OUR PROGRAMS
We believe that people impacted by a disability should have the opportunity to be a part of a thriving community - a place to belong, a place to be accepted. Our programs focus on providing support and enrichment in 4 areas: schools, group homes, community, and churches.
In the Schools
We provide support & enrichment services to students, families and staff at local schools that have special needs programming. Programs are provided based on the unique needs of each school.
In the Community
The Breath of Life Dance Team (BOLD) provides adults with special needs a platform to share their creative talents through liturgical dance. BOLD plays an important role in bringing visibility to those with disabilities into the community and greatly impacts the hearts and minds of all who see them perform.
In the Group Homes
We focus on building community between group home residents & church volunteers to provide support and offer enrichment opportunities such as cooking classes, outings, Bible studies, and home repair projects through our THRIVE program.
In the Church
King’s Table is committed to not only addressing the physical and social needs of those affected by disabilities, but the spiritual aspect, as well. We desire to motivate and equip the Church to reach out to individuals impacted by developmental and intellectual disabilities.
IN THE SCHOOLS
We could not have accomplished all we did at Lincoln without the support of KTM, your presence is needed in our school. I have truly enjoyed the opportunity to work along side KTM meeting the needs of our students. You truly walk out your faith.” -School Staff Member
Back to School Carnivals
In celebration of school beginning full time each year in the fall, volunteers bring a carnival of fun for the students and families. Each school has students with different abilities so a carnival is tailored to their unique needs.
Classroom Support
Throughout the school year, there are opportunities to provide support to teachers and students by donating various items that are needed to help in the classrooms. Items not covered by the school may include applesauce for medication, replacements for soiled clothing, school supplies, or weighted blankets.
Sewing Group
To promote dignity by keeping students’ clothing clean during mealtimes and crafts, clothing protectors are used each day. Local elementary schools and businesses donate new, terrycloth towels for the volunteer sewing team to make about 450 large covers each year.
Community Classroom Volunteers
Volunteers can build rewarding relationships and support teachers and students by helping in classrooms, going on field trip outings, assisting with adaptive physical education, and playing games with students. (Pilot Program – training provided)
Staff Appreciation Luncheon
All teachers are exceptional, but teaching at a school where every student has cognitive impairments holds a distinctive role. Each year a luncheon to honor the invaluable service of the over 250 dedicated teachers, education professionals and support staff at the school is held. It is an event that the staff looks forward to every year and shows appreciation for the work they do in this special community.
Grounds Beautification
In the spring and fall there are opportunities for large groups to work together on projects designed to improve the landscaping and maintain the grounds surrounding the schools.
Material Assistance
By working with school staff, students who are at the most risk are identified to provide tangible assistance. Common items include adaptive clothing, medical devices or helping with bills. Larger expenses such as a wheelchair ramp or a washer and dryer have also been provided.
School Celebrations
We partner with the schools to assist with special events and parties throughout the year to give students, their families and staff a chance to enjoy their vibrant school community.
Sponsor-A-Family at Christmas
During the Christmas season, we engage our network of volunteers to sponsor families from the school, ensuring that the holidays are a time of joy and celebration, not hardship. Families are selected with the help of the school social workers, who work with them to put together a wish list. We match families with volunteers, who purchase, wrap and if needed, deliver the gifts. This program brightens the holidays for over 30 families each year and in several cases exposes more dire needs in the family to be met.
Tea for Two
This cherished event is a small group gathering in a volunteer’s home between girls with special needs and the women in their lives who have had a positive influence on them. They spend an afternoon together doing a craft, activity, and having tea. During the tea, each woman reads a letter expressing qualities she appreciates about her young friend. This is a very precious time together.
IN THE GROUP HOMES
THRIVE
People of all abilities experiencing community together!
The purpose of THRIVE is to provide opportunities for meaningful interactions between people impacted by disabilities who live in group homes and small groups from the faith community in order to create an environment where authentic community may flourish.
Group Homes are essential for many adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. There are over 400 group homes in Kent County, Michigan managed by various organizations. These homes can be lonely places, sometimes lacking the emotional support residents need.
We all share the need for community, support, and a place to belong, including those who are affected by a disability. While Christian Churches have a significant opportunity to be a welcoming environment to those who are in the special needs community, individuals who are impacted by disabilities have so much to share with others. What a great opportunity for all of us to learn from one another and experience community together!
IN THE COMMUNITY
BOLD
Breath of Life Dance Team
One of our most unique programs is BOLD (Breath of Life Dance Team), which provides adults with special needs a platform to share their creative talents through liturgical dance. BOLD plays an important role in bringing visibility to those with disabilities in the community and greatly impacts the hearts and minds of all who see them perform. The dance team has been a part of King's Table programming for over 10 years and exists to share the beauty of the special needs community with the wider public through performances at schools, churches and community events. It also provides a network of friendship and support for team members who often face social isolation.
Contact us to have BOLD perform at your event.
Submit a dancer application for BOLD HERE
Hope in the Heartache
Grief Support Groups
King’s Table hosts peer-to-peer Grief Support Groups for parents or guardians and their children who are grieving the loss of a loved one who was impacted by a cognitive disability. We are committed to walking alongside families who are facing the experience of losing a loved one due to their disability.
IN THE CHURCH
Where we Worship
King’s Table is committed to not only addressing the physical and social needs of those affected by disabilities, but the spiritual aspect is also a priority. We desire to motivate and equip the Church to reach out to individuals impacted by developmental and intellectual disabilities. Although churches can be places of refuge for people in need of spiritual care and connection they can also be ill-equipped to handle the needs of members with special needs. It is vital to work with churches committed to providing a more inviting and supportive environment for all families and individuals. When congregations are accepting of the needs and challenges of all members, they can provide a much-needed network of support.
