We are excited to shine our Talent Spotlight on Justin, a dedicated member of the ProAct family whose journey is a powerful testament to the impact of person-centered support, hard work, and creative passion! Since graduating from the STEP program in 2018, Justin has consistently taken steps forward to strengthen his independence and artistic accomplishment.
A Foundation Built on Work Experience
Justin’s journey toward self-sufficiency included building strong vocational skills on the ProAct Red Wing Production floor. He spent valuable time developing his talents and hands-on skills on various tasks including using a foam machine. These work experiences helped build a foundation for his work ethic, confidence, and gave him skills to apply to his everyday life.
Independence, Improvement, and Support
Today, Justin is “living the best of both worlds” where he has an apartment connected to his parents’ house which allows him to maintain his independence while keeping his family’s support close at hand. In addition to his family, Justin has grown and continues to learn how to better live an independent life by receiving ProAct’s Individualized Home Support (IHS). Through these services, Justin works closely with a member of the ProAct team to develop essential life skills from organizing, cleaning, meal planning, and budgeting. With the support of ProAct staff like Steve and Caleb, Justin has had the opportunity to grow and receive the support he needs to live that independent life he wishes to have. When asked about his experiences, Justin added that he is glad he has spent time with ProAct and highlighted how supportive and nice the team is.
“ProAct is a great place to be!” Justin said, “If you need help with time management, budgeting, or other life skills, you can rely on ProAct to help.”
A Passion For Storytelling
Beyond his daily work to improve his life skills, Justin is an incredibly talented and passionate author. Writing has been a lifelong love of his with his first book authored at the age of 12, a piece that was inspired by his childhood pet dog.
Now, Justin is older and becoming an even more prolific author with two published works titled The Journey to the Big City and Anthony and the Bully. These two books highlight the experiences of seeking independence and self-succiency, lasting friendships, trying to fit in in a new environment, and building community.
Justin’s creative process since he was very young is also a family affair. He frequently bounces story ideas off his mom while in the car before working with his co-author Scott to refine his ideas. With both Scott and Justin’s mom, Vicki, in his corner, Justin continually improves in doing what he loves, writing. Justin’s mom Vicki said she is so very proud of Justin and the work he’s done as an author and a person.
Writing is his passion and the more he writes the happier he is as he has the opportunity to develop characters and stories. Through his experiences with IHS and as an author, Justin shows his desire for independence, personal development, and the milestones he’s reached in his own personal journey.
To young, aspiring writers, Justin’s advice is simple: “Read as much as you can. The more you read, the more inspiration you’ll have.”
Living Life to the Fullest
When he isn’t writing or working on life skills, Justin keeps active with Crossfit to stay healthy and by enjoying some of his other hobbies. In addition to being a prolific writer, Justin is an aspiring musician and singer with both his time singing in the choir and playing the guitar.
Justin credits his success to having a reliable support network. For his development and his independence it is helpful to know he has a support system including his family, his co-author Scott, and ProAct. With so many great people in his corner and a constant drive to grow, Justin is proving what an independent life can look like.
Are you interested in ProAct’s Individualized Home Supports (IHS) Services? Contact ProAct today to learn how we can help you on your path to success! www.proactinc.org/contact-us/
