Helping those with unique needs reach new heights.

SOAR is a . . .

Safe, nurturing, gospel-centered ministry for individuals affected by disability

and for the families walking that road with them. Our trained staff and volunteers are therapists, educators, medical professionals, and deeply committed Christ followers who show up ready to meet each person right where they are.

SOAR Welcomes

participants from preschool through adulthood.

Weekly Schedule

SUNDAYS DURING THE 9:30 & 11:15A GATHERINGS
at the Fairhope Campus

Have questions about what to expect?

 

We want you to feel completely at ease before your first Sunday. Here are answers to what families ask us most.

What ages are allowed to participate in SOAR?
We welcome people with disabilities of all ages, from preschool through high school and beyond. We begin at age three, and have participants of all ages through adulthood.
What ages are allowed to participate in SOAR?
We welcome people with disabilities of all ages, from preschool through high school and beyond. We begin at age three, and have participants of all ages through adulthood.
What if my participant needs help with toileting?
We are equipped to handle all levels of toileting and will continue the level of practice you do at home.
What if my participant is non-verbal or has a communication need?
We have several volunteers who are highly trained with communication needs, having extensive experience in communication devices, visual communication tactics, and even American Sign Language. We have supports in place to allow your participant to communicate freely and be understood.
What if my participant has allergies?
The snacks that we offer during our gatherings will be listed for you ahead of time. If your participants cannot have what we are offering, you are always welcome to provide your own.
Are there separate classrooms for different abilities?
We divide our participants loosely by age, not ability. We offer three separate classrooms to accommodate all participants, starting with our preschool and elementary, our preteen and middle school, and our high school and adulthood classrooms.
What structure will the participants have in the classroom?
Each Sunday, we follow a written schedule consisting of a Bible story, video lesson, craft, discussion, snack, games, and often free play in our multi-sensory activity room.
What if my participant has a difficult time with behaviors?
We understand the many challenges that each of our families face, and we strive to address each one on an individual level. With trained volunteers and behavioral supports in place, we address any issues with love and patience, a structured time to reset, and the goal of a safe and healthy environment for each participant, always.
Who makes up your team?
Our team is comprised of therapists, medical professionals, special education classroom teachers and paraprofessionals, special needs parents and siblings, and Christ-loving adults and students who want to be the hands and feet of Jesus for the special needs world. We are blessed to have a combined experience that equips us to be able to serve your participant well.

Resources for Families & Caregivers

Shine On

Shine on is a ministry of the Tim Tebow Foundation, created following the impact of Night to Shine to extend belonging beyond one unforgettable night. We are dedicated to connecting individuals and families living with disabilities to valuable church and family resources, while also equipping churches to better love and serve those impacted by disability. Our heart is to support and encourage while helping remove barriers so that everyone can experience meaningful belonging in the Church and in everyday life!

Nathaniels Hope

Nathaniel’s Hope celebrates kids and adults with special needs (VIPs) while educating and equipping churches and communities to welcome and minister to VIPs and their families. The organization is building a national network of churches to provide Buddy Break, a free Parents’ Day Out/respite program that supports VIP families and trains volunteers. In addition, Nathaniel’s Hope offers a free international VIP Birthday Club and hosts MAKE ’m SMILE, one of the largest celebrations of VIPs in the U.S., in Orlando, with additional locations in Ohio, North Carolina, SoCal, Minnesota, and growing.

Awe & Wonder

Awe & Wonder equips churches and families to teach the Bible to learners with disabilities in meaningful, accessible ways through an adapted Bible curriculum and discipleship resources designed specifically for learners with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Awe & Wonder is committed to theological depth while utilizing special education research-based practices. Resources include adapted storybooks, visual supports, multi-sensory storytelling tools, and ready-to-use lesson plans that support diverse learners each and every week.

Awe & Wonder helps disability ministry leaders and volunteers teach with clarity and confidence without starting from scratch. We help leaders focus on what matters most… discipleship. At the heart of Awe & Wonder is a simple goal: making biblical truth accessible so every learner can know Jesus and grow in faith - because the Gospel is for everyone.

Shepherds College

Most adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are told what they can’t do—especially after high school, when opportunities narrow and isolation grows. Shepherds Ministries empowers individuals with IDD to pursue their God-given purpose through gospel-centered educational models that build faith, life skills, personal development, and job readiness. Established in 2008, Shepherds College is the nation’s leading post-secondary school designed specifically for students with IDD, where students grow in independence, confidence, and belonging. Shepherds Ministries is multiplying that impact by equipping churches, residential communities, and global partners with proven curriculum and training—reaching people right where they are. Instead of serving hundreds, Shepherds is positioned to serve thousands—equipping more individuals with IDD to live out their God-given purpose.

David's Table

David’s Table serves adults with disabilities and their families by connecting them to relationships, resources and purpose. We are a Christian organization welcoming our friends into a community where they are supported and celebrated.

Mega Voice

In a world where many face barriers, MegaVoice makes the message accessible for all. Our durable solar powered audio Bibles bring Scripture to life for the blind, low vision, elderly, those with reading challenges, trauma or health limitations. No reading required, just simple tactile buttons and clear audio navigation.

Joni & Friends

Joni and Friends is a non-profit Christian organization founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada dedicated to providing practical help, community, and the Gospel to people affected by disability worldwide. They offer programs like Family Retreats, Wheels for the World (wheelchair donation), and advocate for disability inclusion in churches.

Jill's House

Jill’s House is a Christian nonprofit organization that loves and serves families raising kids with intellectual disabilities, primarily through short-term overnight respite care and holistic family support. Parents are regularly given 24-48 hours to rest and recharge, while their loved ones with intellectual disabilities enjoy a safe, engaging, and celebratory environment designed for their abilities and age group. Jill’s House offers distinct programs for kids and teens (age 6-17) and adults (18+). Beyond respite, Jill’s House strengthens the entire family through parent support groups, family retreats, marriage workshops, moms’ and dads’ nights out, and gatherings for typical siblings.

Amber Grace

At Amber Grace, our mission is to cultivate a Christ-led Abundant Life for every resident, their families, and the communities we serve. We are a residential ministry thoughtfully tailored for adults with mild Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. A place for those that need a little support to embrace all life has to offer. A community providing safety, love, purpose, opportunity and relationships where abundant, independent living happens every day.

Guidelight

Guidelight pursues Christ-centered transformation in the lives of those affected by disability. Through retreats and training, we partner with churches to provide biblical hope and practical help to those we serve.

Local

Coming Soon

Regional

Coming Soon

Global

Special Hope Network

At Special Hope Network, we believe the life of every child matters. Since 2010, we have served children with intellectual disabilities and their families in Lusaka, Zambia—providing transformational care, critical resources, and a loving community of support. We believe every child is purposefully designed by God to reflect His glory in a unique way, and we work to ensure each one is seen, valued, and given the opportunity to thrive.

Compassion International

Compassion International is a Christian child development ministry dedicated to releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name. We care for vulnerable children with programs delivered through local churches in their communities. By hearing the gospel and receiving medical checkups, nutrition support and other critical care, children are empowered to overcome poverty and help others do the same.