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Upcoming Events
Hand in Hand: Our Special Needs Ministry
God created all people in his image! Through Hand in Hand, your family can find the support you’ve been looking for—with a focus on healthy relationships, active participation, nurturing community, and faith development.
Children
Buddies
Regular Classrooms
Valley Church believes in full inclusion when possible. To ensure children and youth can fully engage, they are paired with trained helpers (buddies) who provide personalized support and ensure their needs are met in the regular classroom on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings.
Sundays at 11 am
Hand in Hand Room
Children with special needs are invited to take part in a class in the Hand in Hand room designed to meet the needs of every child. The Bible is brought to life through creative storytelling and sensory-oriented activity centers.
Inclusive Playground
Valley Community Center
The Valley Community Center Inclusive Playground (aka 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 wheelchairs can enjoy. The play equipment has a double-wide ramp, allowing room for children to run and play, as well as several types of slides.
Adults
Sundays at 11 am
Adults with special needs are invited to take part in our class, which uses a curriculum specifically designed just for them. Activities include a Bible lesson, Scripture memorization, prayer, and crafts. Caregivers are always welcome!
Connect Events for Ages 14+
These social gatherings at the Valley Community Center are for individuals with special needs who are 14 and older. Stay tuned for upcoming events!
Night to Shine for Ages 14+
Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night for anyone with special needs, ages 14 and older, complete with hair and makeup stations, limo rides, a red carpet entrance, dinner, karaoke, dancing and more!
Families
Monthly Dads’ Group
Dads who have children with special needs, chronic medical concerns, or disabilities can connect with others who relate. Find encouragement and prayer.
Biweekly Moms’ Group
Connect and find support through shared experiences with other moms of children with special needs. This group currently meets on the first and third Monday of each month.
Parent Resources
Kiwanis Miracle League
Providing opportunities for all children to play baseball regardless of their ability.
The Iowa Regional Autism Assistance Program (RAP)
Providing community-based clinical consultation, multidisciplinary care planning recommendations, and family to family support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families.
Autism Society of Iowa
Creating connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully.
ChildServe
Identifying and meeting the unique needs of children with developmental delays, disabilities, injuries and other special healthcare needs.
ASK Resource Center
Empowering individuals with disabilities and their family members by providing innovative and collaborative advocacy, training, resources, and supports.
Special Needs Ministry Team
Lindsey Marks
Hand in Hand Associate
Alicia Eben
Hand in Hand Family Administrative Assistant
