SUPPORTING PEOPLE OF ALL ABILITIES TO THRIVE AT SOUTHRIDGE
OUR VISION
Here at SouthRidge, we believe ALL people are created by God to be a valuable part of the church body (1 Corinthians 12:27). Therefore, we strive to partner with families to provide support, and create an environment where each person can engage in church community and THRIVE as the body of Christ.
WHAT WE PROVIDE
If your child needs extra support to fully participate in the kids or youth programs, we're here to help! The Thrive team works to ensure that people of all abilities find a place of belonging at SouthRidge. Please contact Alketa or click the connect button below to begin the conversation about how we can best support your child. We offer:
- One-on-One Support: Each child has an individualized support plan that outlines the goals and strategies for their participation in SouthRidge's existing programs or the Thrive room. Their buddies receive training and mentorship throughout the year on how to provide the best care.
- Thrive Room: Our support room is available during both Sunday morning services. Supervised by an experienced adult, participants have a sensory-friendly space to play and connect with their buddies.
- Parent Support Group:Our Support Group typically meets once a month, with both online and in-person options to help us gather together as a community to learn and support each other. If you are interested in our Parent Support Group, please contact Alketa or click on the connect button below.
CONNECT
Curious about volunteering with Thrive? Want to know more about how you can help people of all abilities participate at church? Join us for a short gathering after church on September 6 where you can come and see what Thrive is all about! We will have snacks, an activity, and a video. There is no commitment required, just curiosity! We'd love to see you there!
September 6
11:45 - 12:15pm
Thrive Room (Room 250)
MEET THE TEAM
ALKETA WOLLF
Inclusion Director
Alketa firmly believes that people with disabilities should not only be present in all spaces, but also welcomed, loved, and needed. After studying psychology and human services, she dove into inclusion work and has been working with individuals with disabilities in a variety of settings, including church, camps, and local outreach. As the Director of Inclusion, Alketa is passionate about designing accessible and inclusive ways for people to encounter Jesus at SouthRidge. Contact Alketa
Inclusion Director
Alketa firmly believes that people with disabilities should not only be present in all spaces, but also welcomed, loved, and needed. After studying psychology and human services, she dove into inclusion work and has been working with individuals with disabilities in a variety of settings, including church, camps, and local outreach. As the Director of Inclusion, Alketa is passionate about designing accessible and inclusive ways for people to encounter Jesus at SouthRidge. Contact Alketa
ALICINE GROCHOWSKI
Resource Consultant
For over 15 years, Alicine has been part of Southridge Fellowship Baptist Church, where she has had the opportunity to serve, lead, and design ministry experiences for children, youth, and families. Her work has included coordinating children’s ministry, leading inclusion in early learning settings, and serving in youth and camp ministries. These experiences have given her a broad understanding of the different ways people learn, communicate, connect, and participate at various life stages. Today, she serves as both a Resource Consultant for Southridge and as Resource Manager for The Lazarus Centre, a nonprofit parachurch organization committed to equipping local churches with the education, resources, and support they need to become places where people with dis/abilities and their families truly belong and flourish. She is passionate about helping churches move beyond simply welcoming people with dis/abilities to creating communities where everyone is known, valued, included, and able to fully participate in the life of the Church. Contact Alicine
Resource Consultant
For over 15 years, Alicine has been part of Southridge Fellowship Baptist Church, where she has had the opportunity to serve, lead, and design ministry experiences for children, youth, and families. Her work has included coordinating children’s ministry, leading inclusion in early learning settings, and serving in youth and camp ministries. These experiences have given her a broad understanding of the different ways people learn, communicate, connect, and participate at various life stages. Today, she serves as both a Resource Consultant for Southridge and as Resource Manager for The Lazarus Centre, a nonprofit parachurch organization committed to equipping local churches with the education, resources, and support they need to become places where people with dis/abilities and their families truly belong and flourish. She is passionate about helping churches move beyond simply welcoming people with dis/abilities to creating communities where everyone is known, valued, included, and able to fully participate in the life of the Church. Contact Alicine
LEARN ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THRIVE