Jen graduated from High School in 2004 and moved to Chicago to start college at the Illinois Center for Broadcasting. In September of 2004, a box truck hit her vehicle and totaled the car. Jen had a mild concussion but was able to return to school after some physical therapy. In October of 2004, we were returning the rental vehicle and Jen was struck by another truck. She was unresponsive at the scene and suffered a diffuse axonal shear injury. She was in a coma for two weeks. She spent 30+ days in acute care, 45 days in inpatient rehab at RIC in Chicago and 3 months of day rehab prior to returning home to Cincinnati. Since our return home, Jen has worked with physical, occupational and speech therapists.
After Jen's accident, she had to start college all over again due to her memory loss. She graduated from Ohio Center for Broadcasting in June of 2007. Although Jen interned successfully at CABVI and graduated with the "Dick Von Hoene" Award, she has had limited success in finding job placement. By December of 2007, Jen was becoming increasingly depressed and felt like she was not going to be successful in finding a job. After seeing the van for InRETURN, we met with Merilee and Jen was offered a job as a Production Associate. InRETURN has given her a purpose and has been a wonderful opportunity for Jen to work and feel productive. The entire staff has been very supportive of her continued long-term goal of employment in the radio and broadcasting industry.
As a parent, you want your child to succeed and more importantly feel like they have personal along with professional success in life. InRETURN has improved Jen's self-esteem and confidence. I can see and hear the pride in her voice when a project is completed. She is so excited when payday comes because she feels like she can "contribute" to the household and purchase things on her own without help from Mom.
We are both very grateful that we found InRETURN and continue to spread the word as much as possible about this wonderful place!
Thanks,
Peg (Jen's Mom) |
