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by Bethany Giachino on Monday, September 21, 2026
A few years ago, Rachel could never have imagined where life would take her.
After experiencing a stroke at age 42, everything changed. Following a hospital stay, Rachel moved into an assisted living facility where she relied on significant support and faced an uncertain future. The independence she had once enjoyed felt far away, and it was difficult to picture what life might look like beyond her current circumstances.
For Rachel, the transition was challenging. She missed the freedom to make her own choices and longed for greater independence. Looking back, she recalls a time when she wasn't sure whether she would ever get back to living the life she wanted.
That began to change when Rachel connected with EPI.
With support from her family, including her father who helped her find EPI, Rachel started working toward goals that had once seemed out of reach. She moved into an EPI-supported home and gradually began building confidence in herself and her abilities. With encouragement, support, and opportunities to grow, she started taking greater control of her daily life and imagining new possibilities for her future.
As Rachel's confidence grew, so did her ambitions.
One of her goals was finding meaningful employment. Through EPI Employment Services, Rachel secured a job at CPM, where she has now worked for more than two years. Having a job she enjoys has brought structure, purpose, and new friendships into her life. Along the way, she also learned how to ride the city bus independently, opening the door to even more freedom and connection within her community.
Over time, Rachel reached another milestone that once felt impossible: moving into a place of her own.
Today, she lives independently and receives only limited support through brief weekly check-ins. The space reflects the life she has built for herself.
As Rachel shared photos of her family, children and grandchildren displayed throughout her living room, she smiled and said, "This is my home."
Those four words carry deep meaning. They represent far more than a place of her own. They represent independence, confidence, belonging, and the ability to make choices about her own life.
Today, Rachel enjoys spending time with friends who live nearby. Whether she's playing cards, attending cookouts, or cooking chicken for family and friends, she's building relationships and enjoying everyday moments that once seemed uncertain. She speaks warmly about her life today, her job, her home, and the people around her.
Most of all, Rachel is proud of how far she has come.
When reflecting on her journey, she says simply, "I never imagined I'd be where I am today."
Rachel's story is a powerful reminder that growth often happens one step at a time. With determination, support, and the opportunity to pursue her goals, she has built a life that is uniquely her own, and a future filled with possibility.