For siblings JoLee and Cody, Easterseals Hawaii isn’t just a program. It’s a community where they’ve built lasting friendships, discovered new passions and grown in ways they’re genuinely proud of.
JoLee’s heart is with her friends. “A lot of my friends are at Easterseals Hawaii,” she says with a big smile. She’s also someone who loves to keep learning during her time at the organization, from dancing to working on reading the clock and practicing phone numbers to tying her shoes. “I feel proud of coming here,” she shares. “I work hard on my skills.”
One of her favorite recent outings was a trip to Target, followed by coffee. She’s already looking forward to what’s coming next: a play day with water guns and balloons, a BBQ and a celebration open to family and friends.
Cody is equally enthusiastic, and his days are full. He has worked at Safeway for 18 years and Pizza Hut for 15 years, helping customers bag groceries, collect carts and carry their bags to the car. At Easterseals Hawaii, he loves volunteering and celebrating his friends’ birthdays with homemade food.
“I’ve made a lot of new friends,” Cody says. “And the staff are very nice.”
Like JoLee, Cody is proud of the skills he’s been building, such as working on numbers, days of the week and keeping family phone numbers in his memory.
Together, JoLee and Cody are a reminder of what’s possible when people have a strong community around them. With the right support, encouragement and a place where they feel connected, people can truly thrive. At Easterseals Hawaii, we’re proud to be a part of JoLee and Cody’s stories.