SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRY—
Mission Statement
Our goal is to identify and break down any barriers that keep people with disabilities and their families from being able to fully participate in the body life of this church.
As Joni Eareckson Tada suggests, “A person with a disability can do more for the spiritual well-being of the church than you can imagine.”
Sunday Morning Life Groups
Fellowship of Friends
9:19am | Room C212
Students ages 18+ with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. Class format includes worship, instruction in the Word, table discussion, prayer, sharing time, and fellowship.
Circle of Friends
11:11am | Room C209 & C202
Preschool to high school students all have a place in one of our Circle of Friends classes. Email Alise Ramseyer for information on which class and time best fits your student’s age and needs.
Inclusion
It is our desire to include children with disabilities in Sunday school classes with their peers whenever possible. Please call the Special Needs Ministry in advance to find out how they can help make church a successful environment for your student. Special Needs Ministry Contact: 714-257-4391.
Deaf Ministries
Assisted listening headsets are available to help amplify the sound during Sunday services and other events. To check out a headset, visit Guest Central on the Plaza.
Accessibility
Most of our church is accessible. Check with Guest Central for locations of the elevators to access the A, B, C and D buildings on our main campus. There is also an elevator on the north campus in the back of the main building.
Events
Friday Night Live
Friday night social event for teens and adults with intellectual disabilities. Event happens four-five times a year. An evening of fun, entertainment and dinner from 6:00–8:30pm. Contact Allie Holland, 714-529-5544 x234, to be put on mailing list for upcoming events. A Medical Release Form needs to be filled out to attend Friday Night Live. For your convenience, you may fill out the form here and bring it with you to the next event.
GoalStars
Dates: August 26 - October 28 (Saturdays only)
Location: Beechwood Elementary School (780 Beechwood Ave, Fullerton)
We are very excited to announce the inaugural season of GOALSTARS SOCCER!! GoalStars is a community soccer league for players with disabilities from ages 7 and up. Players will be divided by age: 7-11, 12-17, and 18+. Seasons will take place every fall. The registration fee is $60 and scholarships are available upon request. If you are interested in signing up a PLAYER for the 2023 season, please click the link below and complete our registration form.
We are starting from scratch with this new league, so we need lots of VOLUNTEERS! We need coaches, assistant coaches, scorekeepers, referees, team reps, one-on-one player assistants, and setup/ teardown help. There will be opportunities to volunteer every week or one week at a time, depending on your availability. Whether you have years of experience with soccer, or know nothing at all about it, we can use you! If you are interested in signing up to volunteer, please first complete our church's SERVE form (link below), selecting "GoalStars." Then look out for an email from us, requesting more information about your interest in serving.
Another way you can help us is by spreading the word!! Tell all your friends about GoalStars! Let us know if you have any questions by emailing goalstars@fullertonfree.com. We hope to see you on the field!
Hoopstars
Next Season Starts: January 2024
This incredible community basketball league is for players with disabilities from ages 12 and up. HoopStars takes place in the winter for 8 weeks with an additional pre-season event and post-season event (JamFest). To be put on the interest list for 2024 registration information please use the link below. For more information, contact: hoopstars@fullertonfree.com
Katie's Club
Next Session Starts: July 2023
We are a space and a place where people of all abilities can come together and learn new things and make new friends. Designed for people 14-22 years old, Katie’s Club is a co-op program designed to meet the social and recreational needs of our exceptional populations without isolating them from their community. Offering a variety of class options, members can choose the classes that fit their preferences, strengths and interests. We will be running our first sessions from July 17 - August 11 with classes on Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday and community based field trips on Fridays! To be put on the participant interest list please use the link below. For more information, contact: katiescluboc@gmail.com
Moms of Special Needs Kids Bible Study
Two Mondays a Month | 9-11am | C212
This is a chance to build community, share burdens, and study the Bible together in a low-key, low-commitment, we-get-you type setting. We’ll be going through the gospel of Luke this year.
January 23 & 30
February 6 & 27
March 13 & 27
April 10 & 24
May 8 & 15
Leaders: Jenn Hale & Shelia Arnold (email Jenn Hale for more info & full schedule)
MoKSN (Moms of Kids with Special Needs)
Are you a mom of a kid with Special Needs? Then we would love to have you join our group of moms who gather together twice a year for brunch, prayer and fun. Call the Special Needs Ministry office at 714-529-5544 ext. 527 to be added to the mailing list for notification of upcoming events and activities.
Rainbow Express
One week summer day camp from 9:00am-2:00pm for students from ages 5 to 18 with and without special needs. Camp takes place on campus at Fullerton Free Church includes lots of fun centers like music, Bible, sensory, recreation, surprise and craft. Teens with special needs experience a similar camp feel with fun daily field trips included. Email rainbowexpressca@gmail.com for more information.
Ministry Contact
Alise Ramseyer, Shepherd of Special Needs
alise.ramseyer@fullertonfree.com | 714-257-4391
Allie Holland, Ministry Assistant
allie.holland@fullertonfree.com | 714-529-5544 x234