KINGSVILLE TOWNSHIP — For couples with a disabled child, putting the romance back into the marriage, even at Valentine’s Day, can be nearly impossible with all the stresses inherent to the relationship.
“Statistics show that 80 to 90 percent of marriages where there is a child with a disability end up in divorce,” says Julie Hines, who works part-time for Joni and Friends, a Christian outreach to people with disabilities and affected families. “It’s just hard on the family. There are a lot of extra stresses, financial stresses, that go with that.”
This Friday evening, First Baptist of Kingsville, where Hines’ husband, Dave, is pastor, and two other Kingsville-area congregations, Open Door Community and Edgewood Alliance, will host a family respite night for these parents.
“It’s a respite event for families affected by disability,” Hines says. “Parents can bring their disabled children, and siblings can come and spend from 6 to 9 p.m. playing and hanging out, while the parents can have some quiet time together.”
Hines says the respite is the first of six planned for this year. Events will be hosted by the three churches on a rotating basis. Friday’s event is at Open Door Community Church, 5802 Cemetery Road, Kingsville.
Advance registration is required to ensure enough volunteers will be on hand to assist each child. Hines said they want to have one volunteer paired with each disabled child, if possible. To register call Vickie Coachman (593-2511). For those with hearing disabilities, Larry Madsen is taking registrations at 440-350-0003, a teletypewriter (TTY) number.
There is no charge for the evening, which will offer a variety of activities, from large-motor-skills games to crafts and a quiet room.
Snacks will be provided, and the selection will recognize the sensitivity some youngsters have to chemical additives, gluten and nuts.
Hines says that, for their first event, they are focusing on school-age children. The respite grew out of a Super Saturday training event held at First Baptist last fall. Some of those who attended wanted to look for ways their churches could reach out to people with disabilities. The respite idea was floated, and the three churches signed on.
Hines said they have about 25 volunteers who have gone through the training and are signed up to work Friday evening. Persons interested in being involved with the outreach can call Hines (224-3326).
Although the respites are being held in church buildings, Hines said religious education is not part of the program.
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