Released on = April 9, 2007, 10:43 pm

Press Release Author = Carol Hill/Elim Christian Services

Industry = Education

Press Release Summary = The Thrall Family announced that they plan to bestow a gift
of $1.4 Million dollars to Elim Christian Services to fund the expanded Autism
Comprehensive Education (ACE) program, to be named, \"Thrall Family Space for ACE.\"

Press Release Body = The Thrall Family announced that they plan to bestow a gift of
$1.4 Million dollars to Elim Christian Services. The gift is to be used toward
Elim's Moving Beyond Capital Campaign program, in which Elim will expand its
capacity to serve more children and adults with developmental disabilities
throughout the Chicagoland area. Through this campaign, Elim will be established as
a Resource Center of Best Practices, sharing the knowledge accumulated through 59
years of excellence in the education and empowerment of children and adults with
learning and developmental disabilities.

The Thrall family, headed by Jerry and Lynn Thrall, has been involved with Elim
Christian Services for many years. One of their grandchildren, Adam, is a student
in Elim's Autism Comprehensive Education (ACE) program. Now in its third year, the
ACE program is gaining a reputation in the special education community as providing
excellent, cutting-edge care for children with autism. The ACE program will be
expanded to accommodate up to 60 children with autism. The renovated space for the
expanded program will be named, "Thrall Family Space for ACE" in recognition of the
family's outstanding commitment.

Adam's mother, Polly, has been thrilled to see the progress Adam has made during his
time at Elim. She explains, "We couldn't be happier with Elim. We knew on our
first visit that he needed to be here. The difference is that the staff are
committed here, it is the reason God put them on this earth. Adam is loved and he
is safe. Safety is especially important to us because if there was a problem, he
couldn't tell us. He's made great leaps and bounds at Elim."

The mission of Elim Christian Services is to equip children and adults with
disabilities to achieve their highest God-given potential. Elim pursues this
mission by providing educational, vocational, therapeutic, and residential service
to over 800 persons with special needs, from learning disabilities to severe
disabilities. Elim is located at 13020 S. Central Avenue in Palos Heights,
Illinois.

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Photo shoots and interviews can be arranged upon request

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Carol Hill, Advancement Office, Elim Christian Services
708-389-0555 phone, chill@elimcs.org email



Web Site = http://www.elimcs.org

Contact Details = 13020 S Central Ave
Palos Heights, IL 60463
Phone (708) 389-0555
Fax (708) 389-0671
Email chill@elimcs.org