The Strength of Beth’s Faith

September 29, 2023

Sometimes the path forward may not always be clear to see – but knowing that God is next to us as we navigate our lives brings comfort and strength.

Beth has always known that God has been with her throughout her life and has guided her toward the path she is meant to be on. “God helps me grow and grow throughout all of this,” Beth shares.

Beth was one of the youngest students to ever attend Elim School in 1968, for therapy first, and then attended classes at Elim until the 5th grade. Her family pitched in to help her get to school – her aunt drove the Elim bus and made school lunches so Beth could attend her classes. Elim was where she needed to be – and her family knew that.

Beth was determined to continue her education. In junior high and high school, Beth attended her local public school and went on to take college computer programming classes at Purdue-Calumet. Around 2000, Beth and her family decided she needed more assistance, and Elim returned to their lives.

As she started attending Elim’s Adult Services program, Beth knew she wanted to be involved in giving back. She started volunteering in local areas where she could serve her community and volunteered to work at the front desk at Elim when staff members would take their lunch breaks. Beth helped show visitors around and directed them where they needed to go in the Adult Services building.

“Beth always loves to give back to others because so many have given to her,” Linda, Beth’s Program Manager, tells us. “God has given me something I know I can do. I’m helping people at Elim, but He’s helped me realize that there is something here for me to do,” Beth shares.

After COVID shut down and volunteer opportunities came to a halt, Beth got involved in Elim’s HOPE Packs program, packing up Food Kits to be sent overseas.

Now, looking for a change, she participates in classroom instruction where she can slow down her pace and interact with her peers.

Classroom instruction involves different daily activities, but Beth looks forward to learning about current events and discussing articles they read together. She also enjoys going to her cooking classes on Tuesdays in their training kitchen. This cooking class includes recipes that give Elim’s adults choices – it allows them the opportunity to speak about their likes and dislikes and practice their communication and socializing skills.

It is because of our generous Elim community over the past 75 years that we have been able to create and build upon cultivating opportunities for Beth and her peers to thrive. Because of her time at Elim, Beth shares that her faith has never been stronger.

“He sent me to Elim, and He got me here. My faith is strong, knowing he is always here with me.”

Stories like Beth’s are possible because of the wonderful Elim community that believes in our mission that everyone has value and purpose. Can you give today to help us further that mission?