Our Prayer: 
that young people with special needs and their families
will become full participants and contributors in the body of Christ

• We intentionally share the Good News of Jesus Christ with young people who have special needs and help them grow in their faith.
• We welcome, support, and include those with special needs and their families into the fellowship of the church.
• We reach out to the community and provide a safe and loving environment where young people with special needs can worship God and learn about Jesus Christ.
• We nurture each person's individual skills and abilities while helping them experience the love of Christ in a way that is accessible to them. 

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Luke 14:13-14   But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.

Exodus 4:11  Then the LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD?

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These resources and links are provided so that you can help everyone in your church succeed to the best of their abilities.  Please contact us if you have any recommendations or suggestions.  thanks!      Steve@Schenkfamily.us  

References for you to use:  click on the titles to view or download the resource.

Church Training Manual  a free resource from Rising Above Ministries   

They also provide some new Church Training Videos 

Awana for everyone   How to adapt every aspect of your ministry to meet the needs of the kids.

Serving Children with disabilities  First steps you can take.

Special Needs Workshop   notes from a workshop taught by Janet Boucher, M. Ed, Director Special Connections Ministry & Sign Language Interpreter, Patterson Park Church, Hearing Intervention Specialist Greene County ESC, ABA Therapist with Transition to Work Focus

Every Child, Everywhere    notes from a parent with a special son.

Sensory Overload Guide   understanding and meeting the challenges of sensory overload.

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Shepherds College is the nation’s leading faith-based school designed to meet the unique learning needs of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  The staff at the college believes that God creates each student on and for a purpose. In their fully accredited program, students will learn in an environment specifically designed for success, where each person is provided with the tools and support to thrive—academically, spiritually, and personally—so everyone can embrace the life God intends for us.     Shepherds College Website  

Shepherds College offers online courses which provide training, resources, and a pathway to independence to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as their guardians and the educators who train them. 

Shepherds College Online

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These links are provided to help you impact more families with the gospel of Christ.  Our prayer is that every young person would know, love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ability Ministry   Equipping and empowering disability ministry for churches, families, and individuals.  Lots of free resources.

Key Ministry   Key Ministry promotes meaningful connection between churches and families of kids with disabilities for the purpose of making disciples of Jesus Christ.

The Inclusive Church   Helping Churches Successfully Include Children with Special Needs

Rising Above Ministries    provides  special-needs families with support, encouragement, inspiration, and community

Awe & Wonder   helps reach those with differing abilities and their families with the Gospel and integrate them into the life of the church

Joni and Friends    dedicated to extending the love and message of Jesus Christ to people who are affected by disability around the world

With Ministries    provides resources that support faith formation and congregational inclusion for individuals with intellectual disability

Nathaniel's Hope    dedicated to sharing hope with kids with special needs (VIP kids) and their families

LD Online   provides  information and advice about learning disabilities and ADHD

Understood   helps parents whose children, ages 3–20, are struggling with learning and attention issues

All Belong    helps schools adopt an inclusive education approach serves all students better so that every student with a disability is known, needed, and experiences belonging in their Christ-centered school.