Nancy grew up in Lanesboro in a big, lively family with four brothers and one sister. Life was full, and some of her fondest memories come from those early years, especially Sunday mornings when her mom would help her get ready for church, carefully doing her hair and picking out her outfit. Those simple moments of care and togetherness have stayed with her.
As she got older, Nancy experienced a period of living on her own. While it gave her independence, it also brought a deep sense of loneliness. Wanting more connection and support, she made the decision to move into Iverson Court, where she began receiving services through HCO. During that time, she worked at Burger King, gaining valuable experience and building her confidence.
As her needs changed, Nancy transitioned into a residential program with HCO, where she could receive more support. She has now been in her current home for a couple of years, and it has truly become a place where she feels she belongs. She speaks warmly about her housemates and often says she has “the best staff in the world.” Having people around who are willing to help, listen, and simply be there means everything to her.
Work continues to be an important and meaningful part of Nancy’s life. She currently works four days a week at DAC, where she enjoys making buttons and folding clothes. She takes great pride in her job and was recently named “Star of the Week,” an accomplishment that meant a lot to her. Getting to this point was not without challenges. She had to work through difficulties with maintaining a daily schedule, but by adjusting to a four-day workweek, she found a routine that works well for her.
Outside of work, Nancy embraces life with enthusiasm. She loves getting out of the house, trying new things, and going out to eat. Mondays are especially exciting because that is her regular shopping day with staff, an outing she always looks forward to. She also enjoys relaxing with her favorite shows and movies, including The Wizard of Oz, Little House on the Prairie, and The Three Stooges.
Some of Nancy’s favorite memories come from the trips she has taken over the years. She has been on cruises to the Bahamas, experiences she remembers with excitement and joy. She has also traveled to places like Nashville and New Orleans, where she loved exploring new surroundings and enjoying live music.
That love of music continues today. Nancy enjoys going out to hear live music whenever she can and likes to follow a local band, making those outings something she truly looks forward to.
Recently, she has been exploring new opportunities like attending Compass (a community education program that offers engaging classes and learning experiences) and participating in Healthy Lifestyles (a group that meets monthly and focuses on building healthy habits and learning wellness skills). She even played bingo at Compass and had a great time. Her health is very important to her, and she is proud of the progress she is making. With a goal to stay active, she attends Catholic Charities SAIL exercise classes once or twice a week, showing her commitment to taking care of herself.
Nancy also finds joy in expressing herself. She loves getting her hair and nails done and is proud of her four tattoos and her nose piercing. One of her biggest passions is Harley Davidson. She loves visiting and has built an impressive collection of Harley Davidson items, from leather jackets to boots and hats.
At home, she enjoys decorating her space with things that make her happy, especially her collection of dream catchers and jewelry. She has a special love for cats, too. She once had a cat of her own and now enjoys spending time with the cat in her home. She has even visited the humane society just to be around them.
Family remains one of the most important parts of Nancy’s life, along with her housemates, staff, and coworkers. These relationships, along with the comfort of having stability and the little joys like a bowl of ice cream, are what bring her happiness.
Above all, Nancy is known for her kindness. She is a deeply caring person who always takes the time to ask others how they are doing and genuinely listens to their answers. She values the people in her life and shows it every day through her compassion and warmth.
Nancy’s journey reflects strength, growth, and the power of connection. She continues to build a life filled with pride, purpose, and joy.
