What exactly is a “Care Crew”?

A “Care Crew” is really whatever the people involved make it to be.  The vision is to form a group of two to four members of the congregation who are willing to walk alongside of and provide support and respite care for a family who has a special needs child or children.

Why is something like this needed?

Every family has challenges to face whether they are financial, emotional, or simply the time constraints of daily living.  However, when you add to that equation, the care of a special needs child or children, each of those factors becomes greatly magnified.  Some of these children require constant medical testing and treatment while other children simply cannot function independently because of communication restraints.  These concerns can at times become overwhelming for families that already are burdened with the “typical issues” that families face.  The goal of the Care Crew is not to remove the burdens, but to “strengthen the yoke” that carries them.  Sometimes a few hours away from the daily routines to spend time with a spouse, to fellowship with other Christians, or to simply spend time alone with the Lord, can make all the difference in the world.

How is this different from a babysitting service?

On the surface this might seem like a team of babysitters to come and provide a much-needed break for parents.  The goal of the Care Crew Team is much more than that.  Building relationships that point people to Christ is the ultimate purpose of this ministry.  Because the needs of these children can often be unique and complex, it can take time for the new child and family to develop a level of trust with someone new.  Learning the best ways to meet the family’s needs is a process that requires spending time with the family and establishing an open communication over a period of time.  Hopefully these teams and the families they serve will form a connection that is a reflection of the unity of the body of Christ.

What could this ministry look like?

Sometimes the needs might be providing a couple of hours of babysitting so the parents can go out.  Other times it might be spending time with the kids at the house or having the family over to share a meal.  It could simply be connecting the family with another area of ministry or a service that can best meet the unique concerns and questions of their situation.  Ideally, the relationship will give the family a close network of individuals who can constantly be lifting the family up in prayer and providing encouragement.

How are Care Crew Teams formed?

Congregational members who have an interest in being a part of this ministry may come with a heart for a particular family or simply a desire to serve and then be matched with a family or two.  Ideally, no person will be matched with more than two families.  These people will be formed into teams of 2 to 4 people with one person serving as the Care Crew Leader.  We encourage families or individual teens to become team members as well.  Care Crew Teams then will be encouraged to meet monthly to fellowship, share, and provide support to one another.  Care Crew members should be required to be screened and learn about the church’s Protection Policy before joining a Care Crew Team.

How are Care Crew members trained?

Some general disabilities awareness training and some helpful written resources at the outset.   The Care Crew Leader will then provide support and guidance for all teams as they proceed in the ministry.  Because each family’s situation and needs will be different, the families themselves will provide the best insights.  Therefore, establishing a couple of initial meetings with the family, especially within their home, is critical to the success of the respite concept.  Families will also complete information sheets on the child or children that will share essential background and helpful guidelines for caring for their child.  Care Crew members are not expected to be trained professionals or therapists.  Their role is to be compassionate and caring person who can reflect the love of Jesus to the child and family.  However, the beauty of this relationship is that the love that this child can give back is more rewarding than any love that is shared!

What are the key guidelines and boundaries for this ministry?

Early in the experience, phone numbers and/or email addresses should be exchanged and a key contact person on the team should be established (preferably the Care Crew Team Leader).  The purpose of this is to provide a support system and short-term respite to allow families some time to rejuvenate and reconnect with one another once or twice a month for no longer than around 3 hours.  It might be best initially to do something with the kids while the parents are home or for a shorter period of time.

Because the role is not one of a therapist or a teacher, the Care Crew Team should not be expected to meet specific educational or therapeutic goals.  The parents, however, could make suggestions as to the type of activities that the child particularly enjoys or activities that should be avoided.

Confidentiality of information provided by the family is an important consideration as well.  Remember we are considering that this is a relational ministry and therefore trust is critical.

Parents will need to sign consent forms, which removes liability from the team and the church.  Additional forms concerning medical concerns and treatment (should it be necessary) as well as transportation permission will be completed.