Fusion

Disability Ministry

Discipleship for Every Child.
Support for Every Family.

Our mission is to reach and serve families impacted by disabilities and create an environment for them to discover and embrace a relationship with Jesus Christ.

What To Expect

Our goal is for all children and students to be able to successfully participate in all ministries with their peers. We include all kids in our Sunday morning worship services, our Sunday evening student ministry, our Tuesday evening preteen ministry, and more!

Based on each child’s individual needs, we provide:
  • One-on-one buddies
  • Coordination with staff and small group leaders
  • Accommodations (visual schedules, fidgets, etc.)
  • Sensory room and quiet spaces
  • Supportive Learning classrooms 

Questions?
We'd love to connect with you and see how we can help. Reach out to Chris Rechsteiner, Disability Minister to connect and ask questions.
Email Chris
Learn more about Chris →

Sunday Mornings

We request a weekly RSVP a few days before Sunday's class. Please fill out our Getting to Know You form before your first visit.

During the 9:00am Service
  • Supportive Learning Classroom
  • Elementary Schoolers — Meet in our Sensory Room 
  • Middle Schoolers — Meet in Room 3 A/B
  • Buddies for GS Kids are available 

During the 10:45am Service
  • Supportive Learning Classroom
  • Middle School — Adults Meet in Room 3 A/B - before splitting into individualized groups. 
  • Buddies for GS Kids are available 

Get Involved with Our Disability Ministry

Serve Teams

Help people of all abilities belong and families fully engage in the body of Christ. There are many ways to serve in Fusion Disability Ministry, and most roles require no prior experience, just a heart to serve.

Start with a shadow visit and meet our team. Together, we’ll help you discover a role that fits.
Explore Meaningful Roles

Ready to get started?
Take the Volunteer Survey
Sign Up to Serve

Special Events

Our Disability Ministry is "fused" into every area of ministry at Good Shepherd. We also offer special events designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities and their families.

Check back for future events:

Inclusive/Sensory Sensitive Worship and Desserts Night Coming Soon! 

Visit the Event Tab for other church programs, and we will help you find the support you need to participate.
See Church Events Calendar

Buddy Break

Buddy Break is a monthly respite opportunity for children with disabilities and their siblings, provided at no charge.

At Buddy Break, we intentionally pair each child one-on-one with a trained buddy.

We play games, do projects, play in the gym, and have a lot of fun, and parents and caregivers get a well-deserved break.

Next Buddy Break: October 10 
REGISTER HERE! 
New Families Registration
New Volunteers Registration

Parents of Children with Disabilities Groups

As the parent of a child with disabilities, does your heart ache with questions, confusion, or discouragement? Would you like to have a village of people cheering you on as you walk through life together? Sit with people who know what you're going through and are ready to celebrate with you.

Groups

Mon Sep 14 — Mon Dec 14, 2026. Childcare available for children 6 weeks old through 5th grade.  

Parents Group (2nd Mondays)
Parents and caregivers are invited to connect, hear from speakers, and discuss topics relevant to families.

Moms & Caregivers Group (4th Mondays)
A relaxed time for moms and caregivers to share joys, struggles, information, and inspiration. In November, we'll meet on the 5th Monday following Thanksgiving.

Dads Group (TBA)
Coming soon!
Register for Groups

Schedule

Arrive early: the Cornerstone Café will be open for you to purchase a fun beverage!

6:00pm
Child/Adult program drop-off

6:15pm
Optional prayer/devotional in Chapel

6:30pm
Groups begin

Parent Survey

We are so blessed to have such a vibrant Disability Ministry! We want to provide places for discipleship and support for our families. Thank you for helping us support you better by sharing what things will help you and your family.  
Take the Parent Survey

Opportunities and Care 

for Child/Adult and Siblings
Capernaum Young Life
Capernaum Young Life gives high school students (ages 14-22) with cognitive disabilities the opportunity to explore their faith through conversation fun, community, and adventure trips.

Learn more about Capernaum →
Register for Capernaum
Adult and Student Hang-Outs
A separate area for middle school and adult (23+) participants will be available for socialization, games, or time to relax. Please RSVP by the previous Thursday.

RSVP →

Fall Schedule 

Oct 12
Navigating the Illinois Disability System
Robert Farley, Attorney at Law, walks us through topics like PUNS, Waiting List, Emergency Funding, SSI, Guardianship, and Special Needs Trust.
Oct 26
Moms & Caregivers Group
Nov 9
Natural Supports and Self-Directed Strength-Based Lives
Sharon Costabile & Team from Engage Illinois will walk us through their journey of working with the state and on helping individuals live self-directed, strength-based lives in their home communities.  Find encouragement on how to prepare not only for adult children but for the future of your younger children.
Nov 30
Moms & Caregivers Group
Dec 14
Spiritual Direction for Families with Disabilities
Sam Rauh is a sibling of a brother with cognitive and physical disabilities and mom of a daughter who has Down Syndrome. Sam realized her calling to sit with people with disabilities, their siblings, parents, and caregivers through Spiritual Direction, coaching, and helping give a voice for others.

Reach Out

Let us know what's on your mind and we'll follow up with you.
Contact Us