Wausau pilot and review
Editor’s note: business of the week is a sponsored feature that tells the stories of locally owned and operated businesses in the Wausau area, highlighting the products and services they offer and how they contribute to the metro area’s unique flavor. Learn how to introduce your business via email [email protected]
The Wausau company featured this week is Homes for Independent Living, a leader in residential and community-based services and support for adults with a variety of disabilities. From gentle guidance and support within a few hours per week to full residential and comprehensive care including 24 hour support, HIL offers a range of services to suit any person or situation. Their staff are knowledgeable and experienced, many of whom have been with the organization for years. Bethany Wadzinski, regional director for the Wausau region, said HIL’s success is defined by the lives they lead. Every day, the team sees people overcoming adversity, achieving extraordinary success, and improving their quality of life through services and support they receive in homes across Wisconsin counties—including Wausa. The homes are located in a modern, comfortable, clean and quiet residential area where people thrive and thrive. Learn more about Homes for Independent Living, which has been in business for more than 30 years and opened its first location in the Wausau area in 2020.
Tell us a little bit about Holmes for Freelance Living, Wisconsin. What do you do and who do you serve?
Homes for Independent Living of Wisconsin (HIL) operates more than 140 residential locations that support approximately 450 people in community-based settings. We provide residential and community-based services and support to adults with a variety of disabilities. We operate over 140 residential sites supporting approximately 450 people in a community-based environment.
What is the best thing about being part of this industry and this company?
HIL has a passion for people with disabilities that is felt throughout the company. It is so rewarding to see the difference we are making in the lives of those we serve.
Can you share your success story with us?
Here’s a story from Marcus Buford, a direct care professional at HIL.
“Although Clarissa is nonverbal, she can communicate better than most verbal people. Clarissa has developed a set of skills that allow others to understand their needs, wants and desires. She has come from 2015 to now. , when he was admitted to the HIL crisis home.
Life was tough for Clarissa before she came to HIL. She has had multiple institutional and community internships, admissions to the North Wisconsin Center and the Winnebago Mental Health Institute, and multiple residencies at North Central Health Care and the Brown County Crisis Treatment Center. He undertook several hospitalizations, but unfortunately other stays were prompted by law enforcement. According to Marcus, Clarissa was struggling to keep up with the others. She was often unable to control her anger, leading to verbal and physical aggression, as well as property damage and other unsafe behaviors. Her struggles in these environments sometimes resulted in attempts to escape from the group’s homes in which she lived.
Clarissa has improved a lot over the years. Her communication challenges are solved with a picture plan, a communication folder, and a tablet and phone, all of which help her communicate with employees. Despite Clarissa’s challenges, she remains very outgoing, optimistic, and caring. She goes with her family, eats out at a restaurant every week, and goes on shopping sprees.”
Marcus said Clarissa enjoys positive interactions with employees and looks forward to interacting with those who support her. She sees every day as a new day.
What distinguishes houses for independent living – what distinguishes you?
Our passionate and knowledgeable staff, range of services and excellent facilities make us a leading provider of services for people with disabilities. At HIL, our residents will tell you that we focus on their abilities and achieve goals they never imagined.
One of the keys to your success has been your ability to adapt to changing trends and circumstances. How did you manage the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure your customers the best possible care?
HIL has knowledgeable leadership that has consulted with the Wisconsin regulator, the DHS, as well as the CDC. HIL quickly implements recommended mitigation actions to maintain the health and well-being of our customers.
What is the best thing about doing business in the Wausau area?
We like to integrate our residents into the Wausau community. There are a number of community events that we have been able to encourage our residents to attend and participate in. We are also able to help residents who grew up in the Wausau area so they can live closer to home.
HIL living environments include, but are not limited to:
Connect homes for independent living
Office: 815 S. 24th Avenue, Suite 100, Wausau
Phone: 715-841-9775
Facebook: Homes for Independent Living – North Central
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