Lynda Wheeler retired in 2000 after working 25 years at Zeigler Colonial Manor in Zeigler, Il. In 2010 her cousin Verna Webb called her and said “I need you to come and help me run a resale shop called  HELEN HONEYS named after  Mom” Lynda asked some questions and was told she could work part time. She would be working with intellectually disabled clients at the shop. These special friends would be paid minimum wages which would enable them to attend Cardinal baseball games and other events.  She was hooked, and asked Verna “When do I start?”

Back track:1

            Lynda’s grandmother Verna Houghlan was one of the first to share her home with residents from the Anna State Hospital in Anna where she lived. Starting with 3 clients and ending up with 13 clients at one time. She started this in 1947 and it led to a “family affair”

            At the age of 5 Lynda can remember her parents first facility in Johnston City. She remembers the three-storyhouse and how the clients became family to her. Her compassion and love for these clients began at a very early age and has not changed in all those years

            In 1965-66 her parents built a large facility, because their first house was destroyed by fire, This great facility was called Maple House. After many successful years in Johnston City, her parents, Red and Jetta , built a new modern home  in 1975 called Zeigler Colonial Manor. It was at this time Lynda Sue started working full time at this home enjoying the companionship of these residents

    Back track:2

You have heard the phrase “It’s in their blood”. For Lynda this is very true! Her Grandmother started the Shelter Care tradition. Her parents then got daughterTerra Pottocki and sister Helen Anderson to run the facility. Other family members with homes included sisters, Hattie Houghlan, Dorothy Henard, Rachel Dodson,and Joann Keller. Niece Pat Chamness also jumped into this business, all back in the late 60’s and early 70’s.