1. family and parenting
2. children

HELPING CHURCHES OPEN THEIR HEARTS AND DOORS
T O C H I L D R E N A N D A D U LT S W I T H S P E C I A L N E E D S
OPENING NEW WORLDS
CHURCH & PARENT DISABILITIES MINISTRIES
April 5-6, 2013
Life Skills Center at Wesley Glen Ministries in Macon, Georgia!
CO-SPONSORED BY DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES MINISTRIES AND WESLEY GLEN MINISTRIES
TO REGISTER
VISIT WWW.DDMGA.ORG
HELPING CHURCHES OPEN THEIR HEARTS AND DOORS TO CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Join us for an affordable and enjoyable conference designed to help churches learn how to begin, maintain,
and expand ministry to people who have special needs and their families. Helpful workshops for parents
including Sibling Relationships and Planning for the Future of your Child with Special Needs will be offered.
FRIDAY, APRIL 5
11 am
Registration Begins, Exhibits, Snacks
12 pm
Lunch
12:30 pm
Welcome and Conference Overview
1 – 3 pm
Developing and Sustaining an Outstanding Church Special Needs Ministry- - Denel James
3 pm
Break Time, Exhibits, Snacks
3:15 – 4:30 pm
Behavior is Communication Workshop - Misty Lunsford and Angela Freeman
Or
Respite Ministry for Families of Children with Special Needs Workshop - Dianne Reynolds
6 pm
BANQUET
Special Needs Teacher of the Year Award
Guest Speaker – Television Journalist Nancy Grace
SATURDAY, APRIL 6
8:30 am
Exhibits, Snacks
9 am
Devotional
9:15 – 10:30am
Planning for the Future of your Dependent
with Special Needs Workshop - Joe Claxton
Or
Healthy Sibling Relationships Workshop
- Susie Spear Purcell
10:30 am
Break Time, Exhibits, Snacks
10:45 am – noon
Behavior is Communication Workshop
- Misty Lunsford and Angela Freeman
Or
Spiritual Concepts for People with Special
Needs Workshop - Denel James
Noon
Lunch and Closing Session
HELPING CHURCHES OPEN THEIR HEARTS AND DOORS TO CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
FEATURED SPEAKERS AND WORKSHOP LEADERS
NANCY GRACE
An outspoken, tireless advocate for victims’ rights and one of television's most respected legal analysts, Nancy
Grace is the powerful force behind CNN Headline News’ (HLN) top-rated Nancy Grace.
A former prosecutor with an unparalleled record of success, she has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The
View, The Today Show, Good Morning America, Dr. Phil and Larry King Live, among others, dispensing her firebrand take on the modern justice system. In addition, she was a highlight and fan favorite of Dancing with the
Stars: Season 13, finishing in the competition’s coveted Top 5. All of her earnings from the show went to
support the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In 2011, Grace was named one of the most impactful and powerful women in entertainment by both leading industry trade magazines, Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.
Grace’s first book, Objection!, was published in 2005 and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Her two subsequent novels, The Eleventh Victim (2009) and Death on the D-List (2010), were also New York Times bestsellers, and a television movie adaptation of The Eleventh Victim aired on
Lifetime in November 2012. Grace was an executive producer on the film project.
Grace has also been widely recognized by many notable organizations (including the Carole Sund/Carrington Foundation, Crime Victims United of
California and The Retreat) for her advocacy work on behalf of victims’ rights.
Now, everything important in Grace’s life – including her unwavering crusade for true justice – comes back to family. Since her marriage and the birth of
her children, Nancy says, “I feel even more passionate about fighting for victims.”
Laura Nadine Hickson
Laura Nadine was born on February 28, 1977 in Decatur, Georgia. She was raised in Lilburn, Georgia the youngest of four
siblings. At age 10, she began taking violin lessons with Stefanie Graef (Rollins) Carr. As a student of the Suzuki Method,
Laura progressed quickly. She was touted by locals as a musical prodigy for her ability to play songs after only hearing
them once and her adult like musical expression. In spite of her many accomplishments, something still didn’t seem right
for Laura. When her then-3-year-old son Jacob was diagnosed with autism, Laura too was diagnosed with Aspberger’s
Syndrome. Now, with knowledge, perspective, and one impressive musical talent, she's trying to help others in the same
boat. She is now raising her son and daughter and is teaching the violin to children with disabilities. Laura's first film
project My Violin Cries (2009) was developed for a film competition at Agnes Scott College. A psychology major with no
prior film experience, Laura borrowed a video camera from the college and went to work. Laura worked as the director,
actor, writer, composer, film editor and performed the entire soundtrack. My Violin Cries won Honorable Mention at the
ASC Film Festival. She is also the author of Snamuh and Puzzles for Angie.
Dr. Bill Neal
Dr. Bill Neal has served as President/CEO of Developmental Disabilities Ministries since July 2007. Prior to being named
president, he served for several years as Development Director for the agency. Earlier in his ministerial career Bill served as
campus minister for Columbus area colleges, Director of the Department of Student Work, Georgia Baptist Convention, and
editor of The Christian Index, America's oldest religious newspaper. A native of Columbus, Georgia, Bill is a graduate of
Columbus State University and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, where he earned the D. Min. degree.
He and his wife, Judy, live in Stone Mountain and are active members of First Baptist Church of Decatur, where they teach a
class for children with special needs. Among his many interests are travel, reading, writing as an amateur church historian,
UGA football and enjoying his four grandchildren.
Dr. William Oliver
Dr. Oliver has been the President/CEO since 2003. A native of Valdosta, Georgia, Dr. Oliver holds a B.B.A. from the University of
Georgia, a M. Div. from Emory University, and a D. Min. from the San Francisco Theological Seminary. He pastored churches in
United Methodist South Georgia Conference from 1967 - 2003. Dr. Oliver has served on numerous boards and agencies in the
South Georgia Conference. His civic activities include Georgia State Golf Association, Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia,
Inc., Leadership Georgia; Macon Rotary Club, Leadership Macon, Leadership Tifton, Paul Harris Fellow, Life Loyal Sig; Idle Hour
Country Club. An accomplished writer, Dr. Oliver has authored Take a Mulligan- the Old Course.
HELPING CHURCHES OPEN THEIR HEARTS AND DOORS TO CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
FEATURED SPEAKERS AND WORKSHOP LEADERS CONTINUED
Denel James
Denel James is minister to children at First Baptist Church of Griffin, where she coordinates an outstanding program for children
with disabilities. Before joining the church staff in 2000, she served for 17 years as a special education teacher, notably at Griffin
High School. Denel has a master's degree in special education from West Georgia State University. She and her husband, Dennis,
have three children. Denel is very active in community affairs, serving as president of Griffin Ballet Theatre, president of Carver
Road Middle School Council, Trustee for Developmental Disabilities Ministries, Inc. and a member of both the Griffin Downtown
Council and the Griffin Area Resource Center Board. Her interest in individuals with disabilities has been influenced by her brother
who has disabilities.
Dianne Reynolds
Dianne Reynolds has been married to John since October of 1986 and they have 3 children: Jackie, Bryan and Jason. When
Jason was born in 1995, with multiple special needs, their lives were changed forever; but with the challenges they have
learned more about God’s purpose and plan for ALL of us. Prior to spending over 20 years at home, loving and managing her
family, Dianne earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Facilities Management from the University of North Texas. She
applied these skills within their church family as Vacation Bible School and Sunday School Directors, taught College and
Women’s classes and was actively involved in many other ministries. In May of 2009, she became part of a leadership team
that introduced PURE Ministries to Northwest Baptist Church, in Gainesville, FL and spent 3 years working there ministering to
individuals with special needs and their families within the church. In December of 2011, she and her husband and youngest
son moved to Dunwoody, GA so John could begin his new a job at Georgia Tech. Dianne and her family are members at First
Baptist Church, Atlanta and she serves on the Metro Advisory Council for Developmental Disabilities Ministries, Inc.
Susie Spear Purcell
Susie Spear Purcell has been acting and teaching theatre arts for over 20 years. As a teacher, she has enjoyed teaching a wide
range of students. She was program director for 9 years for The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company in Los Angeles where she
developed curriculum for helping imprisoned East LA boys to write plays and perform in front of large audiences. She also
worked as a lead teacher for 7 years with The Imagination Workshop in Los Angeles where she helped teach theatrical arts
therapy to patients throughout the city. Susie has taught on camera classes and Meisner Technique acting classes to adults and
children in Los Angeles and Atlanta at venues including Actor’s Express Theatre, The Alliance Theatre, Dunwoody School for the
Arts, Intown Community School, Decatur Arts Festival as well as private corporate events and private monologue and audition
coaching. Susie has been working with Synchronicity’s Playmaking for Girls program as a teacher and program director for over
6 years. This job allows her to share theatrical arts and imagination with girls in Georgia detention centers, summer programs
with girls who are out of probation and younger “at risk” teens in the after school workshops. As an actress, she has been seen in
theatre throughout Atlanta. Some of her film/tv credits include Big Momma’s House 3, Flight, Army Wives, Drop Dead Diva,
Dante’s Peak, Deep End of the Ocean. Susie has been a great partner with Developmental Disabilities Ministries during our
Special Family Retreats leading workshops with siblings of special needs children. During the workshops she helps participants
find their voice and tell their story. Susie’s sister, Ann, is a resident with Developmental Disabilities Ministries, Inc.
Joe Claxton
Professor Joseph E. Claxton is a native of the state of Georgia. He graduated from Oxford College of Emory University, Emory
University, and the Duke University School of Law. He served in the United States Army Reserve. Professor Claxton is a member of
the State Bar of Georgia. After a brief stint in an Atlanta firm then known as Kilpatrick, Cody, Rogers, McClatchey, & Regenstein, he
joined the faculty of Mercer University School of Law. He has been at Mercer for 39 years and assumed the status of professor
emeritus on July 1, 2011. While at Mercer, Professor Claxton has taught 19 different courses, including The Law of Wills & Intestate
Succession and The Law of Trust, and has held four administrative posts. He has written 29 widely unread academic publications
in areas including agency, business associations, criminal law, commercial law, and legal history. Professor Claxton directed the
Law School’s admissions program for eight years, drafted the plan for the institution’s transition from the quarter system to the
semester system, and chaired a complete general curriculum review several years ago. He served as the editor of two Law School
self studies (i.e., accreditation reports). He also wrote portions of two other self studies. He was the editor of the first Law School
Five-Year Plan (prepared for the purpose of budgetary prioritization).
Professor Claxton has served a term on the Formal Advisory Opinion Board (Ethics) of the State Bar of Georgia and a term on the
Macon Police and Firefighter Disciplinary Review Board. For the past 17 years he has been a trustee of the Georgia Legal History
Foundation and for six years he served as treasurer of that organization. He served for 13 years as the associate editor of The
Journal of Southern Legal History. Her served for two terms as an officer of the Middle Georgia Phi Beta Kappa Alumni Chapter
and is a past member of the William Augustus Bootle Inn of Court. Professor Claxton currently serves on the Board of Directors of
the Wesley Glen Foundation, which is devoted to the needs of mentally handicapped adults. He also sits on the Board of Trustees
of Mount de Sales Academy and serves as Vice-Chairman. In 2011, Professor Claxton received the Law School Alumni Association
Meritorious Service Award.
HELPING CHURCHES OPEN THEIR HEARTS AND DOORS TO CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
FEATURED SPEAKERS AND WORKSHOP LEADERS CONTINUED
Angela Freeman
Angela began her career in 1992 as a Middle School teacher. After receiving her Master's degree in Behavior Disorders from
Georgia College and certification in Visual Impairment from Mercer University in 1996, Angela taught regular core academics,
Braille and Community-Based Vocational Instruction at the Georgia Academy for the Blind for 7 years. Angela later worked
part-time for Wesley Glen Ministries providing behavioral support and staff development training. After completing additional
certification in Adapted Special Education, Angela worked for Bibb County Public schools conducting eligibility testing and then
as an MOID classroom teacher. Angela returned to Wesley Glen full-time in 2011 in the capacity of Behavior Specialist and
Developmental Disability Professional overseeing the services and supports provided to residents, supervising the formulation
and implementation of each resident's plan for delivery of services, conducting behavioral assessments, conducting staff
development training and supervising residential services. Angela is an active member of First United Methodist Church in Warner Robins. She is married
and has two terrific daughters, Caroline who is 15 and Allison who is 10. Angela has committed her career to the philosophy that no person intrinsically
desires to fail and because of that fact, every person deserves to be provided the supports and tools needed to succeed.
Misty Lunsford
Misty began her career in management in 1995 with Lamar County Board of Commissioners. Misty was the Certified Landfill Operator for Lamar County
Regional Solid Waste Authority. Misty then joined the team at Southland Waste Systems where she was the assistant controller and Director of
Collections. Misty’s management career led her to Wesley Glen Ministries in 2002. Misty has been a Home Manager, Director or Programs and Services,
Director of Host Homes, Director of Quality Assurance and Residential Services Manager. Misty currently holds the title of Director of Residential
Services. Misty obtained her Associate’s Degree in Special Education in July 2011. Misty is currently working on obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in Human
Services and Management. Misty is married and has a wonderful son who is 19 years old.
Jonathan A. Alderman
Jonathan A. Alderman was born in 1961 in Evansville, Indiana and raised in Cochran, Georgia. He received an Associate of Science degree at Middle Georgia
College in 1981 and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, summa cum laude, at the University of Georgia in 1983, where he was inducted into the Phi Beta
Kappa. He earned is Juris Doctor, cum laude, at the University of Georgia in 1986. He has been a member of the State Bar of Georgia and Macon Bar since
1986. Mr. Alderman’s area of practice include estate planning, preparation of wills, trust, contracts, prenuptial agreements, real estate transactions,
adoptions, incorporations, small business advice and general representation of charitable entities. He also is experienced in litigation in the areas of
personal injury, insurance defense, commercial/contract and real estate. Mr. Alderman is married to the former Amy Holland of Dexter, Georgia. His
community activities include: Macon Rotary Club, First Choice Primary Care, Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia, Macon Heritage Foundation, Good
Vocations, Middle Georgia Soccer Association, First Baptist Church of Christ, Museum of Arts and Science and Wesley Glen Ministries
NOMINATE A CHURCH SPECIAL NEEDS TEACHER/LEADER FOR THE MARY FRANCES DUREN TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD!
This award will be presented at the annual DDM Opening New Worlds Conference to a special needs teacher/ leader in a church who
teaches people with disabilities and/or was instrumental in leading the church to provide ministries to those with special needs. The
nominee must have at least three years of experience in this ministry.
It is not necessary for nominees to have received training as special education teachers in the school system. This award is designed to recognize a volunteer in a church who has a heart for helping people with special needs. Nominations can be made by the church pastor or
minister of education and must include a letter of recommendation from a parent.
Nominations should include the following information about the teacher:
• His/her Christian calling and heart for this kind of ministry
• Special needs church ministries he/she has helped to start
• Example of how teacher has helped to make a difference in the lives of a family/child
Nominations will be accepted through March 20, 2013. Nominations will be coded in such a way that judges do not know the nominee’s
name or church name until after a decision has been reached. A response will be sent to all who submit a nomination. Judges will include
representatives from Wesley Glen Ministries and Developmental Disabilities Ministries administration.
Send nominations to:
Developmental Disabilities Ministries, Inc.
Attn: Church and Community Services Department • 6320 Amherst Court, Norcross, GA 30092
Mary Frances Duren is a pioneer in special needs ministry in Georgia and has helped numerous
churches begin ministries while serving in her own church. She was inspired to serve people with
special needs because of her devotion to her late sister, Martha Duren.
HELPING CHURCHES OPEN THEIR HEARTS AND DOORS TO CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
LOCATION AND DIRECTIONS
Wesley Glen Ministries • Life Skills Center • 4580 North Mumford Road • Macon, Georgia 31210 • (478) 471-3711). Visit
www.wesleyglenministries.com to view directional map.
Directions to Wesley Glen Ministries:
From Atlanta: Take I-75 South through downtown Atlanta, about 70 miles. Get off at I-475 South, exit 177 (toward
Valdosta) and take exit 9, Zebulon Road. turn left at the light onto Zebulon Road, continue past Chick Fil-A. Make a
right turn at the light onto Foster Road, go about 1.3 miles on Foster Road until it ends at the light. Turn left onto
Tucker Road, after 1 mile, turn right at the light onto Idleway Drive and make the next (short distance) right turn onto
North Mumford Road. After 1.4 miles, you will pass the Georgia Children's Industrial Home campus, and Wesley Glen
Ministries is around the curve on the right.
From South of Macon: Take I-75 north. Take I-475 north via exit 156. take
the US-80, exit 3 towards Macon/Roberta. Turn right off the exit onto us-80 E/Ga 22 E (Eisenhower Parkway). Go 1 mile,
turning left at the light onto Log Cabin Drive. take Log Cabin drive (about 1 1/2 miles) to Hollingsworth Road on left.
Turn left onto Hollingsworth Road and after 0.8 miles turn left onto Mumford Road. Wesley Glen Ministries is 1/2 mile
on left.
From East (I-16): Coming into Macon on I-16, take I-75N toward Atlanta. Take the 1st Exit (Pierce Ave.) – you will loop
under I-75. Stay on Pierce Ave. At the 3rd traffic light, the street changes names from Pierce Ave. to Pio NoNo Ave. Go
to the 5th traffic light and turn right onto Roff Ave.(at the fire station). Travel approximately 1.5 miles then turn left
onto Morgan Dr. (between 2 baseball fields). Travel on Morgan , passing through a stop sign and traffic light. Once you
pass through the light, the street name changes to Mumford Rd. Travel approximately 1 mile. Wesley Glen is on the left
directly across from the entrance to The Highlands subdivision.
OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS
Directions to Hotel: From Atlanta and points North:
Follow I-75 South to I-475 South (Macon Bypass) to exit 9
(Zebulon Road), turn left off exit and take a right on Peake
Road, then right on Plantation Inn Road. From points
South: Follow I-75 North to I-475 North (Macon Bypass) to exit
9 (Zebulon Road) and turn right off exit then right on Peake
Road and right on Plantation Inn Road.
H OT E L ACCO M M O DAT I O N S
The 2013 Opening New Worlds Conference
“preferred” hotel is Fairfield Inn.
Call for preferred conference rates.
Fairfield Inn is located at 110 Plantation
Inn Drive, Macon, GA 31210.
Phone: (478) 474-9922
HELPING CHURCHES OPEN THEIR HEARTS AND DOORS TO CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
REGISTRATION – OPENING NEW WORLDS
APRIL 5-6,2013
Churches – save money by becoming a Conference sponsor! For every $100 gift, two church representatives
may attend free, and additional church members may also register for only $25 per person.*
Name(s)___________________________________________________________________________________________
*Church Name, if sponsored__________________________________________________________________________
Address___________________________________________________________________________________________
Email_____________________________________________Phone___________________________________________
FEES:
Full registration includes all workshops, banquet, Friday and Saturday lunches, and breaks - $50 per person (unless
sponsored by a church)
$50 x ____ registrants = $_________
*_____Church sponsorship (includes two free registrations) - $100
Banquet only on Friday evening - $15 per person
$15 x ____registrants = $________
Total payment $__________
REGISTRATION PAYMENT INFORMATION
Total amount $________________
Make checks payable to DDM Opening New Worlds Conference
Or make payment online at www.ddmga.org – choose “make a donation” and select “Opening New Worlds” under
gift categories.
Mail registration with payment to: DDM, Attention Anne Henderson, 6320 Amherst Court, Norcross, GA 30092.
Will you need:
_____Child care….how many____
_____Mobility assistance
_____Sign language
_____Guide dog care
_____Note-taking assistance
_____Other assistance…explain________________________________
Check your selections below:
Friday, April 5
____Noon - Lunch
____1-3 p.m. - Workshop on Developing and Sustaining an Outstanding Church Special Needs Ministry
3:15 – 4:30 p.m. Workshops (check one)
____ 6 p.m. - Banquet and Evening Program
Saturday, April 6
____9 a.m. - Devotional
9:15 – 10:30 a.m. Workshops (check one)
10:45 a.m. – noon Workshops (check one)
____Lunch and Closing Session
_____Behavior is Communication
_____Respite Ministry
_____Planning for the Future for your Dependent with Special Needs
_____Healthy Sibling Relationships
_____Behavior is Communication (repeat of Friday workshop)
_____Spiritual Concepts
Developmental
Disabilities
Ministries
6320 Amherst Court
Norcross, GA 30092
4580 North Mumford Road
Macon, GA 31210