New Partnerships, Old Friends
Something Pause doesn’t often talk about are the stories we hear from families about their journey to find a faith community. They have shared past experiences and what keeps them from their neighborhood churches, synagogues or mosques. They have shared the list of questions they often have like...
“Do they have an environment that’s safe for my child?”
“Do they have trained staff to help my child learn?”
“Do they have a ministry dedicated to special needs?”
“Will they ask my family to not return because they can’t handle my child?”
Families have faced rejection - even in faith communities. That’s hard to read and hard for us to type, but if we don’t acknowledge it, we can’t do better. When we open ourselves up to learning more and creating new opportunities, we open the door for families to move from feeling rejection to feeling acceptance.
Our friends at Center Pointe Christian Church have committed over the last decade to support families with disabilities. Years ago, they decided they never wanted a family to feel like they couldn’t belong to a faith community. In 2009, One:2:One was created as a special needs ministry to allow parents to attend Sunday services without worrying and simultaneously gave kids the opportunity to thrive. Passionate people served amazing families, but it didn’t come without speed bumps. With less than 1% of churches in Cincinnati offering a similar ministry - there was high demand, yet One:2:One resources and space remained a barrier to growth.
As you know, Pause has recently deepened our partnership with Center Pointe. They have graciously given Pause space to call home to continue to support all local families in-person through rest, support, connection, and fun. This space is designed with brain science in mind to make an easier transition from up-regulating activities to down-regulating activities, to provide kiddos with voice and choice, to empower our kiddos with positive self-worth, and so much more. Sounds like a big task for a space, doesn’t it? #WeAreUpForIt
Pause will use this space for fan favorite events like Parent’s Night Out and Thrive Night starting this fall. Starting August 22nd, Pause will also launch a NEW resource for families in partnership with Center Pointe - Pause Unlimited! Pause Unlimited is a Sunday morning program that marries the best things about One:2:One with the best things about Pause! Through this partnership we are able to offer unique experiences neither of us could do alone. In the same way school systems have alternative learning styles in place, Unlimited will bring similar flexibility to Sunday morning learning for children who are on IEPs and 504 plans. By allowing for accommodations and modifications of curriculum, we can meet each child where they need us to!
One of the best gifts we will receive in this new partnership is the addition of Jeanne and Tom Lytle to our Pause squad! Jeanne and Tom have been with the current One:2:One ministry for the past 9 years and have helped it flourish into what it is today! If you know Jeanne, you also know that her heart and hugs are Texas sized! Jeanne and Tom have committed to continuing their journey with Pause and will serve as high capacity volunteers to make our vision of Pause Unlimited a reality!
Jeanne says, “Pause Unlimited is going to give these families a break to take a deep breath, get help, get support, and be able to go to worship knowing their kids are safe, loved, understood and will be taught the love of Jesus.”
With their support, encouragement, and devotion, families will be able to find a faith community that supports their kiddo and will never turn them away. #WeThinkThatRocks
It starts with an idea, a room and a “yes.” If you have all 3 and are interested in learning more about how to launch a special needs program in your faith community, we would love to help.
If you are a family who would like to learn more about Unlimited, click HERE to let us know!
This is CAN DO. This is COMMUNITY. This is YOUR SUPPORT.
