ENABLE-Disability
Monthly Meeting Dates are:
We will be taking a break for the summer.
Participants will be spending time in:
Praise & Worship
Bible Study
Games
and PIZZA!
There will be 2 groups:
- Ages 12 and under lead by Cecilia Thompson
- Ages 13 and up lead by Conney Dahn
All activities will be age appropriate and FUN!
There will be no charge!
Parents can attend church from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., or go on a date!
Contact the Church Office at 334-2202 for more information.
The mission of ENABLE is to share God’s love by providing opportunities of worship, fellowship, respite, and personal growth to people with developmental disabilities and their families.
As a parent of an autistic child, I know the unique stresses and demands placed on families dealing with developmental disabilities. I also know how difficult it can be introduce your child into new environments and expose them to new situations and experiences. I know how discouraging it can be at times to participate in “typical” family activities like church, day camps, and simple fun outings.
I also know how disenfranchised families can become from the community and church. I know the feeling of simply wanting my son to be treated as “Mark” and not “Mark who has autism”. I know that people often just don’t “get it” when it comes to these special kids. Fortunately, I have been blessed to have a loving, caring church family that has always accepted and supported my family. My son Mark has always enjoyed the benefits of an understanding church community, and like any other child, has been included. I want that same experience for every family who experiences the challenge of developmental disabilities.
To that end, it is our desire is to develop a comprehensive program that …
- educates the church and community about developmental disabilities and their impact on families and how the church can be a part of each families system of care and support
- creates an atmosphere of acceptance and compassion within the congregation for families in the community affected by developmental disabilities so that all feel welcome and included in our activities and events
- trains and equips volunteers to adequately care for and assist individuals with developmental disabilities so that we can:
- provide one-to-one care for children who require it in a positive and appropriate setting designed to meet their unique needs.
- provide “shadows” to work with children in the context of a “typical” classroom setting or group activity or experience.
- provide basic training to all children and youth leaders so that children who do not require one-to-one care or the assistance of a one-to-one shadow may be “mainstreamed” into the activities of our children and youth program.
- provides a bi-monthly evening respite for families in the community who have children/teenagers with developmental disabilities (i.e. a Friday night 3 ½ hour program of games, activities, music, etc. so that families may take a break, go out to dinner, catch up on errands, go to the grocery store, etc.)
This is the vision we are currently working towards. With your participation, support, and prayers, our dream will soon become a reality.
If you would like to know more, volunteer to help, contribute financially, or participate in ENABLE please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!
-Pastor Paul
