Treasures of Heaven

Korean (한국어)

Japanese (日本語)

Program Name: Treasures of Heaven (TOH)

• This program was created to provide education and care for 2^nd gen. with special needs and to create a support network for their families.

Country: Germany

Affiliated Departments: Family Education, Youth Education

Program Location: Neumuehle, Camberg (changes every workshop)

Project Director(s): Lisa Janssen (Netherlands), Maria Pammer (Austria) and Grace Cho (Barata)

PD Email/Contact info: Email: lisajanssen.nl@gmail.com

Website Homepage

Materials and media used: Arts and crafts

Program Objective:

• 2nd generation with special needs (down syndrome or students who are intellectually disabled),  will join together in activities and meet other 2^nd with special needs.
• Parents of special needs children will be able to come together and build a support group sharing their situation and challenges
• Parents of special needs children will be able to focus on the matching and Blessing of their children.

Features:

• Family based camp, art therapy, sports, dance and music, time to share and connect
• 2^nd gen without special needs are encouraged to volunteer
• Parents with special needs children can come together to share their situations and challenges
• Spoiling participants with hospitality and lovingly prepared food

Reason for recommending this program:

• There aren’t many programs like this in our movement but there are many children with special needs. This program can help overcome ignorance among our blessed families when it comes to relating to special needs children and really understanding and relating with families with special needs children. Having this program on a yearly basis can help bring new awareness and build a support group for families with special needs children and not leave them feeling alone.

Result/Effectiveness:

• Since 2011 the TOH summer camp has taken place 3 times. July 2016 will be the 4th summer program. Participation of special needs children during that time have ranged from 7-12 participants, and 24-34 parents, 1^st and 2^nd gen. staff members. Although the program is geared towards the special needs participants, many 2^nd gen volunteers who come to the workshops says that they have gained valuable experience spending time with special needs participants and gained even more than they invested.

Approx. cost of running the program/or cost to attend the program:

• 160 EUR for TOH participants / 70 EUR for volunteers, finances given by participating families, volunteers, received donations from families and friends making it possible to refund many of the families who paid for the costs of the workshops.

Photos: