Special Needs - Mount Vernon Baptist Church

Mount Vernon Special Needs Ministry to provide support & accommodations so that all children and students can hear, understand, and respond to the Gospel. The ministry provides relationship based discipleship & support in order for the Gospel to be accessible to every child and student who walks through our doors.

More Information: Contact Ashley Jones (ajones@mountvernon.church)

A buddy is a trained volunteer who is paired with a child/student that needs extra support to participate in the children ministry and student ministry.

One of the ways we provide support is our sensory rooms – spaces where children/students can get their individual sensory needs met. The design and purpose of these rooms is respite for a child/student to self-regulate and return to class ready to hear more about Jesus with their peers. These rooms can also be used a sensory classroom for children/students who benefit by learning in a separate space due to their sensory sensitivities.

A sensory room monitor serves as an extra person in the room as buddies and their paired child/student utilize the space. They also maintain the sensory room log.

Buddy Testimony

“Being a buddy is one of the joys of my life. Seeing these children learn about our loving Jesus is everything- truly, can you think of anything more important? I love that these precious children and their families know that there is always a place for them at Mount Vernon.”

– Mindy Harden

Buddy Testimony

“Being a buddy with the special needs ministry has absolutely changed my life. I am able to help kids with special needs feel included and supported at church, which leads to them feeling safe and excited to come back each and every week. I have been able to build individual bonds and friendships with each child I get the blessing to work with. These relationships have brought me so much joy and has shown me how important it is that every child feels seen and loved.”

– Zoe Raeder

Parent Testimony

“Raising a child with special needs has a way of altering every aspect of your life. Attending church is no exception. Prior to the Mount Vernon Special Needs Ministry, we were not always able to attend church as a family. The worry, stress, and guilt often played louder in our hearts and minds than the sermons we came to hear. Was attending Sunday school too much of for our son? Would he be accepted? This ministry has provided us peace and comfort knowing that our son is loved and cared for. The buddies meet him right where he’s at as he’s learning about Jesus. He loves attending church and lights up when we pull in the parking lot. As always, Mount Vernon ministers and supports all of its members. We are blessed to call Mount Vernon home.”

– Cameron Smith

Parent Testimony

“We are so thankful that Mt. Vernon has such a heart for children with special needs. Hearing our daughter recall the Bible stories every Sunday and how much God loves her is incredible. Prior to attending Mount Vernon, we were not able to attend a Sunday morning service without being nervous that we would be called out of the service. The peace of mind we have knowing that the special needs ministry is in place to support our daughter is immeasurable. The highlight of our spring was watching our daughter sing in the KidJAM production. My daughter lacked functional communication skills until she was 5. I never imagined that one day she would be confidently singing to Jesus on stage with dozens of other precious children. The Mount Vernon Special Needs Ministry has been an answer to prayer.”

– Janet Welch