Special Needs Ministries

At HNW, we want to help all people advance in their journey with Christ, and this includes people of all ages and ability levels. Our Special Needs Ministry seeks to provide spiritual growth and development for children, students, and adults with special needs and their families. All of our volunteers are trained and equipped to care for your children, and they have the heart to do so.

Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God's love, for people with special needs ages 14 and older.

This coming year, on Friday, February 7, 2024, Night to Shine will celebrate its eleventh anniversary as hundreds of churches and volunteers come together to honor thousands of guests with special needs.

Our church is so excited to join other churches around the globe in hosting this unforgettable night!

To register as a guest or volunteer click the button below!

How will my child be integrated into his/her class?
Our special needs ministry aims to include children in general classrooms as much as possible. Our Special Needs Coordinator will work with you to determine what level of inclusion will set them up for the greatest level of success. Children may be fully included, partially included, or stay in one of our sensory classrooms on any given Sunday depending on the child’s individual plan, volunteer availability, and classroom dynamic.

Where should I drop off and pick up my family member? 
Children who are part of the special needs ministry will always start and finish in the special needs sensory classroom downstairs in the Kids Building unless other arrangements have been made with the staff. Students with special needs can be dropped off and picked up in the Student Building. Adults with special needs will start and finish in The Commons. Students and adults will have their own age-appropriate worship experience.

What does my family member do in class while I am in service? 
Your child will have the opportunity to experience worship, engage in a Bible story, pray, and play with other kids. Their time in class is designed to be structured, purposeful, and fun. Students in 6th-12th grade will join student worship. Adults will spend time in large and small group worship with intentional Bible teaching and prayer.

Is there someone I can talk to about setting up spiritual goals for my child?
Yes! If you are interested in an ISP (Individualized Spiritual Plan) for your child, please reach out to our Special Needs Coordinator. We will be happy to meet and discuss any spiritual goals you might have.

Who is caring for my family member?
The leaders in our special needs ministry love this community deeply and have been trained for their roles by the HNW staff, but they are not all necessarily professionals. They offer their time freely and care for each person to the best of their abilities as members of the special needs volunteer team. Each member of our volunteer team has completed child protection and abuse prevention trainings, passed a background check and submitted a detailed application.

What if my child is having behavioral problems?
If a child starts behaving inappropriately, the staff will set up a meeting with you to discuss the behavior and develop a plan to encourage positive change. You may also receive a call/text asking you to check on your child. We will call the number on file, so please make sure this number is kept current.

Will my family member ever be alone with an adult?
We stand with you in prioritizing safety and accountability. HNW Kids and the Special Needs Ministry will always have two adults in the classroom at all times.