Ernest Foster is a 55-year-old man who entered a nursing home after he had a stroke following a car accident. He was in a nursing home for nearly three years. That's when he sought IndependenceFirst's help to relocate back to living in the community. IndependenceFirst was able to assist Ernest in finding housing, accessing personal assistance services through PAS and provide start-up supplies for him in the community.

Ernest has lived in his new apartment almost six years. He enjoys his independence. He receives personal care services and has a county caseworker through Froedtert Hospital. He is part of Froedtert's Stroke Clinic. He receives two meals a day through Meals On Wheels, and he participates in neighborhood and apartment social activities. He is the "domino champion" for his apartment complex. He likes to shop at a local Puerto Rican food store, and he brings back special food orders for different friends at the apartment complex.

Ernest really enjoys the freedom of being out of the nursing home! He is still learning how to deal with his finances. He likes having the ability to have a choice about how to live and fit into his community. IndependenceFirst has helped him to enjoy his life and make his own choices.