CLIENT STORIES

When I was 8, I was in a bad accident. My mom and I were riding with some friends when a truck hit the car right where I was sitting. It's lucky that I lived at all, and for a long time I had to have a nurse around the clock. Now look at me! So I say "don't give up."
- Jennifer

I'm Michael, and I live at Eisenhower Center. When I was four, I was hurt in a car accident. After that, I had to have special help with lots of things, like school because it was really hard for me to remember stuff. When I turned 22, I came to Eisenhower. I really like it here because they help me with a lot of important stuff, like keeping my apartment clean and helping me at my job. I eat in the dining room and type the menus to make money. I really like going on outings, riding horses, playing with my Ryder Helicopter and getting a paycheck! Thanks for listening to my story.
- Michael

I lived through the depression, so nothing ever seems that bad to me. I like my morning workout- it's the motivation I need to keep my blood pumping all day. They keep an eye on me, to make sure I spend my money wisely and I'm dressed all right when I go out. The young gal who shops for me knows what I want and there's a little lady who likes to give me new hairstyles - she makes me look like different people! I enjoy the staff and almost feel like I'm at home when I'm here.
-Mr. Bo

When I was three years old, a car hit me. I went flying through the air and my head hit a rock. I was in a coma for four months, and when I did get to go home, I had a lot of trouble. It took me such a long time to do things, and I would fall behind and get frustrated, and then I'd get mad. As I got older, my mom couldn't stop me when I got mad and would throw things.

When I was 13, I started working with therapists on my anger, but sometimes I would get really bad and scare my mom and sister. So when I was 18, I moved to Eisenhower. They help me with my therapy, money management, nutrition and skills I need to live on my own. I want to have my own apartment someday, and Eisenhower is helping me get there. Without all the help I've had, I might have hurt myself or my family. I would have ended up in jail or homeless because I wouldn't be able to take care of myself.
- Ken

Hi! My name is Dan O. When I was 21 years old, I was struck by a car as I was walking across the street after work. As a result of this accident I received a TBI (traumatic brain injury).

I have been in rehabilitation since my accident and have ongoing therapies that help me throughout my daily activities. I had to learn how to walk and talk all over again. To this day I still require off and on physical therapy and the use orthotics and braces. I get a lot of help where I stay now at Eisenhower Center. I am thankful that I have been given the opportunity to return to somewhat of a normal life because of rehabilitation.

We go on outings every day, and in the summer time I attend Camp Barefoot with some of my friends I live with. We have a great time finding different reptiles and amphibians, and going fishing.

I work at the Ann Arbor Learning Center & Genesis Center cleaning, and I also evaluate pet stores weekly and give my opinion/advice on what stores to buy from and what types of pets to get.
- Dan