FUSION is the disability ministry at Good Shepherd. Our mission is to reach and serve families impacted by disabilities and create an environment for them to discover and embrace a relationship with Jesus Christ.

FUSION is led by our Disability Ministry Director, Autumn Wouk! Autumn’s background includes a degree in Special Education and over fifteen years of experience teaching, coaching, and caring for individuals with disabilities.

We are a church that is FOR Those with Disabilities. Within FUSION, there are multiple ways to get connected.

As the parent of a child with disabilities, does your heart ache with questions, confusion, or discouragement? Do you ever feel that you have no margin in your emotional reserves or sense a gaping need for encouragement, rest, and refreshment? Would you like to have a village of people cheering you on as you walk through life together?

Our prayer for our Fusion families is this small group setting will provide a place of encouragement, joy and refresh in your life. We want to grow a village of parents that can do life together, praying and supporting you through the tough times and celebrating with you during the good times! 

REGISTER HERE!

Buddy Break
Buddy Break is a monthly, respite opportunity for children with disabilities and their siblings provided at no charge. At Buddy Break, all children are intentionally paired up one-on-one with a trained buddy. We play games, do projects, play in the gym, and have a lot of fun—all while parents and caregivers get a well-deserved break.

See how families are impacted by Buddy Break and learn more about how this ministry first began from Danielle Schaeffer, Former Director of Fusion.

This program is sponsored by Nathaniel’s Hope, an organization that supports Buddy Breaks in congregations across the country. After registering on their website, families have the opportunity to take their children to any Buddy Break—whether local or while out of town on vacation!

Fusion Buddies
Our goal is for all children and students to be able to successfully participate in all ministries with their peers. Based on each child’s individual needs, we provide:

• One-on-One buddies
• Coordination with staff and small group leaders
• Accommodations (visual schedules, fidgets, etc.)
• Self-contained sensory room
• If you have a passion for children and/or adults with special needs and are interested in joining one of our teams, please fill out a leader registration form. We would love to have you!

Set up Team Fusion Classroom Set Up Team
Not sure where to start? Each and every leaders and advocates help prepare the different areas for every child and student to be able to successfully participate in all ministries with their peers. If you want to help make the FUSION ministry possible, and have thirty minutes before or after service on a Sunday, we want to hear from you!

Light up the Night
At this special event where our guests will “Light Up The Night,” our guests will experience the full VIP treatment! All guests will walk the red carpet, dine with their Buddy, join in on karaoke fun, and dance the night away! Light Up the Night is a special night designed for individuals with disabilities to experience prom with all the support needed to make them successful!

In this video that was shown during a service after last year’s inaugural event, Senior Pastor Tara Beth Leach shares how impacted she was by “Light Up the Night.”

If you would like to make this one of a kind experience happen, email Autumn today.