Special Needs

The Brooks Avenue congregation is a place where individuals with special needs are accepted as true children of God. This is a place of belonging.

The ministry to and for children, youth, and adults with disabilities and their families, referred to as Special Needs Ministry, is designed to be intentionally inviting, a place of support, acceptance and integration (not just inclusion).  The ministry is founded on the belief that people are created by God and, as such, are able, valuable, and responsible and should be treated accordingly.  

We understand that all people are created unique and that each person has an invaluable role to play in the mosaic of creation and in the Discipleship process.  Often caregivers feel church is something they had to give up when their dependent with special needs was born. We provide classes, events and environments where the entire special family can participate, grow and ultimately soar (Isaiah 40:31). We also have an annual Spring Carnival, Summer Camp and Conference to serve and support the local special community.

Additionally, every other ministry and activity at Brooks Avenue is open to any interested individual, regardless of how much help is needed to accommodate that participation. We celebrate the unique perspective that is brought to the journey of seeing Jesus and sharing Him. The provision of  a welcoming atmosphere, church volunteers and professional staff members to assist individuals with whatever level of participation is desired is one we are happy to make.

Volunteer participation in this ministry is open to all members who are interested in serving persons with special needs, promoting their spiritual, social, and emotional growth and well being.  Opportunities exist for members to participate in: teaching Bible classes, helping with one of our annual outreach events or attending fellowship functions that support the special family throughout the year.

This Ministry focuses on giving attention to the unique learning and social-emotional needs of ALL children and youth when considering placement, curriculum, and instruction.  Self-contained classes meet the needs of some children and youth; the regular Bible classes meet the needs of others. The staff and parents work collaboratively to place each individual in the setting that will help them learn the most about the One who created them.

Some services include:

Eagles & Eaglets classes: Held each Sunday morning and Wednesday evening during church hours. This is not simply babysitting or respite care. These classes are named Eagles and Eaglets based on the inspiration from Isaiah 40:31 and are meant to teach students about Jesus. The staff and the environment are designed specifically for those with special needs.  The younger or young-at-heart student can attend a class with more structure and fun breaks in an active atmosphere, while the older students have less structure and more of a relationship-building focus.  Eagles and Eaglets classes are staffed by loving and experienced volunteers as well as skilled professionals.

Mainstream Support: Skilled professionals are on hand each week to accompany students with active learning styles or those who need more individualized attention to our preschool, elementary or youth classes at Brooks Avenue.

Plan B class: Held each Sunday morning from 9:30-10:20 for parents and caregivers of special dependents. Plan B provides inspiration, wisdom and strength in following a life plan chosen by God. If you are longing for a community that just “get it,” you’ve found one!

Spring Carnival for Children with Special Needs and Their Families: This event has been a staple of the special needs community in Raleigh since its inception in 2000.  The carnival is a day of FREE fun held each Spring with bounce houses, local mascots, concessions, food, along with games and prizes and so much more! The entire special family is invited.

Special Summer Camp: Life is sometimes disrupted when school is out for the special needs family. Special Summer Camp is held for ages 3 and up (no maximum age) and during the months of July and August.  Registration is required and space is limited. There is a reasonable charge for Special Summer Camp.  The Special Summer Camp director is Brook Hancock-Galesic, brookgalesic@gmail.com .

Resource Fair/Conference: We partner with The Power of the Dream to bring you the Imaginability Conference each Fall. This Conference is for caregivers and self-advocates to learn about community and supported living, guardianship, finances, vocational support and so much more.  Local resource providers share their respective projects to facilitate bringing about new resources sooner!  Registration is required. More information can be seen at the website linked above.

For more information, call 919-821-2400 or email office@brooks.org.