GOOD SHEPHERD PARISH PROVIDES MINISTRY
FOR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN
 

In September the first monthly Parents’ Special Night Out of the 2007-2008 season was held. This is the second year this program has been offered. In the months of September through May, for three hours, trained volunteers supervise special needs children and their siblings, giving parents a no-cost night out.

Volunteers who vary from month to month sometimes include a doctor, an EMT, Occupational Therapist or a Nurse. However, medical training is not required of the volunteers who are often interested adults and high school students. A workshop is held prior to the respite care, so that everyone involved is knowledgeable about the participants and their needs.

The evening offers gymnasium activities such as basketball and dodge ball. There is also a craft project offered in the lounge. Many of the siblings congregate there to enjoy reading and music.
Snacks are also provided. “But when the kids are happy we don’t interrupt them for snack time,” said volunteer Rosalie Thurman. 

Another volunteer Vera Maeser added, “One autistic boy likes the way Cheetos feel.” Snacks vary, but the volunteers who buy them make sure they contain very little sugar and no chocolate.
Although the number varies, members of approximately ten families enjoy this special ministry. The maximum number of participants is fifteen which include special needs children with mental and/or physical handicaps and their siblings. 

Volunteer and coordinator, Angie Crain, said, “Our Special Night Out program is young and definitely evolving. We learn something new each time we meet. But the time spent in service to these wonderful families is just amazing. Many of our volunteers do so as a family, both parents and children, and this is just so great to watch and to be a part of.

The most incredible thing is to see our youth interact with these terrific kids. They are truly amazing with them. Each evening is a wonderful lesson in tolerance and acceptance of all God’s family.”

Ginger Nelson.

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