Church's buddy program reaches out to children

First Congregational Church United Church of Christ, Crystal Lake "Buddies" or trained volunteers are available for those children who need some degree of support or program modification to be actively included in the programs of the church.

The "buddy" assists all of the children and does not hover over a child. This encourages independence and friendships within the group.

The "Buddy Team" is made up of both working and retired special education teachers and special education assistants, classroom teachers, individuals with disabilities, parents and grandparents of children with disabilities teachers for the hearing impaired, social workers, individuals training in the field of disabilities, physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.

For details on the Buddy Program, call the church office at (815) 459-6010 or visit Web site at www.fcc-cl.org.