Disability Inclusion Ministries
First Presbyterian is delighted to have a wonderful Disabilities Inclusion Ministry. Children and youth in this program range in age from preschool through middle school. One –on-one volunteers, or “buddies,” use recommended strategies to effectively support full inclusion of the children. Children with special needs participate with their same age peers while learning about Bible stories and their faith. Crosswalks Sunday School, Confirmation and Vacation Bible School programs are all supported by this program. For more information or to set up an intake meeting with our Disability Inclusion Coordinators, please call Cindy Merten, Director of Christian Education, at 248.644.2087 x145 or e-mail cindymerten {at} fpcbirmingham(.)org CLICK HERE to view our Disability Inclusion Ministry Program Guide.
Joanne Blair and Kathleen Downing are our Disability Inclusion Coordinators. They facilitate the children’s inclusion program by recruiting and training volunteers, working with families and adapting curriculum. They ensure all children are able to fully participate with their same age peers in their journey of faith. Joanne and Kathleen also sit on the Inclusion and Rejoicing Spirits Committees to help us expand our outreach into the community as we live into our Focus Statement to “reach out to all people, especially those with special needs.”
Joanne Blair has her M.Div. from Ecumenical Theological Seminary. We are thankful for the ways in which her expertise and her commitment to the inclusion of all people in our community enrich our ministries here at First Presbyterian Church. She was a volunteer with our Celebration Station program for five years and joined the inclusion team in 2011. Joanne’s email is joanneblair {at} fpcbirmingham(.)org .
Kathleen Downing is an Elementary School Teacher and is currently writing her thesis to complete her Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Wayne State University. She also serves as the Director of Education for the Tourette Syndrome Association of Michigan. Kathleen was a dedicated volunteer for the Celebration Station program for four years and joined the inclusion team in 2009. Kathleen’s email is kathleendowning {at} fpcbirmingham(.)org .
