Home » I'm New » Special Needs

But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19:14

The Helping Hands Special Needs Ministry was created based on Matthew 19:14, to allow a way for special needs individual of all ages to "come to me." Helping Hands provides support and opportunities for special needs children and adults to experience a personal relationship with God and fellowship within the church. We believe people with disabilities should have the opportunity to learn and grow in their Christian faith through a loving and nurturing environment adapted to accommodate their special needs.

If you would like to volunteer with the Helping Hands ministry, contact Joyce King (817-488-9141 or fumcdt@gmail.com) or Rev. Nathan Firmin (817-481-2559 x129 or ).

---

	S.S. (Sunday School) Buddies assist special needs children, youth and vulnerable adults so that the parents/families can fully participate in the life of the church. Buddies accompany children to Sunday School so that their families can go to worship and/or Sunday School. Adults volunteer one week per month to attend Sunday School with special needs individuals to provide them an opportunity to learn about God and spend time with their peers.
2012-13 Dates: Sept 21 Oct 19 Nov 9 Dec 7 Jan 18 Feb 8 March 1 April 12 May 10	Bryan's Buddies is respite care that provides a safe and fun evening out for special needs children and their siblings held in the Family Life Center at our church. Held one Friday night per month at 6:30 PM during the school term, Bryan's Buddies cares for special needs individuals and their siblings, allowing their parents some time alone without having concerns for their children.  This three hour respite also allows children time to interact with their peers. Bryan's Buddies is named in honor of Bryan McMillon. Bryan was a small but powerful little boy with a heart full of love. He was a special needs child who blessed us with his loving smile. He could be seen walking the halls on Sunday morning, greeting everyone he saw. He touched many lives throughout our church and especially those of the Helping Hands (at that time, Dream Team) volunteers. We lost Bryan a few years ago and still feel his presence today in our hearts. We had Bryan with us for a very short period of his life, but he left us with an everlasting impression on our hearts. Bryan was called to serve God as one of his special angels, and is watching over his Buddies at FUMC Grapevine. We would love to bring in new families with special needs children to Bryan's Buddies. Please invite friends or neighbors to our events. Just remember, they must fill out an application form with much needed information for us to provide the best care for their children (see link at right). If the family has a fragile child, we will need to be contacted ASAP by phone so that we may fill their needs with medical care as well (call Joyce King, Helping Hands Coordinator, at 817-488-9141).
	V.B.S. Buddies help out during the week of Vacation Bible School. Buddies accompany children to the various activities that take place during the week. We believe that our special needs angels deserve to have the opportunity to learn and grow alongside other children.