FEATURED FAMILY
Kaminer M E E T T H E
BY KENDRA ROGERS, MS - EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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heryl and Dennis, originally from NY, now live in Oak Park, MI and are parents to Elana who is 35 and an older daughter who is 40. They are also grandparents to a three-year-old grandson. Elana has special needs and lives in a home with another adult with special needs. Elana attends New Horizons in Madison Heights four days a week. Her one-on-one aid also takes her into the community. Elana loves and misses their old cat Mickey Mantle whom she still talks about daily. Without family nearby, life is harder. Elana has behavioral challenges
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December 2023
FA M I LY
making life difficult. Elana has enjoyed good schools but moving Elana into a home more suited to her was a fight with the county. Sheryl and Dennis fought for what every child deserves--a safe home where they can blossom into who they are as people. Through their hard work and dedication, eventually, Sheryl and Dennis prevailed, and Elana has what she needs and deserves. Sheryl shares that listening to yourself as a parent who knows what your child needs is the best way to advocate for them. She says, “Never stop trying. Push, push, pursue what you feel is right for your child and don’t give up!”
