Brian Gives Back

October 17, 2023

It doesn’t take too much effort to extend kindness, and Brian is no stranger to that act. Any place that he goes, people are drawn to his personality and demeanor. “People are always excited to see Brian,” his mother, Joan, shares. “He isn’t shy – he is a big people person.”

Eighteen years ago, Brian and his family found Elim’s Adult Services program after he spent time working at a few different places post-graduation – like a video store and a bank. Once those work opportunities ended, he knew he wanted to continue working and find ways to give back to his community.

During the week, Brian has a set schedule. Three days a week, he comes to the Adult Services Workshop. He can participate in several activities like community outings to places like the local library, volunteer opportunities, vocational instruction, and HOPE Pack drives. Brian even recently starred in Elim’s production of The Music Man, a fitting activity for a man known to love singing, dancing, and performing!

“Brian has always been delighted to be at Elim – he loves being with the people there!” Joan mentions.

On the other two days a week, Brian works his hospitality job at a local retirement community, focusing on housekeeping tasks like laundry. His kindness radiates to everyone he encounters, as he has already made quite an impression at the retirement community! Many of the residents look forward to seeing Brian and love having the chance to catch up with him.

Besides work and volunteer opportunities, Elim’s Christian identity impacted his family’s decision to bring Brian to Elim. Having a faith-based organization bring religion to the core of Brian’s life was important to his family; after all things considered – Elim seemed like the perfect fit for Brian and his family.

“God sent us to Elim because we didn’t know anyone there,” Joan says. “But there was a reason – and it’s turned out quite wonderful.”