Our Services
Imagine for a moment all of the needs that you have had in your lifetime from birth to the present and the needs that you anticipate having until the day you die. It is difficult to name all of the needs that people have throughout their lifetimes. But, at Michael Dunn Center, providing for the needs of children and adults with developmental disabilities is our mission, our goal, our passion.
Meeting Needs
Meeting the needs of the individuals we support should never be mistaken for an institutional approach—our philosophy is quite the opposite. Every service we provide is designed to honor personal choice and empower individuals to engage fully in their communities. Our programs focus on meaningful integration, ensuring that each person contributes to and benefits from the life of their community in ways that are both valuable and fulfilling.
Michael Dunn Center has a proud history of collaborating with local organizations and community members to create opportunities for those we serve to participate actively in community life.
Because our services are diverse and tailored to individual needs, it is difficult to capture the full scope of what we do in a single summary. We encourage you to explore each program in detail by following the links provided. These programs are presented to reflect the daily experiences of the people we support, highlighting their journeys toward independence and opportunity.
We also invite you to visit us and witness firsthand the many ways individuals are achieving greater autonomy and realizing their potential through the services of Michael Dunn Center. If you would like to help us continue meeting the needs of those we serve, please consider making a contribution through our Donations page.
Our Programs
Below are just some of the many programs we offer to help meet our community’s needs.
Community Living
The Community Living Program at Michael Dunn Center offers individuals with developmental disabilities safe, high-quality housing in welcoming community settings. Our dedicated staff ensures that residents enjoy a secure and supportive environment that empowers them to make their own choices and lead fulfilling lives.
Conservatorship
A conservatorship is a court-appointed arrangement by which a person is appointed to manage the personal care or financial affairs (or both) for someone who is unable to do so themselves due to incapacity from age, illness or disability. Michael Dunn Center serves in the role of Conservator with Conservator Representatives across the state to provide the necessary support needed. Referrals are managed through a contract with Department of Disabilities and Aging.
Early Intervention
The Michael Dunn Center [MDC] Home and Community Based Early Intervention service is a voluntary educational program for families with children ages birth to five years of age with disabilities or developmental delays implemented through a contract with the Department of Disabilities and Aging. These services are provided in the counties of Roane, Morgan, Scott, Campbell and Cumberland.
Family Model Residential Services
Family Model Services employees work tirelessly to match families who want to open their hearts and their homes with individuals who need a home. Thanks to the support and care coordinated by the staff of Family Model Services, the individuals and families can live more meaningful and peaceful lives.
Health Services
Physical and health-related challenges are prevalent among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Providing an appropriate level of support for each individual’s overall health is fundamental to the mission, values, and principles upheld by the employees of Michael Dunn Center. Our commitment to promoting and maintaining optimal health outcomes for the individuals we serve is exemplified through the Health Services Department.
Medical Residential Services
Medical Residential Services (Med Res) provides 24‑hour specialized support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have complex medical needs. Delivered in licensed, DDA‑regulated homes, Med Res ensures health, safety, and stability through medication management, health monitoring, medical coordination, and individualized care plans. Nursing staff work closely with families, healthcare providers, and direct support professionals to maintain consistent, responsive care. While medically focused, the program remains person‑centered, promoting dignity, comfort, and quality of life in a home‑like setting. We currently operate four Medical Residential homes.
Intermediate Care Facility Services
Our Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) provide 24‑hour, person‑centered support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who need ongoing care in a safe, home‑like environment. Through Active Treatment, we focus on building skills, promoting independence, and enhancing quality of life with daily learning opportunities and individualized care plans. Guided by a dedicated team and fully compliant with CMS and DDA standards, our four ICF homes offer dignity, choice, and meaningful participation, helping each person thrive.
Therapy Services
The Therapy Department delivers services to individuals residing in Michael Dunn Center’s residential homes, as well as to those living in comparable agency-operated homes throughout East Tennessee. In addition, the Outpatient Center will be equipped to serve individuals without disabilities who are covered by workers’ compensation insurance, as well as those utilizing private health insurance.
Work Programs
Michael Dunn Center Work Programs delivers high‑quality manufacturing, assembly, kitting, recycling, and secure document destruction services — all backed by a reliable, detail‑driven workforce. Businesses choose us not only for our professionalism and consistent results, but because every project creates meaningful employment for people with disabilities and disadvantages.
By partnering with us, you receive cost‑effective, dependable service while helping individuals build skills, earn wages, and contribute to their community. From confidential shredding to custom production work, we combine exceptional quality with a mission that makes a real impact. It’s smart business that strengthens the community at the same time.
Other Services
It takes a total team effort to provide for all the needs of 1000+ children and adults. The needs are many and the resources are limited. Planning, efficiency, and execution are the goals of the departments that provide the infrastructure of the agency. Michael Dunn Center is no different than any other successful company in the roles of the departments that provide indirect support to those who utilize the services.