Citizen Advocacy of Washington County

After a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer Joanne Schlenvogt passed away on Tuesday, October 18, 2011. Joanne and Adam had in many ways become the face of Citizen Advocacy over the past decade. Many in the West Bend area knew them as they were often seen around town shopping, going out to eat and just being good citizens. They were always together. When people came to Citizen Advocacy to ask about what we did, we'd tell them the story of Joanne and Adam. The story told, no one was in doubt as to what advocacy was all about. To put it simply: unselfish devotion and love. Joanne will be missed. If there is a need for an advocate in heaven, were sure she will be first in line.

Joanne and Adam

Joanne and Adam have been in each other’s lives for almost 15 years. It all started when Joanne applied to be an advocate at the Citizen Advocacy office. At the time, Adam was thought of as a “trouble-maker” and was having problems at home. The first time they met was at Adam’s home. When 13-year old Adam opened the door for Joanne, the first words out of his mouth were “Hi Buddy!” Joanne knew at that moment that her life would change forever. Adam and Joanne fondly recall their first outing at McDonald’s, and Adam has still not forgotten what he had to eat that day: Hamburger and Fries.

The two of them love to talk about their history together. Some good times, and some bad, but they both are so happy to have each other. Joanne says it was a match made in heaven. With Joanne in Adam’s life, he has gained the right to vote (he hasn’t missed a single election since that day), attained a job in the community, become team manager for the West Bend East High School football team, started a band, bought his own bike and earned his own way to Disney World, moved into a loving and caring home with Joanne, and is known and respected by his surrounding community. With Adam in Joanne’s life she has come out of her shell because of Adam’s outgoing nature, she has learned to fight for what she believes (and never take no for an answer) and she has gained someone that she can share her time with. Adam makes Joanne’s life fuller and more meaningful. Things are just plain more enjoyable when Adam is with her.

This tight-knit relationship did not blossom without a few hurdles. Joanne underwent a series of surgeries after she met Adam that ultimately concluded her working life at a very young age. She made up her mind that life was going to change, but she had a lot of questions and doubts about herself and her abilities. When Adam needed a home at age 18, she wasn’t sure what to do. When somebody suggested to Joanne that she could become an adult group home provider for Adam, she seriously questioned whether or not she had the ability. But, Joanne’s determined nature led her to move from her farm home to a new home closer to school for Adam in West Bend. Joanne’s friends and family were readily accepting of these changes in her life. These changes meant that she wasn’t as free to go where she pleased and when she pleased. But eventually everyone understood that where Joanne goes, so does Adam.

Joanne and Adam have been changed forever. Neither can fathom what life would be like without each other because their lives are so intertwined, but they both agree on this: life would look pretty bleak for both of them.

Sarah Johnson
Program Coordinator

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