MANSFIELD — Families of children with disabilities will have the chance to celebrate Easter in a calm, inclusive environment on March 28.

Zan’s Mission is hosting a sensory-friendly Easter event from 9 to 11 a.m. at First English Lutheran Church, 53 Park Avenue West. The church is fully handicapped accessible, making it easy for everyone to join in the fun.

Children will enjoy a sensory-friendly Easter egg hunt, crafts, gentle worship music and fun praise songs. The Resurrection egg story will be shared, and the Easter Bunny will even make a special appearance for photo opportunities.

“We are very excited for this event, as it was a huge event for us last year,” Stevanie Brown, founder and president of Zan’s Mission said.

Creating a space where all are welcome

This event also gives families a chance to connect with others in similar situations and explore a church community.

“Easter crowds may lead to anxiety for a family to take their child with a disability to church,” Brown said. “This may also lead to these children never hearing of our savior and the power His resurrection holds for us.”

Brown noted this event is an opportunity to share that story, have sensory friendly fun, possibly meet new families with similar situations and connect families to a church they will feel welcomed at if they wish to be connected to a church.

Zan’s Mission has hosted several inclusive events, including a sensory-friendly Santa visit, and this is their second year celebrating with an Easter event.

They are still seeking donations for egg fillers and prizes. Brown said anyone interested can contact her at stevaniebrown@zansmission.com.

The event will feature a resource table with information about:

  • Churches with special needs ministries.
  • EverCare ABA and other applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy facilities.
  • Parent mentors and advocates for individualized education program (IEP) support.
  • Steps to apply for Ohio Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence (OhioRISE).

While this event is specifically for children with disabilities, Brown said they ask families to encourage their entire household to show up and enjoy the activities.

Zan’s Mission also welcomes volunteers and sponsors for this event and future programs — sign up or donate at zansmission.com.

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