Local church’s Friendship Parties looks to end stigma of disabilities

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month and a local church is trying to help erase the stigma around disabilities.

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Once a month the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church holds their Friendship Party. Families with disabled children come together for a day of fellowship and ministry. Annette Newcome said the parties started 16 years ago with her son Ben, and it has grown every year since.

“I call it a vacation bible school in a day. We have crafts and games and foods and a bible lesson for all the kids and their families,” said Newcome. “Volunteers come and help with kids and then the parents have a chance to go into another room and have a short devotion and time to get together and a fun craft they do together.”

Newcome said over almost two decades they had a chance to minster to over 100 different families. Newcome has a simple message for any parent with a child that has a disability.

“There are a lot of people out there that are scared or afraid when they hear that they are having a baby with Down syndrome. Since my son was born I really believe that God has a plan and a purpose for his life. He has a plan for all of us. He has used him in a mighty way in our church with his family. He is a blessing,” said Newcome.

To learn more about Friendship Day you can visit Alliance Church’s www.caringheartsdisabilityministries.org