INclusive Ministry and SPecial Needs

In the past few years, we have seen a growing need to welcome in and care for families who have children, youth, and adults with special needs. Our desire for families and their children/youth who have special needs is that they will find a loving and inclusive faith community that supports them in their role as parents, grandparents, and caregivers.

If you are visiting LOPC for the first time and have questions about the Special Needs Ministry and programs, please contact us. We will provide you with the intake form and schedule a time to meet with to talk about the needs you have for your child/youth and family during your visit to LOPC.

Friday Fun Night

Offered on the first Friday of the month, Friday Fun Night (formerly Respite Night) is an opportunity for parents to drop off their children with special needs at LOPC for a fun-filled event so that parents can have an evening to themselves. All children and youth with special needs (and their siblings), Kindergarten – 22, are invited and welcome to attend an evening of fun and games while our trained, background-checked, and fully vaccinated staff will care for them. Advance registration is required.

Sunday School Buddies

LOPC offers a Sunday School Buddy Program for children and youth with special needs on Sunday mornings. The role of the buddy is to be in Sunday school with your child or youth with special needs and provide a safe and loving partnership with your child or youth which give them the opportunity to grow in faith alongside their peers. If your child needs to take a break from the classroom setting, play outside or use particular sensory toys – this is what your buddy will do.

To arrange a buddy for your child or youth on any Sunday, please contact us in advance. We provide buddies by assignment in order to make sure your child is paired with the buddy that fits best with their needs.

FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE

For youth with special needs who are freshman in high school through young adult transition programs. This is an evening of fellowship with art and crafts projects, games and other social activities. We have special needs buddies that are from local high schools and colleges joining us for the evening.