Resource for Special Needs Students and Their Families

[Matthew Mast]

A few months ago, Faith Builders published a report on the survey we conducted of conservative Anabaptist schools. Through that survey, we learned that many schools face the challenge of meeting the needs of special needs learners.

Recently I was made aware of a ministry that serves families affected by disabilities. I am not sure of all the ways this may help schools, but it may be helpful to teachers, principals, school boards, and parents.

Many of you probably have heard of Joni and Friends (JAF), a ministry that serves families with disabilities. They have offices around the country; a list can be found at http://www.joniandfriends.org/area-ministries/. There is an office in Lancaster County.

I was alerted to this ministry by someone who works at Spruce Lake Retreat in northeast Pennsylvania. The two JAF area ministries in Pennsylvania work together with Spruce Lake Retreat to host three weeks of Family Retreats for families affected by disabilities.

The person who shared this information with me also gave contact information for Sylvia (Sib) Charles, who works fulltime for JAF out of the Lancaster office. Ms. Charles is very enthusiastic about the possibility of helping schools with this challenge. Apparently, they already help some schools with special needs learners. I do not know what all JAF offers, but if you have a special needs student, it may be worth checking with them to see. Ms. Charles’ contact information is [email protected] and 717-522-1467.

[Jonas Sauder]

A relatively new resource for assisting schools with the particular challenges frequently associated with students that are adopted or under foster care is offered by Loving Arms Adoption Resource Ministries. See their website at http://lovingarms.life/
They have recently begun an initiative to offer support for schools. For that purpose, you can contact Edwin Martin at [email protected] for more information.

[Author]

Posts