Special Needs Ministry
We exist to make fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ by creating a welcoming environment where adults and children with special needs can worship freely and build meaningful friendships through fellowship, teaching and serving.
At Cascade Hills, we believe every person is created with purpose, value, and a place to belong. Our Special Needs Ministry exists to create a safe, welcoming environment where individuals and families can experience the love of Jesus in a way that meets them right where they are.
Through Pure Joy (ages 3–17) and UNITE (18+), we are committed to providing opportunities for every individual to grow in their faith, build meaningful relationships, and be fully included in the life of the church. No matter your story, you are seen, you are valued, and you belong here.
“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth.”
Isaiah 42:16
Pure Joy Ministry (Ages 3 - 17)
Our goal is to provide a safe and secure environment in which children will learn about God and His love for them. We offer two designated sensory spaces to help meet the needs of each child. As always, this ministry is 100% free to the public.
Special Needs Ministry: Founded with 4 Core Beliefs
- We believe that children are created by a loving God, designed for a purpose.
- We believe that each child is unique in his or her own gifts, thoughts, blessings, talents and contributions.
- We have a desire for every child to know and receive God’s love in their own unique way.
- We believe there are no disabled souls.
Help us better serve your needs!
UNITE (18+)
Our Adult Special Needs Ministry is a Christ-centered community where every individual is valued, included, and loved. We believe that all people are created in the image of God and have a unique purpose in His kingdom. Through worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth, we provide a place where adults with special needs can build lasting friendships, discover their God-given gifts, and grow in faith together. In everything we do, we seek to reflect the love and compassion of Jesus Christ and celebrate the beauty of every life He has created.
Unite Core Values
- Christ-Centered FaithWe keep Jesus Christ at the heart of everything we do. Trusting His Word, following His example and seeking His presence. “In Him we live and move and have our being.” – Acts 17:28
- Inclusion and Belonging We believe every person is created in the image of God and has a value place in His church. We welcome, celebrate and nurture every individual’s unique abilities. “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” – 1 Corinthians 12:27
- Love and Compassion We show Christ’s love through kindness, patience, and understanding, treating each person with compassion, dignity and respect. “Love one another deeply, from the heart.” – 1 Peter 1:22
- Spiritual Growth We help every participant grow in their relationship with God through worship, prayer, and Scripture. ”Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” – 2 Peter 3:18
- Community and Fellowship We build lasting friendships and a sense of family through shared experiences, encouragement, and joy in the Lord. “Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
- Service and Purpose We empower adults with special needs to use their gifts to serve others and glorify God within the church and community.“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.” – 1 Peter 4:10
- Joy and Celebration We rejoice in God’s goodness and celebrate the beauty of every life He has created. “Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4
Adult Special Needs Game Night:
We have exciting news! You don’t have to wait till next year’s Night to Shine event for a fun evening of community and friendships!
Cascade Hills Church will be hosting an Adult Special Needs Game Night on Friday, April 24th from 6:30-8:30pm at the Cascade Hills Church Student Center.
You’re invited to join us for this FREE event! A night of fellowship, fun and food! Bring your favorite board game to share with others! Pizza and snacks will be provided! Click the link below to register. We hope to see you there!
Pastor Keith Nicholson
Pastor Keith joined the staff at Cascade Hills in July of 2006. He and his wife, Sheri, have two beautiful daughters, Victoria and Meredith. Keith has served in full-time children’s ministry for over 15 years at churches in South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, and Georgia. He has a Master of Arts in Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Finance) from Auburn University. In his spare time, Keith enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, Auburn football, and pool volleyball.
Shenita Hodge
Shenita has been on staff at Cascade Hills as our Preschool Ministry Director since 1990. She absolutely loves kids and enjoys most seeing their little faces light up when they learn something new about how God loves them. When she’s not at Cascade Hills, Ms. Shenita enjoys spending time with her adult son as well as going to the movies.
Melanie Thompson
Melanie came to Cascade Hills in August 2016. Her husband, Cory, is an active member of the U.S. Armed Forces, and they have two children Braelyn and Hunter. Melanie has a passion for children’s ministry and felt the call to serve at Cascade Hills almost immediately. She has served in our Preschool ministry as a lead teacher and came on staff in September 2018 as the Assistant for Children’s Ministry. In her spare time, Melanie enjoys spending time with her family, road trips, biking, hiking, and watching her favorite football team, the Seattle Seahawks.
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Does Pure Joy childcare cost anything?
Nope. Childcare is completely FREE and provided during all three services. However, we do ask for parents who regularly utilize this service to consider serving at least one hour a month to help keep this service available to everyone.
Pure Joy is located on the first floor in the preschool area in the Otter rooms.
We have certified and trained special needs teachers along with volunteers who have a heart for our children who will play, teach, and sometimes just act goofy with your child. We have two rooms filled with sensory games and toys and on occasion, get to play on the playground.
We do our best to accommodate the needs of as many children as we can. We strive to teach your children the love that God has for them through stories and crafts.
What about safety and security?
We make the security of our top priority! We have a staff of officers explicitly designated for our children’s area that are in uniform and roam the floor to ensure everyone is safe. We also background-check everyone who comes into contact with your child. Staff is also CPR/First Aid certified for children and babies. All of our volunteers are briefed on the bathroom and changing policies. Youth volunteers are not permitted contact with children during changing or bathroom time.
We also utilize cameras in every classroom to ensure safety for your children. We monitor all activities during our services in an additional effort to keep your child safe while they are in our care.
Volunteer Opportunities
Our childcare services are free to all of our guest during regularly scheduled weekend events. However, this isn’t possible without the help of our volunteer team.
Cascade Kids has a host of serving opportunities available for our weekend services, including several positions within the Pure Joy Ministry. Click the button below to create an account and signup for your desired position.
