Mary’s Story: Seeking Work, Community, and Independence
Have you ever had a life-altering experience? One that deprived you of your ability to live independently.
Mary Wilkinson has. Mary had a life-altering experience. But she didn’t let it stop her!
Before her traumatic experience, Mary had a fruitful professional career. She had been working in people-centered careers from the age of 12 when she cared for her grandfathers. She’s worked at group homes, owned a restaurant, a hotel, and a bar, and even been a DJ.
Mary began working as a job coach and driver at EEI in 2005. She loved connecting with others. Mary says, “A good day is when people are around.”
Until one night in 2018.
As she worked a night cleaning shift, her left side froze up, and she fell to the floor. Dragging herself across the floor to reach a phone, she dialed and, hoping the call went through, yelled, “Help!”
Fortunately, she was found and rushed to St. Cloud by helicopter. Her priest was called. Sacraments were administered. No one thought Mary would make it. But she DID!
Something burst at the base of her brain, impacting both sides of her body—leaving her unable to feel anything. Neither hot nor cold. Not a mosquito bite. Not the loving touch of a friend. Her life had drastically changed in an instant!
As she worked to regain her “outside and inside senses,” she caught pneumonia. She “died.” She remembers a white light… That didn’t stop her. She had neck surgery to chisel away at a fused C5 vertebrae.
“You’ll never work again,” they said.
Mary said, “WATCH ME!”
By 2019, Mary was maneuvering her wheelchair around EEI, pushing recycling bins to the shredder with her good foot. Her goal was to earn a paycheck. Two knee replacements didn’t stop her. Mary adapted when COVID-19 precautions kept her from the community and socialization she loved. That didn’t stop her!
In 2021, Mary moved into the Bridge Program as a direct support personnel assistant. She led activities and assisted other individuals, drawing on her experience in customer services and group homes.
Mary says, “I liked the Bridge, my own crew.”
In 2024, Mary moved to the Discovery Program in its new downtown location. Mary says, “I really like Discovery.” She knows 95% of the individuals attending Discovery. She recalls each staff member from her years at EEI, working as a DJ at a birthday, being a relative of a relative, or going to school together. “I know everyone!” Mary says.
Mary has attended all three EEI buildings, working as a driver, direct support personnel, recycling shop individual, and direct support personnel assistant, and is now attending programs. Mary represents the full spectrum of programs EEI offers.
Mary didn’t let life-altering physical ailments stop her! She’s seen it all and done it all.
Mary’s new goal is to continue the journey with her EEI crew. Mary says, “EEI is a place where I can relax, be with people, and enjoy company.”
At EEI, Mary found work, community, and independence.
