Overcoming the Odds

October 11, 2024

Rose, Dan’s mother, will never forget taking Dan to a doctor in 1987. At first, he was diagnosed with “second child syndrome” due to his regression in speech and his social skills. Then, at 18 months old, he was diagnosed with Autism – and his family was told it would be better for them to send Dan away because he would be “too disruptive” and “ruin their family’s lives.”

This was not an acceptable option for Dan’s family, so they took it upon themselves to find him the best resources and care he could have. Because of their love and belief that God’s purpose for him was great, Dan has now overcome the odds and is exactly where he needs to be.

When Dan’s parents first discovered Elim, they vowed to get Dan here however they could. After their first time touring Elim’s Adult Services facilities, Rose told us: “I remember thinking to myself, ‘I would move heaven and Earth to get him there.'”

Now, Dan has been at Elim for over 14 years! Elim staff have helped Dan improve his communication and social skills while giving him a space to be himself. If you ever want to know how Dan is feeling, he will be able to tell you by quoting one of his favorite Disney movies or songs!

They push him to try new activities he might not have been willing to do before, which he now actively looks forward to. For example, Dan gets up in front of his class every day and reports on the weather for his peers!

Dan is thriving, and his family couldn’t be happier to see how he has grown since coming to Elim.

“There is not another place like it,” Rose shares. “It’s a big family there. It’s wonderful – I couldn’t speak more highly of Elim.”

Because of your generosity, adults like Dan receive the tools and resources that they need to thrive. Can you give today and equip over 400 students and adults at Elim to pursue their God-given potential?