Willows Way
Karen Rieser currently serves as the Community Resource Coordinator at Willows Way, a position held since March 2017. Prior experience includes roles as a Field Interviewer for Headway Workforce Solutions in December 2016 and for HUD Housing from December 2015 to June 2016, where responsibilities involved data abstraction, tenant interviews, and document analysis. Additionally, Karen worked as a Traveling Field Research Interviewer for LHK Partners, Inc. from June 2015 to June 2016, focusing on participant recruitment and market research. Educational credentials include a Master of Arts in Sociology from the University of Missouri-Saint Louis (2002-2006) and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Mass Communications from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (1996-2000).
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Willows Way
About Willows Way At Willows Way we provide support, services and programs that enable adults with disabilities to live independent, dignified, happy and productive lives-the lives THEY choose to live. For more than 20 years our work has focused on bringing meaningful life experiences to adults with disabilities. Our approach is individualized and customized for each person and his or her ability. By developing innovative programs, partnering with families and truly listening, we enable our clients to gain independence and become engaged in their community. Our Vision: People of all abilities have the opportunity to experience a sense of home, a feeling of security and an avenue for personal growth. Our Mission: Willows Way empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live a life beyond limits through personalized support and community engagement. Willows Way offers five different programs to assist adults with I/DD: • REALITIES - Can provide up to eight hours of individualized service weekly to approved adults. Services are designed specific to each client and often include support with items such as budgeting and bill payment, menu planning, comparison shopping, roommate and house searches, help with doctor's visits, advocacy and problem solving supports. • INDIVIDUALIZED SUPPORTED LIVING (ISL) - Provides customized in-home services for up to 24 hours a day, seven days per week. Supports are developed based on each individual's needs and focus on many areas such as skill development, recreation, social skill building, medical and personal care supports, transportation and household financial supports. • INDIVIDUALIZED SKILLS DEVELOPMENT/COMMUNITY INTEGRATION - Offers services primarily designed for clients not yet living independently. These services support the individual to build independent living skills while developing friendships and community connections. • REACHING INDEPENDENCE THROUGH SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT (RISE) Day Program- Weekday classes that are designed by participants and qualified staff and focus on social, educational and physical activities that can be accomplished within the local community. • PROJECT HEART - Evening educational classes that focus primarily on health and/or safety-related topics and may include: cooking and nutrition, exercising, personal hygiene, driver’s education, healthy relationships, problem solving, health and the human body, and internet security and privacy issues to name a few. For more information about intellectual and developmental disabilities or Willows Way's programs, visit willowsway.org or call 636-947-6591.