 |
| Claire Berg (left) and Emma Doty (right). |
Many siblings are close but the relationship between sisters, Emma Doty and Claire Berg, is special. It is evident when they share family stories, when Emma compliments Claire and looks to her for guidance, and in the amazing care Claire provides for Emma.
Emma was determined to be cognitively disabled in 2011 and functions at a 2nd-3rd grade level. Claire describes Emma as very sweet with a sense of wonder. Specifically, she says, “The way Emma sees the world is truly beautiful. She still holds on to the hope of magic and fairy tales being real, often asking if I believe in fairies or the Easter bunny, to which I respond ‘Of course! Magic is everywhere.’”
Emma moved to Green Bay in 2020 to live with Claire and her husband, Scott. Before Emma’s arrival, Claire researched day programs for Emma to participate in. Claire wanted Emma to have new opportunities to learn, socialize, and make new friends. After touring Curative Connections, she knew it would be a great place for her sister.
Emma started attending two programs at Curative, Ready, Set, Life! and Let’s Work! She also utilizes Curative Connections Specialized Transportation Services and loves her drivers, Holly and Karla. One afternoon when dropping Emma off, driver Karla Kahr, noticed Emma walk across the street to get the mail. This made Karla nervous because the street can be busy, so she started parking the vehicle, helping Emma out, and holding her hand to get the mail. Since then, Karla does not leave Emma until she knows she is safely in the house. Claire shared this story and is truly touched by the care and compassion Emma receives from everyone at Curative. She says, “It feels good to know Emma is in good hands while we are working, and she loves going to Curative to spend time with her friends.”
Emma initially attended Curative to gain job development skills. She really enjoys working and has held several jobs in Green Bay using many different skillsets. She currently works at NEW Beads and Jewelry where she cleans and organizes beads by color and price. At Curative, she also enjoys volunteering at the Humane Society where she folds laundry, cleans, and sometimes gets to pet the animals. When asked what she likes most about Curative, Emma says, “I like seeing my friends.” Emma has many friends and enjoys seeing them in and outside of Curative.
Emma’s interests include photography, dance, art, board games, bocce ball, and spending time with friends, travel, and pandas. In fact, they have a trip planned to Germany to see pandas. They love each other fiercely and Claire proudly shares, “Emma loves adventure, gives big hugs, giggles with a childlike joy, loves everyone once she gets to know them, and feels with her heart. She’s truly a beautiful soul and we’re grateful to have her.” Emma and Claire are living a beautiful life together.