When Justice Wollenburg was in high school, he wanted to audition for a school play.

His mother, Michelle, wasn’t sure how that would go.

Justice is the youngest of her four children and the only one with a disability, so she was feeling, understandably, protective. 

But his older sister Jaela advocated for him and encouraged her parents to let him try.

“She said, ‘Mom, Justice can do it,’” Michelle remembered. “And we stepped outside our comfort zone and he tried out.”

Years later, Jaela is still a force in her brother’s life, encouraging him to make connections and build relationships. As his independent provider, she helps him pursue his interests and try new things.

“You can do anything you want,” she tells him, often following that with a fist bump. 

Together, they put that into practice every week, maintaining a schedule that is packed full of fun, Michelle said. 

“He has always had a good life,” she said.  “But now he has the best life ever. Everywhere they go, they are making friends.”

A week in the life:

Monday: Justice is off to work at Bitty and Beau’s in Upper Arlington, where he works as a caller. When he’s not using the microphone to let people know their order is ready, he’s often singing songs from his favorite film, “The Wizard of Oz” or tunes from Big Time Rush. Since he started working at the coffee shop, Justice has built friendships and his confidence has grown.

The music continues into the evening as Justice attends rehearsal for the Land of Legend Barbershop Chorus. He was recently recruited to the group and has enjoyed putting on his bowtie and straw hat for performances. They are preparing for a big concert at the Weathervane Playhouse this May. 

Tuesdays and Thursdays: Depending on the time of year, Justice can be found either in the cafeteria at Alive Vineyard Academy serving lunch or at the concession stand at the Heath Waterpark, helping with maintenance jobs. 

At first, it took Justice some time to adjust to the sounds and chaos of both busy places. But now he has built friendships and can often be seen giving kids fist bumps.

Wednesdays:  Not only do Justice and Jaela enjoy their regular bowling night, but they have also started working out at Always Forward Crossfit. Justice works with a trainer and enjoys rowing and lifting weights on Wednesdays and Fridays. 

Fridays: This is one of the busiest days of the week. Jaela and Justice spend most of the day working on their sourdough bread business, Sundae Loaf. For the last four years, they’ve sold their sourdough breads and cookies at local farmers markets and online. Fridays are when customers come to pick up their orders and Justice is the self-described “bread boy/ marketer/people-person.” As people arrive at their home, he runs out with their orders. 

“He’s got a selling smile and people want to see his face,” Jaela said. “He’s perfect at (talking to people) so we compliment each other well, that’s why we are in business together.”

Other activities that are sprinkled throughout their calendar include Special Olympics — he’s currently preparing for the state basketball tournament and will transition to track and field — the Forever Friends group at his church, pickleball, cardio drumming at the Y, trips to the library and regular meetings of LCBDD’s PAWS Pet Club.  

“At the end of the day, we are just best friends who get to work together, which is amazing,” Jaela said.

The right fit for a great life

Growing up, Jaela and her brothers, Jackson and Judah, always stood up for their little brother, but inclusion was just a part of their lives. 

“We wouldn’t make a big deal about it,” Michelle said. “He was just, Justice.”

With such a strong support system, Justice thrived as a student at Heath High School, participating in band, theater and choir. 

But after graduating high school, he lost a major source of connection. The Wollenburgs tried to find a provider for Justice, but faced challenges finding the right fit. That changed when a friend recommended that Jaela become a provider. 

“I didn’t realize I could do that,” she said. “I thought, if it has to be someone, why not someone who is his best friend — and he is my best friend.”

For some families, working with an independent provider can be a great option. Instead of being employed by an agency, they are certified by — and work directly for — the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD).

LCBDD has a Provider Support Coordinator, Shanay Nye, who supports these providers and helps new ones enter the field. 

After going through training and becoming certified, Jaela was ready to help her brother live his best life.

“It’s been so wonderful to see their friendship and their relationships flourish,” Michelle said. “Justice has just blossomed.”

Now the Wollenburgs want to share their story, to encourage people who would make great independent providers to learn more about the opportunity.

“Our community is in need of providers,” Michelle said. “It’s such a fulfilling, rewarding profession.”

If you are interested in becoming an Independent Provider in Licking County please visit https://lcountydd.org/independent-providers/. You can also contact Shanay Nye at Shanay.Nye@lcountydd.org.

Photos provided by the Wollenburg family.