Free · Sundays · Doors open 10:45am · Service 11am – 12pm · San Antonio
Respite care for special needs families
Every Sunday morning, the Ark Room at Saved By Grace Church gives your child a trained buddy, a calm sensory space, and a Bible lesson made for the way they learn — while you attend worship in the sanctuary. A parent or guardian stays on site, and we encourage you to participate in the Sunday service.
The intake form must be completed before your child can join the classroom.
What a Sunday looks like
- Step 1
Check-in
Completed intake form, numbered tag for your child, matching card for you.
- Step 2
Sensory
Regulating play — swings, squeeze, movement, quiet corners.
- Step 3
Worship
Sing, clap, listen, or wear headphones. All of it counts.
- Step 4
Story
An adapted Bible lesson matched to your child's level.
- Step 5
Craft
Hands-on, no-fail, take-home art tied to the story.
- Step 6
Dismiss
Pickup at 12pm. We release your child only to the adult holding the matching number card.
Who we serve
- Autism and sensory processing differences
- Down syndrome and developmental disabilities
- Cerebral palsy and physical needs
- Non-speaking and AAC communicators
- Ages 4 through adult
How to start
- Fill out the intake form beforehand — download it here or fill it out at church.
- The intake form must be completed before your child can join the classroom, so please have it ready for your first Sunday.
- Arrive by 10:45am Sunday — doors open and check-in begins then; the service starts at 11am.
- Stay on site and join the worship service — parents are required to remain and encouraged to participate.
Curious what we teach? See our adapted Bible lessons.
Common questions
What is respite care for special needs families?
Respite care is trusted, supervised care that gives parents and caregivers a break. At Project Noah, that break happens every Sunday morning in the Ark Room while your child is safe, engaged, and learning about the love of Jesus.
Is there a cost?
No. Project Noah is completely free. We are a ministry of Saved By Grace Church and a program of A Healing Word Ministries, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Who can come?
Children, teens, and adults with autism, developmental disabilities, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or sensory differences. Our current friends range from age 4 to 73.
How do you keep my child safe?
Every family checks in at the door and receives a numbered tag; the matching number card is required at pick-up. Volunteers are screened and trained, and we use a one-to-one buddy model whenever a child needs it.
What if my child needs a break or can't speak?
Breaks are always allowed and never earned. We use break, help, all done, and more cards, honor AAC devices, signs, gestures, and pointing, and treat every form of communication as a real answer.
Do I have to stay on site?
Yes. A parent or guardian is required to stay on site during the program and is encouraged to participate in the Sunday worship service. You are also welcome to check in on your child at any time.
Come as you are
Saved By Grace Church · 1326 Pleasanton Rd, San Antonio, TX 78214. No cost, and no need to explain your child's hardest days. Bring your completed intake form, or fill one out with us before class. All aboard — everyone belongs.