Special Needs Ministry

What is the Special Needs Ministry?

It is a ministry that serves families at our church who have a child, teenager or adult with special needs.  This ministry matches a volunteer, called a Buddy, with a special needs person.  The Special Needs Ministry is under the Care Ministry at Grace.

Who are Buddies and what do they do?

Buddies are volunteers with a loving and compassionate heart, and they are matched with a special needs child, teenager or adult.  On Sunday mornings, Buddies serve during one of the church services and help their special friend go to Sunday school or attend church.  The Special Needs Ministry Leadership Team will work one-on-one with the Buddy and special needs child, teenager or adult to acclimate the volunteer to the person with special needs.  It is our goal to help the Buddy and special needs child, teenager or adult feel comfortable in this new relationship. 

A Buddy’s main job is to share the love of Christ and be a friend! 

When a Buddy is matched with a special needs child, they attend that child’s Sunday school class together.  With the Buddy’s help, the special needs child is able to participate with his or her peers in Sunday school and be included.  Equally important, this allows the parents of the special needs child to go to the church service together.  The same happens when a Buddy is matched with a special needs adult, but they may attend church or an adult learning community together.

What does “Special Needs” mean?

People with special needs might have physical, mental or social disabilities.  They might have a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy, Autism, or Down Syndrome.

Ready to get set-up with a Buddy?

E-mail Krista Sherwood or call 512-451-2179 or 512-636-5854 (cell).