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Special Abilities

welcome to Calvary Special Abilities!

MAke 'M Smile

Calvary’s Special Abilities Ministry is joining Nathaniel’s Hope and other churches in our area to help host the second annual Make ‘m Smile event at America’s Teaching Zoo in Moorpark, CA, Saturday, October 7th from 11am – 3pm!  

This party will include family entertainment, games, characters, animals, food, helpful resources, and TONS OF SMILES!!  If you have a VIP or you know families who have kids or adults with special needs*, invite them to join the fun!  This is a day to celebrate life and the unique abilities of every VIP, individuals with Value and Incredible Purpose!
REGISTER HERE

This event is FREE for our VIPs and their families!

BEACH DAY 2023 Video! 

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.

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

 

CK Family Experience (FX Live)

 

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

-FX Live runs from September to March and takes place on the first Wednesday of each month from 5:30pm – 7:15pm.

 

Parent Support Group

Our Parent Support Group meets the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month from 6:00pm-7:15pm. The Parent Support Group is open to any family who is walking the journey of raising a child with a different ability, and we want you to know that you are not alone.  For families that need childcare, we will have the Special Abilities wing open during that time. 

For more information, email hannah.snoots@calvarywestlake.org

Summer


Vacation Bible School (end of June)
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.

 

Beach Day –  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.

Special Abilities Christmas Shoppe (December 2nd) 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 – (date TBD) 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.

 

PrayFit 5K/1-Mile Walk-n-Roll – 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 

 

Beach Day – is a wonderful opportunity for any family who has a child or adult with a special ability (VIP), to enjoy a fun filled day at the beach!  It is also a wonderful way for families who are newer to our Special Abilities Community to meet other families.

 

Beach Day 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!

 

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