BELONG DISABILITY MINISTRY
Navigating disabilities for a lifetime
Belong Disability Ministry welcomes people of all abilities, ages, and faiths to be a part of an adaptive, inclusive community at Highland Park United Methodist Church. We are proud to offer all programs at no cost to participants and their families. Our programs are open to anyone in the DFW community who is or has a family member affected by a disability. We hope to see you soon!
Worship Programs
Join us on Sunday mornings for The Walk, our Sunday School program for kids, teens, and adults. Afterwards, stay for The Feast worship service led by members of the disability community. Our all-inclusive Kingdom Singers Choir will also lead us in joyful singing.
Respite Programs
Night OWLS (Out With Loving Sitters) and SibShop® workshops are offered throughout the year. These programs create opportunities for family members of those with disabilities to engage with Belong and find community with each other.
Recreational Programs
Our weekly Day Classes and monthly Explorers event offer a wide range of opportunities for our participants to learn and grow. They can acquire new skills, meet new friends, and challenge themselves along the way.
Spotlight Academy of the Arts
Belong’s Spotlight Academy of the Arts is composed of the annual Spotlight Musical, the Spotlight Short Film, and the Spotlight Rock Band. No prior skills are required to participate in any of these programs!
Chance's Cafe
Named in memory of Chance Urschel, Chance's Cafe serves up smiles just as Chance himself did, as well as coffee and sweet treats. The cafe is run and managed by Belong participants and is open for both in-person ordering and online orders. All proceeds cover the costs of Chance's Training Program.
Resource Center
Our Resource Coordinator is here to help families and individuals affected by disability through all the stages, topics, and resources of their journey. The Resource Center also hosts annual events throughout the year.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Hannah Rynerson, Participant
“I love the Belong Disability Ministry because I get to interact with people who have disabilities like me. I have made so many amazing friends. One of my favorite programs is Spotlight Musical Theater because I have always wanted to be an actor.”
Bob Waterman, Parent
“Belong Disability Ministry has meant the world to my daughter, Happy. It has provided her a place to meet new friends and expand her horizons. We are so grateful to be a part of this incredible community!”
Ann Baty, Volunteer
“When I started volunteering with Belong, I had no experience with people with special needs, but decided to take a leap of faith and give it a try. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. When I show up to volunteer, all of life’s worries and distractions disappear and I’m completely focused on connecting with and learning from our participants. Those connections have taught me so much about the nature of God and have made a bigger impact on my faith than anything else in my life.”