Our Buddy Break teams are trained to recognize your child's uniqueness and want to be prepared to offer them the best care and friendship. Because of this, you are required to attend a mandatory orientation before you are able to begin utilizing the Buddy Break program. At the orientation you will be introduced to the program more fully, give us a chance to meet your VIP, and provide us with information that will help us to care for your child. If you would like to fill out the information forms prior to orientation, you can access them by clicking on the left menu button that says VIP & Sibling Forms. If you decide to complete them ahead of time, be sure to bring them with you to orientation! If you wish to complete one after your orientation, there will be an opportunity then.
Buddy Breaks are staffed by loving volunteer “Buddies” from the church and community who have gone through basic Buddy Training to equip them to play with and care for your child’s special needs.
Any VIP kids with special needs, which include any physical, cognitive, medical, or hidden disability, chronic or life-threatening illness, or those who are medically fragile may participate in this program. VIP children birth ages: 2-16 years old are welcomed, as are their siblings: 4 years old to 5th grade. Some Buddy Break locations expand their program based on their ability to serve a wider age range.
This program is held in partnership with churches in various locations across the nation. See the link below for exact locations and dates. New locations will be added to this website as they are started.
YES! Once you have gone through orientation, you are now a part of our Buddy Break network and are able to attend any of the Buddy Break locations, even as we launch into other states.
Yes, you will need to make a reservation with the location’s Buddy Break Coordinator each time that you would like for your child to attend Buddy Break. That ensures that we have enough Buddies and staff to allow a one-to-one relationship with your child. When spaces are full, you will be put on a waiting list.
Once we have all of your child’s information from orientation, they will automatically be signed up for the VIP Birthday Club and will be celebrated with a card on their birthday, plus other special recognition throughout the year. Kids can also have their picture and a story online. If you’d like to sign your child up for the VIP Birthday Club before you attend orientation, please click below.
