SamBeller.org
LINKS
The following is a collection of links to favorite sites or other helpful information:
Preston Road Church of Christ
http://www.prestonroad.org
This is the Beller Family’s church.
Greenwood Hills Elementary School
http://www.richardson.k12.tx.us/schools/gwhe/
This is the web site for Sam’s school!
United Cerebral Palsy Association
http://www.ucp.org
The national organization where you can learn more and find support centers in your area.
Some area churches offer “respite programs” to give parents and special-needs children a monthly night out. Health care professionals are on-site, as well as activities for able-bodied siblings. They include:
Custer Road United Methodist Church
6601 Custer Road, Plano. “Friday NITE Friends,” for medically fragile children through age 18 and their siblings meets from 6 to 10 PM on Fridays. Call 972-618-3450 or see http://www.fridaynitefriends.org for a registration form. This is one of the Bellers’ favorite ministries!!
Highland Park United Methodist Church
3300 Mockingbird Lane. “Night Owls” for special needs children through age 12 and their siblings. Meets the first and third Fridays of the month, from 6 to 10 p.m. Preregistration required. Call 214-523-2284.
Lovers Lane United Methodist Church
9200 Inwood Lane, Dallas. “Night Lights” is held from 6 to 10 p.m. the first Friday of each month. Call 214-706-9551.
Stonebriar Community Church
4801 Legendary Dr., Frisco. “Funzone” meets from 6 to 10 p.m. the second Saturday of the month. Preregistration is required. Call 469-252-5240.
Other help for parents with special needs children include:
Challenge Air for Kids and Friends
Pilots take special needs children and two family members or guests for small airplane rides. The next “Fly Day” events will be Sept. 18 at Love Field in Dallas and Oct. 9 in McKinney Airport. The flights are free, and breakfast and lunch are included. Preregistration is required. Call 214-351-5929 or visit http://www.challengeair.com
Medically Dependent Children Program
Part of the Texas Dept. of Human Services, the MDCP provides services to support families that care for a medically dependent child in their home, including special waiver services and Medicaid coverage. Call 1-877-438-5658 or visit http://www.dhs.state.tx.us/programs/communitycare/mdcp
Joni and Friends
Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, this organization is a Christian advocate group for disabled children, youth and adults. Its Dallas area Web site lists support groups in the Metroplex. The Dallas chapter offices, at 10310 N. Central Expressway, can be reached at 214-739-2523 or at http://www.joniandfriends.org/dallas