Jen

For nearly three decades, Jen has called Prader-Willi Homes (PWH), a MyPath Company, home. Originally from Wausau, Wisconsin, Jen grew up as one of four siblings, with one sister and two brothers. As a child, she enjoyed listening to music, especially New Kids on the Block, who remain one of her favorite groups to this day.

Over the past 30 years, Jen has built a life filled with meaningful relationships, favorite traditions, and opportunities to grow. When asked what makes her home special, her answer is simple. "I like the people I live with and the staff that work there." That sense of community is something Jen values deeply. It's also one of the reasons she has remained connected to PWH for so many years.

One of her favorite annual events is the PWSA-WI Walk-a-Thon. While some people enjoy the event for the fundraising, community gathering, or celebration, Jen has a much simpler reason. "I just really like to walk."

Staying active is important to Jen, and exercise is one of the ways she maintains her health and feels her best. She is also proud of how far she has come on her personal wellness journey, including the progress she has made toward her weight-loss goals. When she's not participating in community events, Jen enjoys spending time with her favorite hobbies. She loves working on puzzles, completing word searches, and listening to music on her iPod. In fact, she regularly tackles 1,000-piece puzzles, a challenge that requires patience, focus, and determination. "They're my favorite," she says.

Like many people, Jen finds comfort in routine and familiar faces. She feels most confident when regular staff members are working because they understand her routines and preferences. When she is having a difficult day, she finds strength in talking with people she trusts. "I like to talk with Rosalyn," Jen shares. "She understands me."

And when it comes to starting the day on the right foot, Jen has an answer many of us can relate to. "Having coffee in the morning!" Perhaps what brings Jen the most joy, however, is spending time with her family. As a proud aunt to eight nieces and nephews, family gatherings are among her favorite moments. "When I'm with my family," she says, "that makes me smile the most."

While Jen's story includes personal accomplishments and favorite activities, she hopes people see something beyond her diagnosis. "I am a hard worker," she says. "I like to help other people." Whether it's helping someone complete a task, offering support, or simply being there when needed, Jen finds purpose in contributing to the people around her.

Her story is a reminder that meaningful lives are built through relationships, routines, personal goals, and opportunities to make a difference. For nearly 30 years, Jen has been doing exactly that. At PWH, we are proud to support individuals like Jen as they continue building connections, pursuing their goals, and creating lives filled with purpose, independence, and belonging.