What is F.A.C.E.? Well it stands for Fun Autism Community Experiences. I wanted to blog about this just to remind everyone of what we are doing in this program. This program is very near and dear to my heart. Honestly, if you asked me why I felt so compelled to start this program, I would tell you that God had laid this on my heart a very long time ago. As I sit here writing this, I think back to how hard my life was …at the beginning of autism.

There was so much isolation. Our life did not look like everyone else’s and it was tough to form social connections. Also, the cost of doing anything for a child with autism can be extremely high, especially if you need to have a support worker with them.

I had navigated the system and we had done the very best we could as a family. We did have government autism money, but unfortunately that did not cover all of the things that we needed it to and today is much more difficult for people as there is less money available.

I wanted to create a program where kids/teens could come and socialize on their terms and not be judged by anyone. They needed to have a safe, fun space where they could learn new things, interact with others and just be silly and have fun. This is what F.A.C.E. is all about.

Some of the things we do in F.A.C.E. are games, obstacle courses, musical chairs, dance moves, Lego and building and a variety of different crafts. This past week we did tie-dye t-shirt and fabric painting on t-shirts and hats. Some of the kids participate in all the crafts and some don’t, but all of the kids have fun while they are there. It’s nice for kids to see the same people each time they come and to feel a sense of confidence in what they are doing. I am so grateful for all of these kids and all of these families that I am getting to know better and better the more time we spend together. There is one child we have who is amazing at building things. He is so meticulous about how he places blocks or Legos. I can honestly see him doing something amazing in the future!

It takes time to connect and to get these kids to trust you. It’s a process…..but such a worthwhile one.

I know that God placed this need on my heart a long time ago and I had no choice but to respond to him. God has been blessing and taking care of our family from the beginning and I know there is a reason why he placed me right where I am today. Although our group is not church based, just the fact that we have the sessions in our church makes people aware and when I do get the opportunity, I tell people about Amberlea and what we offer.

Psalm 32:8 says:

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”

Please pray for this group as it continues to grow and pray for all of us who continue to connect with these amazing individuals and their families.

I know God will continue to bless this group. If you have any talents or skills you feel inclined to share with this group, please feel free to reach out to me and we can talk about how you may want to come and do a little segment on something.

Shelly Wedge
Exceptional Family Ministries Coordinator
Amberlea Church