Gina Wheeler
Director of operations
Milwaukee Center for Independence L.I.F.E. Services Center
Gina Wheeler started at Milwaukee-based Milwaukee Center for Independence 16 years ago. When she started there was no structural program in place for young adults living with developmental disabilities that would help prepare them for independent living.
So she helped create one. In January 2011, the MCFI L.I.F.E. Services Center was opened in West Allis. According to Wheeler, the program has approximately 50 full-time clients and about 70 total enrolled.
“Our goal in designing the program was to offer young adults living with disabilities a learning environment where they can go with other people their own age to have a real purpose,” Wheeler said. “Here they are given opportunities to really interact with their community and become more independent.”
Depending on their interests, some members are preparing to enter the workplace, some are working on the steps they need to take in order to advance their education, and all are reinforcing the skills they will need as they take their next steps to independence, Wheeler said.
Gerianne Prom, vice president of MCFI, nominated Wheeler for the award. Her colleagues and staff at MCFI have said that Wheeler has the ability to recognize the potential in every person she meets, particularly those living with disabilities.
“Gina inspires her staff to imagine what life could be like for each of the clients if no barriers to independence existed — then she and her staff get about the business of helping the client to overcome those barriers,” Prom said.
“It is a good feeling,” Wheeler said. “I went to school for social work because I wanted to be able to make a difference. I see what our members are able to do and what they are able to offer the community. Sometimes that gets overlooked.”
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