At Crossway we welcome everyone and believe that diversity is part of God’s creation. We adopt an inclusive and intentional approach that is nurturing and encouraging.
Preschool & Primary
We partner with parents to discuss the best way to integrate children into the Crossway Kids program, ensuring they feel safe and secure and encouraging them to engage and go deeper into relationship with God and others. We take a step-by-step approach, week by week, at their pace.
Our sensory spaces offer sensory activities in an inclusive and quiet environment. One-to-one orientation sessions are available to help children become familiar with the new faces and feel comfortable in kids church until they are up and running on their own or given a one-to-one Buddy if this is what they need.
Buddies Program
For children and youth that need a Buddy, the Crossway Buddies Program provides one-to-one support where required. Our aim is to allow everyone to feel included and actively engaged in our programs in a meaningful way. Our Buddies are trained to support Additional Needs children and youth in a church environment to connect more deeply with God.
Crossway Youth
Our Crossway Youth Additional Needs program provides an inclusive, welcoming environment where young people are supported, valued and encouraged to discover God’s plan and purpose for their lives.
Parents, Families & Carers
We run a series of events to help foster connection and support for parents and families with Additional Needs children.
Parent Hope Sessions: An opportunity to hear from others’ lived experiences, so we can be uplifted, encouraged and shown some of God’s unique tools to help us in our everyday lives.
Family Connection Lunches: Where like-minded parents and children can socialise in an inclusive, welcoming environment.
Drop-In Cuppas: Our regular drop-in cuppas are hosted at the Crossway Café, providing a safe place to come when you just need a chat. Some days are harder than others and we’re here to listen, support and pray for you when you need us.
Journey Coaches: We understand it can be overwhelming at times, such as when the additional needs are first diagnosed, when there are unexpected twists and turns, or simply in knowing what to do as a parent. We have other families who are willing to get alongside you and your family, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need someone who has lived experience to talk to.
Crossway Additional Needs private Facebook group: An informal online group to connect families with additional needs children so we can share, encourage, support, uphold and pray for one another. For more information please contact Angie at angie.lee@crossway.org.au
“Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Matthew 19:14
Join the Team
If God has stirred your heart to serve in Additional Needs Ministry, we’d love to hear from you. Our current team consists of a broad range of volunteers, from professionals who have worked for many years as specialists in the field, to university students studying psychology and education, to those with lived Additional Needs experience or a heart calling to help others. All of our volunteers are WWC checked and trained before becoming active members on our team. Please contact Angie for more information at angie.lee@crossway.org.au