Client Success Stories

Resident Spotlight: Meet Brooke!

Since joining the Apple House family in January 2019, Brooke has made incredible strides and become a shining example of growth, kindness, and community spirit.

When Brooke first moved to Apple House from her previous home, she faced the challenges that often come with a big life transition. Adjusting to new staff, new housemates, unfamiliar routines, and learning new daily living skills took time and patience. With determination and the support of her team, Brooke embraced each new opportunity and has continued to grow every step of the way.

Today, Brooke is known as the social butterfly of Apple House! She loves chatting with staff and peers, making new friends, and bringing smiles to those around her. Whether she's catching up with friends or welcoming someone new into a conversation, Brooke's warm personality helps everyone feel included.

Over the past seven years, Brooke has also become much more independent in her daily routines and enjoys taking an active role around the house. She loves helping staff with simple tasks like baking and other household activities, something that once felt challenging but has now become one of her favorite ways to contribute. Her willingness to lend a helping hand is just one of the many qualities that make Brooke so special.

During the week, Brooke attends her day program, where she continues to build skills and friendships. When she's not at her program, you'll likely find her enjoying one of her favorite activities: watching movies, coloring, singing along to her favorite music, having spa days, or simply acting silly and having fun. She especially enjoys community events and spending time with friends from Apple House and other HIL homes.

Ask Brooke what she loves most about living at Apple House, and she'll tell you it's the people. The friendships she's built with her peers, the caring staff who support her, and the adventures she shares with the HIL community have made Apple House feel like home.

We are so proud of everything Brooke has accomplished since joining HIL. Her growth, positive attitude, caring heart, and joyful spirit inspire everyone around her. We can't wait to see all the wonderful things she'll continue to achieve in the years ahead!

Congratulations, Brooke! Thank you for making Apple House such a fun, caring, and welcoming place for everyone.

Kevin “KP” has always been someone who enjoys being around others. Whether spending time with friends, participating in activities, or simply enjoying the routine of his week, Day Program has always been one of the highlights of his life. It is a place where KP feels connected, engaged, and part of a community he truly enjoys.

Since his medical incident in the early 2000s, KP has relied fully on his wheelchair for mobility. Over the years, his chair supported him through appointments, outings, activities, and the everyday routines that are so important to him. Unfortunately, due to age and wear, KP’s wheelchair began breaking down, making it unsafe for him to attend Day Program while a new chair was being ordered and fitted.

Being away from Day Program was very difficult for KP. He missed his friends, his activities, and the structure and connection that were such an important part of his routine. The sudden change caused understandable frustration, and at first, KP struggled with being home for such an extended period of time.

During this challenging time, KP’s residential providers became an essential source of support. Staff recognized how important routine, engagement, and social connection are to KP’s well-being, and they worked hard to make sure he continued to feel encouraged and included while waiting for his new wheelchair. They spent extra one-on-one time with him, participated in activities he enjoyed, and helped keep his spirits up during moments of frustration. Their patience, positivity, and consistent support helped turn a difficult situation into one that felt manageable and meaningful.

With the encouragement of both his residential staff and family, KP slowly began adjusting to the temporary change. Over time, his frustration turned into patience, resilience, and acceptance. Staff celebrated the small moments with him - the smiles, conversations, and activities that helped brighten his days while continuing to remind him that his return to Day Program was coming soon.

After weeks of waiting, KP finally received the exciting news that his new wheelchair was complete and that he would soon return to Day Program. His excitement was immediate and heartfelt. After showing so much strength and patience, he could finally return to the people, activities, and routine he loved so much.

KP’s story is a wonderful example of resilience, and the powerful impact compassionate residential providers can have during difficult times. Through encouragement, dedication, and genuine care, his staff helped support him emotionally and socially while reminding him that he was never alone. Now, with his new wheelchair and return to Day Program, KP is once again enjoying the independence, friendships, and community that mean so much to him.