Special Needs Resources
Parent Resources
- Champions 4 Parents – run by Tom and Julie Meekins. This is a ministry dedicated to bringing hope, encouragement, and empowerment to parents — all parents — and especially those raising a child who has challenges. Join their Facebook group as well as monthly coffee morning Zooms
Volunteer Resources
- Wonderful Works Ministry – great short informative videos about disabilities and strategies for working together in ministry from Barb Stanley and her team. CLICK HERE to access their short videos.
Local Resources
- Lisa Lightner – A day in our shoes – advocate and IEP support and a Mom of a child with special needs.
- LASATA – Equine therapy in Coatesville.
- The Barn at Springbrook farm – Animal therapy in West Chester.
- Bournelyf Special Camps – Summer camps and support groups in West Chester.
National Resources
All of the websites have excellent resources available online and recommend printed resources. Most also offer community groups that have gone online since Spring 2020. Click on the Organization’s name for more information
- Joni & Friends – Joni and Friends is answering the call in the Gospel of Luke 14, “invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind and you will be blessed…make them come in so my house will be full.”
We train, disciple, and mentor people affected by disability to exercise their gifts of leadership and service in their churches and communities. We have disability-related resources and Christian encouragement. - Key Ministry – Since 2002, we’ve provided knowledge, innovation, and experience to the worldwide church as it ministers to and with families of kids with disabilities. While expanding our service to churches, we find ourselves called to a new phase of ministry in which we seek to help families impacted by disability to become connected with local churches where parents and children can worship and grow in faith alongside other Christ-followers.
- Tim Tebow Foundation – The Tim Tebow Foundation is committed to serving and celebrating people with special needs. Currently, we are reaching this demographic via four key initiatives: Night to Shine, Shine On, International Education & Resource Centers, and International Special Needs Coalitions.
- SOAR Special Needs Ministry –
- Mission Statement: Assist and empower families with special needs to SOAR in their local and faith communities with key resources, impactful activities, and thriving environments so that they can live beautiful lives.
- Vision Statement: SOAR is committed to a future of providing an environment for families with special needs where their key needs are met and every life is affirmed with love and honor as Jesus intended in Luke 14:7-24.