by Nancy Price

Parents of children with special needs can go to church or enjoy an afternoon away, thanks to a program at Northview called GraceWorks.

GraceWorks provides adult and child volunteers to play with special-needs children while the parents go on a date or attend church services together.

“It’s a really neat ministry for those who feel they can’t come to church,” Shanna Banks, leader of GraceWorks, said. “For those children with medical needs, babysitters are hard to find.”

Shanna said some spouses may have previously attended one service and the other spouse the other, as they felt one parent always needed to be with their child.

The volunteers are available several times a year on a Sunday afternoon so that parents can have several hours away to enjoy a date.

“I love it; I look forward to it,” Jill, a parent of a child with special needs, said of the program. “I’m ready for the next one.”

GraceWorks pairs a volunteer, called a “buddy,” with a child. The child can play in a bounce house, ride a tricycle or scooter or use sensory-based activities, among other activities to choose from.

“The children get to do things that they wouldn’t get to at home,” Jill said.

Siblings of children with special needs are also invited.

Parents of a special needs child fill out a form to include the child’s interests so the children can do what they enjoy with their buddy, Banks said, who also noted that volunteers have tight relationships with the families.

“The volunteers love the children,” Banks said. “It’s comforting for the families.”

Jill agreed, stating, “My husband and I can connect on a deeper level on our dates without worrying about our child. It lets us relax.”

“It benefits us, knowing the church wants to help us,” Jill continued. “I’ve never known another church like this. They make every effort to help in a practical, easy way. You feel like you’re not alone in your struggle.”

GraceWorks is looking for volunteers who would like to make a difference. Volunteers are especially needed on Saturdays for the 5 p.m. church service or for the upcoming Afternoon Away on May 15.

For more information about GraceWorks or to sign up for upcoming Afternoon Aways, please contact Shanna Banks at shanna.banks@northviewchurch.us.