We are excited to host Near His Heart 2023 in person. This is subject to change, based on community infection rates and the demands on our healthcare system in east Alabama. We are consulting with physicians regarding our plan as we proceed.
Face masks are voluntary for all volunteers and participants.
Where is Lakeview Baptist Church located?
Lakeview Baptist is located at 1600 E. Glenn Avenue, Auburn, Alabama 36830.
Where do we park?
Park behind the church. Enter through the doors under the left awning.
My child is in a wheelchair or cannot climb stairs, does that change where we enter?
There is an elevator for the use of our friends who cannot use the stairs. After you check in at the Welcome Desk, you will be directed or guided to the appropriate area.
Will my children be fed?
Yes!! The children will be served Little Caesar's pizza and water/Capri Sun. If your child requires a specific diet, please let us know when you register. Unfortunately, we can't adjust for everyone's allergies, but we will be providing Gluten Free/Casein Free pizza. If your child has other food allergies/diets, please bring the appropriate food with them or feed them before you come.
Can my typically developing children come?
Yes! This is a family event and we encourage everyone to be involved. Our children's program childcare is reserved for special needs children and their siblings.
My parents (my child(ren)'s grandparents) would like to attend. Is that allowed?
Absolutely!! Grandparents are welcomed and celebrated that night as they are a vital part of the lives of our children. They do need to be registered in the same manner as all guests.
I have a dear friend who is very involved in our family. Can s/he come?
Absolutely!! S/he needs to be registered in the same manner as all guests.
My child has a feeding tube. How do I handle that?
There will be a nurse assigned to your child that night. You are welcome to either come a little early and feed your child before the dinner or give instructions to the nurse. You can send an email to [email protected] and someone will be glad to contact you to discuss the logistics in advance.
My child is a "grabber" and grabs other people's food, and yet s/he is on a special diet. Is there a way to prevent him/her from getting food s/he is not allowed to eat?
We have had multiple "grabbers" attend Near His Heart over the years and are very familiar with this issue. Depending on the age of your child, a buddy will be assigned who will help with this and/or there are smaller/quieter rooms where some older children will eat.
My child is older and not potty trained. How is this handled?
We are happy to handle this in whatever way you are most comfortable. Along with our many college and adult volunteers, we are always thankful for our professional nurses, teachers and therapists who help us on this night. With both the younger and older groups, we have a room set aside with a nurse on-call for emergencies such as this. It is absolutely no problem for us to handle this if you would like, or we are glad to come get you if you feel more comfortable handing it yourself.
My child needs help in the bathroom to get pants adjusted/buttoned/wiped. How is this handled?
There is a buddy assigned to each child who needs one. Either the buddy or a nurse will assist your child in the bathroom or in the nurses/changing room. However, NO CHILD is ever allowed to be alone with an adult at any time. Therefore, your child will always be accompanied by two people in the bathroom or in the nurses/changing room. This is our policy for your child's protection and for the the general protection of all.
My child is hyperactive and won't sit for long periods. What kinds of activities do you have for the children?
Our Children's Program activities are designed with the idea that most will want to move fairly quickly from one activity to the next. The puppet show is typically the longest activity (10-20 min.) The rest of the activities are set up in 10 - 15 min. stations. Example: 10 min. of games, 10 min. of Wii, 10 minutes at crafts, etc. Our children's program director, Kara Olsen, keeps them moving!!
I've never attended Near His Heart and have a school-aged child. I'm not sure whether or not my child will prefer the larger group or quieter rooms. How do I choose?
If you want to try your child in the larger group first, you may. If one of our volunteers believes that s/he needs to change, they will take them to one of the quieter rooms. Please feel free to email [email protected] if you have more questions or concerns.
How long does the event last?
The dinner will begin shortly after 6 p.m. and typically ends at 8:30 p.m. All children are expected to be picked up no later than 9 p.m.