A Bundle of Joy

May 15, 2023

Elim’s campus is filled with blessings at every turn. Whether it is the interactions between our staff and students or the gleeful dancing to worship music in our Adult Services buildings, the blessings we witness are bountiful. For Liam and his family, they witness first-hand how these interactions positively affect their lives.

The first thing you’ll notice about Liam is his wonderful laugh and smile. You can always find him giggling no matter what task he works on in class. His sweet-natured temperament and silly personality make him an absolute bundle of joy.

At a young age, Liam was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Because of the sensory and educational needs that accompanied his diagnosis, his home school district recommended Elim to his family – and the rest is history.

“He is very sensory seeking and needs structure,” explains Liam’s mom, Karla. “Elim is consistent and offers that full support and communication.” The staff at Elim provides Liam with four-minute activity intervals. During these intervals, he spends time concentrating on the task given by his teacher. After four minutes, he can choose a break activity – and his favorites include trampolining, riding a safety bike, and going on a wagon ride. This program is designed to keep Liam engaged and focused while providing him with an outlet to release his energy.

Liam uses a PODD Communication System to interact with his teacher and paraprofessionals in the classroom setting. This device allows Liam to tell others how he is feeling, what he wants to do next, and ways he would like to calm down, if that is what he needs. This kind of communication device helps Liam build relationships and trust with the people around him – a skill his mother loves to see emerging in his personality. The staff diligently work to teach Liam more ways he can use his device, and his communication skills continue to improve and grow every day. Even more important, the person who decides what Liam communicates is himself and no one else. There’s no more guessing what Liam is trying to say because he’s saying it – all on his own.

It is because of your generous gifts that we can provide communication devices to our student population. 84% of our students rely on devices like Liam’s every day to communicate with their teachers and peers. Your consistent support enhances our students’ learning experience and provides them with the best equipment to succeed.

“God makes no mistakes. Liam is perfect just the way he is – he is His work. God made no mistake assigning us as his parents. Trust in Him, and He is with us every step of the way. It truly is a blessing to be his parents.” Karla wrote, while passing along her favorite Bible verse that resonates with her family.

He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. Deuteronomy 32:4

Liam is becoming increasingly engaged. He is more focused, communicative, and thriving with his God-given abilities – and that is thanks to you. Because of your generous support, stories like Liam’s are possible – and we are blessed that they occur daily at Elim.