About Theresa Park

After graduating from university and working in the loan department of a bank, I happened to go on a pilgrimage. During this time, as I was contemplating how to live my life, I had the unexpected opportunity to volunteer at a place that helps women undergoing drug rehabilitation while taking care of their children. Through this experience, I realized how much strength people can gain when they are accepted and respected just as they are.

After completing my volunteer work and returning home, I started working as a pharmacy technician with my sister, who ran a pharmacy. Since 90% of the customers were elderly, I encountered many of their difficulties firsthand. Whenever I had the chance to help them, I did my best—delivering medication to those who couldn’t pick it up themselves, sitting down to talk with those in need of companionship, and sharing snacks they brought, making them feel like family.

Not long after, my niece became ill, and my sister had to close the pharmacy abruptly. While considering how to support my aging parents and my now-disabled niece, I came across the concept of a family care home. I was advised that obtaining an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) certification, which required a year of study, would be beneficial for running such a home. After obtaining my certification and gaining experience caring for individuals with severe disabilities, I opened Emmanuel House, a family care home, in 2014.

Many people have passed through our home, and I take pride in having done my best to care for each person in their final moments. Among those individuals were my own parents. My maternal grandmother raised us when we were young, but she passed away alone in a hospital, and not being able to be with her left a deep scar on my heart. However, I am grateful that I was able to care for my parents in their final days. Before they passed, we had time to reconcile and express gratitude for the love they had given us, which gave me the strength to continue living after their departure.

I do not know how many more people I will have the opportunity to care for, but just as I cared for my own parents, I want to provide each person with comfort and safety. I also want to ease the hearts of their children and spouses who entrust their loved ones to us, ensuring that every resident is treated like family.