May 2023: Finding God’s Ministry Purpose for Your Life: Perseverance ~ A Conversation with Jess Ronne

Jess Ronne is the author of several books, including her newest “Lovin’ with Grit and Grace.” In this second interview in our series about Finding God’s Ministry Purpose, Jess will talk about the importance of Perseverance: in their marriage, in parenting eight children—including one with significant disabilities—and perseverance in pursuit of the calling God has placed on their lives.

Links mentioned include

https://www.jessplusthemess.com/

https://thelucasproject.org/

https://caregiverdoc.com/.

Find Jess's books 'Lovin' with Grit and Grace,' 'Blended with Grit and Grace,' 'Sunlight Burning at Midnight' and news about her upcoming caregiver devotional book at jessplusthemess.com.

July 2022: FINDING GOD’S MINISTRY PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE: TOM & JULIE MEEKINS

Jesus commanded His disciples to make more disciples, or to multiply. But how can individuals and families living with either hidden or visible disabilities do this? In this new series, we’ll give real life examples of what it looks like to use your experiences, talents, and God-given desires to grow God’s Kingdom and feed yourself spiritually, too. Our first guests in this series will be Julie and Tom Meekins, founders of Champions4Parents.com.

October 2021: HOME SWEET HOME: TIPS FOR CAREGIVING FAMILIES ABOUT GROUP HOMES with guest Yvonne Borgquist

As children with special needs grow into adulthood, aging parents often struggle with decisions about long-term care. Yvonne Borgquist, mom of an adult son with special needs, will share the decision-making process she and her husband undertook to evaluate whether or not to move their son into a group home. Though not every family will choose a group home placement, Yvonne will share tips and perspectives to help your family consider options that may work for you.

March 2021 - MENTAL HEALTH MINISTRY IN 2021: PARENTING A CHILD WHO HAS BEEN THROUGH TRAUMA with guest Colleen Swindoll-Thompson

Parenting any child is challenging, but parenting a child who has been through trauma adds complexity and difficulty that few are prepared to handle. Colleen Swindoll Thompson, Vice President of Insight for Living’s Reframing Ministries, will share some trauma-related parenting challenges from her family, and provide insights and helpful resources to help other parents of traumatized children.

Colleen's recommended resources:

https://www.healthyplace.com/

https://www.healthyplace.com/abuse/domestic-violence/effects-of-domestic-violence-domestic-abuse-on-women-and-children

https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma/

https://www.dianelangberg.com/videos/

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/coping-with-traumatic-events/index.shtml#part_153960

To find a counselor, visit http://aacc.net/ or https://www.focusonthefamily.com/get-help/counseling-services-and-referrals/.

Septembert 2020 - A MOTHER’S PERSPECTIVE ON THE POLICE CONCERNING HER CHILD ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM with guest Salina Miller. When it comes to children with special needs and potential interaction with police, the anxiety felt by parents is real. Our guest, Salina Miller, is an advocate for persons with disabilities both inside and outside the church. She is also the parent of a teenage son on the Autism Spectrum. Salina will share what parents can do to equip their children, and how to work with and educate their local law enforcement. Resources mentioned include: milestones.org keyministry.org https://nationalautismassociation.org/big-red-safety-box/ https://ood.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/ood/laws-rules-and-policies/forms/verification-form https://mn.gov/mnddc/emergency-planning/docs/Everybody-Needs-a-Plan-2011.pdf https://concordma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13175/MeetThePoliceToolkitNAA?bidId http://autismidcard.com/ https://www.aane.org/resources/wallet-card/ https://www.autismspeaks.org/safety-products-and-services

Meeting People Where They Are: Black Mental Health and the Critical Role of the Church

Janet Williams serves as Director of Community Outreach and is the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Project Manager for Autism Speaks. Janet is a passionate advocate for the needs of individuals living with autism, as well as their parents and a champion for diversity. In addition, Janet is also the parent of a Black son with autism. In this webinar, Janet will share her parenting experiences, and also share the critical importance of the Church to help the Black community get the resources and support needed for children with mental health needs.

Becoming a Growing Prayer Warrior as a Special Needs Parent

Special needs parents often feel like they can't pray, or pray ineffectively. Some may feel like a broken record, asking for the same things repeatedly, and are tired of waiting for answers, or are afraid of the answers God will provide. Lisa Jamieson from Walk Right In Ministries provides practical ideas for rallying a prayer support team, communicating with prayer chain at church, sharing updates and prayer requests through social media or online support websites, and more. This webinar is for you if you feel alone as a special needs parent, or want some tips on clearly hearing God's voice.

Why It’s Important to Connect “In-Person”…Even When We Can’t

Becky Davidson, special needs mom, Co-Founder and President of Rising Above Ministries talked with Beth Golik and Catherine Boyle about the importance of continued connection between special needs parents, even when we can’t gather in person. Becky shared her experience with virtual coffee talks, online retreats and other unique ideas to provide the community of support that special needs moms (and dads) need during COVID-19. www.risingaboveministries.org

Not Alone Easter Service

Welcome to the Key Ministry Easter Service! The Key Ministry team, along with many other friends in the disability community, bring a hope-filled worship service to you and your family in celebration of our risen Savior, Jesus Christ.

Rolling with the Punches: A Conversation About Challenging Behaviors During #StayAtHome

The #StayAtHome mandate can be especially challenging for families whose kids are used to routines and to certain activities that are no longer an option. Tiffany Crow, a behavior analyst specializing in children with disabilities, helps us brainstorm strategies to try during this challenging time.

How Special Needs Families Can Stay Resilient During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Special needs parents are already resilient and know what it’s like to live with ambiguity. Sandra Peoples will share how families can use this time to create habits and rhythms that will work for special needs families now and in the future.

Handling the Quarantine as a Single Parent

Being a single parent of a child with special needs presents unique challenges during this time of quarantine. John Felageller joins us to talk about handling issues like joint custody and routines during a time that is anything but routine.