Local church steps up for children, offering a special needs ministry
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — A local non-denominational church in Columbus offers a ministry for children with special needs, providing them an opportunity to learn about faith in a safe environment.
Cascade Hills’ Pure Joy Ministry is open to children from ages 3 to 17. Created in 2008, Pure Joy offers designated sensory spaces and an indoor playground during church services on Saturday and Sunday.
One parent shares it wasn’t an easy road finding a church that could accommodate her 11-year-old son TJ.
There are very limited resources in Columbus for special needs families. There is the Autism Hope Center and things like that. But as far as churches, there’s very, very few available. We drove through three different counties, two different states because we live in Alabama and couldn’t find a church that could meet his needs.
April Satterfield, Pure Joy Volunteer/Parent
Satterfield decided to become a Pure Joy volunteer herself, saying children with special needs have her heart.
Pastor Keith and Ms. Susan have said that they don’t want any child… sorry, I’m going to get choked up… any child to not be welcomed.
April Satterfield, Pure Joy Volunteer/Parent
And why do you think that makes you so emotional?
WRBL Reporter
Because I have attended a church that was not able to meet his needs and basically he wasn’t welcomed.
April Satterfield, Pure Joy Volunteer/Parent
The Director of Pure Joy, Susan Pratt, knows firsthand what it is like to have a child with autism.
If you look back on statistics with autism families or actually anybody with special needs children, 90 percent of those do not go to church. Either because they’ve been turned away, they’ve had a bad experience, or they just don’t trust their child with just anybody.
Susan Pratt, Director of Pure Joy Ministry/Volunteer
Pratt says it’s important to support those families, letting them know autism and church can co-exist.
Autism is not the end. It’s not desperation. There is help. There are resources. Don’t ever doubt, just because you have a diagnosis, don’t ever doubt a child’s ability because it’s amazing. They’re one of a kind.
Susan Pratt, Director of Pure Joy Ministry/Volunteer
Pratt says Cascade Hills plans to expand their mission – launching a ministry for adults with special needs this year.
Cascade Hills is hosting their 9th annual Autism Resource Fair and Fun Day on Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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