Special Needs

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  Labor Special Needs

  UNLESS U

  My brother, Jordan, inspired us to start Unless U, a faith-based continuing education program in a college-like environment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Jordan was my best friend throughout my childhood. We had so much fun together. But other children did not understand his needs, so I learned at an early age to be his advocate. I also noticed that Jordan's disability doesn't limit his desire to have the same opportunities as others. He always wanted to be like everyone else. He did not understand it when my brother and I got to drive a car, and he couldn't; or… Read More

  November 9, 2022
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  Adoption/Foster Care Special Needs

  ADOPTING CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

  I was a single mother of two when I answered God’s clear call to adopt and foster children with Down syndrome and other life-threatening medical conditions. It has been quite a wild and demanding ride but it has brought me so much closer to the Lord, and, in looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. How I got to this point requires some explanation: I got divorced when I was pregnant with my second child. It was right around the holidays, and I was devastated. I cried out to God that this was not how I ever imagined my life when… Read More

  June 22, 2022
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  Labor Overcoming Obstacles Special Needs

  FITNESS CLASSES FOR THE DIFFERENTLY-ABLED

  We started teaching fitness classes designed for individuals with developmental disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy or Down syndrome. Our goal is to help them increase strength, motor coordination, social skills and overall wellness. And we can surely see God’s hand in all this, especially how He brought us together and made this happen so seamlessly. We worked in the same school district as contract speech-language pathologists. We were frequently moved from school to school and didn’t really come in contact with one another, but in August of 2020, we ended up assigned to the same school. We found ourselves bonding… Read More

  April 13, 2022
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  Loss Of Loved One Overcoming Obstacles Special Needs

  JOHN-BOY’S PLACE

  I lost my husband, John, after a relatively quick two-year battle with ALS. It is a devastating disease that destroys the patient's physical abilities due to muscle and nerve degeneration. It also attacks the health and mental wellness of both patient and family as the days begin to run together. John began losing his balance, and his falls resulted in several broken bones and chipped teeth. The balance issues continued to get worse and after months of testing, we received the dreaded diagnosis: John had ALS. It would lead to a very difficult death, since there is no cure. Upon hearing this… Read More

  February 23, 2022
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  Adoption/Foster Care Children Special Needs

  ADOPTING 10 CHILDREN FROM CHINA

  How we came about adopting 10 children from China, all with special needs, shows what can happen if you are open to listening to God’s calling for your life. It has made me realize that my life is not all about me but rather living out God’s will. And it has made me, and my entire family, a much more Christ-centered person. My husband, Rob, and I had never even thought about adoption. We already had a houseful of biological kids: two boys and two girls. But when our youngest was five, the Lord started laying it on our hearts in… Read More

  February 1, 2022
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  Labor Loving Your Neighbor Special Needs

  A SIMPLE ACT OF KINDNESS

  I never thought a simple act of kindness would have such an amazing impact. It really showed me how much God can use any situation or anybody for His glory. I’ve been a UPS driver in Vermont for 29 years, and really gotten to know a lot of the people on my route. Especially during the pandemic where we’ve been making so many more deliveries. I love my customers and try to show Jesus’ love to them any chance I get. That's what I did with Max. He’s a 14-year-old boy with autism who rarely speaks or smiles. I try to say… Read More

  December 7, 2021
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