Special Friends at Willow Creek
Through our world-class, sensory-friendly space, the Special Friends programs at Willow South Barrington help those with special needs fully engage in the life of the church. Their families and caregivers can attend Weekend and Midweek church services, knowing their loved ones are engaged in a safe, fun program designed to help them learn about God and build friendships with one another..
Get Connected at South Barrington
- New Family: Before your first visit, please complete our Family Information Form. This registration helps prepare our staff and volunteers to welcome you and be equipped to provide a safe environment that meets the unique needs of your loved one. REGISTER »
- New Volunteer: To get started, join us for a "Volunteer Experience" at 8:15 or 10:45 a.m. on Sundays during the worship service to observe the exciting vision and energy of Special Friends in action. REGISTER »
- Special Friends Space: Special Friends meet in D150 (kids) and D154 (Teens & Adults). View pictures of the space below! Learn more HERE >>
Special Friends Kids: Ages 4–12
9 & 11:15 a.m., Sundays | Room D150
A sensory-friendly church service for children with special needs or sensory processing issues. Special Friends staff and volunteer side-by-side "buddies" engage children through modified Bible stories, sensory play, music, and prayer. Join us as we learn about God through gross-motor activities and hands-on teaching in the Special Friends space!
Special Friends Teens & Adults: Age 13 & Up
9 & 11:15 a.m., Sundays | Room D154A sensory-friendly church service for teens and adults with special needs or sensory processing issues. Special Friends staff and volunteer side-by-side "buddies" engage teens and adults with live worship, group discussion, modified Bible teaching and hands-on learning activities. Join us for social connection and hands-on learning about God in the Special Friends space!
Special Friends Adult Community: Age 21 and older
6–9 p.m., Wednesdays, Atrium, Lakeside Auditorium, & Room D154
A community group for independent adults with special needs who do not need a personal assistant. Special Friends staff and volunteer "mentors" engage adults in dinner/fellowship, worship in the Midweek service, a relevant Bible study and small group experience. Join us for social connection, relationship-building, and hands-on learning about God in the Special Friends space.
Special Learning Opportunity: Finding Joy
Register here for the Finding Joy workshop!
Special Friends Production: Lion King Jr.
Each year, Special Friends performs a musical for the Willow community, putting the kids & students incredible abilities on display. Join us on July 15 and 16 for this year's production!
View highlights from last year's production of Aladdin Jr. here:
Section 106B: South Barrington weekend service for families
Sundays @ 9 a.m. section leader: Michele Pilafas (847) 404-7452
Section 106B is a diverse community with a heart for individuals with special needs and the family, friends, and fans who support them. Section leader Michelle Pilafas is the chairman for the Commission for Disabled Citizens in Hoffman Estates. She and her husband, Gary, have four remarkable sons, two of whom have special needs.
Special Friends Staff Contacts
- Pat Cimo, Special Friends Director (224) 512-1273
- Paul Von Tobel, Special Friends Pastor (224) 512-1233
- Special Friends General Email, checked daily
