The mission of the Child and Family Support Committee, previously known as the Caring Congregation Committee (CCC), is to support families of children and adults with a variety of special needs to ensure that Follen Church is inclusive and supportive to these families and individuals. We work against stigma, and we provide resource materials in the Follen library and a curriculum for increasing understanding of persons with mental health or learning challenges.

In addition, we arrange speakers on relevant topics ranging from Estate Planning for your Adult Child to use of Multiple Intelligence Theory as an inclusive teaching approach. We advocate for inclusion of those with special needs within our community as well as those in the larger community, and we provide mental health–focused input into worship services. We also fundraise to support the Minister’s Discretionary Fund for Special Needs. The proceeds of this fund are used by the minister anonymously to assist families with costs of neuropsychological testing, tutoring, advocacy, and other expenses.

• Resources at Follen and in the Community updated January 2020

If you have any questions or concerns or if you have suggestions for how Follen might be more supportive, contact Sharon C. at childfamilysupport@follen.org.