Twinmom Posted December 19, 2010 Share Posted December 19, 2010 ...as an extension of the home group ministry at our church. It would involve inviting a small to medium size group of families with children and/or parents who have special needs to meet 2x a month at our home for fellowship, Bible study, etc. We'd probably start by working through a study designed for families raising special kids, then work out from there adding in whatever the individuals in the group think is useful. Prayer, fellowship and a supportive environment where our kids are accepted would be the goal. We'd be looking for occupational therapists from the local college to provide paid child care during the meetings in my home, which is fairly large and has lots of kid friendly sports equipment (a big, safe trampoline, a play gym, therapy swings and other developmental toys. Am I completely out of my mind for thinking about starting this up? We'd have to lead it, and I've got four special needs kids of my own, I home school and DH travels a lot (though not often on the weekends, which is when we'd meet). What stumbling blocks have I not thought about? What needs do you think we should try to meet for families who might join the group? How big should we let it get (small church, but this would be open to the community)? Any thoughts from you great ladies and gents would be useful ("including you are out of your mind for trying to start something so big!" ;))! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twinmom Posted December 19, 2010 Author Share Posted December 19, 2010 Oh, and the parents would be able to meet quietly in our lovely converted garage, which boasts a living area complete with fire place! We'd be on the property but the kids would not be directly in the room. Close, but not too close, IYKWIM! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abecedarianmama Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 I am new here, but there is a group like that in our town. They do a once a month mom's night out, and a monthly field trip that is sn friendly. They have a variety of handicaps in the group and plan things that can accomodate everyone. It's a good idea! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 This sounds so nice...and here comes the 'but'... Have you talked to your insurance carrier or even a lawyer about this? Bad things can happen even in the most kid friendly circumstances. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twinmom Posted December 20, 2010 Author Share Posted December 20, 2010 Hadn't thought about that, but in light of it I might have a release of liability drawn up... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 Hadn't thought about that, but in light of it I might have a release of liability drawn up... When I was teaching in a private religious school the insurance co. required more than one teacher on the playground during recess given the size of the playground and number of children. I don't know how this works when you're doing something church-related like this in a private home and are hiring someone to watch the kids. Anyway...I would hate to see you run into problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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