Client Success Stories
Get to know the people who call HIL home...
Jennifer joined HIL-Waukesha SAP, one of our supported apartment settings, in January 2018. Prior to her arrival, she had been living in a group home for several months. Although Jennifer felt nervous and anxious about transitioning to a new environment, she was also excited about the opportunity to learn and grow more independent.
Initially, Jennifer shared that some challenges she faced included not being able to go out into the community on her own and lacking control over her financial decisions. Over time, however, she believes she has made significant progress. By working and commuting to her job using public transportation, Jennifer has developed greater independence. She has also learned how to manage her finances by budgeting and paying her own bills.
The management team that supports Jennifer has noticed tremendous growth in her. They’ve observed that she has become less easily frustrated and emotional, and she appears to be enjoying life more as her independence has flourished. Jennifer is goal-oriented, consistently taking steps to achieve her ambitions and showing growth every day.
Jennifer’s typical day begins at 6 a.m. as she gets ready for work. She works from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at a local store, where she has been an employee for six years. She loves her job, especially because of the supportive environment it offers.
When asked about the best part of living at WSAP, Jennifer highlighted her independence. She credits her staff for teaching her how to set and achieve goals. She is deeply appreciative of their guidance, care, and support.
Since moving to WSAP, Jennifer has achieved major milestones, including becoming her own guardian and payee. She enjoys the freedom to indulge in activities like getting her hair and nails done and treating her boyfriend to meals, thanks to her earnings. Jennifer feels that HIL has profoundly changed her life, and she is grateful for all the support she has received.
Hi, I’m Eric, and I’m 33 years old! I’ve been living at Homes for Independent Living (HIL) since July 2019. Before that, I lived in an Adult Foster Home from 2012 to 2019 but had to leave due to some behaviors that became difficult to manage. I lived with my dad for a month before moving to HIL in Plymouth, WI. In 2023, I relocated to HIL-Vista in Sheboygan, where I've now settled.
When I first arrived at HIL, I stayed home all day and didn’t attend a day program. I faced many challenges and struggled with constant anxiety, especially when my routine was disrupted. I even wandered at night, taking and eating food—sometimes uncooked. Over time, though, I’ve made great progress and have improved in managing these challenges.
I’m fortunate to have supportive staff and family, who mean a lot to me. I like to help out around the house by doing chores such as laundry, sweeping, taking out the garbage, and vacuuming. People describe me as a pleasant and caring guy! The staff—Ray, Lisa, Skye, Amber, Michelle, JJ, Ty, and Krystal—have all played a big part in helping me become more independent by involving me in all aspects of daily living. I really enjoy spending time with my family, decorating for the holidays, and doing art projects, or anything that lets me show my creative side.
My daily routine usually starts with a shower, breakfast, and making my bed before heading to Paragon, where I attend the Day Program five days a week. At Paragon, I love singing, shopping, and hanging out with my friends. My favorite things about living at HIL are the food (of course!), relaxing in the hammock, spending time in my bedroom, the staff, and singing karaoke.
I’m really thankful for the staff who have supported me, my new home, and being able to sleep in on weekends! Right now, I’m looking forward to upcoming holiday activities! My hope for the future is to continue thriving in my current setting!
Hi! I am Michael Gilarski, but my friends call me Mike. I live at HIL Crossroads in Fort Atkinson I have lived here since April 2017, and I am 56 years young.
Before I came to Crossroads I lived at Trempealeau. I didn’t like it very much - it was too big, and I didn’t get to do anything fun. Since I came to live here, I get to go to car shows, out to eat at my favorite places like Culvers and Fort Family Restaurant.
When I first moved here I had to adjust to my new roommate. He was younger than me and had a lot of behaviors that I didn’t like. Then I got use to him and I would just ignore him. Now I have a different roommate, but he is moving soon too. I have had a lot of staff since I have been here, but I like them all. It was also hard for me to be so far away from my family who live in Woodruff, but my dad and brother Dave come to see me sometimes.
When I first came here I didn’t go to day program, I stayed home all day. Now I go to a local Day Program four days a week where I attend church on Tuesday afternoons. We do a lot of activities like playing bingo and going places. I like being in the community and doing the activities.
I do daily exercises to help keep me active and to help my back from hurting. I do these with my staff and my house supervisor. I used to just lay in bed a lot but now I go for walks, and I have a bike, but I don’t really like riding it. I like watching the Packers football and the Price is Right.
I am very happy living at Crossroads and going to day program!
