For sisters Grace and Mackenzie Wenger, working at Home and Community Options (HCO) has become more than just a job. It has given them an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, grow in ways they never expected, and share experiences that have brought them even closer as sisters.

Growing up in Fountain City, Wisconsin, Grace and Mackenzie have always shared a close bond. Grace enjoys hiking, spending time outdoors with her two dogs, and being with family and friends. Mackenzie loves being outside, spending time on the river, relaxing with her cats, and making memories with the people she loves.

Grace joined HCO in 2023 after hearing friends speak highly of their experiences working for the organization. Their stories about the meaningful relationships they built and the rewarding work they were doing inspired her to apply.

“After almost three years here, I can honestly say they were right,” Grace said. “HCO has given me so many opportunities to grow while doing work I truly enjoy.”

Grace’s experience at HCO eventually inspired Mackenzie to follow in her footsteps. After hearing her sister and other friends talk about the relationships they had built and the difference they were making, Mackenzie decided to join HCO in 2024.

“My sister always talked about the relationships she had built with the individuals she supported and how much she loved coming to work,” Mackenzie said. “It made me want to experience it for myself.”

Today, the sisters each play different roles at HCO, but they share the same passion for supporting others. Mackenzie works as a Direct Support Professional, while Grace recently stepped into a new role as a Program Assistant at the same program where she began her HCO journey.

For Grace, the promotion represents both professional growth and the opportunity to continue doing work she finds meaningful.

“I love seeing the individuals reach their goals and dreams, especially when they have a smile on their face,” she said. “Being able to support them throughout that journey is something really special.”

Over her time at HCO, Grace has had the opportunity to grow her skills, take on new responsibilities, and build strong relationships within her program. Moving into the Program Assistant role has allowed her to continue building on that experience while taking the next step in her career.

Mackenzie has also found meaning in the relationships she has built through her work as a Direct Support Professional.

“Creating fun memories together and seeing someone accomplish a goal they’ve worked so hard for is the best part of my job,” she said. “It’s an incredible feeling to be part of that journey.”

Working at HCO has helped both sisters grow, though in different ways. Grace says her experience has strengthened her professionally by teaching her responsibility, time management, and the value of hard work while providing opportunities to continue learning and taking on new challenges.

For Mackenzie, the job has helped her discover strengths she didn’t know she had while building confidence and lifelong skills she knows she’ll carry with her into the future.

Both sisters hope others recognize that HCO offers much more than employment.

“HCO is far more than just a job,” Grace said. “It’s a place full of lessons, growth, opportunities, friendships, fun, and joy.”

Mackenzie has found that same sense of connection in her own experience.

“I’ve built meaningful friendships with both the individuals I support and my coworkers,” she said. “It’s a place where you grow, laugh, make memories, and learn lessons that stay with you long after your shift ends.”

But perhaps one of the most meaningful parts of their HCO journey has been having the opportunity to share it with each other.

When Mackenzie decided to apply, Grace was excited to see her sister experience the same kind of connection and fulfillment she had found at HCO.

“I love hearing about her day when she comes home smiling and telling me all the funny and inspiring things that happened during her shift,” Grace said.

For Mackenzie, getting to work alongside her sister has added another layer of meaning to an already rewarding job.

“I enjoy when we get to work in some of the same programs and share those experiences together,” she said. “Supporting others is already meaningful, but getting to do it alongside my sister makes it even more special.”

Their HCO journey has given Grace and Mackenzie more than professional experience. It has given them people to learn from, goals to celebrate, memories to share, and opportunities to grow.

What started with Grace hearing about the meaningful work happening at HCO eventually led Mackenzie to discover that same sense of purpose for herself. Along the way, Grace has continued to grow in her own career, recently stepping into a new role at the program she has come to know so well.

Now, the sisters get to experience their HCO journeys together, each finding her own way to make a difference while encouraging the other along the way.