Community Life: Religious Resources

BREATHE events are hosted by Valley church twice during the year – usually in the spring and fall. They accept children with special needs ages 2-18 and their siblings. For the next scheduled event, please contact the church office.

Buddy Break is a FREE kids’ respite program where kids with special needs and their siblings (VIP kids) make new friends and enjoy all kinds of activities, while caregivers take a much needed break so that they can go to dinner, a movie, run errands or simply get some rest.

This program is provided through partnership with Nathaniel’s Hope and local churches. Although Buddy Break is operating at churches nationwide, Royal Redeemer is the first Ohio church to join this ministry.

What is a VIP kid:
Kids with special needs are our VIP kids! VIPs include kids with any physical, cognitive, medical or hidden disability, chronic or life-threatening illness, or those who are medically fragile.

What is a Buddy?
Buddies are friends to VIP kids. Buddy Break Buddies have completed Buddy Break Training 101 and have been background checked. They have loving hearts and want to help.

The Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church Buddy Break schedule through December 2019:
Sun Oct 21, 2018 1 – 4pm
Sun Nov 18, 2018 1 – 4pm
Sun Dec 16, 2018 1 – 4pm
Sun Jan 20, 2019 1 – 4pm
Sun Feb 17, 2019 1 – 4pm
Sun Mar 17, 2019 1 – 4pm
Sun May 19, 2019 1 – 4pm
Sun Jun 16, 2019 1 – 4pm

They provide educational, spiritual, pastoral, sacramental, catechetical, camps, social and recreational programs.

The mission is to assist people with cognitive and other developmental disabilities and physical disabilities to understand, develop and live out their lives as completely as possible within the Church and the larger community.

Camp Happiness is a summer program for children and young adults ages 5-21 with cognitive and other developmental disabilities, regardless of race, religion, culture or economic background.
They offer social and recreational activities, as well as skill enhancement. Participants also go swimming and on community field trips. Camp locations are in Parma and Wickliffe. Some financial assistance is available.

Their very popular Monthly Dance/Social offers persons of all abilities, ages 16 and over only, the opportunity to learn social skills and form friendships. Dances are held on the second Friday of the month, from 7-9pm. They take place at the OLA-St. Joseph Center, 2346 West 14th Street, in Cleveland. Entry for $3 dollars a person.
Call (216)334-2963 for more information, or visit their website.

This organization is part of the National Jewish Council for Disabilities.
They offer programs for teens and young adults with disabilities on a monthly basis, including socializing at a local synagogue, weekend retreats and holiday parties.

The College Success Program for Students Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder provides targeted support, practical knowledge, and cultural awareness to students living with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is designed to maximize students’ potential as they live and learn within a caring Christian community.

Adults with developmental delays can participate in a weekly Jewish program on Sunday mornings.

Services children 2-18 years of age with a wide range of services, including: psychological assessment, applied behavioral analysis(ABA), speech and language therapy, social skills classes, and school services.

Year-round programs are available, either at home, school-based, or center-based. Call office to inquire insurance coverage.

Their Lorain County satellite office is located near I-90 and Route 611 in the Avon Health and Wellness Building at
38530 Chester Road, Avon, Ohio 44011

Accepts most insurance, including CareSource, and private pay. They do not accept state Medicaid.

Cara Marker Daily is a pediatric psychologist specializing in children with autism.

Dr. Heather Dukes-Murray, PhD specializes in assessing, diagnosing, and treating Autism Spectrum Disorders, learning disorders, ADHD, and mental health diagnoses. Also works with children and adolescents with mood and anxiety disorders, behavior issues, and mental health difficulties associated with trauma exposure.

The Disabilities Inclusion Learning Center is made possible by a partnership between the Union for Reform Judaism and the Ruderman Family Foundation.

Reform professionals, lay leaders, youth, clergy, educators and congregants are invited to use the study sessions and resources on this site to develop additional skills, strategies and understanding to make possible the full participation of people with disabilities in early childhood education, B’nai Mitzvah, youth group, congregational trips, worship and every other area of congregational life.

For nearly 50 years, Echoing Hills has supported thousands of families, friends, and neighbors through our outreach to people with disabilities.

Their programs align with their values: the right to choose, the dignity of each person, personal fulfillment in God’s plan and a relationship with Jesus Christ. They provide choice recreational, residential, vocational, travel and educational services throughout the State of Ohio and internationally.

They accept waivers, including the I/O, Level 1 and Ohio Home Care. Other options include County Board of Developmental Disabilities matching funds and private pay.

Available to Jewish students ages 6-18 with various special needs. The classes will teach Jewish history, culture, holidays, blessings, Israel and bible stories. Hebrew will be taught by ability, and the program is run by special education professionals along with teen aides.

Through the Roof Ministry offers a special service called Take A Break, which is a respite event for the families of a child (ages 6+) or adult with disabilities. Take A Break provides 4 hours of free time for families to do whatever they want – whether taking in a movie, going shopping, or going out to dinner – providing these families with a way to rejuvenate and recharge their batteries. Call the contact phone number to be placed on the waiting list.

Meets on one Saturday each month from 5 PM to 9 PM in the Activity Center. See dates below.

This evening event at Grace Church is for children, teens and adults ages 6 and over with disabilities.

Dates for 2018
January 13 May 5 September 8
February 3 June 2 October 6
March 3 July 7 November 3
April 7 August 4

This is a new online resource designed to provide hands-on training guidance and support for camp staff seeking to create or expand inclusion programs.

It is designed for use by camp directors, inclusion specialists, directors of a disabilities camping program, counselors, or activity specialists. It offers basic information on the history of disabilities camping, models of camping for people with disabilities, benefits of camping for both campers with disabilities and the typical camp community, overviews of various disabilities, and many useful tools and program ideas for day-to-day work with campers.

JFS can help adults in need by coordinating services, managing finances, providing direction, reassurance, and actively monitoring progress. When necessary, JFS can assume further responsibility through conservatorship guardianship, Power of Attorney, and as trustee.

JFS has a job bank where social workers can identify interests and assist in job-seeking efforts, as well as an emergency financial assistance program.

JFSA is guided by traditional Jewish values of communal responsibility and social justice. They offer several programs to assist teens and adults with disabilities with residential services, employment services, community inclusion, and family advocacy.

The Horvitz YouthAbility program offers volunteering and job training opportunities for disabled and at-risk youth and young adults.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services help people prepare for employment based on their skills and interests.
Adult Day Program offers group and individual day respite activities.

Offers a wide range of training and resources for pastors, volunteers and ministry leaders who seek to service families affected with disabilities.

Also hosts free respite services for families through various churches.

Welcoming Christian church services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their friends, family and other supports.

Services are held in two different locations in the Cleveland Area:
1st Saturday of each month, 5:30pm:
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church — Hudson

3rd Saturday of each month, 5:30 pm:
First United Methodist Church – Cuyahoga Falls

Overall Program Brochure

RespectAbility is on the front lines in the battle to reduce stigmas, failed government policies, and other obstacles that deny people with disabilities the opportunity to achieve the American Dream. Their free tools and factual resources inform so people with disabilities can achieve the education, training, jobs, security and good health that everyone needs and deserves.

They can identify and promote best practices for jobs and careers for people with disabilities through direct outreach, and
raise public awareness of the ABILITIES of people with disabilities through the promotion of positive images and stories in the media.

RISE is a support group that encourages and supports family members living with a loved one with a disability. They enourage learning from each other and from experts, and offers spiritual inspiration and practical tools to use at home.

Childcare is provided at support group meetings, with a suggested donation of $1 per child.

All God’s Children offers sensory-friendly worship at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Cleveland Heights on the 3rd Sunday of every month. In this service, there is no need to be still or quiet. Their worship is a gentle combination of music, prayer, Bible stories, movement, crafts, Communion, and fellowship.

No cost or registration necessary.

Three-year post-secondary educational program for young adults ages 18 and older with intellectual disabilities. This is a Christian, non-degree granting program that offers programs to aid in college success.

Assists families in placing disabled children into Jewish day schools in the Cleveland area.
SEGULA also provides special education teachers, equipment and trained aides to support those children.

Saint William School provides a faith-based education that recognizes that each student is an individual. Our parish families, teachers and staff work together to create a spirit of community and service.

They currently enroll students in traditional pre-K through 8th grade as well as those with learning disabilities and students with autism. They accept the Edchoice Voucher, EdChoice Expansion Voucher, Jon Peterson Scholarship and Autism Scholarship systems.

ReCharge is a FREE monthly respite ministry for families of children with disabilities who range in age from infants through 22 years old. Many volunteers help provide activities and supervision for special needs children while their families enjoy some much-needed free time. Pre-registration required.

Includes activities, food and fun, as well as a special needs Sunday School service at 11:05am. Many volunteers have a background in special education.

Pairs teenage volunteers and children with special needs for social opportunities.
There are several programs, including social activities, respite services, parent support events, a sibling support group, an Asperger’s family support group, and winter camps.

VIP supports and encourages children, siblings, families and individuals challenged by disabilities. It provides an appropriate and supportive Christian setting for children and students with special needs so parents can comfortably attend worship.

Kids can be placed in the traditional Grace Church POWER Kids with one-on-one assistance, as needed (VIP Buddy Ministry), or participate in a special classroom (VIP POWER Kids) that includes a higher ratio of teachers and helpers. This program is for children ages 5 and up.

Grace Church also offers a monthly support group and a quarterly respite VIP Night Out for parents.

Visit the Grace Church website or search our Event Calendar for upcoming meeting dates.

Young Life Capernaum is a non-denominational Christian ministry for those adolescents and young adults of every culture and ability but tailored towards students with disabilities (Ages 13-22).  Their club is a time of fun activity and socialization often based around themes. They also offer Bible studies.

Contact Young Life Western Reserve for current program schedule.

Young Life Capernaum gives young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the chance to experience fun and adventure, to develop fulfilling friendships and to challenge their limits while building self-esteem through club, camp and other exciting activities. Young Life Capernaum is a Christian organization.

Contact Young Life Greater Akron for current program schedule.

A list of various guides and reading materials available that can help people with autism adapt to religious services, including:

Social stories for children about attending religious services
Advice of different strategies for families
A video tour of the mass experience
Articles relating autism and the religious experience

The list also includes resources for religious leaders on inclusion for members with autism and their families.