Mt. Bethel is committed to reaching out to all people, regardless of different abilities, and to those unable to participate in a traditional classroom or Worship setting. Teachers experienced in meeting the special needs of children and adults combine various learning methods, specialized curriculum, and low teacher ratio to meet the needs of each individual. We welcome the opportunity to minister with all of God’s Children.
Special Needs Children meet at 9:30 &/or 11 in F002
For information on Special Needs, contact Rev. Kim McGarr at 770-971-8938
SPECIAL CARE FOR SPECIAL NEEDS
Mt. Bethel UMC has been a community leader in ministry and outreach to families of children and teens, who have physical, cognitive and/or emotional disabilities. This is a dynamic ministry – constantly adapting to the varied acute and chronic needs of the child participants and their families. Locating the children with disabilities, assessing their needs, training a cadre of volunteers, establishing sufficient room space, praying for direction, educating the congregation and preparing the curriculum are necessary components for Special Needs Ministry. Providing competent care demands knowledge about the wide range of disabilities and the conditions of the children involved. This is accomplished through talking to parents of children with disabilities, attending training conferences and speaking to experts in the respective fields. As a ministry unto others, we listen genuinely to what these families have to say, becoming aware of their needs, showing respect and reverence for their children and asking, first, "What can we do for you?"
Our programs involve creating a 1:1 relationship between a child with special needs and an experienced teen helper. This ratio is maintained whether the child is in an inclusion class, on a recreation/sports team or in a self-contained class. Inclusion of children with disabilities into all of the children’s education and recreational opportunities of the church is our mission. Mt. Bethel offers as much inclusion as the parents desire and from which the child is able to benefit. Where that is not possible, self-contained classes are provided at the time of all activities for children who are not able to be mainstreamed with their peers. Each child sets his/her own pace in participating in a program or activity. It is not enough merely to affirm the rights of children with disabilities. We must actively work to make them real in the fabric of the church family.
Parents of children with special needs have the following unique spiritual needs:
The understanding and acceptance of their religious and faith community as they contend with the unique and lifelong needs of their children.
The open hearts of their faith community in developing opportunities for them and their children and in involving them as such into the life of the church.
Children with disabilities need:
An understanding of God's plan for each person on earth and how their ''special needs'' are a sign of their unique role.
Compassion, support, and openness from their fellow believers to experience a sense of oneness, community, and fellowship in their faith community.
A witness of the active hand of God in theirs and others lives to give meaning to their unique contributions.
Mt. Bethel also offers parent support classes for the parents of special needs children. Programs and speakers on the following topics are provided; Coping Skills to deal with a child who has a diagnosed disability; Advocacy Skills to empower the parents to become equal partners with all the religious, medical, educational, therapeutic, psychological and social service professionals involved with their children; Child Management Skills to assist the parents to learn healthy, theologically sound and constructive parental principles and practices to help raise their children to become independent, responsible, and optimally functional members of society.
Mt Bethel conducts two respite days per month, one an evening program and one during the day time, for our families. Volunteers are trained to provide onsite respite care so that parents and/or guardians are able to take time for themselves and to become more involved in other activities with friends and family members. They all need time for rest and relaxation so as to maintain their physical, emotional and spiritual health. Respite during the summer months is provided through two week-long summer day camp programs. Special education teachers and specially trained adults provide the leadership, while each participating child has a designated teen helper.
The impact of this ministry as an outreach to the congregation and community has been seen in the rising number of families who are able to become actively involved in worship and other church opportunities as their special needs child is provided with a place of love, security and competent care.
