RISEN |
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Religious Instruction for those with Special Education Needs
| Cross of Glory is a place where everyone is welcome, including people with special needs. Our RISEN Program is a 45-minute education experience with a structured, visual schedule leading the children through several interactive stations. In addition to teachers and leaders who are experienced and trained in working with children who have special needs, we also have other volunteers to serve as buddies or partners with the children.
To register, we ask that you fill out both the Special Needs Registration Form and the Questionnaire. These can be found by clicking on the link below: Register Now. |
Our next session will begin in the summer. Stay tuned.
The Goals for RISEN
- The primary goal of the program is providing a positive spiritual education experience for youth with moderate to profound special needs.
- Our second goal is to pass on the Good News of God’s love, acceptance, and grace to every student. To achieve this goal we will design a structured curriculum/program that familiarizes our students with religious words, symbols, practices, and celebrations.
- Our third goal is to assure that all people with special needs are able to participate in the life of our community of faith and are able to find the services and/or support they need in order to grow in their life of faith.
- Our fourth goal is to educate the people of Cross of Glory about special needs and how we can create a safe, welcoming environment for those with special needs and their families to worship, learn, and connect.
Volunteer Opportunities
- Buddy with a student – this entails shadowing a student, interacting, asking questions, and assisting in a one-on-one situation. This role does require a commitment to try and made every session.
- Set up and Take down – this requires getting to church 15 minutes before the session begins and/or spending 15 minutes at the end of a session setting up or putting away materials which may include: setting out carpet squares, hanging student schedules on the wall, making sure tables and chairs are set up for the stations, color coding/hanging signs for each station, putting out musical instruments and craft station items (or the reverse for the take down)
- Errand Runner – this is someone who has the opportunity to make a trip to the store for needed items typically used during craft time, etc.
- Paper Work/Lesson Prepper – this job typically would involve someone cutting, coloring, labeling, etc. items needed for the program or a specific lesson
- Snack Helpers – a volunteer to make sure we have snack purchased and set up each week
Read articles written about the program in the Homer Horizon: