Monday, January 13, 2014

Caring for Caregivers-Part 1-Special Needs kids/teens

My journey as a caregiver(along with my husband) of two special needs teenagers has been very difficult at times. We get tired, exhausted, overwhelmed and sometimes pretty down about things.  We have been pretty fortunate that for the most part, we have had good support. Though many don't understand the fullness of what it means to care for kids with special needs, they have been there at times when we didn't think we were going to make it. They prayed, they brought meals they sat and listened, etc.

What can you do to help parents of special needs kids? Here are a few practical tips whether you are a church, a family member or a friend. Reposted from the Huffington Post, these are some very practical tips to help your friend or family member. 


For the Church! 

Key Ministry is a great way to reach families in your church who need extra help. 


I have heard of so many families who stop going to church because their plate is full and their child/ren can't handle the stimulation of church. Wonder what would happen to that family if someone ever volunteered to sit with the child and let the parents go to church every once in a while so they can get some spiritual refreshment?  Spending one Sunday morning a month helping a family get some spiritual refreshment would have eternal benefit to all! 


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MBA Ministry Directors

Adoption and Foster Care Ministry

Lisa Rose

334-271-6794

lrose@mgbaptists.org


Conversational English School

Director, Susan West

334-312-7057

montgomeryceschool@yahoo.com

Family Resource and Counseling Ministry

Director, Dr. Kline Johnson

334-271-6241

counseling@mgmbaptist.org

Forest Park Ministry Center

Director, Donna McCollough

334-529-5726

forestparkministry@gmail.com

www.forestparkministry.blogspot.com

Montgomery Mixtec Ministry

Lisa Rose

334-27106794

lrose@mgmbaptists.org


Samaritan Inn Ministries

Director, Debbie Jones

334-462-7108

samaritaninn14@gmail.com

Books MBA/CCM Recommends

Ten Ways You Can Serve Greater Montgomery

1. Connect with one of the 6 Cooperative Ministries listed on this blog.

2. Do a neighborhood survey and find out what your community wants and needs.

3. Tithe 1/10 of your garden and give to a family in need.

4. Read to a child at one of the public schools in your area. The administration would love to have you serve.


5. Start an Fellowship of Christian Athletes club at a local jr high or high school.

6. Take gift bags to new neighbors around your home or church with information about the church/community.

7. Adopt a school and be a prayer partner with them.


8. Call Alabama Post/Pre Adoption Connections(APAC-334-409-9477) in Montgomery and find out how you can support adoptive families.

9. Offer to host an ESL or Conversational English class in your church. Someone can come and train your church to teach ESL too.

10. Gather in good condition clothing and take to the centers. Ask Forest Park about their "Good Samaritan Clothing Ministry".