Sarah’s Story: Resilience and Determination

Who belongs to your support network?

Meet Sarah Strahl, a shining example of resilience and determination. Sarah is supported by her family and friends, who see her as persistent, strong-willed, an appreciator of her community, and someone who starts what she finishes. Her connections with her family, her friends, and EEI empower Sarah to enjoy what she loves and access her community.

Sarah has developmental delays and autism, as well as the neurological disorder, epilepsy. However, her passion for community and the support she receives at EEI enable her to pursue her interests.

Sarah was born in Washington, D.C. and lived there for her first seven months. At that time, she and her parents, Carroll and Becky Strahl moved to the family farm in Randall, Minnesota. At the age of three Sarah started her special education preschool program. Sarah loves animals and like to help care for the calves, pigs, cats and chickens on the farm. When Sarah threw one cob of corn to the pigs, Becky would have to quickly toss in others so there wouldn’t be a chaotic pig pile.

Sarah continued special education schooling in Little Falls. Sarah loved school. Most days, she was picked up from school by her dad, who was her buddy. Becky worked at Little Falls Community High School for 27 years as a Spanish teacher. If Sarah passed by Becky’s classroom during the day, she would run past, not wanting to leave school yet. Sarah graduated in 1999. After high school, Sarah participated in a program designed to develop skills for independent adulthood, taking on tasks such as shredding paper at local community businesses, housekeeping, shopping and cooking.

In 2002, Sarah started at EEI. At this time, Sarah was mobile. She worked in the recycling shop shredding paper and picking up trash. She also attended classroom activities. Sarah knew familiar faces from her time working in the community and attending school. The staff and individuals at EEI became “a work family,” said Becky.

Tragically, in 2008, Sarah experienced a fall that resulted in a concussion and skull fracture. She previously had an occasional seizure but had many more after her injury, and because of the seizures she became less mobile. Instead of working in the shop, Sarah began focusing on social and group activities at EEI.

In 2019, Sarah underwent brain surgery. Before the surgery, Sarah had seizures up to 22 days a month. After the surgery, she now has seizures only a few days a month. While she was recovering from surgery and not attending EEI, her EEI friends eagerly waited for her to return.

Sarah is an integral part of an incredible community.

Sarah has been at EEI for 23 years. Becky and Sarah love the experience at EEI, whether in the recycling shop, the Gap, or any other program. Becky said, “EEI is really person-centered; the activities that are good for Sarah are not necessarily good for another individual. EEI is conscious of Sarah’s wants and medical needs. It’s been a wonderful program. Sarah’s workmates and buddies are concerned about each other. They care when she’s gone or is having a bad day.”

Sarah enjoys being out in the community. Becky said, “The variety of activities and community outings are wonderful.” Becky remembers a time when there was a concern whether a group with special needs should go out as a group, wondering “Will people look at us?” Becky said, “Who cares!” The staff at EEI ensures everyone is involved in their community, embracing the unique strengths and challenges of everyone.

Becky gives high praise to EEI staff. “Linda is invaluable because of her experience. Judy is a second mother. They are a fantastic team—Donna, Jeanne, Tim and Veronica. The people who have been at EEI for years are great, the people who are new to EEI are great,” said Becky.

Sarah goes into her community with support!

Sarah has the goal of being in her community and participating in the activities she wants to do. Being at EEI, with the support she has, allows her to make her goals a reality. She enjoys spending time with people she knows, going on road trips, shopping, getting manicures, and putting together puzzles. All her hobbies are supported at EEI through individualized programming.

Her EEI friends and staff support her goal of engaging in community activities.

Sarah is happy at EEI. When Becky comes to visit, she spends time with Sarah in the classroom, putting together puzzles or helping her through snack time. However, when it’s time for Becky to leave, Sarah wheels alongside Becky to show her out the door. Becky jokes that Sarah is trying to get rid of her, but knows Sarah is excited to get back to program activities. Becky asks, “Can you say ‘goodbye,’ Sarah?” Sarah responds, “Goodbye.” Becky says, “Can you say ‘I love you,’ Sarah?” Sarah replies, “I love you.”

Sarah is happy at EEI, being in the community and doing activities with her peers.

Although her disability impacts her mobility, Sarah can pursue the goal of engaging in community and personalized activities, which she finds at EEI.