FAQ’s: How Can We Supply a Special Needs Ministry on a Low Budget?

Today’s guest post is from Katie Garvert, Access Ministries Coordinator for Woodmen Valley Chapel in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Woodmen Valley Chapel currently serves 70 individuals affected by special needs.  Over the past six years Katie has helped WVC establish special needs inclusion programming for this multi-site church.  Prior to joining the WVC staff, Katie was a special education teacher in the Colorado public school system.   

For the first post in this series, see FAQ’s: How Can We Train Our Church Leaders to Start a Special Needs Ministry.  For the second post in this series, see FAQ’s:  Should Parents Lead the Special Needs Ministry?  

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Question #3:  We have little or no budget to purchase special supplies for our special needs ministry.  Do you have any low-cost items that you recommend we keep on hand?

Katie:  We ask our church members to donate the following items:

• Sound eliminator head phones (a.k.a. noise-canceling headphones)
• Mini trampoline
• Carpet squares
• Timers
• Musical instruments
• Soothing music on CDs
• CD player
• Small tent or pop-up tent
• Fleece blanket
• Body pillow
• Large bean bag chair

In addition, I make a yearly purchase of the following items I keep in a supply box.  The total of the listed items (below) is less than $100.

• Painters Tape
• Red and Blue and Yellow see through plastic folders  (Available from office supply stores)
• Fidget toys
• Stress balls
• Wiggle Seats
• Thera-Putty

~ Katie Garvert

For related posts see:

• Good Finds!  Toys-R-Us Differently-Abled Toy Guide (and My Picks for Kidmin)
• Products for the Special Needs Environment
• Special Needs Ministry Storage Closet & Snacks
• Special Needs Ministry Sensory Room
• Special Needs Ministry Quiet Room
• Providing a Sensory Box
• Special Needs Ministry Checklist