Agape Christian Homes

Children with special needs are three times more likely to experience child abuse. The pandemic put these already vulnerable children at a greater risk of harm and maltreatment. Agape Christian Homes (ACH) is using its 34 years of experience to reduce child abuse of children with special needs by providing caregiver support and sponsored family outings. These outings are designed to ease some of the stress associated with isolation, reduced access to community services, and the financial toll that the aftermath of the pandemic continues to take on this already marginalized and at-risk population.

Since 1989, ACH, a licensed residential care facility, has operated two homes for adults with developmental disabilities in the city of Long Beach. ACH was established by a group of parents with children with developmental disabilities who were concerned with their care after they could no longer care for them.

Be a part of providing outings for Special Needs Families. Let's help them take a break from the daily stress and responsibility associated with caregiving. We can give these families a chance to relax, have fun, and enjoy one another. Another great aspect of this program is participation is extended to low-income, Long Beach families with children of different abilities, teaching empathy by giving children of all abilities the opportunity to enjoy a fun outing with our clients and other children, some with special needs.

Testimonials

Empathy is sharing the feelings of another as a means of coming to direct appreciation of the other. At ACH, we believe that ensuring the rights of the disabled community begins with empathy. This is why we host community "Family Days" to bring people, especially children of all abilities, together to interact with one another and our developmentally disabled residents.

T.M. was a long-time resident of ACH. She is is 50+ years old with Down's syndrome. T.M. has a very vibrant personality, and loves to dance, jewelry, and getting her nails done. M.B. is 7-years old and is a pretty reserved little girl. She has attended our "Family Days" for a few years. However, for nearly two years, we could not host Family Days. We had to be extra vigilant to keep our disabled residents safe from contracting Covid-19. Late last year, we were able to resume. We hosted our first Family Day" since the pandemic at the Santa Ana Zoo. To our surprise, M.B. and T.M. embraced one another and would not leave each other's side for the entire day. An unlikely friendship was forged, and they missed one another. Their friendship is at the core of our goal to teach children empathy for the disabled community. We believe that 7-year-old M.B. will carry her bond with T.M. throughout her life. And you never know, M.B. may grow up to become one of the disabled community's strongest advocates.