Services For People with Disabilities

It's been six years since Jon Cirksen moved into his own home on Des Moines' east side, but he still remembers clearly the day the sunny, two-bedroom house was finally his.

"It was exciting," he said. "It was kind of scary living on my own a couple of nights, but I got used to it."

The house is as friendly and welcoming as Jon himself, with a brightly painted door, white curtains and a living room filled with afternoon sun where Jon's portly cat Carl curls comfortably on the couch.

This independence is just one of Jon's many major successes over the last decade. His hard work and big heart have earned him the respect of his friends, family, coworkers and the LSI staff who have been lucky enough to be part of his journey along the way.

Jon and LSI staff started working together ten years ago, when Jon was still in high school. Back then LSI's supported community living program helped Jon hone his cooking, laundry, cleaning and driving skills to prepare for living on his own.

As he earned his driver's license, LSI staff even helped him learn how to navigate the freeway traffic that loops in, out and around Des Moines.

Today Jon is an eight-year veteran of the kitchen staff at Iowa Lutheran Hospital. "It feels good to work at a place that helps people," he said.

He stays busy as a volunteer with the children at his local church, going to men's Bible study, hanging out with his family and friends and, of course, throwing a fun party every once in awhile at his house.

"I don't like to sit around all the time," Jon said.

LSI still partners with Jon a few days a week to guide him in paying bills, budgeting and in the kitchen, where he likes to experiment with different recipes. Pork chops is a new favorite.

"I didn't know how to cook that good before I moved out, but I'm getting better at that," he admits with a grin.

Yet for all of Jon's talents, his best skill might be that rare gift of inspiring others. He's spoken to legislators at LSI advocacy forums, talked to lawmakers at the Capitol and uplifted friends.

"I have a friend who said 'You're an inspiration because you can live on your own' and she's glad that I can," Jon said.

Jon shared these tips for other LSI clients who also aspire toward more independence: save money; work hard at your goals; learn key skills before you move out and land a job.

So, what's ahead for a guy who has already achieved so much? Leave it to Jon to have an inspiring answer.

"I want to try and touch people's lives."