Special Needs Ministry


Our Special Needs Ministry

At Waterfront Church we believe all people deserve to know God’s love. Our special needs ministry exists to nurture and support students with physical and intellectual disabilities by encouraging them in the gospel, teaching them to worship God, and loving them unconditionally. We do this all while also supporting and encouraging their families through participation in the church body. If your child has a special need, please reach out to Lauren Pagett (lauren@waterfrontchurchdc.com) and let us know how we can best welcome you.

Email Lauren

Our Programs

JACKS, or Jesus Activities Created for Kids with Special needs, is uniquely designed by Waterfront Church to share the love of Jesus with children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in Middle School. At JACKS, students can experience differentiated activities tailored to their needs to help them learn about and create a relationship with Jesus. JACKS will meet the first Thursday night of each month at 6:00pm-7:30pm in our Kids’ space located at 1000 New Jersey Avenue SE. JACKS is a space for students and their families to find encouragement, community, and hope.

Capernaum is an opportunity for teens and young adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to know God. Here at Waterfront Church, Capernaum meets every Thursday night from 6:00-8:00 in our Main Space at 100 K Street SE. When we meet, students can expect to make new friends, play games, eat snacks, sing, and hear a God-centered message.

At Capernaum we work with our families and caregivers to facilitate services, resources and partnerships to support people with disabilities to help them find employment. Many of Capernaum friends have used these provided resources to find jobs in D.C. This is one way we believe we can build a more inclusive community.

Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for people with special needs ages 14 and older. On February 7, 2025, Waterfront will be celebrating our 10th Night to Shine anniversary at Nats Stadium! Night to Shine celebrates the uniqueness of each individual guest by providing an unforgettable night where they are welcomed, valued and loved! Night to Shine activities included are a red carpet entrance, limousine rides, dancing, karaoke, a respite room for parents and caregivers, and a crowning ceremony where every honored guest will receive a crown or tiara. 

To learn more, visit nighttoshinedc.com.

Plucky Ostrich

Plucky Ostrich

Showing determined courage in the face of adversity.

The Plucky Ostrich is an opportunity for adults with special needs to serve Extra Special Shaved Ice to the DC area. The Plucky Ostrich was started on July 4th, 2021 as a pop-up event at Waterfront Church DC. On Thursday nights Waterfront Church hosts Capernaum for students with special needs in Junior High and High School to meet, make friends, and know God. 

As students began to graduate we needed a space that was their own. Where they could grow independently, be included in the community, and develop skills that would not only lead to employment but to independence. The Plucky Ostrich celebrates, encourages, and advocates for people with disabilities.

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What We Want to Accomplish

What do we hope to see accomplished through The Plucky Ostrich?

Help our employees: Meet Christ – Welcome Christ – Share Christ with others 

  • Inclusion for people with disabilities
  • Community involvement
  • Prompting independence capability
  • Empowering confidence
  • Building relationships
  • Opportunities for training
  • Skill development
  • Employees have the opportunity to engage with their community; while working towards personal achievements, employee-first model, unique customer service