Parents

Creating a Church Where Everyone Belongs

Creating a Church Where Everyone Belongs

It’s no surprise that I eventually became a teacher, working in inclusive classrooms where children with diverse abilities learned side by side. Later, I became a mom, got deeply connected to my church, and—as often happens when you volunteer a lot—joined the staff. I served as a preschool leader, children’s pastor, and multi-campus ministry leader. I’ve had so many wonderful days leading kids, parents, and volunteers. But one of the hardest days came not as a leader but as a church attendee.

Finding KiND with Kari Baker: Podcast EP 136

Finding KiND with Kari Baker: Podcast EP 136

Elaina sits down with Kari Baker, author of Finding KiND: Discovering Hope and Purpose While Loving Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences, and talks about special needs parenting, autism spectrum, and supporting other families on the same journey.

What Pediatric Cancer Taught Me

What Pediatric Cancer Taught Me

Our first day on the ninth floor, the doctors never said, "Your child has cancer." You know those childhood cancer commercials that tug at your heart? Never happened. My husband received a phone call that confirmed a biopsy, but once we were on the oncology floor, the word cancer was never uttered. Medical textbook words were used, and the rush was definitely on. We knew exactly what was happening without ever being explicitly told in those basic words. 

Biblical Truths for Neurodivergent Kids: Affirmations for Every Journey

Biblical Truths for Neurodivergent Kids: Affirmations for Every Journey

Every child is wonderfully unique, created by God with love and intention. For kids who experience and process the world differently, hearing affirmations rooted in God’s truth can be a powerful reminder of their worth and purpose.

How to Care for Caregiving Families with Lisa Jamieson: Podcast Ep 126

How to Care for Caregiving Families with Lisa Jamieson: Podcast Ep 126

Elaina sits down and talks with Lisa Jamieson from Walk Right In Ministries about family caregivers, the holidays, and ways the church can better support them.

Kelly & Daniel Rosati Panel Discussion: Podcast EP 121

Kelly & Daniel Rosati Panel Discussion: Podcast EP 121

At Mental Health & the Church Conference 2024, Dr. Steve Grcevich interviewed Kelly & her son Daniel Rosati on their experience with Schizophrenia, their powerful testimony of Jesus' grace, and how the church can support families like theirs.

New Operations Director! An Interview with Larah Roberts: Podcast Episode 115

New Operations Director! An Interview with Larah Roberts: Podcast Episode 115

Elaina Marchenko sits down to interview Larah Roberts, the new Operations Director here at Key Ministry. Larah shares her heart for disability ministry, and her experience as a Special Needs mom.

5 Phases of Disability Parenting & How Churches Can Support Families in Each Phase: Podcast EP 114

5 Phases of Disability Parenting & How Churches Can Support Families in Each Phase: Podcast EP 114

Parents go through five phases as they raise their children with disabilities. It’s helpful for ministry leaders to understand these phases so we know better how to support families in these different seasons. In this episode, Sandra Peoples shares characteristics of the phases, the needs parents have in each one, and how the church can support them along the way. 

Back to School Disability Supplies

Back to School Disability Supplies

Back to School season is upon us! And while there are many school supply lists, there may be less disability-specific school supplies list, so we decided to give you a few ideas of things that may make the school year a bit easier.

Shattering Myths: The Realities of FASD and Mental Health

Shattering Myths: The Realities of FASD and Mental Health

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a complex developmental disability that affects a child exposed to alcohol prenatally. In the US, the prevalence is as high as 1 in 20 children who have this condition. With a lack of awareness and understanding, many misconceptions and myths persist, including its impact on mental health. Joel Sheagren shatters these myths and shed light on FASD realities and the layers to the challenges they face.

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