Jonathon loves Goldy, his golden retriever. Whenever his parents go out of town, it's Jonathon's responsibility to walk, feed and look after Goldy. Who would have thought that his love for Goldy would lead to Jonathon's own paper shredding business, but it did!

“When Center for Independent Futures (CIF) was contacted by the Anti Cruelty Society in search of volunteers to shred papers, I immediately thought of Jonathon because of his love for dogs,” says Rob Larson, Jonathon's life skills tutor. “It soon became apparent that Jonathon had found a new love. He loved shredding papers!” exclaims Rob. “We shredded papers for several days, and each day Jonathon was as excited about the work as the day we started!”

The dogs at the shelter were now an afterthought; Jonathon wanted to start his own shredding business. Jonathon shared his dream with his Full Life Future Planning™ (FLFP) Team, and within a month Jonathon was shredding papers in his parent's basement every Friday. Jonathon worked closely with his parents and the FLFP Team to develop a business plan, business cards, and practice conversation skills. He appropriately named his new venture “My Shredding Business."

“The Full Life Future Planning™ process has been so meaningful for Jonathon and our family,” says Bonnie Dohogne, Jonathon’s mom. “In addition to his business, Jonathon has expressed and lived out other dreams because of this process. He’s an avid Cubs Fan and dreamed of going to Wrigley Field on his own. Before our work with CIF, we didn’t think this was possible. The FLFP Team developed a process of mobility and cell phone training, and Jon took many trips to Wrigley Field with his Dad, Leo. Then, one opening day, Jonathon went by himself. The impossible became possible.”

“In addition, CIF staff have been so supportive of Jonathon,” states Bonnie. “One of Jonathon’s passions is with Ford Trucks – specifically the F150. While moving about town, he is always on the lookout for F150s, and is excited about each F150 citing. So, Barry Siegel, one of Jonathon’s tutors, arranged to go for a ‘test drive.’ A ride in an F150…he was absolutely thrilled!”