Typically this series does not include much back story, but in this case there is a lot to tell, and it provides an interesting tale. So here it goes….
The young girl’s mother tied the contraband even tighter so it was well-concealed beneath the her bulky coat. The customs staff looked imposing, and the young girl was very nervous. Clearly, her mom was also concerned about passing through without her daughter being found out. Ultimately, she was processed uneventfully, her mother was able to retrieve the goods, and they were on their way to join up with others already in America.
Thought you should know that Philomena Willems – AKA Philo (PHIL o) – from our Viroqua office had a memorable introduction to America as a smuggler. Not what you may be thinking…her mom was trying to retain a taste of their homeland of Holland in the form of homemade sausages. Might seem strange today, but in 1956 the world was a much different place. Philo came to America with her family from Holland in 1956 and the family worked their way from Hoboken, NJ to Chicago.
Philo with her parents and brother on the boat from the Neterlands in 1956
Why Chicago? Interesting story….Back in Holland Philo’s family adopted the grave of a WWII soldier to maintain, and eventually became friends with the soldier’s widow. That friendship developed to the point that the widow – from Chicago – ended up as the family’s sponsor for immigrating to America. Sponsorship at the time meant she was responsible for helping her dad get a job, and securing a place to live for the family which included an older brother as well as her mom and dad.
As an aside, you should note that Philo has dual citizenship, having become a US citizen. She is definitely not ambivalent about either country – she know each has positives and negatives. She may, however, be one of FCC’s only dual citizenship people!
Philo grew up in the Chicago but her story had yet another turn to bring her to Wisconsin. In 1976 she and her husband were “vanning” in SW Wisconsin and liked it so much they decided to make it their home. They bought a 60 acre spread and set about clearing a spot to build a home. They still live on that 
spread where she and her husband, Ernest, and raised two kids – Wade and Risa who are now grown. There is also a start on the next generation as Risa has a son named Tripper. As empty nesters much of her and Ernest’s free time is still invested in “working the property” such as tending a large garden and managing the woods.
Philo and Ernest’s version of American Gothic, taken while the couple were building their house in 1981
Philo joined Douglas Mental Health Center in Viroqua in 1990 where she worked the front desk at first and then became a Mental Health Tech. If you know your FCC history you know Douglas merged with FCC in 1991. Philo continued in her role for over 25 years with the intent to retire in February 2016. The closest she got, however, was moving back to the front desk as a part time employee. She still works there three days a week.
Most of Viroqua’s activity is centered around the Community Support Program (CSP) for adults who have persistent mental illness, often with a substance abuse factor. , with over 70 consumers. Community Support Services Strive (CCS for Vernon and Crawford Counties) is very much a “CSP lite” program for those who do not need as much support as CSP offers, and many are former CSP consumers.
Philo and Angie Endicott working on one of the office printers in Viroqua
CCS Strive serves over 20 consumers. Outpatient Services in Viroqua – for a wide range of clients – involves around 120 participants. Finally, the Domestic Abuse Program (DAP) is an intervention program for acute needs, but does not include a residential facility. DAP serves mostly adults but also includes children, serving over 60 people each year. Viroqua is an active office with many of the clients coming into the office each day. Although a lot of time is spent in the community clients and supports, you will always find some of the staff on hand at Viroqua.
Philo’s son, Wade. Can you tell he’s not a fan of having his picture taken?
Philo’s daughter Risa and her son Tripper.
Here’s how a day in the life of Philo unfolds:
6:00 Philo starts the day with coffee but doesn’t eat breakfast until well into the morning consisting of fruit and nuts. After hearing her story you didn’t expect something “conventional” from her did you?
8:00 She starts her day by checking messages and the TO DO file for where things were left off the day before.
8:30 Clients start coming in and Philo is responsible for checking in those with an appointment and managing intake paperwork for those visiting for the first time. Client work also includes confirming eligibility for insurance or medical assistance which can be quite involved – rarely a one-call deal!
10:00 Mail processing includes a trip to the local post office to collect the day’s mail from the PO box and drop off outgoing mail.
12:00 Philo likes to get out for a walk weather permitting. She does whatever she can to stay fit! Lunch typically involves a healthy protein choice – often sardines in mustard (don’t knock it ‘til you try it!) or tuna.
1:00 Back to managing the flow of clients and the never-ending phone calls. Philo estimates she takes well over 50 calls each day.
5:00 Time to wrap things up and head home.
6:00 A walk down the road is a popular way for her to unwind at the end of the day, and may involve taking some pictures which she has found increasingly enjoyable. Nothing technical or a fancy camera – just finding the beauty and design in nature around her – clouds, shadows, images on asphalt, etc.
A view of the backyard of the Willem’s homestead outside of Viroqua, WI. Note the dog walking away….he’s kinda indifferent to pictures too!
7:00 Philo describe her approach to dinner as “more grazing than cooking a meal”. Don’t let that kid, you though…she is a notoriously healthy eater!
7:30 Evenings may find her knitting or watching a documentary on Netflix (they don’t watch broadcast TV). One of her favorite indulgences has been Ken Burns’ documentary on Viet Nam.
12:00 Midnight As a self-professed night owl the ‘day’ ends well after dark but definitely before the birds start singing!
Picture (l to r) are Philo’s brother John and sis Cecilia, Philo and her mom Therese almost three April’s ago in the Netherlands