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Open Table Ministry

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Welcome to the Special Needs Ministry of Mission Hill Church!

Open Table is a local ministry of Mission Hill Church, serving individuals and families impacted by disabilities in the community. Grounded in the belief that every person is created in the image of God and is an indispensable part of the body of Christ, we exist to create a place of welcome, where everyone is met with compassion, dignity, and care. Through intentional relationships and Christ-centered community, we strive to ensure that no one feels overlooked and that every person has a seat at the table.

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Who We Serve

We seek to serve individuals with special needs and their families with compassion and care—creating welcoming spaces, intentional community, removing barriers to Jesus, and equipping others to love well, so that every person is seen, valued, and reminded there is always a seat for them at the table.

Currently serving:

  • Families of children with special needs

  • Children ages birth-5th grade with special needs during Sunday Services

Soon to be serving:

  • Students of youth ages, grades 6 to age 21

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What Support Looks Like

  • Buddy system / 1:1 support

  • Sensory accommodations in classes

  • Area for large movement & brain breaks

  • Quiet deescalation room

  • Changing room

  • Visual schedules

  • Modified curriculum as necessary

  • Check-in procedures

  • Safety protocols

  • Communication supports

  • Inclusion with same-age peers vs separate spaces

We can work with each family individually to create the best support plan possible.

What to Expect on Your First Visit

  • Check-in at the Open Table wing where a member of our team will greet you, take the time to fill out a student intake form

  • Services can get loud, feel free to utilize our sensory room/quiet room with adult supervision (this is an un-staffed space)

  • Sunday services run from 9-10:20am And 10:40am-12:00pm

  • If you would like to check out our space and schedule a visit ahead of time, contact Haleigh Gibble at haleighngibble@gmail.com

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Volunteer Information

  • We plan to provide recurrent training opportunities for volunteers throughout the year

  • Background checks are required in order to serve as a volunteer buddy

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Safety & Policies

  • Background checks are required of our volunteers

  • In the instance of a medical emergency, we have trained medical staff on standby.

  • Our volunteers are not trained to give medication

  • Our volunteers are not expected to provide special toileting accommodations such as diapering.

  • In the instance of elopement or overstimulation, our volunteers may not be able to stay in the classroom. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child attend with a sibling?

    • If that is what is most comfortable for them initially, we are absolutely open to it–just let someone know! However, our goal is to have them included with their same age peers, and we would love to get them plugged in with an age-appropriate class!

  • What if my child has behaviors during service?

    • No worries! If you are uncomfortable with keeping them in service, you are more than welcome to use our sensory room located in the Open Table wing. We can also provide a buddy so that they can attend Sunday school.

  • What if my child is nonverbal?

    • We have communication cards and boards all around the church! Just ask someone if you would like to use one while at Mission Hill.

  • Do you provide 1:1 support?

    • We do provide 1:1 support by volunteers that have gone through background checks and proper training

  • Can parents stay with their child?

    • The parents are encouraged to attend church services during this time

  • What ages do you serve?

    • We are currently providing buddies for children ages birth through 5th grade

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Accessibility Information

  • We do have a lift, elevator access, and a handicap accessible entrance

  • We have a sensory room for instances of overstimulation

  • We can provide noise cancelling headphones

  • There are sensory bags located at the connect desk–just ask someone for assistance and we can get you one!

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