Special Needs Ministry
A place for those with special needs and their families to grow, thrive and experience the love of Jesus Christ!
- Sunday Services Online: 9:00a | 11:00a | 12:45p
- 3522 Hiram Acworth Hwy, Dallas, GA 30157
We believe that every single person deserves the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are especially passionate about reaching families of loved ones with special needs. Since launching our Special Needs Ministry more than 10 years ago, we have watched this ministry grow, flourish, and bless families in ways we never could have imagined.
Our Special Needs Ministry has groups and events available for people of all ages, ensuring your entire family can connect with the family of West Ridge Church.
There's A Place For You
"We are not babysitting your kids, we are making disciples of Jesus" - Brian Bloye
There is a lot of barriers that can come with caring for an individual with special needs. Our heart is to create space for families and individuals with special needs to not just be cared for but to understand the foundational truth of how much they are loved by God. Find out how the Gilchrist family found a place where they could all grow in their walk with God! .
Visiting for the first time? We can’t wait to meet you and your family!
Sunday Morning Special Needs Ministries
Out of the Box
Our Out of the Box settings offer individuals with special needs the opportunity to participate in worship, a Bible lesson, and arts and crafts related to the lesson. We offer 4 classes, designated by age group, for each service on Sundays at 9am + 11am and 12:45pm.
Nursery/Pre-K Class
The class for Nursery/Pre-K offers a smaller, self-contained room for children under the age of 5 in which they receive a modified lesson based on their abilities and is located on the Pre-K hallway.
K-5th grade class
This class for K-5th offers a modified lesson including worship, bible lesson, and craft on our special needs hallway. Children will have 1:1 support in this classroom with opportunities to visit the typical children’s area as they are able to be included.
Teen Class
This class offers a modified classroom setting for children ages 12-22yrs old.
Adult Class
This class offers a modified classroom setting for adults ages 23yrs and older.
Want to find out more? Click below to get in touch with our ministry leader, Suzan Vande Zande.
Get In Touch: Out of the Box Contact
One-on-one Inclusion Ministry
Birth – 5th Grade • Sundays at 9:00am, 11:00am + 12:45pm
This one-on-one ministry gives children with special needs the opportunity to attend our West Ridge Kids Ministry with one-on-one personalized care and attention from a trained volunteer. If your loved one requires individual care, please contact us prior to your visit so that we can have a volunteer ready to welcome and be your child’s buddy for their visit.
Want to find out more? Click below to get in touch with our ministry leader, Danielle Still.
Get In Touch: 1on1 ContactSpecial Needs Ministry Events
Breakaway Events
Breakaway is a free respite event for Special Needs Parents. We offer a “little break” from daily stress. Special Needs participants of any age and their siblings (11 and under) may take part in 4 hours of supervised fun planned just for them. There will be lots of fun-filled activities planned for the day as well as Praise & Worship Time.
Learn More About Upcoming Breakaway Events
Night of the Stars (14 yrs and up)
Night of the Stars is our annual prom event held in May. We encourage everyone to dress up for this event which features a red carpet where your loved one will be cheered on as they make their grand entrance, dancing, food, entertainment and lots of fun suprises! Guests with special needs will each be assigned to a “buddy” for the evening who is responsible for assisting them at dinner, engaging them in conversation, dancing with them and ensuring they have the most fun possible by taking advantage of all things that our prom has to offer. More info and event dates coming soon!
Want to find out more? Click below to get in touch with our ministry leader, Anita Metcalf.
Get In Touch: Special Needs Event ContactServe at Night of the Stars
Night of the Stars is our annual prom event held on May 2, 2025. We need buddies, red carpet team members, ROTC Saber teams, cheerleaders, food teams for volunteers & guests, childcare, set up & tear down, limo teams, karaoke, games and many more team members to make this the most amazing night for the most amazing guests! Come join us and be a part of a fabulous evening of dancing, dining & entertainment!
Join The Special Needs Ministry Team
Want to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our special needs families? No matter your experience level, we will provide the training and guidance you need to feel confident and ensure that you have the best experience serving in this incredibly rewarding ministry!
Sunday Services
9:00AM • 11:00AM • 12:45PM