The local Knights of Columbus, Marian Council No. 4563, awarded Journeys in Community Living a $618 check on Monday to help the local nonprofit continue its mission to support adults with intellectual disabilities.

The money came from the Knights of Columbus’ “MR Foundation,” which is set up to aid organizations with missions to aid people with intellectual disabilities, explained Knights of Columbus MR Foundation Director Paul A. Dougall.

Journeys in Community Living is a nonprofit organization with a mission to support people with intellectual disabilities in “choosing and realizing their visions of where they want to live work and socialize.”

The comprehensive program includes residential, community participation, job training and placement, transportation and healthcare oversight services, and currently serves more than 120 people with intellectual disabilities.

Betty McNeely, executive director of Journeys, thanked Dougall and the Knights for their continued support of Journeys’ mission over the years.

“These are a fine group of men who deserve the utmost respect for all they’ve done for people with intellectual disabilities, including those served by Journeys,” said McNeely.

The local Knights of Columbus council is based out of the Saint Rosa Lima Catholic Church in Murfreesboro, and has a membership of about 250 men. The fraternal organization has four pillars, including charity, fraternity, patriotism and unity.

“We organize several functions over the course of the year to raise money for our charities,” Dougall said. “We give to many different organizations, including the Special Olympics, Project Help, Special Kids, along with a few others very active in Murfreesboro.”

In addition to an annual golf tournament in September, the Knights also have a chili and soup cook-off in January at the church, as well as six fish fries on Fridays during Lent.  The general public of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County are welcome to attend these functions.

The Knights will be collecting donations for the MR fund outside Walmart stores in Murfreesboro Oct.11-12 this year.

One hundred percent of the money raised is given to local charities with a portion going to the Knights’ state MR fund, which operates 16 homes across the state for mentally challenged children and adults.