Churches frequently contact us with questions about the Special Needs Ministry at Fellowship Church. Three programs make up our Special Needs Ministry and more than 100 families are involved. Here's a look at each of these programs:
SideBySide
During the weekend, the SideBySide ministry covers special needs children from birth to 6th grade. We have amazing volunteers who partner with the same special needs child each weekend, and as a team, they go into the child's age-appropriate room. The volunteers are there to help each child as needed. They may be an encourager to get them more involved or a familiar face so the child is comfortable. The volunteer's role depends upon what the child needs. Experience in working with special needs kids is not required. We have skilled volunteers who act as trainers and will train new volunteers on the child they will accompany.
Fellowship of Friends
We also have a class called Fellowship of Friends that meets on the weekend and is designed specifically for special needs students who are junior- and senior-high age. A team of volunteers in this area create a fun, exciting and welcoming environment each weekend. For curriculum we simply adapt the Elevate Children's Curriculum. The hour consists of a captivating Bible story, fun skit, interactive songs, appropriate crafts/games and a snack.
Respite
Outside of the weekend, we also offer a Respite program for the Special Needs families. It is once a month and it lasts about three hours. It's a time where special needs families can bring all their kids (special needs kids and their siblings) up to the church and the parents can just get a break. They can run errands, have a date night or just take a nap. We have a team of volunteers who play games, eat dinner and just hang out with the kids. It's a really fun, laid back evening, and the parents have expressed that they are truly blessed by it.
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