Special Needs

WHO WE ARE

Richland Creek's Special Needs Ministry exists to glorify God as we make disciples who make disciples. We accomplish this by loving God and loving others through reaching and cultivating relationships with families and servants in the special needs community. 

We believe that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to worship, learn, and serve in our church, regardless of their abilities. We regard special needs as different abilities rather than disabilities, and we provide a Christ-centered environment with a person-centered emphasis to help individuals and families flourish in their unique abilities, as well as their collective spiritual growth. We seek to transform lives through heart-to-heart relationships and a foundation of trust that will extend to trusting others and trusting in Christ. We remain flexible and understanding that often times to the only constant is "consistent inconsistency."

• To intentionally and systematically share the Good News of Jesus Christ with children and adults who have special needs and help them grow in their faith
• To integrate children and adults with special needs and their families into the life of the church body
• To welcome, support, and include the families of those with members who have special needs into the fellowship of Richland Creek Community Church
• To reach out to the community and provide a safe and loving environment where individuals with special needs can worship God and learn about Jesus Christ
• To nurture each individual's skills and abilities while learning about the Christian faith
• To provide an opportunity for individuals with special needs to learn about God's love in a way that is accessible and understandable to them

WHAT WE OFFER

What is a Revive! Respite

Revive! is a respite designed to allow parents who have children with special needs and their siblings to simply take a break. Beginning in 2022, Revive! will return with a combination of respites available only to families that attend Richland Creek as well as respites that are open to the community. Parents do not need to be members or regular attenders of Richland Creek to participate in those respites which are open to the community.

This is a FREE event. We simply want parents to get the needed rest and relaxation they deserve while knowing their children are being cared for. Revive! is open to children with special needs and their siblings. At Revive! we have trained volunteers who have a strong desire to work with children with special needs. Each child is paired with a buddy. On most occasions, this is one on one, but there are times with siblings or children who are higher functioning, that two children might be paired with a buddy. 

Sensory Rooms 

Revive! has several themed rooms for the children to enjoy. They can stay as long or little in the rooms and come back as often as they want. We have a Sensory Room with sensory tubs (rice, salt, oatmeal and beans that the children can scoop, pour, bury and fill)! Other sensory activities are utilized at times such as water and shaving cream. The Music Room has music playing, electronic keyboards and instruments for the children to play and sing along with. The Blocks and Cars Room has many different types of building equipment and a variety of cars to enjoy. Our Pretend Play Room is designed to spark the imagination. It includes a kitchen with play food and plates, a picnic area, dolls and stuffed animals, dress up clothes and puppets. The Arts and Crafts Room has a variety of activities for the children to enjoy based on their level. Activities will vary from month to month but will include things such as finger painting, stamp fun, sponge painting, coloring themed coloring pages, and more deluxe crafts. The Game Room has multiple games for all age ranges and a variety of puzzles for kids to enjoy. The Movie Room shows g-rated cartoons and movies. When weather permits, the Playground is open for children to enjoy.

Snacks & Food 

Depending on the time of the respite, either snacks or pizza will be provided. You will be given notice on the type of snack so you can determine if your child is able to participate or if you need to pack a snack. Typical snacks are goldfish and pretzels with water to drink. It is very important to us that staff are aware of their child’s needs regarding meals and allergies. Each child is given a specific colored dot on their name tag that lets their buddy know whether they can have snack or not. A green dot means “go” - they can have the snack, a yellow dot means “caution” - they can eat, but they need to use the snack that was packed from home, a red dot means “stop” – no snack/food.

WANT TO HELP?

There are many opportunities to serve within our Special Needs Ministry! Whether you are looking for a one-time volunteer occasion or an ongoing commitment, we have a fit for you! Please take a look at our list of programs and opportunities to determine where you might serve.

Contact Eleanor Waterman

Ways to serve with the Special Needs Ministry

• Teach or be an assistant volunteer at 9:00 & 10:30 in the separate class.
• Be a buddy to a child in their small group at 9:00 & 10:30.
• Volunteer for our Wednesday Night Class, "Special Friends" (6:30 PM)
• Serve at a respite (2-3 hours)
  • Help setup/clean-up
  • Be paired with a child with special needs or a typically developing sibling
  • On call nurses to be present for respite
• Be willing to be on an “emergency” list to fill in (as a buddy or classroom assistant) if we have an unexpected absence on Sunday morning at 9:00 or 10:30.  

Staff

Eleanor Waterman

Special Needs Director

E-Mail:

Tonya Guerrino

Special Needs Assistant

E-Mail: