James
James has been a member of Lakeland Care, Inc. since November 2016. He describes himself as kind, understanding, and empathetic—qualities that his mother, Janine, affirms, adding that he also possesses a great sense of humor. His interests include reading, writing, drawing, painting, and building models. He has a deep fascination with locomotives and trains, inspired by their intricate details and rich history, which he shares on his YouTube channel.
James is a strong self-advocate, a talented artist, and a hard worker who lives a self-determined life through Lakeland Care’s Self-Directed Supports Program. James currently resides with his family and self-directs his in-home services. James states that being able to self-direct his services “means a lot…I have two wonderful parents who continue to care for me.” Janine states that being a caregiver for James through Lakeland Care’s Self-Directed Supports program “means a lot… [she] can be supportive to him and continue to give him any support or advice or recommendations.” Janine says it’s important to understand that “real life isn’t always going to be easy” and wants James to have experiences that help him learn and grow to become as independent as he can be. Self-direction allows James to experience just that!
James graduated from Northwest Technical College in May 2023 with a Civil Engineering Technology degree. His dream job is to become a railroad engineer. As he works towards that goal, he expressed a desire for a stable income to help support his personal expenses and plan for the future. James’s goal is to live independently in his own home or apartment, saying, “I really want to spread my wings and take off to live on my own.” James was hired as a dishwasher for the Pulaski Community School District and received a promotion to cashiering within a few weeks which Janine says has helped him “start a skillset in the workplace, by teaching him how to stay organized and manage his finances.” She further explained that employment has helped James stay focused, maintain community connections, and continue to build his work skills.
In addition, James actively participates in various panels and groups related to the Autism Spectrum, such as the Autism Society of Wisconsin Conference, where he recently showcased his digital art. Previously, James wrote a newsletter called Autism Decoded to inspire and support others in the Autism community. He feels strongly about advocating for others, stating, “It is important because often people with Autism feel alone, and I want them to feel seen and know they are not alone.”
Lakeland Care has been honored to serve James and partner with him in meeting his goals and outcomes over the years. Through his journey, we have been inspired by his unwavering determination, creativity, and commitment to advocating for others. James is a shining example of the transformative power of self-directed care. Lakeland Care remains dedicated to empowering individuals like James, and we look forward to sharing more stories of growth and success in the future. Together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive community for all.