Patrick’s Story: Part of Your Community

Who ensures you are a part of your community? Friends, family, yourself?

Patrick Duffy is an individual who values community and likes learning about people through conversations. He lights up when he talks about his family and his favorite hobbies, Harley-Davidson motorcycles and swimming. Patrick is kind, easy-going, and respectful. Patrick’s network of family and friends at EEI empower him to do what he loves.

Patrick has a brain injury, which has impacted his life. However, the support he receives from family and EEI help him pursue the community access and activities he wants to do.

Patrick grew up in Stillwater, Minnesota. He comes from a caring family. His mother was a third-grade teacher, and his father was a prison guard. Patrick attended school in Stillwater. After school Patrick went into the workforce. He worked in Stillwater as a boxer on a production line.

Patrick started a family. He has two daughters, Ashley and Dakota. He is excited to talk about his daughters; he proudly shows his tattoo with their names. Patrick is also eager to share he is a grandpa.

Patrick got an anoxic brain injury, which is when someone’s brain does not get oxygen for a period of time, and brain cells start to die. His brain injury is not something he likes to talk about.

Patrick started at EEI in June of 2016. He has been at EEI for nearly ten years. While at EEI Patrick has been involved in a few programs. Patrick worked in the recycling shop, as well as on an evening crew, where he enjoyed seeing his work friends and having a job in the community. He also attended the Work Skills Development program, a classroom setting where individuals participate in activities to help develop work skills.

Patrick is now attending the Discover program. Located downtown Little Falls, Minnesota, the program focuses on community involvement through outings and activities. Patrick says, “It’s downtown. I think it’s nice.” Individuals and staff make good use of the location, often taking walks to the businesses and parks in the area.

Patrick belongs to an incredible community.

Patrick appreciates the experience he gains at EEI. He likes spending time with people and can do so through EEI programs.

Patrick enjoys participating in the local community. The staff at EEI ensure everyone is involved in their community and every individual’s unique strengths are embraced.

Patrick goes into his community with support!

Patrick has the goal of being in his community and participating in the activities he wants to do. Being at EEI, with the support he has, allows him to make his goals a reality. He enjoys spending time with people he knows. He is supported at EEI through individualized programming.

His EEI friends and staff support his goal of engaging in community activities.

Patrick is happy at EEI, being in the community and doing activities with his peers.

Although his disability impacts him, Patrick can pursue the goal of engaging in community and personalized activities, which he finds at EEI.