About Buddy Break
What is Buddy Break?
Buddy Break is a free kids/respite program where kids with special needs (VIP kids) make new friends, play fun games, enjoy crafts, therapy dogs, stories, music, activities and more! Siblings have fun too! Meanwhile, their caregivers get a break from their ongoing care-giving responsibilities for three hours one Saturday afternoon a month.
Buddy Break is a growing ministry to the VIP community done in partnership between Nathaniel’s Hope and local churches across the nation. Visit www.nathanielshope.org/events-programs/buddy-break/ for more information on the Buddy Break program.
How do I sign up to be a VIP?
Reservations are required to attend Buddy Break so be sure and follow the steps below to reserve your spot at Buddy Break with Church That Matters.
1. Visit www.buddybreak.org and complete the secure VIP Family Info form online.
2. Send an email to buddybreak@churchthatmatters.com to reserve your spot at a required VIP orientation. This allows the Buddies to meet you and your children and gives you a chance to see Buddy Break before you begin participating. Orientation is held monthly during our Buddy Break session for that month.
How do I sign up to be a Buddy?
No previous experience with VIP kids is necessary to be a Buddy, just a loving heart, open arms, and a willingness to learn. Each VIP kid is paired one-on-one with a screened volunteer Buddy, who is at least 14 years of age and has completed a two-hour Buddy Training 101 class and passed a background check. Doctors, nurses, therapists, and special education teachers are also invited to participate.
Email us at buddybreak@churchthatmatters.com to get signed up for the next Buddy Training 101.
Church That Matters Buddy Break Schedule 2021:
January 2
February 6
March 6
April 3
May 1
June 5
July 3
August 7
September 4
October 2
November 6
December 4
It all started when…
Nathaniel Timothy Kuck, “A Treasured Gift of God,” was born on June 6, 1997 prematurely with multiple birth anomalies including Duodenal Artesia and Craniosynestosis. He was said to have an undiagnosed syndrome. Surgeries, therapies, sickness, and hospital visits all became a normal part of his life.
After proving himself to be “a miracle boy,” beating the odds time and again by overcoming many physical obstacles and challenges on November 13, 2001 at an early age of 4½ years old, Nathaniel relocated to 777 Heavenly Lane. His purpose has been fulfilled, and he has now returned back home to his Creator. At his new home, he is no longer physically restricted, bound by surgeries, feeding tubes or braces, and he is now free to run on the streets of gold.
Nathaniel taught us that to each life there is value and purpose. What may appear to be imperfect in the eyes of humans, really is perfect in the sight of God. He taught us about the meaning of “unconditional love,” perseverance, and he was a great showcase of God’s faithfulness. His captivating smile and the simple joy he brought to all who entered his world were God’s special gift and that is greatly missed.
His memory will always be cherished and his little handprints and lessons he taught us will be imprinted on our hearts forever. We miss “little man’s” smile and his presence in our home, but the memory of his life propels us to fulfill God’s purposes after his death.
Through his death, we hope to bring encouragement and life to others.