What is Buddy Break?

Buddy Break is a free kids/respite program where children with special needs (VIP kids) make new friends, play fun games, enjoy crafts, therapy dogs, stories, music activities, and more!  Siblings have fun too!   Meanwhile, their caregivers get a break from their ongoing care-giving responsibilities for three hours.  Buddy Break is open to church members and non-church members with VIP kids up through age 16 starting January 2012 on the second Friday evening of each month from 6pm to 9pm at East Pointe Church. View a Buddy Break Introduction then view our own Buddy Break Activity.

Each VIP kid is paired one-on-one with a screened volunteer “Buddy” to participate in that day’s activities.

Who are VIP kids?

VIPs are kids with special needs, which include any physical, cognitive, medical or hidden disability, chronic or life-threatening illness, or those who are medically fragile.

Who are Buddies?

Buddies are friends of VIPs.

How do I sign up as a VIP?

To sign up for the program as a VIP:

1.  
   1. Complete the secure online VIP Form(s). If you have any siblings that you’d like to have attend Buddy Break, fill out the Sibling form too.
   2. Contact us to reserve your space at a required VIP orientation. (Contact information is below.) This allows us to meet you and your children and gives you a chance to see Buddy Break before you begin participating.
   3. Prior to orientation, print and complete the following forms. We will have a notary at orientation to notarize them for you.

Click on the link to open the PDF of each form:

1.  
   • Authorization/Release Form (need to complete for each VIP and Sibling attending Buddy Break)
   • Declaration of Consent Form (need to complete for each VIP and Sibling attending Buddy Break)
2. Once you have signed up for the program and gone through orientation, you’ll need to make a reservation for each month that you want to attend Buddy Break. Space is limited and pre-registration is required, so register early!

To make a reservation for our upcoming Buddy Break as a VIP:

Email or call East Pointe Church at 904-645-0318 ext 232

 

How do I sign up to be a Buddy?

No previous experience with VIP kids is necessary to be a Buddy, just a loving heart, open arms, and a willingness to learn. You must be at least 14 years of age and you will be trained through a two-hour Buddy Training 101 class. You also agree to have a background check run on your information.

To sign up for the program as a Buddy

1. Complete the secure online Buddy Form. 
2. Contact us to schedule a visit or reserve your space at a mandatory Buddy Training 101 class. (Contact information is below.)

To make a reservation for our upcoming Buddy Break as a Buddy:

Email or call East Pointe Church at 904-645-0318 ext 232.

 

Contact Information:

Deanna Dunavant, Buddy Break Coordinator   870-530-3590  

Cathy McGaughey, Buddy Break Assistant Coordinator   904-641-8323  

Nathaniel’s Hope at 407-857-8224