Disabilities Ministry
Buddies Ministry
Our Buddy system is designed to care for those with disabilities in a way that allows for parents and guardians to engage in the worship service, knowing that their loved ones are safe and well-cared for while being included in the church body.
Each member of our Buddy team is trained and background checked to ensure we give the best care possible while your loved one is with us.
If you are interested please contact Hillary Dillin or the church office so that we can give you more details about what care might look like for you. A Plan of Care form can be found at the bottom of the page under “Forms.”
Weekly at the 10:30am Service on Sundays
Buddies are provided for children affected by disability during the 10:30am service on Sundays or by request at other church services and events.
Camp Levi
Camp Levi is a retreat put on by JPC where families affected by disability can be encouraged, find hope, and engage in lots of fun activities. It is where families are not just welcomed, but celebrated. And, it is a refuge of rest and peace from the daily challenges and struggles of life.
Every family member is cared for and included in worship, teaching, fun activities, and incredible fellowship. A trained and caring Short Term Missionary (STM) will be a support and friend to the loved one affected by disability, as well as with their typical siblings.
This allows parents and caregivers to attend retreat activities worry-free and find time to relax and connect with each other and with friends. Above all, families discover joy at Camp Levi. And, it is the same exuberant joy our loving Father has for us!
CAMP LEVI WILL BE AUGUST 12-16, 2024
Twin Rocks Friends Camp (Rockaway Beach, OR)
Visit the Camp Levi Website (camplevi.org) for more information.
Parkinson's Group
Parkinson’s Support/Care Group meets at Pioneer Village in Jacksonville. Contact Richard Hunter for details (richardstevenhunter@gmail.com)
Mom's C.A.R.E. Group
Support Group for moms of children with disabilities: Compassion. Answers. Rest. Encouragement.
Share your burdens and blessings in a casual atmosphere with others who understand your journey. Meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 7pm in the yellow farmhouse office at Jacksonville Presbyterian Church, with a 5th Tuesday Zoom meeting.
Contact Rachel (rachel.o@jvillechurch.org) for more information.
D.A.D.S.
DADS (Dads and Disabilities Support) meets at 9am the 2nd Saturday of each month with some additional fun outings scheduled periodically throughout the year.
Contact Brent at brent.o@jvillechurch.org for location and more details.
Friendship Group
Friendship Group is for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).
We meet the last Thursday of the month with a break during the summer. Come to the Barn, room 202 (accessible entrance is the sidewalk to the left), from 4-5:15 for worship, Bible study, games, snacks, and friendship! Caregivers are welcome.
Contact Rachel at rachel.o@jvillechurch.org.
Room4U
If you have a student with IDD, grades 6 through 12, come check out Room4U! Contact Hillary.d@jvillechurch.org for details. Buddy available by request but we welcome students who will do fine without one or can provide their own caregiver.
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Sunday Morning Friendship Class
Adults with IDD who desire a smaller, quieter gathering on Sundays, come check out Friendship Class! Contact Hillary.d@jvillechurch.org for details. Buddy available by request but we welcome adults who will do fine without one or can provide their own caregiver.
Still have questions?
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17 ESV
Rachel Olstad
Director of Disabilities Ministry
Rachel, a graduate of Biola University, began her journey into the world of disabilities in 1990 when her oldest child was born with spina bifida and subsequently diagnosed with autism. For almost two decades, she worked alongside her husband, Brent, with Joni and Friends Oregon, equipping churches across the PNW to welcome families affected by disabilities.
