In 2021, the Casa Hogar Emanuel opened a new space that we affectionally call Michaela’s Room but can also be known as a Calming Room. This is a space that our technical staff had determined was necessary to help the children de-stress when situations and problems arise in the home and one child needs some time and space to decompress. But more than just being a place where the child is put into a “timeout,” this room provides opportunities for the child to interact with calming activities with soothing music and colors that stimulate an atmosphere of serenity. The child is always accompanied in this room with a care worker where there are video cameras that monitor what is going on at all times.
So, why “Michaela’s Room?” As you see in the picture and the plaque, this room was dedicated in memory of Michaela Elson who traveled to Ecuador from her home in Coshocton, OH and was a part of the first team to serve the Home for At Risk Children by digging and pouring the footers for the Home. Michaela loved Ecuador and spoke of it often. She also loved children and couldn’t wait for the Home to open to care for vulnerable children in the area. She dedicated her life to children becoming an Elementary School Teacher but unfortunately sarcoma took her life way toO early as she was only 24 years old at the time. She will always be remembered as the unbeatable, upbeat girl that everybody loved. She inspired others to work harder at living with their eyes open, trying to trust God more with all things and sharing love with all they come across. Michaela had a way of experiencing life that made you want to do better than what you were doing. Her friends said that SHE truly walked the talk, all the way to the end.
Michaela’s room was dedicated in her honor knowing that her presence always brought a sense of peace to the people that were fortunate to know her, especially children. Our hope is that this sense of peace, God’s peace, will continue on through this room.
If you would like to give a gift in the memory of Michaela or anyone else that you would like to remember through your giving, click here and just put your words of remembrance in the “Personal Message.”
Here are the words on the plaque: “In loving memory of Michaela! Her faith, light, and love will forever shine through in this room and the children that walk through.”
