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Growing In Happiness and Tranquility

Apr 24, 2008

Each family of an individual served at Elim sees evidence of growth in different ways. According to Cathy Davis, mother of Adult Service’s client Kailen, this personal growth is most evident in Kailen’s newly tranquil spirit. Cathy explains, “There’s a calmness and quietness to Kailen since she started in the Adult Service’s program. Kailen has always been a happy girl but lately she’s calmer. She’s grown much more independent and less stubborn. She’s even much more expressive in her speech.”

Kailen, a ten year veteran of Elim Christian Services, transitioned from Elim’s high school to the Adult Services program this fall. She’s taking full advantage of all of the opportunities the program offers, enrolling in classes like photography and scrap booking. She also loves being out in the community and frequently participates in community service projects and field trips when she is not earning a paycheck in Elim’s workshop.

A naturally friendly and outgoing girl, Kailen has easily made friends with the other clients in Adult Services. Her social circle expanded even more when she recently began dating another boy from Elim. Her family is excited to see the happiness this relationship is bringing her. Cathy explains, “Kailen and John’s relationship is very sweet and very pure. It’s so meaningful for them to have this friendship. We’ve always wanted Kailen to have diverse friendships and as many opportunities as possible.”

Because the Davis’s didn’t feel their local school district could afford Kailen the social and academic opportunities she deserved, they fought their school district for financial assistance in sending her to Elim. Unfortunately, they lost their fight but still it felt it important enough to pay out of pocket and enroll her anyway.

Ten years later, the Davis family feels strongly that they made the right decision. “As a mother, it’s so important to me to see Kailen happy and content. Each person at Elim has touched our and Kailen’s life in wonderful ways. There are no words that can adequately express our gratitude for Elim and the services it provides.”