My Why: Heather W.

Our “My Why” series highlights stories from our PPL employees, sharing the personal motivations behind their commitment to helping others access in-home care through self-direction. Hear directly from the individuals who bring our mission to life, and be sure to check back regularly as new stories are released.

I began this journey as a single mother raising three children. My middle son was diagnosed with Autism and was nonverbal at the time. Like many parents in similar situations, I was navigating uncertainty while doing everything I could to ensure my children had stability and support. 

When I enrolled my son in the PPP program, my consultant encouraged me to apply for a position within the organization. At first, I hesitated. As the sole provider for my family, I was cautious about change and grateful for a job that worked around my children’s schedules. However, when a position opened and that same consultant shared the opportunity, I decided to take the leap and apply. 

That decision changed my life. 

Working here (at PPL) has given me the opportunity to be part of a community that truly understands the challenges families face. Every day, I have the privilege of helping individuals remain in their homes, surrounded by people they trust and who care deeply about them. Supporting families and individuals who are often vulnerable is work that carries deep meaning for me. 

I am also proud to share that through years of hard work, dedication, and support, my son is now fully verbal and accomplishing things doctors once told me he might never do. That experience has shaped the way I approach both my life and my work. It reminds me every day that progress is possible, and that persistence and support can make an extraordinary difference. 

Because of this, I strive to encourage others facing similar challenges to never give up and to continue doing the best they can each day. 

I remain incredibly grateful to the consultant who encouraged me to apply at PPL. This role has strengthened my confidence and resilience and given me a profound sense of purpose. Each day I wake up proud of the work I do and the people we serve. Being able to contribute to a mission that helps others maintain dignity, independence, and care in their own homes is truly a blessing. 

There was a specific moment that truly reinforced how meaningful this work is to me. A mother once broke down in front of me —she was scared, overwhelmed, and filled with uncertainty about her child’s future. In that moment, I shared my own story and the journey I had experienced with my son. As we talked, I could see the shift in her expression; the fear began to soften, and hope started to take its place. 

That moment reminded me why this work matters so much. Being able to connect with families, offer understanding, and provide hope during some of their most difficult moments is incredibly powerful. Knowing that my experience could help someone else find the courage to keep moving forward made me realize just how meaningful this work truly is.