Special Needs Ministry and Resources
Riverbend is committed to making our church as a whole and our Foundations Children’s Program more accommodating to those in our community with special needs. Here is what we offer for all the children in our care:
Training Volunteers
A combination of online and in-person practical and theological training was created in-house by Riverbend’s Special Needs Coordinator, Lisa Jones, for volunteers to learn more about God’s heart for neurodiversity and individuals with disabilities; how to practically engage and love kids of all abilities where they are at. At the end of February 2024, Riverbend hosted a training led by the behavioral health services team from Glen and Koch Associates to help our volunteers learn more about Autism, ADHD and Sensory Differences and how to serve the children in our care.
Training Videos can be viewed in our Volunteer Resources section below.
Classroom Support
Riverbend currently has a floater buddy program in our Foundations Children’s Programs. Buddies are trained volunteers who are available to specially assist and care for children with special needs in the classroom.
Sensory Friendly Spaces
In our Foundations area, fidgets and sensory items are available in every classroom. Just off our Riverrocks 1 room, there is a sensory friendly crash and calm-down space-available for kids that may need a break from the classroom. Sensory items and spaces are currently being added and updated thanks to Tabitha Lewis!
In our Family Room (an area located directly off our Gathering space), there is a sensory friendly space that is available to anyone that may need it. This room is equipped with couches, fidgets and sensory items. The service is live streamed and families are welcome to stay in this space. There also will be a Riverbend volunteer in this space to welcome you!
Being KNOWN and LOVED
At Riverbend, we recognize that every child is uniquely and wonderfully made. We would love to get to know you and your child better-and make the environment at Foundations accessible to all kids. If you would like, please feel free to fill out the OPTIONAL CHILD PROFILE FORM to help us get to know your child better. Hard copies are also available at the Foundations check-in desk.
If you are interested in your child attending our Foundations program, please reach out to Lisa at lisa@riverbendonline.org so we can learn how to best serve your child!
Volunteer Resources