by Bob Vestal, contributing writer

The Special Needs Ministry at Stonebriar strives to "create a loving, safe environment where people with special needs can grow spiritually, physically, and socially." This commitment to those with special needs is exactly what drew John and Colette McCadden to Stonebriar. This family's story may sound familiar. John grew up in North Dallas; Colette in Abilene. The couple met early in their careers as physical therapists, married, and started a family: Greg, Evan, Owen, and Meagan. A new chapter was added when Evan was officially diagnosed with Autism at two years old. Any parent with a special needs child knows exactly what this means, but to describe this a little more for others, this means Evan has limitations in verbalizing and understanding communication; he faces challenges knowing what is appropriate social behavior, has delayed self help skills, and does not always know how to play in certain instances.

Knowing that Evan, now six years old, needed additional support in the classroom setting, the McCadden family approached the process of finding a church home carefully. For months, the family visited various churches, studied their programs, and interviewed staff and volunteers. Through this process, the McCaddens discovered a church that the whole family could call home. "We're excited every Sunday morning because we know that there’s a place for all of us, and Evan is usually the first to hop into the car," Colette said. "Stonebriar looks like a large church, but the people have that small-church friendliness. It really makes us feel at home when we know there's a place that Evan can go where the people really understand children with special needs," John shared. Knowing all their children are being taught strong biblical truths in a loving environment also provides John and Colette an opportunity to grow together spiritually in their own setting.
 
So, how can fellow church members support Special Needs families? "Awareness is a big thing—being aware and supportive of special needs kids and families really makes a difference," suggested John. "Having an understanding of our challenges means so much. We hope and pray that Evan will have the ability to be independent some day; however, the reality is that he will more than likely always need support," Colette shared. Stonebriar has a team of staff and volunteers who focus solely on supporting individuals and families with special needs. Through the Special Needs Ministry, SCC provides sign language interpreters, hearing assistance, wheelchairs, Braille and large print Bibles, ADA-compliant facilities, and classes for adults and children. SCC also offers a monthly respite program for families, called FunZone. Learn more about SCC’s Special Needs Ministry.

Want to make a difference? To volunteer in a special needs classroom, e-mail Serving@Stonebriar.org for details, or starting in November, support the Special Needs Ministry by purchasing note cards in the Atrium on Sundays.