Jon H.
This is my story

Jon moved into Westwood on January 23, 2003. Jon spent most of his life living with his grandmother, “Letta” in her home in Bloomington, MN. Jon and Letta spent a lot of time alone and she taught him how to cook, clean as well as many other tasks around the house. When Letta passed away suddenly, Jon was very sad as he didn’t know what was going on or where he would be living. Jon moved in with his brother into his apartment in Eagan temporarily until his family found Westwood. Jon came to look at the house and was very excited about moving in as he had never seen a place like it before and was curious about the people working there and about the other guys who lived there.

On moving day, Jon had about 6-10 family members help him move in all of his belongings and set up his room. Jon was a little hesitant about them leaving but once they did he instantly perked up and made himself comfortable in his new home. Jon had never lived in an environment like a group home, nor had he ever attended a job or a day program. The last time he had attended school was when he was 21 and he was now 32 years old. So Jon not only had to adjust to a new living environment but he also had to prepare himself for going to a day program for the very first time. Jon absolutely amazed the group home, his day program and his family with how fast and how well he transitioned into both new environments. It was like he was waiting for something like this to make his life more meaningful and independent. Jon instantly made friends with his roommates and his peers at his day program. Now, Jon lovingly calls his home, “WW” and his day program “CO” or “College”. Not a day goes by where he doesn’t talk about one or the other and the people and events that make up his brand new life.

When Jon moved into Westwood he was very overweight and had numerous health issues. Since living at Westwood he has lost 55 pounds and all of the medications he was taking when he moved in have been reduced. Jon had trouble walking when he moved in because of the excess weight he was carrying and because of his sore knees. Now, Jon still has trouble walking due to genetics, but he doesn’t complain of sore knees, instead he gets excited to play basketball in the driveway, go swimming at the YMCA or take his shiny new three-wheeled bike for a spin around the neighborhood.

Jon’s smile and dramatic demeanor will leave a smile on anyone’s face who has the chance to know him. He came here sad because he lost someone near and dear to his heart, his only “Letta”. But now, Jon continues to flourish in his new environment. He has learned lots of new skills to help him achieve a higher degree of independence and has had the opportunity to meet a lot of new people and to visit a variety of new places. Without Letta we wouldn’t have our polite, charming, and affectionate Jon. But now that Letta is gone we will continue to do our best at helping Jon grow into the person he was destined to be.