Available Serving Opportunities

Our Willow Friends Ministry is for those who have intellectual disabilities and the volunteers in Willow Friends are the heart of the entire ministry! You bring a willing heart, we provide the training and, together, we can serve all the kids, teens, and adults with special needs in our church as well as their families. Come serve with us in one of the following roles:

Sunday Opportunities

Buddy

Come alongside kids, teens, or adults in Willow Friends by building a supportive and encouraging relationship. Partner with your buddy throughout the service to help them participate, connect, and thrive in activities and friendships. Buddies provide consistency and encouragement while helping every person feel included and valued.
Available at Crystal Lake, Huntley, South Barrington.

Floating Buddy

Support kids, teens, or adults in Willow Friends by stepping in wherever needed throughout the service. Floating Buddies provide encouragement and extra support to individuals helping create a successful experience for everyone. This role is flexible and ideal for volunteers who may not be able to serve consistently with the same buddy each week.
Available at South Barrington only.

Disability Coach

A trained volunteer with strong experience and understanding of disabilities. Coaches serve as leaders within the environment, providing calm, skilled support when needed and stepping in to help volunteers and participants navigate challenges, if needed.
Available at South Barrington only.

Teaching Host

Lead Willow Friends through a video worship and a video teaching time, creating an engaging experience for all participants. Encourage active worship through singing, dancing, and using instruments to praise God. Reinforce the Bible story and key verse from the video.
Available at South Barrington only.

Sunday Operations

Set Up (Sunday or Weekday)

Prepare the room for a great Willow Friends experience by setting out snacks, drinks, and craft materials. Help create a welcoming and organized environment so everything is ready for participants when they arrive.
Available at South Barrington only.

Tear Down (Sunday or Weekday)

Help reset the Willow Friends room by cleaning and organizing toys, activities, and materials after use. Your work ensures a clean, safe, and ready space for the next experience.
Available at South Barrington only.

Wednesday Opportunities

Small Group Leader (on Wednesdays)

Guide Willow Friends in activities to learn more about Jesus. Create an environment of love and belonging so they can explore their next steps with Jesus.
Available at South Barrington only.

Willow Friend’s Musical Production Volunteers

Mentor

Supports an artist with a disability both on and off the stage by building friendship, offering encouragement, and helping them participate fully in rehearsals and performances. Mentors provide consistency, guidance, and support while fostering confidence, connection, and belonging. (Mentors must be ages 13–18.)
Available at South Barrington only.

Artist

Individuals with disabilities who participate in the show through acting, singing, dancing, and building friendships as part of the cast community. Artists use their unique gifts and talents to bring the production to life. (Artists must be ages 10–22.)
Available at South Barrington only.

Floating Mentor

Step alongside an artist when their assigned mentor is unable to attend rehearsal, providing support, encouragement, and consistency so the artist can continue learning and be successful.
Available at South Barrington only.

Rehearsal Coach

Supports the artists & mentors throughout Saturday mornings with engagement, staying on task & connection during Saturday morning rehearsals
Available at South Barrington only.

Choreography Coach

Help lead dance moves on stage in rehearsals & on side sections during performances.
Available at South Barrington only.

Scenic

Help paint, build, and design the sets for each scene in the show. All skills are accepted and encouraged.
Available at South Barrington only.

Lobby Support

Working with Willow Friends team to create a beautiful & welcoming lobby experience for the musical.
Available at South Barrington only.

Costumes

Work with a team to design, sew, collect, or create costumes for each cast member in the show.
Available at South Barrington only.

Make-Up

Apply make-up to each performer during production week (1 week before performances) and performances.
Available at South Barrington only.

Hair Stylist

Style hair for the cast during production week (1 week before performances) and performances.
Available at South Barrington only.