CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – A little over a year ago, friends Sarah Kanervo-Jackman and McKayah Clayton saw a need to help adults with special needs, and Peas in a Pod was born.

Kanervo-Jackman is executive director, and Clayton handles public relations for the group, which is similar to adult day-care. Currently there are six adults, who are affectionally referred to as “Peas,” being served by the organization.

Peas in a Pod serves their Peas Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and works to offer different activities each day. Kanervo-Jackman said that some of her Peas are not that adventurous, but they do love going places, especially out to eat.

“They enjoy going out and seeing everybody. Really our goal is to keep our Peas busy and social. They can’t do a lot when it comes to tasks, but they enjoy seeing and being a part of the community,” Kanervo-Jackman said.

From Seasons program to Peas in a Pod

Kanervo-Jackman and Clayton became friends while working together with the Seasons adult daycare program at First Presbyterian Church. The Seasons program had to close temporarily for reorganization.

Peas in a Pod is the overall nonprofit organization, with the two women serving as independent contractors. “If we ever did want to grow. It would be starting pods in other places. It wouldn’t be joining us, but it would be other caretakers who want to do what we have done,” Kanervo-Jackman said.

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Sometimes they will visit one of the Peas’ homes, they will go to a park, businesses, a restaurant or a movie. Every Thursday Betty Hartlage from Austin Peay State University teaches sign language with lessons for the group.

Making goals for program growth

When they started, the two women used their personal vehicles providing transportation for their activities. Now the group has a bus, which Kanervo-Jackman said was one of their first-year goals.

Looking toward the future, the second goal of the organization is to get a place to gather, a future home or headquarters. Being a nonprofit, they are seeking donations. Kanervo-Jackman said now that they have the bus, they will need donations to pay for gas, maintenance and insurance.

Kanervo-Jackman said when you see Peas in a Pod, around town, come say hello. “It’s fine to say hi and say you have heard about them and give them hugs. The Peas love hugs and making new friends,” Kanervo-Jackman said.  

To learn more about Peas in a Pod, email peasinapodclarksville@gmail.com, or go to Peas in a Pod on Facebook.

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