Special Needs

About

We are committed to supporting special needs families by providing access to ministry programming through welcoming environments, individualized accommodations, and real relationships. Our goal is for all people to have the opportunity to grow their faith in community and become strong disciples of Jesus Christ.

Children

One2One (Birth-6th Grade)

We value and love every child that attends, which is why we have designed a special needs ministry. Our goal is to create successful, safe, fun, and educational experiences at Sunday Discovery Land and Tuesday Awana through support and accommodations.

If you would like more information on how we can support your child, contact us about your family today!

Children FAQs

How do you know what my child needs?

Once you indicate you would like to receive more information, the ministry leader will contact you to set up a phone interview and guide you through the online registration process. If it is determined that your child requires support from our ministry, an individualized accommodation plan is provided to meet your child’s needs.

How will you accommodate my child during Awana?

In order to meet your child’s particular needs, we offer several support environments:

  • Regularly scheduled inclusion with other children and no extra assistance

  • Regularly scheduled inclusion with volunteer assistance

How will you accommodate my child during Sunday Discovery Land?

In order to best meet your child’s needs, we offer several support environments: 

  • Regularly scheduled inclusion with other children and no volunteer support

  • Regularly scheduled inclusion with volunteer support

  • Modified programming in a smaller class (Appleton location)

How will you contact me if I am needed during a Sunday service or Awana?

Parents or guardians of children who receive volunteer support will be given a pager upon check-in on Sunday mornings in DL, or when they meet their coach at Awana on Tuesday nights. Please keep the pager on you, it will buzz if you are needed during the service time. Please note, Awana parent(s)/guardian(s) whose children receive volunteer support are required to stay on campus during Awana.

What does a typical Sunday or Tuesday look like?

You are welcome to come to check out a Sunday DL service or Awana night before your child visits for the first time. Once an appropriate environment is determined for your child’s needs, their Sunday or Awana experience will be one of the following options: 

  • Sunday and Awana Fully included without a coach

    • Student check-in follows DL and Awana guidelines

    • Special Needs Ministry monitors your child for ongoing support needs 

  • Sunday and Awana Fully included with a volunteer coach

    • See “Where do I check-in on Sundays and Awana Tuesdays?” 

    • Volunteer Coach is assigned to your child who provides support to meet their individual needs during DL Sunday morning or Awana 

  • Sunday Special Needs Ministry Classroom (Appleton location)

    • Students have a parallel DL experience using the DL curriculum, but in a smaller classroom setting with more individualized support provided.

Where do I check in for services on Sundays and Awana Tuesday?

Sunday check-in (Appleton)

  • Birth to Preschool children check-in at their age-appropriate check-in counter. 

  • Children (kindergarten through 6th grade) check-in at the Special Needs Ministry Counter across from the Treehouse in Discovery Land. 

  • Children who participate in the smaller class check-in at the Special Needs Ministry Classroom. 

Sunday check-in (Hortonville) 

  • All students, birth-6th grade, will check-in at the Discovery Land Welcome Desk. 

Awana check-in (Appleton)

  • Cubbies children check-in at their assigned color room

  • Sparks children (Kindergarten through 6th grade) meet at the assigned Special Needs Ministry location near the east entrance of the building.  Coaches will then assist the students with check-in for Sparks

  • T&T children (3rd-6th grade) meet at the assigned Special Needs Ministry location near the west entrance of the building.  Coaches will then assist the students with check-in for T&T

Awana check-in (Hortonville) 

  • All students will check-in at the Welcome Desk. 

Where do I pick-up my child?

​Sunday pick-up

  • Children are picked up from their assigned classrooms. 

  • Children participating in the smaller classroom are picked up at the Special Needs Ministry Classroom. 

Awana pick-up

  • Children are picked up from their assigned ministry area from the club your child is registered in (Cubbies, Sparks, T&T)

Students

Greenhouse Friends (7th-12th Grade)

God made us for relationship with Him and others. This includes our youth with special needs. Wednesday nights during Greenhouse, youth with Special Needs are supported by a peer “friend” who comes alongside them. To find out if the Greenhouse Special Needs Ministry would be a suitable fit for your child, fill out the contact form.

Parents

Rest and Connect

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”  Matthew 11:28

Parents and caregivers of individuals with special needs are often exhausted, overwhelmed, and isolated. We want you to know that you are not alone. Let us come alongside you and help bear your burdens on your special needs parenting/caregiving journey.

Facebook Group
Join the Rest and Connect Facebook group to connect with others, meet new friends, and find inspiring insights specific to special needs parents, and caregivers.

Rest and Connect Events
Our events are designed to encourage you through God’s Word, inspire you through our speakers, and remind you that you are not alone on your journey.

Volunteer

Serving Those with Special Needs

Children

Our One2One coaches help children with special needs encounter the Good News in a safe, fun environment at Discovery Land and Awana programs.

Students & Young Adults

Volunteers individually support peers with special needs to ensure everyone has the chance to connect and grow at Greenhouse or AYA.

Get Involved

Your time and talents can eternally impact the life of someone with special needs. Fill out the interest form below to get started.

STAFF

Tammy Ross

Tammy Ross

Special Needs Children's Coordinator
Jenessa Schwoerer

Jenessa Schwoerer

Special Needs Experience Coordinator
Mike Wilbert

Mike Wilbert

Director of Special Needs