A New Opportunity for Linda

January 21, 2022

Linda came to Elim when she was in fifth grade. Like all students, Linda was also busy participating in things like cross-country, basketball, and softball. She loved being involved in activities and tried just about everything Elim had to offer. That still holds true today. Linda is now in the adult services program, where she is provided with an array of opportunities to be involved with different classes and activities, such as worship team. She also spends time intentionally participating in the community, opportunities that are available because of Elim’s community-based programming.

Elim is dedicated to providing community-based programming, like seeking jobs in the community for adults with disabilities, jobs they might not receive elsewhere. 

Linda has multiple jobs and continues to stay busy. She works maintenance for a nearby residential program where she performs weekly building checks, and has even done some drywalling and painting. She also paints dumpsters and washes trucks through Elim’s partnership with SET Environmental. Linda enjoys working with her hands and recalls learning from her dad and always helping him with various tasks growing up, such as cutting the grass and planting flowers. 

A New Opportunity

Recently Glenn Electric (a local small motor-repair company) reached out, desiring to build a long-term relationship with Elim. The owners wanted to provide jobs to Elim adults and benefit their company by hiring a few extra hands (which many companies sorely need these days). RoseAnn Bultema, Elim’s job coach for adults, recommended Linda. 

The company then interviewed and hired her! Linda said she felt confident going into the interview thanks to her “Pathway to Employment” class at Elim, which helped her gain essential interviewing skills. 

Linda has been with the company for a couple months now and really enjoys it. She was trained to wash, dry, and sandblast motors and has caught on right away. She looks forward to growing in this job opportunity and hopes to eventually learn how to assemble and disassemble the motors. 

One of Linda’s co-workers stated, “Linda is performing well, and we are proud to have her as part of our company family!” 

Linda’s Advice to Others

Having been a part of many different jobs and various educational activities, Linda is grateful for all the opportunities she is provided that she could only get at Elim. She hopes to take her knowledge and help teach someone else one day. 

Her advice to others is “always take an opportunity while it’s presented to you.” She would also recommend preparing yourself when going into an interview. 

You provided Linda with these opportunities. Elim hopes to continue transitioning more adult participants into community-based programming to thrive in their community and use their God-given gifts.