Special Needs Program

The following is a list with details concerning programs Ridgecrest sponsors for children and adults with developmental disabilities:

Sunday School for Children and Youth/Adults every Sunday at 9:00 am -- These classes are developmentally age-appropriate – teaching values and who God is:

      Youth/Adults: Room 102 (“The Yellow Room”).
            Contact person is Charlane Wall, 601-898-7889

      Children:  Mainstream setting with one-on-one support.
            Contact person is Stacie Albritton, 601-853-1090, ext. 37
           
All children, teens and adults with developmental disabilities:

Parents’ Night Out is held once a quarter on Saturday from 5:30 – 8:30 pm in the Ridgecrest Activities Center. Supper is provided and is theme-based for fun activities. This program also includes siblings so the parents can have time out.  A Registered Nurse is present at all times. The volunteer ratio is more than adequate. There is never any charge to attend. Contact persons are Charlane Wall at 601.898.7889, or cwall madison-schools.com, Melanie McKenzie at 601.856.3584 or mmckenzie bellsouth.net, or Valerie Zimmerman at 601.856.0952 or dietcokevz earthlink.net

STARs (Special Teens and Adults @ Ridgecrest).  This is a special area outreach program for developmentally delayed young people and adults over the age of 15:

STARs is an activity program that has an activity or event approximately every six (6) weeks, usually on Friday evenings or Saturday afternoons.  This is a program for families, but sometimes gives parents a break from care.  A Registered Nurse is present at all times. The program has many volunteers who truly love this population.  These events are held throughout the community such as picnic at Old Trace Park in the activity center, out to eat at a local restaurant, parties at Ridgecrest Activities Center, Braves Baseball Game in the special suites, Cook-Outs at CC Ranch and other locations. We enjoy Fun Nights Bowling, going to Gatti Town or Pump It Up, and special holiday dinners with entertainment, etc.  The emphasis is on having FUN together, parents included.  There usually is no charge for these events. Contact Persons are Melanie McKenzie at 601.856.3584 or mmckenzie bellsouth.net, or Cathy O’Kelly at 601.856.3115.

The procedure for enrolling in any of these programs is to contact Beth Bennett, Special Needs Ministry Coordinator, at 601.853.1090, x 61.

If I can help you with anything else, please feel free to contact me. In Christian love, Beth Bennett Special Needs Coordinator

…and all of us are the work of your hand. – Isaiah 64:8c