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Mary’s Future Looks Bright!

Jul 02, 2007

Six years after her enrollment, Marys family is so happy to have found Elim! Elim offers Mary a Christian atmosphere as well as security and understanding, said Marys mom, Catherine. Elim reinforces our familys Christian values. It gives Mary an opportunity to learn and succeed. She has been given the chance to learn work skills and then practice them in a work environment. At Elim, she has gained self-esteem. She knows that she is a worthwhile person.

Currently, Mary holds a position in Elims mail room. Several times each week, she busily laminates, makes copies, distributes and picks up the mail, and even works a die-cutting machine. Bonnie Harper, Marys supervisor, is thrilled to have Marys help. She said, My goal is to teach her the skills and work ethic needed when she gets a job out in the community, and Mary is doing very well. She picks up new skills very quickly. She is very precise in the jobs she does. She has a great attitude. She is also learning how to work with other people.

Elim also offers Mary the opportunity to learn other important skills out in the community. Before working in the mailroom, Mary worked washing furniture at Rest Haven nursing home. In the fall, she worked in Rest Havens laundry room. On Friday mornings, Mary and her classmates visit a local church where they pass out mail. So far, Mary has been successful in each position she has held.

Marys opportunities at Elim have extended far beyond learning vocational skills. Active in Elims choir, basketball team, and Young Life programs, Mary has many friends among Elims staff and students. During her time at Elim, she has also made great academic strides, especially in the areas of language comprehension and math skills.

While Mary has been a great student at Elim, shes been a great teacher for her friends and family. Catherine explains, Mary has taught us about love, patience, and acceptance. Weve learned to be flexible and to not give up. We can see Gods beauty and holiness in Mary and our other two children with special needs. I believe my husband and I have learned much more from her than she has from us.

Though no one is sure what life will hold for Mary after graduation, her family is certain Elim has prepared her for it. Catherine said, Elim has been so good for Mary. Scholastically, shes learning all of the time. The staff has always known how to address not only her physical needs but her emotional needs, too. Elim has offered her so many things that she wouldnt have had without it.