Alex is connecting, engaging, and thriving in his communities

July 31, 2019

Seven years ago, Alex’s parents walked through Elim’s doors and almost immediately knew that they had found the right place for their son.

“I really couldn’t see him anywhere else,” his father recalls. When Alex and his family were first introduced to Elim, he was only 6 years old and in need of a school to provide the tools and the education for him to pursue his full potential.

A second home

Alex, a student of Elim’s middle school program, is known for his great sense of humor and strong memory. He loves DVDs, listening to his favorite Christian rock songs, and driving his little sister crazy. You might bump into Alex and his family at Elim’s annual 5K. Alex’s love for running is almost as strong as his family’s passion for Elim.

“Elim has made everything we thought might not happen with Alex become a reality. He has advanced so much because of the programs at school,” his mother Cheryl explains. “His reading and language skills have considerably improved. We are so grateful that we found Elim for Alex.”

Refreshing success

This year, Alex joined a new class where he participates in a classroom coffeeshop, Brew07. Brew07 takes orders every week from around the school, and together the students work to make each order. The young baristas practice essential skills that strengthen their communication and teamwork abilities. Alex says, “I think Brew07 is fun and great!” On coffee shop Thursdays, you can typically find Alex stationed at one of the creamer stations ready to add the finishing touch on coffee orders. According to Becky, his speech therapist, Alex has become a very versatile helper. He fills in where needed and completes a variety of tasks. He loves to go out on deliveries and interact with Brew07’s customers.

“Seeing Alex weekly for our Brew 07 coffee shop allowed me to see how much he has grown with his ability to work closely with his classmates and independently complete his job tasks,” Becky shares. At the end of the school year, he was even awarded Brew07’s “Go-to Guy” because he will jump in and help with whatever is needed. “I am super proud of Alex. He has done really great this year.”

A Final Thought

Cheryl thanks Elim for the care and detail towards her son’s continued progress. “Alex has had a connection with every single teacher and aide he has worked with. Elim’s staff has something about them that you just can’t teach and a strong positivity that has been great for Alex. We love Elim!”

Read our Summer Equip here for more stories like Alex!