WHOM TO CONTACTIn addition to the Night OWLS program, Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church also offers Barnabas Buddy and The Tower Room under its Care (Care and Respite for Everyone) Ministry for children with special needs.* Barnabas Buddy: Volunteers in this program — named after the biblical Barnabas, who was known as an encourager — lend individual encouragement for children participating in the church’s Sunday morning programs.* The Tower Room: A devoted room available — named so for a verse in Proverbs which says “… the Lord is a strong tower …” — during the 10:40 a.m. Sunday worship service for children who thrive in a structured, calm environment.
Martha Usher says the smile on the face of her autistic son tells the story.
Her son, James, 5, is just starting to become verbal and is not always very expressive, the Signal Mountain resident said, but he has a big grin, laughs and is excited when she takes him to the monthly Night Owls program at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church.
The free program provides a night out for children with special needs and their siblings — with one-on-one attention for each — so parents also can have a night out.
“We have a few family members who can watch (James and his sister, Catie, 3),” Mrs. Usher said, “but it’s difficult to find (regular sitters).”