Joanne
Life changed for Joanne (“Jo”) when about twelve years ago she stood alone, without her peers, without a family or a supportive team, and switched from her long-term agency to CSI because she wanted more out of life. Joanne’s diagnosis of Prader-Willi Syndrome has resulted in numerous challenges. Joanne wanted as much control and freedom as she could have while remaining healthy and safe. Over time Joanne has built herself a happy and full life. She has many friends and relationships. Joanne is currently in a knitting club at a local church. Club members knit sweaters and hats for homeless children in America and around the world. The member in charge of the group helps Joanne with the finish work and has become a special friend to her. Meanwhile at least three of Jo’s support staff are also knitting with her. Gail, a staff person, attends on her own time as well.
Key to Joanne’s variety and success with many community involvements, especially her volunteerism, has been her dedicated staff. Each supporter has taken an interest in an activity. There have been many, many walkathons, for example the MS Walks. Jo continues to volunteer at the Salvation Army and the local library. She swims in the Special Olympics, and she attends church regularly. She has had a six year relationship with Barbara in her weekly TOPS group; Joanne is treasurer and 2 years ago won Queen Of MA Award. Joanne sees Bob her tutor every week; they have been working on GED material for 11 years. Joanne and Priscilla (staff) walk downtown to the local coffee shop as often as they can. The neighbor down the street is an artist and the three have become quite friendly. It is easy to see that this relationship will continue to develop over time; the staff person is just as invested in this relationship as Joanne. These successful relationships 
grew over time with consistency. This is a Team of extremely dedicated supporters. They truly enjoy volunteering and making friends with Joanne and her roommates. It’s a win-win. The staff members are helping Joanne realize her hopes and dreams while having fun, making friends and doing good.
Joanne also has found more control and freedom. She has traveled from Nova Scotia to North Carolina, and many places in between with Gail. While in New York City she was on “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire”. They enjoy traveling together, and do so every chance they get. She loves to gamble and always wins! Gail also helped Joanne to find her family. It took almost a year, but they found two brothers and an aunt. Jo maintains a close relationship with her brother, Walter.
Joanne also enjoys employment. While working at a garden center 10 years ago, Joanne met Nora, her adopted mother. She spends her holidays with Nora and her two daughters. Joanne also worked for 7 years at The Woman’s Body Shoppe, until she was recently laid off by new management.
Oftentimes, Joanne feels most free when she is able to stay home alone for awhile in her safely secured environment. Joanne has an alarm system on her door that alerts the 
Program Manager when she leaves. This has given Joanne the security she needs to keep her in self-control and feeling safe. One of her favorite things to do is knit while she watches All My Children alone in her home.