Guardian Angels watch over fellow members and children

The support group for special-needs kids makes a difference for participants.
By LINDA M. LINONIS
VINDICATOR RELIGION EDITOR
EAST FAIRFIELD -- Kelli Harding believes "when God closes one door, he opens another."
That's how she came to organize the Guardian Angels Support Group at East Fairfield United Methodist Church, a group geared to help families with special-needs children.
The Columbiana resident said she had wanted to volunteer at the hospital where her premature son, Jonathan, now 41/2, was born. She and her husband, Mark, had spent a lot of time there. "People volunteered to hold babies, and I wanted to do that," she said. But she developed a latex allergy and that avenue was closed to her.
But Jonathan motivated his mother in another way. "He was born with acid reflux disease and has asthma," she said. "I had heard of support groups but couldn't find one for us."
It was then Harding said she realized something. "God was calling me to do this. I prayed about it and had no idea what to do," she said.
Even so, she moved forward. She looked into other support groups and programs.
"I just wanted to create a place where families could come together and lift each other up," said Harding, also the mother of Morgan, 8, who has asthma, and Ben, 7. "Sometimes, families with special-needs children take a step back from public life."
Getting involved
Everything from behavioral problems to physical limitations may prevent families from engaging in daily activities, she said. In the support group and at the Jesus party, held every third Friday of the month, there is acceptance of a wide array of physical and mental disabilities and emotional and behavioral conditions.
"It's important that families realize that they are not the only ones facing these situations. Not every child is pink and healthy ... and that sometimes makes families feel alone," Harding said. "Here, they know they are not alone in their feelings. And it's good for the kids, too ... They see other kids with problems like theirs."
Harding said there are about 50 children in the families who attend the support group and Jesus parties and they range in age from 3 months to 20 years old. "About half the kids are foster children or adopted. And we have a mix of couples and single parents," she said. There is a core group of a dozen people who faithfully attend.
"We want the children to know that there are people out there who love them and that God loves them," Harding added.
The Jesus parties include dinner, a short worship service and praise songs, games and activities. "We decided to call them 'Jesus parties' because we make Jesus part of the program. The party is a celebration of life for families and children," Harding said.
Church member Alison Everson delivers the children's message at the 15-20 minute worship service. "This is geared specifically to the children, and it's short," Harding said. Though the service is centered on the children, Harding said she hopes parents get the message and it helps them as well.
Harding said another church member, Andy Wilson, serves as a mentor and works with the older children.
Congregational support
That kind of pitching in to help is indicative of the congregation's overall support of this project. "I spoke to Rev. Mitch Hennessy, who was pastor, and he wholeheartedly was behind it. He had me speak to the congregation about what I wanted to do," Harding said.
The church finance committee provided monetary support through tithing; and members also donated food and other supplies, Harding said. The church membership, at about 300, is now led by the Rev. Michael Namy. "He helps make sure the program is going smoothly."
Harding said special events such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter require many volunteers. "It takes quite a number of people to pull this off," she said. During Christmas, she said all the children in the support group were adopted in an Angel Tree at the church. "There was such an outpouring of love," she said.
That kind of help makes a difference, Harding said. "Some families make too much money according to certain guidelines and don't qualify for help," she said.
But medical expenses and other kinds of care often are costly and put a financial strain on families. "We try to help out as much as we can," she said. She also has arranged for a yearlong series of monthly programs on pertinent issues.
One program is the through the bread ministry at Threshing Floor Chapel in Lisbon, which distributes bread, baked goods, bagels and cookies. "I get a van load for members," Harding said.
Harding, who has spent her whole life at the East Fairfield church, said the project is rewarding for her. "I'm related to half of the church [members], and it's great they're making a difference," she said.
linonis@vindy.com