Disability and YOU!
Are you a parent or caregiver of someone with disabilities? Do you work with children or adults living with disabilities?
If disability doesn’t affect your world personally, do you know someone who is affected by disability?
Would you like to make a difference in the disability community?
Together, we can have a profound effect on the quality of life for these individuals and families.
Who Are We?
We are Tom and Julie Meekins. 29 years ago, our youngest, Amy, was born with CHARGE Syndrome. In an instant we became a family affected by disability. We began a journey as parents, as 3 older siblings very close in age, and as the person with the disability – as a family – that became full of the ups and downs of navigating life in disability world and especially trying to fit into a world where disability is often not embraced.
- We are that family we love to serve.
- We want to know how to enfold these families into the very fabric of church life.
- We know what it feels like to be the family that is underserved, isolated, confused, terrified, rejected and misunderstood.
- We also know the beauty that can come out of ashes.
- We know a greater depth of God’s goodness, grace, and sufficiency.
- We want other families who are hurting to experience that beauty for ashes and love of God, too.
And so, we are the directors of Champions4Parents. Our mission is to provide love, support, and resources to parents of individuals impacted by disabilities and special needs, and equip ministry folks who serve these families.
People We Serve Are Saying...
So incredibly blessed to know and LOVE your family! I could never thank you enough for your outpouring love, guidance and encouragement! Yall make the special needs world a better place. – BNS
You guys see us and are calming and encouraging mentors in our life! Thanks for all you do. – AL
I have greatly benefited from the weekly meetings of Oasis (special needs parent support group). I’ve known of other parents of children with disabilities but there was always a disconnect . Oasis fills that connection with community and discussion that points to God’s grace and mercy. I’ve made true friends that I can be on this journey with and we can support each other. I’ve gained and shared knowledge and information with people who have common challenges. – RW
Tom – We are so grateful for you and your leadership in ministry! – AM
Amy – Thank you for your faithful smile that you share each week with our women on Tuesdays. You are a shining light! [Amy is a greeter at the front door and holds a sign that says, “you are loved.” – WLT
Julie – Thank you so much for serving in women’s life as table leader in Bible Study. Your contributions of your time and talents bless our ladies so much! [Our table is made up of 8 to 12 women who are moms or grandmothers of children with disabilities.]
“The last thing I wanted to do tonight was leave the house with the kids to lug them to church for what I felt like was my own selfish reasons… BUT I WAS EXACTLY WHERE I WAS SUPPOSED TO BE. Tonight I went to [church] for a special needs parent support group and to say I was blessed was an understatement. My kids were happy in their play room and (I) so loved (that) I was able to be with parents who have been where I am now, it’s all I’ve prayed for since this began, people that can and do understand where I’m at, and what we are going through! I am so so so glad that I chose to attend & I can’t wait to come back” – BS
“The Lord put it on my heart to reach out today and tell you what an encouragement you are. I found your ministry during a time when my son was experiencing many medical problems. Thankfully, he is doing much better now. I continue to enjoy your email and your encouraging words to hurting families.” – HSC
“We enjoyed your family immensely! God’s hand is on you! Praying for you and thanks so much for sharing! Very helpful.” – RB
“Thank you for a wonderful presentation. I’ve been a teacher previously and glad to have you present on different abilities that many so overlook/bypass daily.” – JM
Regarding Special Needs Parent Support Group:
“Oasis (Special Needs Parent Support Group) has been a true blessing for our family. It has connected us with other special needs families and provided a safe space for us to be able to share the joys and struggles of navigating a special needs journey. In sharing God’s word together, I find inspiration and rejuvenation to fill my cup and take on whatever unknowns our family may experience because I know God has a greater plan for my child. The support and caring of Tom, Julie, and Amy radiates in each meeting and we are grateful to have them in our lives. ” – AR
“I absolutely LOVE the way it simply becomes ‘your village’. Being able to be open and honest when someone and ask how life is going is everything, we don’t have to hide it because the group simply gets it.” – BNS
“Safe space to speak about struggles and not be judged. You love on our group and everyone can feel it. You guys help us connect through life, Jesus, and some fun :)” – JS
By supporting Champions4Parents, you are giving families hope and support in a world that feels hopeless and ignored. Thank you!
What can you do?
- Check out our story, events, podcasts, blog posts, resource page, and other resources here on the website.
- Tell other parents, caregivers, and ministry staff and volunteers about what we do.
- Consider participating by giving a gift to help us reach even more families affected by disability and those who serve them in churches in a bigger way. No amount is too small. No amount is too big.
- Share this page with your friends and family with an invitation to help us with prayers and donations to make a difference in the lives of those affected by disability.
Supporters are saying...
“My husband and I support the Meekins because we believe in the work they are doing of equipping churches and parents to lovingly care for people with disabilities. Tom and Julie are transparent, compassionate, and knowledgeable. I’ve really appreciated the personal time they take to support and encourage me as a parent and educator. We are Honored to support them and grateful for their service.” – Beverly Smith, mother of a special needs son and founder of a Christian school serving special needs children.
“We support Tom, Julie and Amy Meekins and the work they do for Champions4Parents because it’s important work and not enough people are ministering to the special needs community. Their long suffering and steadfast love play out passionately in the varied ways they care for these children. Equally empowering are the ways they compassionately encourage and tool up parents to handle the special journey. Their giftedness and knowledge with decades of first-hand experience and training are why we encourage others to support this dynamic family team at this special year-end giving time and would encourage supporting their work year round.” –Jay Mitchell: attorney, Deni Mitchell: Domestic Arts Manager
“Why do I support the Meekins and the work they do with Champions4Parents? I got to know Tom, Julie and then Amy through Facebook -what a privilege and an honor – just who they are speaks volumes! They are kind, dedicated Christians. I have asked Julie to pray for me several times, and I always find comfort in the fact that I know she is doing so. In fact, Julie will reach out on Facebook and ask ‘how can I pray for you’ to everyone! And you can believe she backs it up by actually doing it. Amy is phenomenal. When I heard about her, I was intrigued – and found that her story is amazing. She has risen over many obstacles and is someone to be admired! I bought her daily devotional that she wrote, and was so taken by it — by her honest, earnest way of writing, that I bought two more copies! I know that they are using every dollar I give in an honest way. I trust them. Many people talk the talk, but not do not walk the walk – – the Meekins do both!” –Bettie Campbell, retired (newspaper adv. sales, 33 years) Wife, Mother, and Grandmother
We invite you to support us by making a financial gift to the ministry.
We are missionaries to parents through Reformed Evangelistic Fellowship and are able receive tax deductible gifts to the Ministry of Tom and Julie Meekins at REF.
Feedback from our presentations...
Tom, Julie, & Amy – Thank you so much for being part of the DATC2024 (Disability and the Church Conference) speaking team. We always enjoy collaborating with you in this mission. – Key Ministry
The breakout session you provide every year at the Awana Leaders Conference is vital in this day and age. Over the years as a leader, I have been with many children with special needs. Keep Amy part of the program, God is working a blessing through her, and to each of us looking for “help and ideas” with Special Needs children. Thank you for your ministry. – JJ
Amy, Thank you so much for supporting the Mental Health and the Church Conference by serving as a speaker. We strive for excellence in our events, and your role contributed greatly to the success of MHATC, and to equipping the individuals and ministry leaders who attended. – CB
“I love the practical tools. I love the contact information. I have a child with special needs. I desperately needed this class and I will reach out. I love your parenting style with Amy – your patience and encouragement is inspiring.” – AC
“Strong on compassion for all involved. It goes a long way for opening communication. I love how all three of you work together.” – CJ
“I like to hear from the hearts of those who are living what they are teaching. Hearing and learning from your perspective is golden. Thank you for doing this. Amy is such a blessing and I loved hearing from her. Glad she is part of your team presentation. Handouts of your slides was great.” – EA
Great presentation. – AC
“I really appreciated the encouragement to consider what the behaviors are communicating. Very helpful information.” – SC
It was a wonderful and helpful presentation and gave me a lot to think about. – HH
This was the best breakout session I have been in today! Thanks to your entire family for such a well thought out session. – ES
Attendees found these things helpful:
I found the causes of the behavioral problems to be extremely helpful and also the simple steps forward. – JC
The slide on best practices, (the info that trauma) presents in many different forms (including disabilities), real stories to put what we learned in practice. – CM
Discussing hidden disabilities. – DB
Clearly outlined, smooth transitions to each slide, easy to follow. Loved that you provided the slides for us. – KR
The skit and discussion on what could be going on with each kid – also ways to address problematic behaviors. – AC
The interaction, visuals, printouts, and energy in the room was extremely helpful and made the session fun. The skit was valuable for many different types of learning. – ES
The resources provided, behavior is communication, talking about hidden disabilities, smooth transitions for slides. – HH
The skit was very helpful, just to be able to see both sides. – EC
We are missionaries to parents through Reformed Evangelistic Fellowship, Bristol, TN. We can receive tax deductible support either online or by check.
Online:
To set up a one time or recurring gift, please use our page on the REF Ministry website. Click here
By Mail:
You can send a gift by mail to:
Ministry of Tom and Julie Meekins
Reformed Evangelistic Fellowship
P.O. Box 847
Bristol, TN 37621
Connect with Tom, Julie, and Amy directly through:
Email: champions4parents@gmail.com
Phone: 410-746-9010 (voice or text)