HVMI Adds New Groups

The mission statement of Handi-Vangelism (HVMI) specifies that the organization "exists to share the compassion of Christ by walking alongside individuals facing life's challenges and equipping others to do the same." With that goal in mind, the ministry focuses on three areas: disability, grief, and training. The disability ministry includes the summer day camps and a variety of Bible clubs and support groups. The grief ministry, called BASIS, provides Christian support groups for grieving parents throughout the county and beyond, and the training program offers workshops to help family members, friends, and community leaders learn about what life is like with a disability or how to navigate the journey of grief.

"We are growing each year," said Tara Kelley, director of disability ministries and training and equipping with HVMI. "We are dividing and adding programs as we see the needs of children shift and as the older ones (mature)." Kelley emphasized that the ministry will continue to provide free services for individuals who need them regardless of age. "It never ends," she said. "Individuals shift from group to group."

Kelley backed up her words by pointing out that the ministry will start a new preschool group for children with disabilities at the HVMI offices, 3261 Rothsville Road, Akron, beginning on Monday, Oct. 27, at 10:30 a.m. "It will be the fourth Monday of each month from October to April," explained Kelley, who added this is the first time the ministry has held a group for preschoolers. "We will have a new daytime parent support meeting during that preschool group for parents who want to stay for coffee and to chat," added Kelley.

HVMI Bible club programs for children, teens, and adults with developmental disabilities of all levels are held at HVMI. A few groups meet at local churches, including Akron Community Church and New Joy Church in Ephrata. "Because the groups are divided based on ability level and learning style, and behavior, it's best to contact us (if you're interested)," explained Kelley. "They are open to the public, and we welcome more people," she added, noting that discerning the best group for an individual needs to be accomplished by working with a trained staff member.

HVMI offers workshops in disability and grief for people who want to know how to help friends or family members. "These training sessions are for people in the community and churches who wish to understand more about disabilities and grief," explained Kelley, who added, "I have had grandparents who said, 'I had no idea (this is how my grandchild felt)' or 'I finally understand why my grandchild acts this way,'" said Kelley, who noted workshops include topics such as autism and ADHD. "Adults with ADHD have said, 'I now understand why I am the way I am or why my spouse is the way he is,'" shared Kelley. "It helps equip families to deal with the situation."

Grief seminars are presented by HVMI founders Tim and Kathy Sheetz. "We have updated and adapted the information, and we are ready to go," said Kelley who noted that sessions are held for the public, or a church or community organization can schedule one at their location. "We are here to help if they need it," stated Kelley. Readers who are interested in Bible clubs or workshops may call 717-859-4777 and ask for Kelley.

BASIS has support groups meeting in a number of locations within Lancaster County including Akron, Mount Joy, Paradise, and Quarryville. An online group meets monthly as well. The ministry holds an annual breakfast and picnic. A new group, which is open to any bereaved parent or grandparent who has experienced the death of a child, is starting up this fall in New Holland. "(BASIS director Dan Steinman) has had more inquiries in the New Holland area," shared Kelley, who noted that although the group will meet in the Prayer and Meditation Room at Garden Spot Village, 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland, it will be open to the public. The group, which will meet the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m., will next gather on Tuesday, Oct. 7. Readers who are interested in the group may visit http://www.hvmi.org/grief-basis or call HVMI and ask for Steinman.

Several years ago, HVMI purchased a former golf course and built the current offices on part of the land. The organization began to hold day camp there in 2021. Two three-day sessions are now held each week during the months of June and July. "That's nine sessions over six weeks," explained Kyle Robinson, executive director of HVMI, who added that 123 campers took part this year. A year from now, construction on buildings for overnight camp is scheduled to begin. Proposed facilities include a multipurpose building, which will house a chapel, Bible classrooms, training rooms, and a large meeting room, along with a dining hall and kitchen. A second building behind the main one will provide dorm-style living with smaller rooms for campers with medical needs and staff members, meeting rooms, and an infirmary to make overnight camp available in the future. Outside, a pool, pavilion, and playground are planned. Already, carefully graded handicapped-accessible walkways traverse the hillside. By the summer of 2028, the organization plans to hold overnight camping at the facility. Fundraising to make the dream a reality is ongoing.

More information about HVMI may be found at http://www.hvmi.org.