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Special Abilities

welcome to Calvary Special Abilities!

Sibling hangouts are designed for typically developing kids who have a sibling with special abilities. We want to create a space for siblings to be in community together and to make fun memories. 

If you would like to participate, or have any questions, please contact hannah.snoots@calvarywestlake.org.

Join us for the next event on Saturday, March 25th at 10:00am!

 

 

PrayFit 5K/1-Mile Walk-n-Roll – May 6th – is a premiere Spring event with all participants receiving a finisher’s medal and race t-shirts. All proceeds will benefit Calvary Special Abilities Ministries. The event, located at Calvary Community Church, welcomes all runners, joggers, walkers, and wheelchair athletes. The 5K is on a certified USATF course with official chipped timing. The 1-Mile Walk-n-Roll and Kids Dash is designated as a fun-run without official results. Visit https://www.prayfit.org/events/prayfit-run-2023/details 

our special abilities wing

Sunday Morning

  • Calvary is gathering for indoor services on Saturdays at 6:00pm and Sundays at 9:00am and 11:00am.
  • The Special Abilities Ministry provides support during both the 9:00am and 11:00am service.
  • Check-in is located through the main entrance (sliding glass doors) and make an immediate right. You will see the wing straight ahead (located right next to the High School Ministry.)
  • For live-stream information, please visit the main page.
  • If you would like to receive our weekly ministry communications, email hannah.snoots@calvarywestlake.org.


The Special Abilities Wing
is open every Sunday at the 9am and 11am services. Each week, we do our best to provide one-on-one buddies for each child. All of our buddies are trained, and those over 18 are fingerprinted and background checked. During each service, we do a Bible lesson, video, integrated worship with other classes, outside time on our adapted playground, and crafts. If you are interested in these services simply show up and we will accommodate your needs to the best of our ability! It is our joy to spend time with your children each week!  

 

Buddy Integration is also an option for your child. If you desire, we will send a buddy with your child to any of the typical Sunday morning classrooms in children’s ministry, middle school ministry, or high school ministry. To connect your child with a Buddy, please stop by room 1300 before the start of the service.

For more information or questions about Sunday programs, please contact hannah.snoots@calvarywestlake.org.

*Room 1300 and buddies are NOT available for Saturday evening service.

Respite

Buddy Break is a free respite program on the 4th weekend of each month from January-October.

Buddy Break is designed to provide fun activities for kids and teens with special abilities (VIPs) and their siblings! Our heart is to form friendships with all of the VIPs and siblings, and to offer a time of rest for parents and caregivers. VIPs and siblings are paired with trained buddies. 

For more information email hannah.snoots@calvarywestlake.org

 

Nathaniel’s Hope Buddy Break program, click here.

Midweek


Calvary Kids Small Groups is a Wednesday evening program for kids who may require the help of a buddy to participate in activities, listen to Scripture lessons, and memorize Bible verses. Our heart is to spiritually invest in each child. We believe that all children are able to learn more about who Jesus is and what He has done for them. We intentionally adapt lessons and create PEC cards to aid in scripture memorization. Throughout each week, parents are able to help their children memorize verses and review the Bible lesson. 


Each week, we meet in room 1300 from 6:00 – 7:15pm. During the evening, we combine with other classes for worship and games, and then we have our own specialized Bible story, craft, and Scripture memory time.


Registration
: Small Groups runs from early September through March.

If you have any questions about our program, please contact hannah.snoots@calvarywestlake.org

 

CK FAMILY EXPERIENCE (FX Live)

Our CK Family Experience (FX Live) is a live event where parents and kids join together on campus in the High School room for music, laughter, and fun as we learn about the character of God.

 

FX will take place on the first Wednesday of each month from 5:30pm – 7:15pm.

 

FX Live Dates:

March 1st

 

For more information, please email Hannah Snoots: hannah.snoots@calvarywestlake.org.

Summer


Vacation Bible School
is an exciting week at Calvary! Buddies are available for any VIPs who need assistance throughout the week. We love being able to integrate our VIPs into all of the activities and programming at VBS. Please consider registering your child to participate in this amazing week of fun! 

 

Adventure Weeks is a Christ-centered Summer Day Camp at Calvary Westlake that offers a safe and fun environment for those entering Kindergarten-5th Grade, including those with special abilities. Our goal during the summer is to partner with families in order to provide spiritual support and lead children to a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Please check back in Spring for information about Adventure Weeks 2023!

 

Beach Day (August 12th)- welcomes you and your entire family for a day of fun in the sun! Please join us at the water for swimming, food, and fellowship. We have beach access mats for wheelchair accessibility, restroom accessibility, and free parking. Stay tuned for details!


*Sunday classrooms and buddies operate as normal throughout the summer.

Events


Joy Unleashed – March 10th-
is our special abilities dance, and our first big event of each year! We welcome participants with special needs ages 14-25. Each participant is paired with a trained high school student to be their “date” or “buddy” for the evening.


Beach Day – August 12th-  welcomes you and your entire family for a day of fun in the sun! Please join us at the water for swimming, food, and fellowship. We have beach access mats for wheelchair accessibility, restroom accessibility, and free parking. Stay tuned for details!


Special Abilities Christmas Shoppe
is an incredible event that seeks to bless families with brand new, free Christmas gifts!

Please consider coming to celebrate the Christmas season with us on Saturday, December 2nd from 10:00am- 1:00pm.

Registration will open in October! For more information email hannah.snoots@calvarywestlake.org

Joy Unleashed Recap Videos

BEach day recap videos

Staff Contacts

Hannah Snoots
Director
hannah.snoots@calvarywestlake.org  
818.575.2297

Paolina Laske 
Associate Director   
paolina.laske@calvarywestlake.org  
818.991.8040 ext. 251