When Jillian signed up for CPR training, no one pushed her to do it.
She wanted to help.
That was enough.
Jillian has always been determined. In high school, she was a competitive swimmer who traveled for meets, and her name still hangs on the wall at her school. Swimming gives her peace. She says it makes her feel free. Confident. Like herself.
Today, Jillian is a client in Magdala House’s Adult IDD Program and lives in one of our Individual Supported Living homes. But long before that, she wanted more independence, more confidence, and more opportunities for her life.
So, when CPR training became an option, she didn’t hesitate.
She studied. She asked questions. She showed up ready to learn.
And she passed.
Amber, Assistant Director of the Adult IDD Program, led the CPR training and noticed Jillian’s focus right away.
“She didn’t just want to pass,” Amber shared. “She wanted to understand. Jillian asked thoughtful questions and took responsibility seriously. You could tell she knew this mattered.”
That same determination showed up again when Jillian enrolled in medication training with Nurse Tracy.
The material was challenging. The system was new. At times, it felt overwhelming. But Jillian didn’t quit. She figured out what she needed to succeed. Quieter testing spaces. Watching first. Then stepping in when she felt ready.
Nurse Tracy, a former Magdala House employee, supported Jillian throughout her training.
“She stayed engaged even when it was hard,” Nurse Tracy shared. “Jillian kept asking questions and working through it. She wanted to truly understand what she was doing, not just memorize the steps.”
And Jillian passed again.
Something shifted.
Before, Jillian didn’t feel capable of much. Now, she knows she is capable of more. And she’s not done yet.
She is currently working toward her CNA, studying with flashcards, applying for jobs on her own, and celebrating wins alongside staff who are deeply proud of her. She has already earned a lifeguard position for the summer and talks about one day working in a hospital, caring for older adults with dignity.
When asked what she wants people to know, Jillian said it simply:
“If I could do it, they could do it too. As long as you keep going and don’t quit, you can really achieve anything.”
Stories like Jillian’s don’t happen by accident.
They happen when people are given access, encouragement, and the right kind of support. The kind that meets them where they are and believes in where they’re going.
Your support helps open doors, and reminds someone that they are capable of more than they ever imagined.
