Highlighted below are groups and organizations in the Holland area that have a passion for providing fellowship and services
to individuals with special needs.
While most of them are not affiliated with Hope College or C.E.C., we want to help you become connected with them as well.
Please contact cec@hope.edu with additional groups you'd like to see featured here.
Benjamin's Hope |
Camp Sunshine |
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Located at 15468 Riley Street in Holland, Michigan, Benjamin's Hope is a residential community for individuals with special needs, specifically autism. The vision is much larger, however, including individuals with and without disabilities living and working together in God's creation. Weekly inclusive worship services are held Sunday afternoons.
Anyone is welcomed to attend! Please visit their website, www.benjaminshope.net, for more information about their story or to learn about volunteer and employment opportunities. |
Established in 1983, Camp Sunshine is a Holland/West Olive-based organization whose mission "is to provide a camping experience for persons with developmental disabilities in an inclusive environment that embraces their recreational, emotional, physical, spiritual and relational needs."
Camp Sunshine has had a large impact on many Hope students as well through field placement and volunteering experiences. For more information, visit their website at http://campsunshine.info/. |
Hope College Silent Praise
Silent Praise is a group of Hope students who meet most Sunday nights from 6:30 pm until 7:30 pm. Each week they learn new Christian praise songs in American Sign Language, with more experienced signers leading the lessons. Periodically throughout the year, the group goes to local churches or the Hope College Chapel services and signs. Performances are optional, however, and the atmosphere is very supportive! Open to all levels of experience and interest.
E-mail silentpraise@hope.edu for more information. |
My Brother's House and My Sister's House
These homes are part of a multi-home residential network in Holland for adults with special needs. Many of our on-campus events are with these individuals and many friendships have been formed. Many residents are also involved in Special Education Ministries and enjoy going bowling together.
For more information, please contact cec@hope.edu. |
Ready for Life at Hope College
The Hope community is proud to have a group of Ready for Life students as part of our campus life. They are an educational organization that provides post-secondary experiences for individuals experiencing cognitive, learning, or social disabilities. Their mission is "to educate and empower adults with developmental disabilities by providing a supportive and structured college experience in order to help each individual achieve their greatest level of independence and promote inclusion."
Hope students frequently find field placement, volunteer, or employment opportunities with RFL. For more information, visit www.rflnetwork.org/rfl-at-hope-college.html. |
Spread the Word to End the Word
Spread the Word to End the Word is a national campaign to end the use of the word retard or retarded. Hope College has joined this movement by sponsoring annual awareness activities ranging from testimonies by individuals with special needs, ice cream socials, and pledge signing events.
For more information about the cause, visit www.r-word.org. Stay tuned to our events page and other campus news outlets for Hope College based events. |
Special Education Ministries |
Western Theological Seminary Friendship House |
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Special Education Ministries is an opportunity for individuals with special needs to worship together and learn about God's love for them. Hope College students frequently partner with this program for field placements or simply to be a part of this awesome ministry.
The group meets Thursday nights at Third Reformed Church in Holland. For more information, contact Allyson Schantz at schantz@hope.edu. |
The Ralph and Cheryl Schregardus Friendship House is a residential ministry operated through the Western Theological Seminary. It provides and opportunity for seminary students to live together beside adults with cognitive impairments. For more information, contact Norm Donkersloot at norman@westernsem.edu.
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