Ability and Beyond

Less than a year since its launch, Ability & Beyond! (think Buzz Lightyear’s motto but in the Disability Engagement space) has gone way beyond the moon and is reaching the stars in terms of initiatives launched for families of children living with disabilities – all while remaining consistent, compassionate and present in the realm of pastoral care.

Regular Activities and Special Events in 2024/25

 

• With 112 guests, The Big Joy Christmas Party was a celebration of epic proportions, filled with what Coordinator Keren Bayley calls “little moments of big joy – that make a huge difference in the lives of families living with disabilities.”

• GrooveHouse Beats – up to 10 drummers! A highlight for students of this weekly boys drumming circle (one of our LifeHouse Creative Arts classes) was performing at LifeHouse Christmas Carols, while one volunteer teacher described it as the highest-paying role he’s ever had. 

• GrooveHouse Tots – 7 new families in Term 1 of 2025! – Toddlers and preschoolers practise signing as they sing and make a joyful noise with tots-sized instruments!! 

• The OG (Original GrooveHouse) sessions continue to grow as 8 new families have joined the 30 or so regulars who come together monthly for music, movement, fun, food and friendship!

• Hosted jointly with our Foster Care ministry, October 2024 saw the first Carers Connect take place, where 18 carers were treated to coffee, cake and a mindful craft activity – while friendships were made over the shared challenges and joys of caring.

• All Stars – 1:1 assistance is now offered on Sundays, with carers able to register online for this support service in both the adults service and Kids Church!

• Pastoral Care in 2024/25

• 10 families with children going through major surgeries and life-threatening illnesses were supported through hospital visits, prayer, practical assistance and follow-up care.  

• 2 families who suffered the tragedy of losing a loved one did not have to go through this time alone, but were loved and cared for through their grief.  

• Aspirations for 2025/26

• To expand our capacity – continuing and adding to regular sessions, special occasions and practical and pastoral care – through growing the team. 

• Continue to grow accessibility in our church spaces

• See more Work Experience opportunities open up – seeing others flourish like GrooveHouse client Kye has thrived at LifeHouse Care!

Star Volunteer Kye! 

Kye – surfer in training, movie buff and bicycle enthusiast, is loving the opportunity to have a positive impact in his community through his work experience with LifeHouse Care. When he isn’t shredding waves with his support worker Levi, or passionately drumming with his “boyz” at GrooveHouse Beats, Kye is developing essential skills, making friends with fellow volunteers and contributing to the effective functioning of the warehouse.

When asked about his favourite aspect of working at LifeHouse Care, his instant response was, “Everything!” followed by an infectiously cheeky grin. Joint enterprises like LifeHouse Care and Ability & Beyond aid tremendously in the individual growth and personal satisfaction that can be found when working in, and belonging to, friendly and nurturing environments. And with encouraging leaders like Frosty and Crystal, Kye is able to delight co-workers with his jovial spirit and be valued for his dedicated time and effort to the wellbeing of our community. 

A bit of fun: And you best believe that when a bicycle rocks up at the warehouse Kye will be the first to carefully inspect it, and get it ready for its new owner. Thank you, Kye, for all that you bring to LifeHouse Care and our community!

Pray

To see more people from diverse backgrounds and abilities coming to know God personally, to experience His love and to outwork the gifts and abilities He’s given them to live life to the full – as learning, growing, serving parts of the body of Christ.

Give

2025 Collective Giving Goal: $35,000

Go

Got a heart for disability engagement?

Contact Keren Bayley – keren@lifehouse.net.au or learn more at abilityandbeyond.org.au