can utilize gift certificates for restaurants for meals and snacks (Pizza Hut, Dunkin Donuts, Subway, etc.)
What’s the best way for our readers to learn more about The Journey or about getting involved?
Visit our website at restreleaserespond.org, follow us on Facebook, or contact Windy Cobb-Johnson at 260.750.2800 or windy@restreleaserespond.org.