Hello! Do you want to get to know us better?
Champions Club is a special needs ministry, specialized in ministering to, and designing developmental areas for kids, teens, and adults with special needs and the medically fragile. We have created a program that meets the developmental needs of individuals with special needs in four important ways: SPIRITUALLY, EMOTIONALLY, PHYSICALLY, and CREATIVELY.
Core Value #1
We never, ever, turn away an individual. No matter how severe the situation may be.
Core Value #2
Every person walking in to a Champions Club will feel loved and accepted.
Core Value #3
We offer a holistic approach of care that develops the mind, body, soul and spirit.
Core Value #4
We give tangible hope to every family with special needs and the medically fragile.
Core Value #5
We create inclusive environments for those with special needs and secure opportunities for them to learn alongside their peers in typical environments.
Core Value #6
We develop the gifts and talents of those with special needs so they can become everything God has created them to be.
Even more about us!
Pastor Craig Johnson founded Champions Club in 2009. Find out more about our history and the heart behind our organization.
Craig Johnson
Founder of Champions Club
Craig is a pastor, author, and advocate for those with special needs. He is currently serving as the Associate Pastor at Lakewood Church with Joel Osteen. Craig is not only the founder of Champions Club Developmental Centers and Champions Foundation, he is also the co-author of “Champions Curriculum”, a full scope Christian curriculum for individuals with special needs, as well as the books “Lead Vertically: Inspire People to Volunteer and Build Great Teams That Last”, and “Champion: How one boy’s journey through Autism is changing the world”. Craig & his wife Samantha co-wrote the inclusive children’s book “You Are Extraordinary”. Craig and his wife of over 30 years, Samantha, have three children: Cory, Courtney, and Connor.
“We point those with extraordinary needs to their destiny and help them navigate how to get there.”
Craig’s passion to advocate for families with special needs comes from his own family.
Until two years of age, Craig and Samantha’s son Connor was just like other kids—playful, verbal, and affectionate. Then everything changed. He stopped talking, displayed behavioral problems, and withdrew into his own world. The official diagnosis: autism. Faced with seemingly insurmountable odds, Craig and Samantha refused to believe a meaningful life for Connor was impossible. God confirmed their faith by revealing to Craig that Connor would one day touch the lives of thousands of people around the world. Craig and Samantha held that unlikely promise in their hearts during the agonizing years ahead. Through the family’s unexpected journey, God has used Connor’s life that has launched a global ministry for special needs.
Champions Club has been a blessing to my son’s life. At one point, my son’s school saw him as a troubled child. Champions Club saw him as a gifted child. Their guidance proved valuable to Zachary, his school and myself. Champions Club was the only one that said, “Yes, we can help your son.”
The Champions Club Curriculum is the root of our success as a ministry. Several other organizations have reached out to us to ask where we got such an amazing curriculum for our students with special needs.
Locations Worlwide
Lives Impacted
Countries
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a Champions Club?
Champions Club is a special needs ministry, specialized in ministering to and designing developmental areas for kids, teens, and adults with special needs and the medically fragile. We have developed a program that meets the developmental needs of individuals with special needs in four important ways: SPIRITUALLY, EMOTIONALLY, PHYSICALLY, and CREATIVELY.
How can I open a Champions Club in my organization?
Visit the Get Started page to learn about ways to receive training and fill out the Champions Club Interest Form to connect with someone from our team.
I am a parent of a child with special needs. What kind of support can you offer me?
Champions Club believes in a holistic care approach and serves the entire family. We offer respite nights, family friendly events, and resource fairs. We’ve also created an amazing online community for families to receive the daily hope and encouragement you need to thrive as family.
How do I sponsor a Champion or sponsor a Champions Club?
To sponsor a champion, or to sponsor a Champions Club, visit our donate page.