A Lifelong Journey with a Disability: How VersAbility Resources Transformed the Lives of Jocelyn and the Hilker Family

When Jocelyn Hilker was born, her parents, John and Lisa, had no idea of the challenges they would face raising a child with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. Diagnosed at six-months-old, Jocelyn’s disability presented daily struggles for the Hilker family. But when the family discovered VersAbility Resources, it became the turning point in their journey. It provided a solution for Jocelyn’s needs.

Early Struggles and Growing Needs

Jocelyn’s condition was challenging from the start, and as she grew older, the obstacles became even more apparent.

“When you raise a child with a disability such as Jocelyn, when they’re young, there is so much support, but as she got older, it became less and less available,” John said. “That put a tremendous amount of stress on our family.”

Jocelyn’s disability is degenerative, meaning as she aged, her abilities diminished.

“By age 10 or 12,” John said, “she had lived the best years of her life. She lost some functions and memory, and it was hard on us as parents.”

The Hilker family found themselves in a tough spot, balancing the constant care Jocelyn required with their own lives.

 “The family unit all becomes about Jocelyn’s needs,” Lisa said. “And rightfully so. But as parents, you lose a little of yourself in the process.”

A New Beginning with VersAbility

Everything changed when the Hilkers found VersAbility. It wasn’t just a new care provider—it was a fresh start.

“When we found VersAbility,” John said, “it was like a breath of fresh air. It allowed Jocelyn to find independence, and for us as parents, it was life-changing.”

The Hikers discovered the Cloverleaf House, part of the community living program provided by VersAbility, and it became Jocelyn’s new home.

VersAbility provides community living and residential services at eight residential homes in Hampton, Newport News and York County. VersAbility works directly with people seeking housing support, aging parents needing assistance for adult children, families who plan to move their loved ones out of an institution or those who want a more independent living option nearby.

Caring staff provides support 24/7/365.

Finding VersAbility, for the Hilkers, was the turning point in Jocelyn’s journey to a more independent life.

“Once we found VersAbility and the Cloverleaf House, Jocelyn could go under their care and start to live more independently,” Lisa said. “It was remarkable, probably better for her than for us.”

The Power of Independence and Care

With VersAbility’s support, Jocelyn could have new opportunities. The staff at Cloverleaf House provides daily care that allows Jocelyn to make choices in her life, which was hard to achieve while living with her parents.

“Her ability to make decisions independently became real for her. And it has been a huge benefit,” John said.

Jocelyn now enjoys outings, activities and her own space.

“She loves decorating her room with butterflies, flowers and things around her,” Lisa said. “It’s her personal space. And it’s allowed her to thrive in ways we never imagined.”

Reclaiming Life for the Whole Family

As much as VersAbility helped Jocelyn, it also supported the Hilker family as a whole. The weight of caregiving that once fell solely on John and Lisa’s shoulders was now shared by VersAbility’s professional staff.

“The stress is gone now,” John said. “When we see Jocelyn, we can have fun. We’re not always considering her needs because VersAbility takes care of that.”

The Hilkers can now enjoy time with Jocelyn as a family without the emotional and physical exhaustion of constant caregiving.

“It was like a huge weight was lifted off our shoulders,” Lisa said. “We still get to be parents but don’t have to manage everything anymore.”

Advice to Other Families

John and Lisa’s story is one of hope and relief, and they want other families facing similar challenges to know that help is available.

 “If you have a child or loved one with disabilities and you’re struggling, I encourage you to consider VersAbility,” Lisa said. “It was the best decision for us and Jocelyn.”

 “Our lives have improved dramatically, but more importantly,” John said, “Jocelyn’s life has improved. I can’t recommend VersAbility enough.”

How You Can Help

VersAbility Resources empowers individuals like Jocelyn. You can support the mission by donating, volunteering, and spreading awareness.