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"Take away the hope, and the will will follow,
take away the faith and goodbye tomorrow…"
~ Chrissie Hines
Religion and spirituality can be critical means of support for many individuals and their families. A religious or spiritual association can also supply a sense of connection to the community and personal balance. Many religious or spiritual "faith-based" organizations also provide support to families or individuals and often provide valuable resource information within the community.
 Maryland Resources
Associated Catholic Charities, Inc.
Phone: (410) 261-5800
E-mail: info@catholiccharities-md.org
Associated Catholic Charities and its 80 programs assist children, the elderly, and people with disabilities across the state. The website provides comprehensive information on programs and services.
Jewish Family Services
Phone: (410) 466-9200
TTY: (410) 466-7237
Jewish Family Services provides support, residential, counseling, and other services to persons with disabilities in the Maryland community and resources.
 National Resources
American Association of Persons with Mental Retardation (AAMR)
Religion and Spirituality Division
The Religion Division of the American Association on Mental Retardation is an interfaith, interdisciplinary association of people who journey with persons with developmental disabilities and with their families. The mission is to share resources which foster opportunities for spiritual growth for persons with developmental disabilities while respecting their religious identity.
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc.
This organization provides Lutheran Christian education, care, training, and service to individuals with disabilities, their families, and the community. In Maryland, residential services are provided in and near Frederick. Other resources include the following:
- Online supports – staff development materials, workshops, curricula and other resources and links are available at www.blhs.org.
- Breakthrough is a quarterly publication providing inspiration and ideas for congregations and teachers serving people who have developmental disabilities. For a subscription, call 1-800-369-4636, ext. 3535, email breakthrough@blhs.org, or write to Breakthrough at 700 Hoffman Drive, Watertown, WI 53094.
- The National Christian Resource Center offers print, audio and video resources, workshops, and referrals. Resources include confirmation instruction, devotions, Bible studies, teaching helps, disability awareness, congregational inclusion and more.
- Parish Ministry Consultants can speak to your church, school or organization; facilitate disability awareness; help equip congregations for ministry with persons with disabilities. You may reach PMC for Maryland, Edie Sodowsky, at 1-301-662-0529 or by email at esodowsky@blhs.org. (Please give clear statement of your concern in subject line of your email.)
Disabilities Concerns (DISC)
Phone: (800) UMC-GBGM
Provides the faith community and families with resources in the area of disability ministries.
Evangelical Lutheran Church Ministry with Persons with Disabilities
The mission of the ministry is to encourage all synods to assist individuals, congregations and leadership in the church to develop awareness of the abilities and needs of persons with disabilities, their families, and/or caregivers.
Family Village/Worship
The Family Village Religion section provides information on a variety of religious organizations that work with individuals with disabilities as well religious educational resources.
National Catholic Office for Persons with Disabilities
Phone/TTY: (202) 529-2933
Vigilant in promoting the inclusion of Catholics with disabilities in their parish communities and the total fabric of society. The website provides information to assist congregations in welcoming people with disabilities.
National Organization on Disability
Phone: (202) 293-5960
E-mail: religion@nod.org
The National Organization on Disability Religion and Disability program encourages congregations and seminaries of all faiths to become more accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities. They offer information, and publications including "That All May Worship," The Accessible Congregations Campaign, and information on related conferences.
On the Road to Congregational Inclusion: Dimensions of Faith and Congregational Ministries with Persons with Developmental Disabilities and Their Families
A Bibliography and Address Listing of Resources for Clergy, Laypersons, Families, and Service Providers. A resource guide divided into areas of congregational ministry and outreach e.g. worship, outreach, pastoral care, religious education, awareness videos, with sections on respite care, community building, person-centered planning, coping with grief, and more. 2000. 120 pages. Cost: $10.00 The guide is $10 plus $5 shipping and handling, payable to The Boggs Center.
Send payment to:
The Boggs Center
UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
335 George Street, P.O. Box 2688
New Brunswick, NJ 08903-2688
Attention: Publications
If you have any questions, please call The Boggs Center at 732-235-9300 or contact Bill Gaventa: Gaventwi@UMDNJ.EDU
The Christian Council on Persons with Disabilities
Phone: 414-357-6672
The Christian Council on Persons with Disabilities is a consortium of Christian organizations working in disability ministry that advocates for an evangelical perspective regarding people with disabilities and their part in God's world. The site provides a message board, publications, and other resources.
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