This story is free to read.

Chattanooga’s new home for mentally disabled provides independent living

By Steve Johnson June 23, 2016 5 min read

Photo Gallery

New home opens for mentally disabled

Cody Rhea talks about his experience living in a group home while inside Bailey Home, a new residence facility for people with mental disabilities, on Tuesday, June 21, 2016, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

People gather at a ribbon-cutting for Bailey Home, a new residence facility for people with mental disabilities, on Tuesday, June 21, 2016, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The co-ed facility set up by Helen Ross McNabb Center will house 10 residents.

Robyn Graves, right, gives Ute Strand a tour at a ribbon-cutting for Bailey Home, a new residence facility for people with mental disabilities, on Tuesday, June 21, 2016, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The co-ed facility set up by Helen Ross McNabb Center will house 10 residents.

Robyn Graves, left, gives Ute Strand a tour at a ribbon-cutting for Bailey Home, a new residence facility for people with mental disabilities, on Tuesday, June 21, 2016, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The co-ed facility set up by Helen Ross McNabb Center will house 10 residents.

Balloons are placed outside of Bailey Home, a new residence facility for people with mental disabilities, for a ribbon-cutting on Tuesday, June 21, 2016, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The co-ed facility set up by Helen Ross McNabb Center will house 10 residents.

Helen Ross McNabb Center President and CEO Jerry Vagnier speaks at a ribbon-cutting for Bailey Home, a new residence facility for people with mental disabilities, on Tuesday, June 21, 2016, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The co-ed facility set up by Helen Ross McNabb Center will house 10 residents.

Cody Rhea is one of the lucky ones.

He had been abused by his stepdad, he said, and had moved in with his grandmother, but he was clinically depressed.

He ended up at Parkridge Valley’s adult mental health campus, but fortunately they transferred him to the Mitchell Home, a supportive living facility run by the Helen Ross McNabb Center for people with mental illness.

That was a big help in overcoming his depression, Rhea, 24, said Tuesday.

“I’ve done laundry, made my bed, brushed my teeth, helped cook and wash dishes,” he said. He’s helping his grandmother with chores, “and I’ve been talking more and that’s good.”