It's MyPath's 40th Anniversary! View our electronic booklet that's filled with historical information, fun facts, employee owner, and client & student success stories. Click here to view the anniversary booklet!

James V's Story

If I could do it all over again, I would have started caregiving years ago. Coming to work for Homes for Independent Living (HIL), A MyPath Company, saved my life. It gave me back my self-worth, improved my physical health, and strengthened my mental well-being.

Portrait of MyPath Employee, James VanPatten

"This company exemplifies the kind of leadership that truly cares for the people they serve. They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself and trusted me to make a difference."

"You come here to work for the clients, but also for yourself. Working here enhances your own mental health in ways you don’t even realize. Excellence inspires excellence."

For nearly five years, James VanPatten has been a dedicated Owner at Homes for Independent Living (HIL), A MyPath Company. Known for his friendly demeanor and willingness to lend a hand, James is described by supervisors and colleagues as someone who brings joy and positivity to everyone around him. He consistently goes above and beyond to enrich the lives of both clients and fellow Owners, making it a daily goal to bring smiles to those he encounters.

Over the years, James has worked as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) across numerous programs and is well-known throughout the organization. As a Crisis Respite employee, he has never hesitated to step in and assist at any type of program, even traveling to help in five different HIL regions.

Before joining HIL, James served as a combat Marine and later worked in manufacturing until he had an early retirement due to disability. Despite retiring, he felt compelled to try caregiving and found his true calling the moment he helped a client navigate a challenging behavioral event, leaving them with a smile. "If I could do it all over again, I would have started caregiving years ago. Coming to work for HIL saved my life. It gave me back my self-worth, improved my physical health, and strengthened my mental well-being."

As an Owner, James values the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of HIL clients. He deeply appreciates the leadership at HIL, describing them as compassionate and empathetic. "This company exemplifies the kind of leadership that truly cares for the people they serve. They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself and trusted me to make a difference."

Thank you, James, for the incredible impact you’ve made over the past five years. We are grateful for your dedication and look forward to the many lives you will continue to touch in the years ahead!

Find your perfect fit

We know how important it is to find a workplace that fits you — from coworkers that you connect with to doing work that fills your heart and soul. It’s why we encourage people to explore their options. We have 10 MyPath companies and 150 locations that allow you to find the place that perfectly fits you.

Portrait of MyPath Employee, Kristina

Working at a MyPath Company

Our employees are why MyPath companies work so well for the people we serve. They’re the reason we’re 100% employee-owned and have nine MyPath companies and 150 locations throughout Wisconsin and Indiana. To help take care of the future of our people, employees who are with us for a year, with over 1000 hours of work, begin to receive company-funded MyPath stock shares. After that first year, continued employment with us means continued growth in the number of company shares you receive.

This culture of ownership goes beyond stock. As an employee owner, you can expect transparency, respect and appreciation. If you are called to help others and be part of something bigger, MyPath can help you explore opportunities throughout its many organizations.