SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRY

FEARFULLY & WONDERFULLY MADE

Psalm 139:14

We strive to create a safe, supportive environment where individuals of all abilities can come to know Jesus, experience His love, and discover His plan for their lives.

If you'd like to learn more about our ministry, we'd love the opportunity to connect with you! Whether you are a special needs family or someone interested in serving as a volunteer in our ministry, please take a few moments to complete the appropriate form below.
Registration form
Sign up to volunteer

💙 Serving Children and Teens with Special Needs
💙 Adult Special Needs Life Group coming soon

Special Needs Programming is available during the 9:30 AM Worship & during the 11:00 AM Life Groups on Sunday mornings.
We offer age-appropriate ministries so everyone can participate in ways that meet their developmental level.
Our self contained classroom offers adapted Bible lessons, music and worship, crafts and free play.
We use play and visual systems to encourage interaction as we learn about Jesus.
Our supported, age appropriate inclusion pairs a Buddy with your loved one who will assist them as needed to participate in classroom activities and interact with their peers.
We offer Special Needs Family Parents Night Out events throughout the year for Special Need individuals from birth to adult.
These events are open to the community and not limited to members of First Mansfield.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When can we start coming?
Before your first visit, we encourage parents, guardians, or caregivers of individuals with special needs to complete our Registration Form. This information helps our team prepare and equips our volunteers with the details they need to make your first experience at First Mansfield as welcoming and enjoyable as possible—for you and your loved one!
What is the check-in process like?
Enter through the Children’s Entrance on the east side of the building, and proceed to the check-in station in the lobby. After your first visit, check in at any of the other check-in stations by type in your cellphone number.  Print out their name tag and your corresponding pickup tag.
How do we get to the Special Needs classroom?
From the check-in station in our Children's Building foyer, our Greeters will guide you to the Special Needs Classroom.  If you need accessible parking, our lot has designated spots for those with disability placards.

If you prefer a sensory friendly check-in, please indicate on your registration form and we will contact you with further information.
What ages to you support?
Our Special Needs Ministry supports ages birth through adult.
Does my loved one stay in the Special Needs Ministry area, or can they join their age-appropriate ministry?
We offer individualized support to meet each person’s unique needs. Options may include:
  • Attending their age-appropriate ministry with a teacher who is aware of and prepared to support their needs.
  • Inclusion - being paired with a Special Needs Ministry Buddy who accompanies them to their age-appropriate ministry.
  • Self Contained Classroom - engaging in the Special Needs Ministry sensory and teaching classrooms for a fun, supportive experience. We use play and visual systems to encourage interaction as they learn about Jesus. These rooms are staffed with loving, trained individuals who focus on providing a safe and enjoyable experience for your child.
You will drop off your loved one off in the Special Needs classroom, where they will either attend worship as a group, attend their age-appropriate Life Group or remain in the classroom.  You will pick them up from the same location. 
May I come visit the Special Needs area?
Yes! You can contact our team here to schedule an in-person visit.
What if I have more questions?
If you have questions about Sunday mornings, please reach out to our Special Needs Minister, Jimmie Gillum here.  She will be happy to answer any questions you have.

Sensory Room

A room comprised with fun and interactive ways to proactively support proprioceptive, vestibular, auditory, visual, and tactile regulation. 

High Quality Care

Our ministry team includes Special Education Educators, Speech Pathologists, and other specialized professionals who are equipped to provide great care for your child.

For more information, contact us here:

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