Night Out With Loving Sitters

Night OWLS is a monthly program for families with children with disabilities* that usually meets on the second Saturday of the month†, September through May. Parents can drop off all of their children (ages 2-12) at the ROC on designated Saturday evenings, from 6-9 pm. Children enjoy a pizza supper and supervised activities while parents have an evening to themselves. Drop-off time is between 5:45 and 6:00 pm and pick-up time is between 8:30 and 9:00 pm, providing a three-hour time span for the family. Each special needs child has an adult buddy; additional volunteers (youth and adults) help with programming for siblings. Arts and crafts, drum circles, games, stories, puzzles, and movies are just some of the choices for each evening.

Night OWLS requires advance registration and is limited in the number of families that can be accommodated each evening. A family form (available below or through the church office) must be completed before a family first participates in Night OWLS or in September of each year for returning families. Once a family form is on file, registration is on a first come-first served basis each month. Persons can register in person or by phone during regular church office hours, or by emailing Ben Hallett, Director of Children & Youth Ministry, at b.hallett@fumcah.com.

Thinking about volunteering with Night OWLS?

Night OWLS’ success depends on our caring teams of youth and adult volunteers. While all buddies must be in high school or older, middle schoolers are invited to serve as program aides. Volunteers lead activities, help as greeters and hall monitors, assist with dinner, play with siblings and, of course, serve as buddies. Volunteers can help every month, every other month, or sporadically. Interested in joining this very rewarding effort? Please contact Ben Hallet. Volunteers are required to have a FUMCAH background check.

* Basically, if a child, age 2-12, is eligible for an IEP, they are eligible for Night OWLS.
† Night OWLS is sometimes moved to a different week; please check the Calendar for scheduled dates.