What is Aldersgate Special Needs Ministry?

A United Methodist agency formed by families and friends seeking to prepare for the future of their developmentally disabled loved ones.

How do they plan to help developmentally disabled adults?

The Aldersgate Special Needs Ministry will build homes for mentally-handicapped adults, so that they can live in a Christian environment where they can receive the professional care they need.

• The first home was built at Epworth Children's Home
• The second home was built in Orangeburg as part of the Methodist Oaks Retirement Community.
• Now, the ministry hopes to build homes all across SC.

These homes will also provide:

• Programs for these adults that will enhance their lifestyle.
• Life-skills training and a variety of work experiences in the context of daily living so as to strive for the greatest possible level of independence.
• Expanded social and recreational opportunities.

Why Help Developmentally-Disabled Adults?

• Mentally-handicapped adults are the MOST under-served population in SC and the country. More than 2900 special needs adults are living at home with parents 55 years old and older. Of those, almost half are living with parents 65 years old and older.
• Right now, the only way for parents to locate housing for their special needs family member is to die or become disabled themselves!
• Then, their child is placed in the first available space, which could be anywhere in the state.