WHAT IS NIGHTOWLS?
NightOWLS is a respite care program designed to be an evening of care and fun for children with disabilities and their siblings. Our trained volunteers provide individualized care for each child and participate in pre-planned activities and events according to each child’s interest. A nurse is present to assist with any medical needs. An off-duty policeman is present to insure security and a quick emergency response if necessary.
WHEN IS NIGHTOWLS?
NightOWLS is held seven months out of the year; we do not meet in December, January, June, July, and August. There are two NightOWLS groups: the Friday group meets 6–10 PM, and the Saturday group meets 1–5 PM.
WHOM DOES NIGHTOWLS SERVE?
- Families with children who have disabilities
- Kids with disabilities age 1 month to 13 years
- Siblings of kids with disabilities
Please begin by filling out an Interest Form
IS DINNER SERVED AT NIGHTOWLS?
Due to complications with food allergies, we do not provide any food for children attending NightOWLS. However, we do provide an dining space where children can eat food provided for them by their parents. We are very strict about keeping food only in the Owlette Dinette and also about not allowing children to share food with each other.
WHAT HAPPENS AT NIGHTOWLS?
A whole lot of FUN! As soon as you walk in the door, you will be greeted and introduced to the volunteer(s) assigned to your child(ren) for the evening. If your child needs medication administered during the evening, you will meet with the nurse and write down instructions for the nurse to follow. We will take it from there! Your child’s volunteer will then give a tour of the different rooms set up with fun activities.
Special entertainment is provided during each NightOWLS event. We have enjoyed a presentation by the Tennessee Aquarium on amphibians, a puppet show performed by Kids on the Block, painting lessons given by a local artist, and more!
Our evening winds down with Celebration Time, when we recognize any children with birthdays that month, watch out a Bible story, and then settle down to watch an age-appropriate movie.
Special entertainment is provided during each NightOWLS event. We have enjoyed a presentation by the Tennessee Aquarium on amphibians, a puppet show performed by Kids on the Block, painting lessons given by a local artist, and more!
Our evening winds down with Celebration Time, when we recognize any children with birthdays that month, watch out a Bible story, and then settle down to watch an age-appropriate movie.
ACTIVITY ROOMS!
WHAT ABOUT THE DAYS AND WEEKS BETWEEN NIGHTOWLS EVENTS?
- Craft Room – crafts are available each night, as well as playdough
- Game Room – board games, a wooden train, puzzles, and more
- Sensory Room – a dimly lit, quiet room where children who are over-stimulated can rest, regroup, or take a nap
- Wii Room – multiple controllers allow children and volunteers to test their Wii abilities
- Outdoor play – two age appropriate playgrounds are available for children to play and burn off extra energy
- Dudley Hall - an indoor space where children and volunteers and run, play, ride indoor toys, and play basketball.
It is our desire to create a community of love and support for families of children with disabilities. To help foster this sense of community among the NightOWLS families, we offer a wide variety of programs and support for kids, students, adults, and families impacted by disabilities. Our goal is to ensure that all people are able to participate in the life and ministry of Signal Pres, and it is our delight to partner with families to design customized care plans to enable you to connect, grow, and serve! To learn more or to begin a care plan for your child, contact Cara Rock, Director of Embrace Ministry.