Article Written By: Sara Winkel

Before receiving support from Vista Care, Evan was isolated, navigating life's challenges with minimal assistance. He and his family faced the daunting task of managing his needs on their own, without a reliable support system. The lack of community connection and resources left them feeling overwhelmed and financially strained.

Everything changed when Evan connected with Vista Care. The impact was immediate and profound. The dedicated staff provided much-needed support, allowing Evan and his family to breathe easier. No longer burdened by their struggles, they could finally live life on their own terms.

One of Evan's greatest passions is theater. He has the incredible opportunity to attend a theater camp each summer. His talent shone brightly when he was cast in the production of Les Misérables, where he had the honor of leading the finale. The experience was exhilarating, and Evan cherished every moment on stage.

Beyond his love for theater, Evan enjoys simple pleasures like going out to eat and spending time with people he trusts and relies on. His sense of community has grown since receiving support from Vista Care, and he feels more connected than ever before.

Evan's physical health has also seen remarkable improvement. He started lifting weights at a rehabilitation center, and under the guidance of an exceptional trainer, he has made significant progress. He can now confidently do bicep curls with ten-pound weights, a feat that fills him with pride.

In addition to his physical pursuits, Evan has a passion for writing. He attends a writing class once a week, where he is currently working on a short story inspired by his own life experiences—a tale about a new girl navigating the challenges of high school.

Evan is also expanding his horizons by learning Italian. Every night, he takes online lessons, steadily improving his language skills. This new pursuit adds yet another layer of fulfillment to his life.

The support from Vista Care has been transformative for Evan. Before their involvement, he struggled with depression, isolation, and loneliness, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19. But now, with a dedicated team behind him, Evan is more engaged in life than ever. The isolation he once felt has been replaced by empowerment and a strong sense of belonging, all thanks to the unwavering support of Vista Care.

Article Written By: Sara Winkel

Clayton has always shown interest in lending a helping hand to others, especially when it comes to his work. After spending some time helping clean for his grandparents, Clayton has now found joy in working at a new destination. Through the help of Vista Care’s Supported Employment services, Clayton now works as a Custodian at My Place Hotel in South Dakota.

Like most, Clayton enjoys receiving a paycheck after putting in his hard earned hours, but his impact goes farther than that. He especially enjoys being around his supervisor, Michele, who has appreciated Clayton’s presence from day one. “Clayton is just a joy to work with and to have around. It’s been a blessing to watch him grow & become so comfortable here,” stated Michele. “He looks forward to being here and he’s grown so much.”

Clayton’s work ethic shines through when he shows up for work each and every day. He takes on his responsibilities proudly and completes his tasks with the utmost effort. Whether it's lessening the workload on the housekeeping department or interacting with fellow employees with a smile on his face, Clayton makes every day more enjoyable. 

Embodying the knowledge and skills that he has gained through his work, Clayton has proven that he can be relied on. Clayton’s hard work and outstanding effort has paid off as he recently has been given the opportunity to work on his own one day a week. As he continues to thrive in his role as a custodian, Clayton stands as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us all of the profound impact one person can have when guided by kindness and fueled by purpose.