Meet Lisa. When she's not reading or styling women in her boutique, she’s helping veterans get appropriate services. She is excited that their programs continue expand making it possible to serve more people. She encourages people to ask for the services they need to lead a self-determined life. We’re so fortunate to have her as a member of the Network!

What's your story?  Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Lisa has been the VA Programs Manager for the Greater WI Agency on Aging Resources, Inc. (GWAAR) for over 10 years. She went to GWAAR in 2010 after working in Child Welfare in Milwaukee in positions of both Quality Assurance Manager and Ombudsman. She has also worked in various positions serving children and families.

How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?

Lisa oversees the Veteran Self-Directed Program. She explains that they currently partner with the Clement J. Zablocki in Milwaukee, the Tomah VAMC, the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Middleton (Madison), and the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago, serving Veterans in each of their catchment areas. Based on a thorough assessment, the Veteran Self-Directed program allows for Veterans to determine their services and caregivers to meet their needs and live as independently as possible. “We joined the SD Network years ago to connect with others and to hear new and creative ways participants are being served,” she says. 

Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?

Lisa shares that GWAAR is excited to continue to grow and to potentially expand the number of Veterans they are able to serve.  They started out back in 2010 with a grant to be able to serve 25 Veterans enrolled at the Clement J. Zablocki VAMC in Milwaukee who resided in four counties in Southeastern WI. They were able to expand to include the entire catchment area. She explains that they added Tomah in 2015 and served their entire catchment area. In 2016, North Chicago asked them to serve Veterans who were enrolled at their VA and resided in WI. And just last year, they were able to implement a program in Madison. They currently serve 110 Veterans and continue to work to expand the program statewide.

What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?

One tip Lisa has for people who want to be more self-determine is: “don’t be afraid to ask for something you want/need as related to your assessed needs that could enhance the quality of your life.”  She says that so many people think of every day services such as person care and supportive home care. While those are often needed, they have been able to provide Veterans with quality of life resources/activities including additional caregiving for vacations and family activities.

What are some of your hobbies?

Lisa is an avid reader and is currently in two book clubs--one for over 21 years. She also has a passion for fashion, so much so that she owns her own women’s boutique. She brings her skills there in helping women feel beautiful and confident. “Both qualities that help with self-determination to live the best life possible,” she says.

***We love hearing the views and opinions of Network members. We need to mention that the views and opinions expressed on this site are those of the person who is sharing them. They do not necessarily reflect InControl Wisconsin or any of our supporters and funders.