Person-centered
Every plan starts with what the person wants for their life.
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About Hands In UnityLocal people. Shared purpose. Moving forward together.
Hands In Unity is a Knoxville-based provider of Family Model Residential Support. We bring together people who need a home and caregivers who have one to share, then stay close so both can thrive.
Licensed and contractedTennessee Department of Disability and Aging (DDA, formerly DIDD)
HCBS rights come firstPrivacy, choice, and community life
Small by designNo more than 3 people per home
Your privacy mattersWe never ask for medical details on public forms. Privacy
Our mission
Why we do this work
Our mission is to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live full, self-directed lives in real homes, supported by trained caregivers, connected to their community, and moving forward together.
Serving East Tennessee. Ask us about your county.
What guides us
Our values
Choice and rights
Privacy, dignity, and freedom to choose, every day.
Community
Homes that are part of neighborhoods, churches, jobs, and friendships.
Accountability
Regular visits, calls, and training keep everyone safe and supported.
Our team
People you can call by name
Chris Pate
Co-founder / Director of Operations
Daniel Byerley
Co-founder / Executive Director
Michael Reed
Program Coordinator / Provider Investigator
Oversight
Licensed by and contracted with DDA
- Licensed by and contracted with the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging (DDA, formerly DIDD) to provide Family Model services
- Every caregiver is recruited, screened, contracted, and trained before providing services
- Regular home visits, scheduled and unannounced, plus phone check-ins
- Caregivers follow quality standards that DDA monitors
Your rights, in writing
Let’s move forward together.
Whether you’re looking for a home or have one to share, we’d love to talk.