A Place Where Your VIP Belongs
iBuddies is Impact Church's ministry for children with special needs, ages 3 to 15 by chronological age. We know leaving your child with someone new isn't easy. Our trained buddies are here to love your VIP well, every single week, so you can worship knowing they're safe, cared for, and celebrated exactly as they are.
Every Child Is a VIP
iBuddies is Impact Church's special needs ministry for children ages 3 to 15. This is based on your child's chronological age, not their functional or developmental age, so whatever your VIP's abilities look like, they belong here if they fall within this age range. We call our children VIPs — Very Important Purpose — because every single one of them has one. Every week, we create a safe, loving space where children of all abilities can learn about Jesus, make friends, and be exactly who God made them to be.
We understand that leaving your child with someone new can be one of the hardest parts of coming to church. That's why every iBuddies volunteer is background-checked, trained, and there for one reason: to love your VIP well while you're in service.
No two VIPs are the same, and that's the point. Whatever your child's diagnosis, ability, or need, we want to get to know them, not just accommodate them. Our team would love to talk with you before your first visit so we can prepare well for your child.
"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."Psalm 139:14 (ESV)
"If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it."1 Corinthians 12:26 (ESV)
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."Matthew 19:14 (ESV)
iBuddies exists for individuals needing special accommodations, equipping ALL people to grow to their full potential in Christ.
We know leaving your child with someone else is hard. We promise to love them like our own.
How We Care for Your VIP
We know trust is earned, not assumed. Here's exactly how we work to keep your child safe, known, and loved.
Background-Checked & Trained Buddies
Every iBuddies volunteer completes a background check and specialized training before they ever meet your child. They're equipped, prepared, and there because they want to be.
Secure Check-In & Check-Out
Every VIP checks in and out with a matching security system, so you always know exactly who your child is with, and no one else can pick them up.
One-on-One or Small-Group Support
Depending on your child's needs, they'll be paired with a dedicated buddy or served in a small group, never lost in a crowd.
Parent Info & Commitment Guide
Everything you need to know before your VIP's first day, all in one place. We encourage every family to read through this before signing up.
iBuddies Schedule
iBuddies is always available at our two main Sunday services, and can be specially requested at a few other times too.
Always Offered
Available by Special Request
So we can make sure we're properly staffed, we need every family to let us know their VIP will be attending, no later than 7:00 PM the Wednesday before Sunday. Just email ibuddies@weareimpact.com, whether you're joining us at 10, at 12, or requesting a special time.
How iBuddies Works
Preregister
Fill out our quick preregistration form through Church Center so we know your family is coming. This is a one-time step.
Tell Us About Your VIP
Complete the intake form below so our team can get to know your child's personality, needs, and how to best support them before their first day.
Let Us Know You're Coming
Email ibuddies@weareimpact.com to let us know your VIP will be attending that Sunday, so we can staff appropriately. See the deadline below.
So that we can make sure we're properly staffed, please let us know your VIP will be attending service no later than 7:00 PM on the Wednesday before Sunday. Just email ibuddies@weareimpact.com — it makes all the difference in preparing an amazing experience for your child.
Buddy Break
Every family needs a break sometimes, and that includes families raising a VIP. Buddy Break is our monthly night of respite care, giving parents a few hours to rest, reconnect, or spend time with the rest of the family while your child has a night of fun with our trained buddies.
Games, crafts, music, and lots of love, all in the same safe environment your VIP already knows from iBuddies.
Held every month except June, July, August, November, and December.
Ask About Buddy BreakiBuddies Intake Form
This helps our team prepare a great experience before your VIP's first day. It only takes a few minutes, and you can complete it anytime, even before you preregister.
Form not loading? Open the intake form in a new tab →
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I let iBuddies know my VIP is coming?
Email ibuddies@weareimpact.com by 7:00 PM the Wednesday before Sunday to let us know your VIP will be attending. This is how we make sure we're properly staffed and ready to give your child a great experience from the moment they arrive, whether you're joining us at 10, at 12, or at a specially requested time.
Do I need to preregister and complete the intake form?
Yes to both. Preregistering through Church Center gets your family into our system, and the intake form gives our team the details we need to serve your VIP well. Both are one-time steps; letting us know your VIP is attending each week is separate and ongoing.
Is iBuddies just for children with severe special needs?
No. iBuddies welcomes VIPs ages 3 to 15 with a wide range of special needs and abilities. No two children are the same, and that's exactly what makes this ministry special. If you're not sure whether iBuddies is a fit, reach out and let's talk about your child.
Does the 3 to 15 age range mean my VIP's ability level, or their actual age?
Ages 3 to 15 refers to your child's chronological age (their actual birth date), not their functional or developmental age. Whatever your VIP's abilities or developmental stage look like, if they're between 3 and 15 years old, iBuddies is for them.
Can I stay with my child during service?
We understand it can be hard to leave your VIP, especially the first time. You are always welcome to stay as long as you'd like, and our team will let you know if we think additional support would help your child feel comfortable.
What if my child has specific medical, dietary, or behavioral needs?
Please share the details in your intake form, and reach out directly to our Special Services Coordinator at ibuddies@weareimpact.com before your first visit so we can prepare well and make sure your VIP is set up for a great day.
What is Buddy Break?
Buddy Break is our monthly respite night, held on Friday nights every month except June, July, August, November, and December. It's a night of fun for your VIP and a well-earned break for your family. Email ibuddies@weareimpact.com for dates and details.
Your VIP Belongs Here
We'd love to get to know your child. Preregister today, and reach out anytime with questions, we want your family to feel completely comfortable before your first visit.
Preregister My VIP Questions before your first visit? Email our Special Services Coordinator at ibuddies@weareimpact.com