ABOUT THIS EPISODE: This season, we’re interviewing the incredible members of WYM who make up our board, moderators team, and conference team! This week we are chatting with Jess and how her views of inclusion ministry have changed. In this episode we emphasize the importance of creating organic, everyday opportunities for inclusion rather than relying solely on structured programs.
ABOUT JESS:
Jess Berryhill serves as the Student and Disability Minister at Mt. Pleasant Church in Terre Haute, IN. In that role, she walks alongside and serves teenagers as well as individuals with disabilities. Since founding Grace Unlimited Disability Ministry in 2015, the program has grown to serve over hundred individuals each week and houses holistic programming that extends beyond the walls of the church. This approach currently includes a dating and relationships class, a mental health group, and several weekly gatherings. Through conversations with friends in the program, Jess heard young adults with disabilities repeatedly share that they wanted to live on their own and strive towards independence. Out of those conversations, Terre Haute Friendship House was born in 2019. It is an affordable housing model that allows college students and young adults with disabilities to live in community. Residents live together as roommates. It operates as a launchpad into independent living. Jess serves as the Executive Director and currently resides there as the “house mom” with her dog, Cooper.
View her FREE Disability Ministry Resource here – https://www.canva.com/design/DAGS68WWwSI/otwLF7kPGlREc-JCQ0AnKw/edit
ABOUT WYM:
- Go to womeninyouthministry.com to read our blog, follow us on social media, join our online Community, purchase our merch, or support our Patreon.
- Our next WYM Conference is March 4-6, 2026 in Arlington, TX. Sign up at https://womeninyouthministry.com/conference
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Jessica we are so proud of you. We love you sweetie.
Aunt Donna and Uncle Billy Berryhill