Special Needs
Special Needs Ministry
Christ Fellowship’s Special Needs Ministry provides loving support and programs for the diverse population of our community with disabilities. We partner with all other ministries to assist individuals and families with disabilities.
We coordinate training and education about available resources within Christ Fellowship and our community while providing practical support. Our goal is to facilitate total inclusion and accessibility for individuals with disabilities and their families in all areas of church life.
Shadow Program
Provides one-on-one or small-group assistance to individuals of all ages (children through adults) with disabilities during church services and church-sponsored events. Children and youth participate in programs while their parents attend worship services. Adults with disabilities participate in worship or any church programs with assistance as needed, while their caregiver attends worship or has respite.
When: Available during all regularly scheduled worship services
Where: Gardens Campus and the Special Needs Center, 9265 Howell Lane
Cost: None Signup: Preregistration is required.
Arts & Abilities
Arts classes taught by teachers experienced in the area of special needs. Children with disabilities are encouraged to create, explore and grow.
When: Available during our spring and fall seasons.
Where: Gardens Campus Special Needs Center, 9265 Howell Lane
Cost: None Signup: Preregistration is required.
Access Ministry
A Sunday School setting for individuals with disabilities of all ages (children and adults) who benefit from a small and flexible setting.
When: Available during all regularly scheduled worship services
Where: Gardens Campus
Cost: None Signup: Preregistration is required
Horseback Riding Program
Promotes recreational riding with therapeutic benefits for children, teens and adults with disabilities. Our riding center is NARHA certified. We provide fellowship and support for the entire family. Horse shows and awards dinners are a part of the program.
When: Saturdays, during spring and fall sessions
Where: Gardens Campus Special Needs Center, 9265 Howell Lane
Cost: None
Signup: Space is limited, and preregistration is required.
Food and Fellowship
A place to connect, meet people, form relationships and belong. Individuals with disabilities, families, volunteers and guests come together for a time of fellowship, the breaking of bread together and learning from God's Word.
When: Saturdays, during fall and spring season
Where: Gardens Campus Special Needs Center, 9265 Howell Lane
Cost: None
Signup: No registration is required.
Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing Ministry
For our hard-of-hearing/deaf congregation, we provide signing during worship services and during our seasonal ministry programs:
- Fellowship Gatherings: Saturdays during season, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Offered at the Gardens Campus Special Needs Center, 9265 Howell Lane, Palm Beach Gardens. No registration is required, and there is no cost.
- Signing Classes: Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. during season (beginning level.) Offered at the Gardens Campus Special Needs Center, 9265 Howell Lane, Palm Beach Gardens. Pre-registration is required. No cost. This class is for children and adults. Email us.
If you sense God's calling to serve as a volunteer signer, we have ongoing opportunities to serve. For more information e-mail us.
Support Groups
Special Women with Purpose: Are you a woman living a disabilities lifestyle (individual, mom, wife or friend of someone with a disability)? Join us monthly for a time of fellowship, support and resource awareness and a study of the Word. Come be encouraged and strengthened.
When: Call for next scheduled meeting.
Where: Gardens Campus Special Needs Center, 9265 Howell Lane
Cost: None
Signup: Pre-registration is required.
Men's Prayer and Bible Study Group: Meets weekly to fellowship, pray, study God's Word, support each other and overcome the challenges of a special needs lifestyle. We strengthen and encourage one another; Accountability and support are key elements. Family social gatherings are available throughout the year. We're open to dads, grand dads, caregivers, and friends of individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses.
When: Call for next scheduled meeting.
Where: Gardens Campus Special Needs Center, 9265 Howell Lane
Cost: None
Signup: Pre-registration is required.
Special Assistance
Hearing-Impaired/FM Assisted Listening Devices: Provided weekly during our Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday services, on an as-needed basis. Stop by the Welcome Center to request a device to use during our worship times.
Usher Assistance: Available to individuals with disabilities throughout all services. If you have a special need and need usher assistance in advance contact us online.
Joni and Friends Area Ministry: Christ Fellowship partners with Joni and Friends as an Area Ministry Center. Joni and Friends is a disability outreach founded by Joni Eareckson Tada. Joni is paralyzed from the neck down as a result of a diving accident.The mission of Joni and Friends is to communicate the Gospel while equipping churches to evangelize and disciple people with disabilities.
Wheelchair Outreach: The Special Needs Ministry collects wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and canes. In partnership with Joni and Friends, Wheels for the World sends these collections to correctional facilities for refurbishment. Once refurbished, these are sent overseas to developing countries and given with the sharing of the Gospel to individuals with disabilities at no cost and with no strings attached.
The Special Needs Ministry's wheelchair lending closet assists individuals when in need of a wheelchair, walker, crutches or a cane and, when there is availability. It also partners with local organizations that serve people with disabilities.
If you are in need of a wheelchair, walker, crutches or a cane, or other type of durable medical equipment contact us online.
Prayer Partners: Our prayer partners are a crucial element to our ministry and our church. In addition to praying for the specific needs of our community with disabilities, the prayer partners pray for the families and friends of our community with disabilities. If you are in need of prayer contact us online.
Special Needs Center
Our Special Needs Center is located just east of the Christ Fellowship Gardens Campus on Howell Lane. For directions, please contact us online.
