Special Needs Ministry

Night To Shine 2025

February 6 & 7, 2025
Registration opens November 1st 2024!

Hand in Hand, our special needs ministry, focuses on four key areas:

Healthy Relationships

We seek to build a community through fellowship with Christ and one another as we recognize God created all people in His image with the ability to worship. We provide helpers as necessary to come alongside individuals for inclusion in Sunday School and worship.

Active Participation

We strive to create an environment where all will discover their gifts and become contributors to the Body of Christ. We seek to provide appropriate service opportunities for every person.

Nurturing Community

We will support and encourage those with special needs and their families through the love of Christ. We offer family activities and events for fellowship and community.

Developing Faith

We desire to equip all individuals with the knowledge and tools to connect with God in a personal way. We provide appropriate biblical resources to encourage a deepening faith.

Children & Youth

Buddies

Valley Church believes in full inclusion when possible. As necessary, children and youth are paired with trained helpers (buddies) who make sure their needs are met in the regular classroom on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings.

Hand in Hand Room

We offer a class on Sunday mornings in our Hand in Hand room during the 11am hour. The class, which is designed to meet the needs of every child, brings the Bible to life through creative story-telling and sensory-oriented activity centers.

Inclusive Playground

The Valley Community Center Inclusive Playground, “Eric’s Place”, was designed with children of all ages and abilities in mind. It offers a swing and merry-go-round that children in a wheelchair can enjoy and have fun on. The play equipment has a double wide ramp, that allows room for children to run and play, and several types of slides.

Adults

Sunday Mornings

We offer a class on Sunday mornings that uses a curriculum specifically designed to meet the needs of adults with cognitive disabilities. Activities include a Bible lesson, Scripture memory, prayer, and craft. The class meets at 11 am on the lower level. Caregivers are always welcome.

Special Events

Additional opportunities for fellowship and service will be offered periodically.

Questions?

Connect Events

A social gathering at Valley Community Center for individuals with special needs ages 14 and above.

General cost is $5 per person (including caregivers). For more information, please email Lindsey Marks.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Friday, December 13
Christmas CONNECT Event
5:30 to 7:30 PM

Families

We offer a variety of events and activities to help our families connect with each other and the surrounding community.

Parent Support

Dad’s Group
Dad’s Group is for dads who have a child with special needs, chronic medical concerns or disabilities. Connect with others who can relate to your situation and be an encouragement to each other as you pray together. This group currently meets monthly.

Mom’s Group
Our mom’s fellowship meets twice a month to give mothers of kids with special needs the chance to connect and find support through shared experiences.

Family Events

We love providing opportunities for fun, fellowship, and connecting through periodic family get-togethers, Hand in Hand family evening at the Great Pumpkin Party, and our family Operation Christmas Child Shoebox packing party.

Get Connected

Upcoming Events

Mom’s Group

First and Third Mondays of the Month
6:30-8:30pm

See Details

Dad’s Group

Currently Meeting Monthly

See Details

Respite Care

Not available at this time

See Details

Night to Shine

February 6 & 7, 2025
Registration opens November 2024!

See Details

See all Events

“

We were hesitant to bring our child to a new church but Valley met our fears and doubts with love, acceptance and flexibility. They met our child where he was and continually are reassessing what is best for him. Our entire family is going to church successfully for the first time in years!
Sarah Hoy

“

We have found so much support and love from Hand in Hand and have gained a community of other special needs parents and volunteers. We are now able to focus on worship on Sundays instead of worrying about our son staying safe in his class.
Kevin Barber

Want to get involved?