OUR STORY:
In 2010, Dr. Chris and Sue Banning’s son Joshua was diagnosed with a condition that changed the way he was able to live his life. Josh had just turned 17 years old. The turmoil leading up to the diagnosis and in the years that followed turned the Bannings’ life upside-down and impacted every member of their extended family. A trusted counselor who had been part of Josh’s journey for 14 years advised that Josh would do well in a home setting with peers and a structured environment. Once the decision to place him in a home was made, Sue says: “It took a long time to find one, because we didn’t want him to go live just anywhere”; but when they found a suitable place, they quickly realized that environment did indeed work for Josh.
Relieved, Chris and Sue thought they had found a long-term solution. Nine months later, when they discovered the home was not all they believed it to be and had to remove Josh for his well-being, they were shocked, disappointed, and at a loss as to next steps for their family.
Around that time (May of 2023) and while still very much searching for their own answers, the Bannings felt that God was prompting them to look beyond themselves and do something about the incredible need for quality, affordable, safe homes for people with disabilities – to provide a place that would not only be a shelter, but a place for young men to grow and thrive. To provide a solution to their own situation, but one that would also bring hope and relief to more families than just their own.
The Bannings decided to follow God’s leading. They purchased a house that was made for this type of ministry in January of 2024. Their son Josh has successfully settled in at The Way Maker Place, and Dr. Chris and Sue are filled with joy and gratitude to be able to offer an affordable place to others. The outpouring of community support in the short time The Way Maker Place has been open is evidence of the great need for more places like it and for people like Dr. Chris and Sue Banning who are willing to take their deepest pain and allow it to be used to help other families experiencing similar struggles.
STAFF AND LEADERSHIP
Dr. Chris Banning – Having experienced the benefits of chiropractic at the young age of 18 after a weightlifting injury, Chris chose chiropractic as his profession. He received his undergraduate prerequisites at Olivet Nazarene College where he met his future wife, Sue, in Accounting class in the Fall of 1982. After the Bannings married, they moved to Marietta, Georgia, where Chris attended Life Chiropractic University and ultimately graduated with a doctor of chiropractic degree in 1988. He has been self-employed nearly his entire career and practices at White House Chiropractic in White House, Tennessee, which the Bannings have called home for nearly 30 years. Chris absolutely loves helping people through chiropractic and at the age of 61 years has no plans to stop, saying he would love to continue practicing as long as he is physically able. He has been a member of the Tennessee Chiropractic Association for 34 years and has served in his local church as a board member, Sunday School teacher, and life group leader.
Sue Banning met her future husband, Chris, and earned an AA degree in Secretarial Science at Olivet Nazarene College (1983). Ever since, Sue has provided skilled administrative and bookkeeping support for Chris and has worked for 34 years (and counting) as Office Manager at their successful practice, While House Chiropractic. Sue is also known as “Mom” to their two kids, Lindsay and Josh, and by her current favorite title, “Mimi” to granddaughter, Emberly. Prior to starting The Waymaker Place, the Banning family spent summers serving the homeless together in Nashville, TN.
OUR VISION & MISSION:
To provide support, structure, care and fellowship to individuals who often feel isolated;
To provide hope and to help each individual reach their highest level of independence and inspire them to reach attainable goals;
To provide assurance to families that the ones entrusted to our care are thriving while living at Way Maker Place;
To learn about each person’s unique gifts as they grow and to prepare them for opportunities which match their gifts and skill level;
To develop a relationship with local employers, volunteer organizations and surrounding community to help our residents participate in the workforce, activities and lives of those around them;
To discover and develop relationships with key partners, donors, and friends to ensure that Way Maker Place will be a welcoming facility that can provide grace, care, stability, and safety for the individual and their family for many years to come; and most important of all:
To provide a place of hope in Christ Jesus.
WAY MAKER PLACE
Thank you for being a part of our story. ❤️
