Sunday Seminars
New class begins 6/1!
2008 Sports Camp  |
Publications:
Worship Guide
5/11/08 (0.72 mb)
Worship Guide Calendar
The Connection - May (2.94 mb)
Welcome to Mountain Movers
updated 09/16/07
“…if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Matthew 17:21-22
Ministry Overview
In raising a child with special needs, a parent faces many unique challenges. One such challenge may involve church attendance. If a child’s needs require assistance beyond what is “typical,” the decision about which church to attend, or even whether to attend at all, can be a difficult one. Without additional resources, some parents attend church services separately so one can remain home with their child, or worse, stay home altogether. Only 14% of families affected by a disability attend church regularly. A disability, in whatever form, shouldn’t be a barrier to involvement in the family of faith.
The mission of Mountain Movers is to provide the necessary resources so that children with special needs have the opportunity to experience the good news of Jesus Christ along with their peers, and parents have the opportunity to attend worship services and other church programs.
So, just what are “special needs?” When the results of a physical or mental condition affect one's ability to function in a particular setting, we say this person has "special needs". Although we ALL have unique needs and differing abilities, for the purpose of this ministry, we are referring to children with (but not limited to) autism, physical disabilities, hearing and visual impairments, learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral issues, cognitive and developmental disabilities, ADD, ADHD, etc.
Mountain Movers serves children and young adults (birth through 22) with a variety of special needs by partnering them with “buddies” who facilitate their participation in church activities. Each child’s needs are assessed individually and taken into account when arranging the appropriate resources for their church involvement. Volunteers (high school-aged or older) are required to attend a mandatory, one-hour “Safe Place” Training class, undergo a background check, and meet with the child and his/her family for individual instruction. A resource person will be available either in person or by phone should the need arise for additional direction while a volunteer is accompanying their buddy. Our desire is that not only will the buddy relationship be a blessing to the child and his/her family, but to the volunteer, as well.
We wish to provide special needs resources for anyone interested, whether they are looking FOR help or looking TO help. Included on this website are an overview of various forms of disabilities, special needs resources, and ministry registration forms. If you wish to register your child or serve as a volunteer with Mountain Movers, please print and complete the appropriate registration form and mail to the address listed.
For additional information or questions, please contact Nancy Hill at (530)295-3623 or email Nancy Hill, or call Patty Herrera at (530)677-3057.
For more special needs information, check out the Disability Definitions and Community Resources links:
Forms: