Special Needs
Ever since River of Life Worship Center was founded more than twenty years ago, our prayer has been to become a place of Refuge and Love. Our Special Needs Ministry is a tangible step toward making that prayer a reality. Through it we want to meet the needs of the families and individuals in our congregation who are challenged with various disablities.
Approximately 90% of couples with children with special needs end up divorcing. Out of the estimated 53 million Americans with disabilities, fewer than 10% actually attend a local church. We are seeking to help change these statistics by bringing to our community awareness and resources to those who parent, pastor or teach people with special needs.
In March of 2009, we hosted the Refuge & Love Special Needs Conference. Recording artist, Tony Melendez, joined us and Joe and Ann Trementozzi of Special Touch Ministry, Inc. were our keynote speakers.
Some of our goals include: establishing a Special Touch Ministry, Inc. Chapter in our community; funding and building an accessible playground on church property; adapting our ministry spaces to make them accessible; conducting ongoing training for our teachers and area churches; providing CPR and Respite Care Training; forming a team of medical professionals who attend our church and rotating them to be “on call” during our weekly services; networking with other churches and organizations to meet the needs of individuals with special needs who live in our community.
Special Needs Coordinator
Tracy Fulford
Associate pastor, Tracy Fulford, originally hails from Queens, NY. Having made the decision to follow Christ at the age of fifteen, her journey eventually led her to Valley Forge Christian College. There she obtained a Bachelors degree in Religious Education. She has taught preschool as well as second and fifth grades. Currently, Pastor Tracy oversees the Missions and Children’s C.E. Departments. In March of 2009 she hosted the Refuge+Love, Special Needs Conference. One of her long term goals is to establish a vital Special Needs Program at River of Life Worship Center. Tracy is married to fellow VFCC alumnus, Pastor Jeff Fulford. Together they are in the process of adopting a baby from China.