Client Success Stories

Jason moved into a supported apartment program with Homes for Independent Living in September of 2020. Jason came to us from his parents’ home with the hopes for gaining further independence and help with daily needs.

After growing up near Green Lake for most of his life, Jason was very used to the country way of living where fishing was his favorite thing to do. Moving to the apartment program, Jason had worries of not fitting in with others and of not being accepted, he also noted the city was much more hectic than what he was used to. Soon enough, Jason was building strong connections with other community members and the staff within his program where he loves communicating and creating relationships with others. Jason stated he has learned to accept others and has received acceptance from them.

After suffering from a heart attack and congestive heart failure at over 400 pounds, Jason decided to make some serious changes to his lifestyle, including taking better care of himself and eating better. The staff at his program have assisted him with this by giving moral support and assistance in creating healthy meals. Jason loves to cook, so learning how to properly manage food and ensure what he was eating was good for him has assisted in meeting his goals. Jason also credits his success to his Christian faith, stating that prayer is a large part of his life. He has lost a significant amount of weight, and his current goal is to reach 225 pounds by the end of this year.

Jason takes a lot of pride in helping others and the relationships he has created while living at HIL. He has made many friends within the community and has flourished with opening up to others and creating real connections. Jason spends much of his free time fishing in the community with his friend, however, when he is not out fishing, he enjoys his trading cards and going to the community thrift stores in search of cards to complete his collection. Jason also has a love for sports including baseball, basketball, and football.

In the future, Jason states he would love to open his own business here in town, either a shop for trading cards or a bait store due to his avid love for fishing. He would also like to work for a fish hatchery to truly connect with his passion.

Jason contributes his success to all of the people that Jesus has placed into his life, and thanks them for their ongoing support and encouragement.

Since leaving her parents' home at 22, Caitlyn experienced multiple group home placements with little long-term success. It wasn’t until she arrived at Homes for Independent Living in 2018 that she truly found a place to call home at a program in Manitowoc. Before her admission, she struggled with emotional regulation and often displayed aggression toward others. However, through dedication and hard work, Caitlyn has learned to manage her emotions, starting with establishing a safe living environment. Building trust with her support team was the next crucial step. She has since developed the ability to not only regulate her emotions but also communicate with staff when she is struggling and accept their support to work through challenges.

Caitlyn enjoys staying active and starts her day by working with her staff to plan and set goals. A true fashion enthusiast, she loves putting together stylish outfits and doing her hair and nails. Music is a big part of her life—she often listens to her favorite songs or sings along on her karaoke machine. She especially loves Shakira and "Poker Face" by Lady Gaga.

During the summer, Caitlyn spends most of her time outdoors on her patio, reading, coloring, or crocheting with her staff. She also enjoys watching YouTube videos and TV shows, with favorites including Star Trek, Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, and Empire. She and her parents share an appreciation for actor Steven Seagal.

One of Caitlyn’s favorite activities is attending the parties at HIL – Manitowoc. She especially looks forward to the Christmas party, where she gets to be the Christmas Bingo caller. She also enjoys the summer picnic with staff and friends, but her favorite summer activity is spending time by the lake. She loves going for walks in the warm weather and misses them during the winter months.

Family is incredibly important to Caitlyn, and in 2014, she became an aunt—a role she cherishes. She is currently working on crocheting a blanket for her newest nephew. She enjoys weekly phone calls with her mom and dad and visits them occasionally, though she loves spending time in her own home.

Over the past seven years with HIL, Caitlyn has learned to trust her staff and grow as a person. She enjoys chatting with her staff, whom she affectionately calls “Divas.” She openly expresses her feelings, takes space when needed, and even punches a pillow when frustrated as a healthy way to cope.

When asked what she is most thankful for, Caitlyn shared, “I’m thankful for myself. I’m happy, and I like when people come to visit me. Staff are there for me, I can decorate my room how I want, and I’m at a place where I feel safe.”

The HIL – Manitowoc team is incredibly proud of all that Caitlyn has accomplished and looks forward to many more years of success and growth.

Andrew, a 27-year-old man, has been living at Homes for Independent Living (HIL) since June 2024. He grew up with his family in De Pere, WI, and attended Syble Hopp School. Throughout his journey to adulthood, Andrew received support from various organizations, including Mach Village and Northern Centers of Wisconsin, to meet his evolving needs. This support encompassed thorough evaluations, medication management, and crisis stabilization.

In 2024, Andrew moved into his home at HIL’s Lincoln home. Since moving here, Andrew has undergone a remarkable transformation. Behavioral challenges previously noted have significantly decreased. He thrives in a supportive environment cultivated by a dedicated team focused on his well-being and happiness. The team emphasizes recognizing and fostering Andrew's abilities and potential, leading to significant progress in his communication skills through both verbal methods and picture-based systems.

Andrew enjoys a range of enriching activities, including community outings, visits to his favorite restaurant Burger King (which he affectionately calls “KK”), sensory exploration, using his tablet or watching TV, outdoor activities, and nature walks.

Maintaining a strong connection with his family is very important to Andrew. He looks forward to weekly visits and video calls with his parents, who are deeply committed to his happiness, safety, and continued personal and community growth.

The HIL - Lincoln team remains dedicated to supporting Andrew's ongoing success by broadening his life experiences, creating opportunities tailored to his interests, and encouraging his continued development. Andrew has become a cherished member of the HIL family, and the team looks forward to celebrating his future achievements.