When Mandi moved into her HCO home in 2000, she wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Fresh out of school, she had only lived at another HCO home for a few months before settling into the house she still proudly calls home today. More than 25 years later, she is the longest-tenured resident in her program, and over the years, that house has become much more than a place to live. It has become a place where she has built confidence, independence, and a life she is proud of.
Growing up in Rollingstone with her parents and sister, Mandi attended school there before moving on to Winona Middle School and High School. As a child, she worked with a speech therapist because speaking clearly was often a challenge. By the time she graduated, those struggles had become much less noticeable, and life moved forward.
Then, years later, something changed.
Staff began noticing that Mandi was becoming more difficult to understand. For her, it was frustrating. She remembers how discouraging it felt when people would frequently ask, “What did you say?” Having to repeat herself over and over made everyday conversations harder than they should have been.
Rather than letting the challenge grow, Mandi and her support team took action.
She began attending speech therapy, where she learned new techniques and exercises to strengthen her communication. What started with reading sentences aloud has grown into practicing real conversations. Just as importantly, the work doesn’t stop when therapy ends. Staff continue practicing the exercises with her at home, encouraging her every step of the way and celebrating the progress she’s made.
Today, the difference is remarkable. Her speech has improved tremendously, and one of the things she is most proud of is how far she has come. Her determination, paired with consistent support, has helped her find confidence in using her voice again.
That determination shows up in many parts of her life.
Mandi is known for keeping her home clean and organized, and she faithfully sticks to her exercise routine at the YMCA three times each week. Whether she’s swimming, using the workout machines, or shooting hoops, staying active is important to her.
She also enjoys gardening, and this summer her raised garden beds are filled with sweet potatoes, peppers, rosemary, basil, cauliflower, and broccoli. Watching everything grow is something she takes great pride in.
When she’s not gardening or exercising, Mandi enjoys puzzles, crafts, walks, spending time with friends, and catching episodes of American Ninja Warrior, America’s Got Talent, and The Voice. One of her favorite traditions is simple but meaningful: on the first day of every month, she and a friend head out together for a cup of coffee.
While staff support her with medication, cooking, and now speech therapy, Mandi is proud of how independent she has become. Through HCO, she has learned to manage her money, build household skills, and confidently take on everyday responsibilities.
That growing confidence has even led her beyond home. Recently, Mandi traveled to Branson, Missouri with a travel group. She rode the bus there without her parents or HCO staff, stepping well outside her comfort zone. It was a big adventure, and one she’s incredibly glad she took.
Looking back, Mandi says she wasn’t sure what life at HCO would be like when she first moved in. Today, she knows exactly what it has meant.
“HCO supports me in everything I do,” she says.
Her story is a reminder that independence doesn’t happen all at once. It grows through encouragement, perseverance, and having people beside you who believe in your abilities. With determination and the right support, Mandi has continued to learn, grow, and overcome challenges while building a life filled with friendships, new experiences, and the confidence to keep moving forward.
