WHAT IS CLUB CONNECT?
Club Connect is a crazy fun weekly friendship club that exists to grow lasting friendships between people of all abilities (for those high school aged and up). On Thursday nights from 6-7:30pm people come from all over to the Benjamin’s Hope campus for this faith-based program. It’s worth the drive to find friends and belonging. Whether it’s figuring out the clues to an escape room, dancing at a foam party, playing Bingo, or simply just hanging out together - we manage to have the best time!
Click here to view our current schedule.
“Caden so looks forward to coming and responds with smiles and jumpy excitement. The Club Connect friends call out to him when he comes through the door, “Hey Caden!” and they come over to greet him… like they’ve been waiting for him, expecting him and excited to see him. I feel like it’s a place where he can BE SEEN.
For young man with autism sometimes it’s hard to make natural connections. Club Connect is the only place he connects with friends. It’s an atmosphere where he gets to be himself and have a life outside home and mom. I thank God for Benjamin’s Hope because I often feel like it’s all on me to help Caden have connections, opportunities, and friends. Club Connect at Ben’s Hope is a blessing for me and Caden.”
INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING ON THURSDAY NIGHTS?
Come join us! We would love to have you. Complete the intake form below before joining for more information or feel free to just come on a Thursday night. We ask that parents/guardians plan to stay for the entirety of the program the first couple of times a new attendee comes. Justine will then have a conversation in regards to the support needed to make Club Connect successful for your loved one. Email clubconnect@benjaminshope.net for any questions you may have!
INTERESTED IN JOINING THE LEADERSHIP TEAM?
Do you have a heart for leadership? Do you want to help out beyond being a participant? Curious about what this further involvement could look like? Email us at clubconnect@benjaminshope.net!
MEET JUSTINE.
Hi everyone!
My name is Justine Watson, and I am the Director of Club Connect at Benjamin's Hope! My senior year at Hope College, I interned at Ben's Hope, and Club Connect was a large part of my role. After graduation, I thought about heading home to Minnesota, but leaving Ben's Hope and all of the friends I had made there over the last year simply broke my heart too much. I stepped into a part-time role and was later asked to take on leadership of Club Connect.
Club Connect is a place filled with so much joy, so much love, and so much laughter. I have seen and experienced people of all abilities form genuine friendships that I truly believe will last a lifetime, and I have seen and experienced the stigma around disability broken down every single week. Club Connect, I am convinced, is one of the best places on earth. I hope you come to experience it with me!
If you have any questions, send me an email!
Justine
WHAT TO EXPECT ON A CLUB CONNECT NIGHT
You’ll walk into a welcoming community of friends excited to see you! The first half hour or so is time for unstructured, organic connection. There are activities set up around the room for you to mingle and meet with other friends attending. The rest of the night will vary depending on the week, but in general it will consist of a more organized, large group activity led by Justine or Pastor Eric! Some examples of past activities are foam party, cardio drumming, art projects, and bingo! The night will end right about 7:30pm.
FAQ
Will food be served?
Not typically! If food will be served, Justine will mention this in the weekly email that goes out on Mondays.
Does it cost money?
Not usually. Come connect with us completely free of charge on most nights! Our program is funded by donors supporting the work of The Church of Benjamin’s Hope, but occasionally we will do a special activity on or off-campus where we might request $5-10 for those participating.
How old do I have to be to attend?
Club Connect is designed for people high school aged and up!
Can I drop off my child with disabilities?
For someone's first few times visiting Club Connect we request that a parent or caretaker stays for the whole 90 minutes as we get to know the participant. In the weeks following, Justine will have a conversation about whether Club Connect volunteers can offer any support for this specific participant to join in our activities and feel successful without a parent or guardian there.
What if I have no experience working with people of all abilities?
If you’ve got a big heart, a willing personality, and are looking to have some fun - you’re exactly who we’re looking for! Just fill out this form, and we will be happy to explore this fabulous opportunity with you!
MORE INFORMATION
Feel free to email clubconnect@benjaminshope.net with any further questions!
