Growth, Resilience, and Independence: Jenna's Journey

As a machine operator at Veto PECO, she spends her days welding car parts—a role she has held for over a year. Despite the unpredictability of her schedule, Jenna finds pride in her work, knowing that her contributions matter.

In her free time, Jenna embraces opportunities to connect with others. She regularly participates in outings organized by the Miami County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Whether it's a dinner and movie night, attending a concert, or enjoying time with friends, these activities bring joy and a sense of community to Jenna's life. Her favorite outing is simple yet meaningful: dinner and a movie, where she can unwind and share laughter with those she loves.

One of Jenna's most significant milestones is earning her driver's license—an achievement that marked a turning point in her independence. With the support of Capabilities, a local organization, Jenna tackled every step of the process, from mastering the written test to passing her driving exam. Today, Jenna uses her car not only for practical errands but also to enjoy drives in the countryside, visit her favorite downtown coffee shop, and drive herself to events. This freedom has profoundly changed her life, giving her autonomy and greater control over her daily activities.

Jenna's journey has been far from linear. Early in life, she faced difficulties managing relationships and struggled with self-esteem. Rebekah, Jenna's former SSA of eight years, recalls meeting a young woman brimming with untapped potential but weighed down by doubt. "When I first met her, she didn't believe in herself," Rebekah shares. Jenna's self-doubt kept her from pursuing goals or seeing herself as capable of achieving success.

With Rebekah's guidance, Jenna began taking small steps toward personal growth. One transformative moment came when her team implemented a behavioral and trauma timeline. They learned to "speak Jenna's language" to ensure they better understand her challenges and meet her needs.

"Jenna's confidence grew as we gave her space and time to grow at her own pace," Rebekah explains. "We cheered her on every step of the way." These consistent efforts built trust, enabling Jenna to share her aspirations. Over time, she expressed desires she once hesitated to voice—such as finding a job, learning to drive, and gaining independence in her daily routines.

Jenna's former APSI representative, Tricia, played a pivotal role in her journey. When Tricia first met Jenna, she described her as often feeling powerless and dependent on others. However, with help from her supporters, Jenna began to take ownership of her decisions. With Tricia's guidance, she worked through past experiences, set achievable goals, and learned to advocate for herself.

"Jenna has come such a long way," Tricia shares. "She no longer prioritizes others' needs at her expense. She's built a life based on mutual respect and meaningful connections." One of Jenna's biggest accomplishments was successfully advocating to terminate her guardianship—a milestone that proved her ability to make sound decisions herself.

Jenna's family has been instrumental in her success, even during challenging times. Her parents initially sought guardianship when they saw her struggling with unhealthy relationships and poor health. This decision, though difficult, allowed Jenna to stabilize her life. Over time, their relationship evolved into a partnership built on trust and mutual respect. Tricia notes, "Her parents' support has been unwavering, and their bond has become one of Jenna's greatest strengths."

Jenna holding her TJ Jackson Forever Friends Award.

Jenna's transformation has also fueled her passion for advocacy. She actively participates in events like the Synergy Conference, where she shares her story to inspire others in the disability community. At Synergy, Jenna's panel was a resounding success, with most audience questions directed to her. Her humility and sincerity resonated deeply with attendees. Rebekah, who sat beside Jenna during the event, reflects, "She's gone from doubting herself to being a beacon of hope for others. Watching her confidence shine through was incredible."

Jenna's advocacy work has earned her significant recognition, including APSI's TJ Jackson Forever Friends Award, which celebrates her independence and contributions to her community. Tricia highlights this as a crowning achievement in Jenna's journey. "Change is hard, but Jenna proved that it's possible with determination and the right support," Tricia remarks.

As Jenna looks to the future, she hopes to find a new job with a more consistent schedule while continuing to build on her successes. She also dreams of expanding her advocacy work and helping others navigate challenges similar to those she has faced. Rebekah sees mentorship as a natural path for Jenna, describing her as "caring, kind, and giving."

One of Jenna's proudest personal achievements is reconnecting with her biological sister through ancestry research. The two met in person and have since built a meaningful relationship. Jenna's ability to form deep connections, whether with family or friends, reflects her compassionate nature and commitment to living a full life.

Jenna's story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through resilience, support, and self-belief. From a young woman unsure of her path, Jenna has transformed into a confident, self-reliant individual living a life filled with purpose and joy.

Her journey is far from over, but the steps she has taken serve as an inspiration to those around her. "Jenna did the hard work," Rebekah emphasizes. "We were just there to cheer her on." Jenna's story reminds us all that with determination, patience, and the right support system, anything is possible.