Dear Parents,
Welcome to Journey Community Church, VIP Kids ministry! A ministry that walks alongside families by supporting and embracing neurodiversity* and various disabilities. Our desire is that every child and family experiences the depth of life with God. Through developmentally appropriate approaches in an inclusive setting, we ensure every child feels a sense of belonging and has equal access to life with Jesus Christ. Volunteers are perfectly matched to support your child in the least restrictive environment. To help us provide the best possible support and to ensure successful participation in the program, we ask that you:
Commit to attending the same service every week. This provides consistency and predictability for your child, builds trust to a consistent volunteer and ensures that we are prepared to serve you.
Let your program director know that your child will or will not be attending each weekend via text two days prior to scheduled services time.
Please communicate any changes or new behaviors that your child may be experiencing with the assigned volunteer or the program director so we can best support your child.
We ask that you take your child to the restroom prior to checking them into their classroom.
Come and assist within 5 minutes if you are called by the VIP team during service time.
* Neurodiversity describes the idea/view that people experience and interact with the world around them in very different and unique ways. We understand there is no one “right” way of thinking, learning, and behaving and we are here to support each child.
For more information or to register a child email us at vipkids@journeycom.org
Interested in volunteering in VIP Kids?
Mission of Journey VIP KIDS:
Helping children with disabilities and their families to access depth of life with God by providing developmentally appropriate approaches in an inclusive setting where every child feels a sense of belonging and has equal access to life with Jesus Christ.
Leader commitments:
Love kids, be compassionate and show empathy.
This fosters trust, promotes connection and creates a safe space for children.
Encourage but never force participation.
Let’s prioritize connection over compliance.
Be a friend.
Personal connection is essential. Play games, be silly, smile, giggle and have fun!
Create safe, predictable environments.
Children thrive in structured and predictable environments. We can support them by creating quiet zones where children can retreat when feeling overwhelmed.
Be flexible.
In a world that is constantly changing, children need flexibility in order to adapt. Having a flexible mindset reduces stress and anxiety but also minimizes triggers.
Understand that everyone communicates!
Know that communication doesn’t mean spoken words only. Respect and accept all attempts of communication (gestures, ASL, vocalizations, AAC, body language, etc). Remember: When we expand our view of what communication looks like, we can work towards creating a more inclusive world.
Be reliable.
When children know they can rely on you, they start to develop trust, form meaningful connections and feel secure in their interactions.
For more information email us at vipkids@journeycom.org
