Special Needs
Our mission is to lovingly share Christ with individuals with special needs of all ages and help them become all God has created them to be. We want to equip them to follow Jesus and empower them to serve within the church body as we all grow together in faith.
Weekend Services
Volunteers provide a safe and loving atmosphere for children and adults with special needs to learn and experience the love of Jesus Christ. Highlands Special Needs Ministry team is available during our Sunday services at 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00am.
The Coffee Spot
Open Sundays before and after services and Wednesdays 5:30-6:30pm
The Coffee Spot is a program where individuals with special needs can learn new skills and serve others by making delicious coffee and tea beverages. It's been made possible by some very generous donations of time and materials, as well as the Ben Musser Memorial Fund.
Drop by before or after Sunday services for a "wonderfully made" drink hand-crafted by our friends with special needs. Their menu includes cappuccino, lattes, espresso, cold brew coffee, various teas, hot chocolate and more! The Coffee Spot accepts all cards and digital payments like Apple Pay (sorry, no cash) and all proceeds will go toward our Special Needs Ministry and the continuing operations of The Coffee Spot.
Do you know someone interested in working or volunteering at The Coffee Spot? Contact Missy Farrington at .
Disability & The Church Tour
November 12-13 | Thursday: 1:30-5:00pm | Friday: 8:30am - 5:00pm
Join us at Highlands Church for two days of practical ministry training, encouragement, and connection! Whether you're interested in disability ministry, mental health, trauma-informed ministry, or family ministry, there's something for everyone.
Come for Thursday's ministry intensives, Friday's conference, or both! Bring your team, learn together, and take home practical tools and ideas to better serve your church community.
Rolling with the dads
November 20 | 6:30-8:30pm | Free
Lucky Strike North Scottsdale
Take a break and join other special needs dads for an evening of bowling, friendly competition, and great conversation. This guys-only night is a chance to connect with other dads who understand the unique journey of raising a child with special needs. Whether you're aiming for strikes or just enjoying the company, come relax, have some fun, and build friendships with other dads who get it. We can't wait to see you there!
Friendsgiving
Wednesday, November 18th | 6:30-8:00pm
Join us for a Friendsgiving celebration with games and delicious food! The main dish will be provided, and we’d love for you to bring your favorite side dish or dessert to share. If you have dietary restrictions, please bring your own meal. Invite your friends, and let’s celebrate all that we have to be thankful for together!
Special Needs Christmas Party
Saturday, December 5th | 2:00-4:30pm | Ages 12 and Under
Enjoy an afternoon of games, music, crafts, activities, food, and a special visit from Santa at our annual Christmas Party for kids with special needs! This FREE community event is designed for children ages 12 and under with special needs and their siblings. You don’t have to attend Highlands to attend. We want every child to feel included and experience the joy of Christmas in a welcoming environment.
Volunteer
Help make Christmas special for children with special needs and their siblings! Our team of volunteers provides individual attention and care to help every child experience the love and joy of Christmas. Serve by helping with activities and creating a welcoming, fun experience for every family.
A very merry Moms cookie exchange
Saturday, December 19th | 10:00am-12:00pm
Take a break from the holiday hustle and enjoy a morning of friendship, laughter, and Christmas cheer with other moms who share a special journey! Bring a large batch of your favorite Christmas cookies and the recipe to share, enjoy time connecting with other moms, and swap treats to take home a delicious assortment of holiday favorites. It's a sweet opportunity to build friendships, share some holiday cheer, and enjoy time together!
Registration coming soon...
Wednesday Nights
Wednesdays 6:30-8:00pm
Not Meeting on November 4 and 25
On Wednesdays during the school year, we have programming for kids, teens and adults with special needs that runs alongside our on-campus small groups and Engage: A Family Discipleship Journey. Kids with special needs will be a part of our Highlands Kids program. Our teens and adults will meet Wednesday nights for fellowship, faith and fun. Join us to meet and spend time with friends, learn about Jesus together and have a ton of fun!
Parent Connect Group
First Sunday of Each Month at 11:00am in the Highlands Office
You are invited to join our Parent Connect group. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents and caregivers to come together and share the joys and challenges of the special needs journey. We also have the opportunity to support each other and share resources. The special needs classroom and Highlands Kids classes are open to provide care for your students.
Biblical Support Group for Individuals with Physical Disabilities
Wednesdays from 5:00-6:15pm
This group led by Brooke Brown will provide a safe place for adults with physical disabilities to find emotional support, be encouraged in their daily challenges, and study the Bible as we help to build each other’s faith and trust in Jesus Christ.
New Family Form
New to Highlands? Complete our NEW FAMILY FORM to help us make your family member with special needs time at Highlands awesome and safe.
Volunteer
Special Needs volunteers help provide a safe and loving atmosphere for children and adults with special needs to learn and experience the love of Jesus Christ. Volunteers assist individuals with any extra help needed within regular classrooms or worship services. A self-contained classroom is available with trained volunteers for direct one-on-one attention.
Family Resource Guide
Our Family Resource Guide was compiled by our entire Family Ministry team to help your family grow together in faith. These resources include books, podcasts, videos, games and more - all designed to help you have faith-filled conversations and interactions throughout your week.
Download Family Resource Guide
Respite
Offered quarterly, respite is an opportunity for parents to bring their children with special needs to Highlands for a fun-filled event so parents can have an evening to themselves. Reservations are required - contact .
Highlands is an Irresistible Church
Our partners at Joni & Friends of Arizona define an irresistible church as an authentic community built on the hope of Christ that compels people affected by disability to fully belong. If you have a special need or care for someone who does, come find out why the irresistible Special Needs ministry of Highlands can make a life-changing difference!
Our Staff
Missy Farrington | Minister of Special Needs
Missy has a Master's Degree in Special Education and a certificate in Disability Ministry.
We have many other professionals volunteering in our ministry as well. Our loving volunteers are trained by Missy and other special education professionals to provide the highest quality experience for our community to learn about Jesus and grow in faith together.