The duties of parenthood can feel overwhelming at times.

With stress at work, helping with homework and just day-to-day living, life with children can be challenging. It can be even more challenging for those parents who are raising children with special needs.

Therefore, in an effort to lend a hand, Crossway Church children’s pastor Angela Marshall said the church offers rEcess, an all-volunteer program for special needs children.

Crossway implemented rEcess four years ago. Wednesday, the church will host a training session for those who have already been volunteering with rEcess, as well as anyone else in the community who is interested in becoming part of the church’s special needs ministry, Marshall said.

The training session, which is open to all ages including youth, will begin with a meal at 6 p.m. at the church, 1825 Highway 61 South, followed by a video-based training session.

Childcare will be available.

Founded in 2007 in Fayetteville, Ark., rEcess was developed through an organization called 99 Balloons, Marshall said.

“There was a couple that had a special needs son who lived 99 days, and so they started this organization to help support families who have children with special needs,” she said.

The non-profit organization has grown through the years, and is now offered globally.

This year, rEcess will be offered at Crossway on the second Friday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m., and in addition to their special needs child, parents are also welcome to leave siblings, which would allow them about three hours of adult time.

During rEcess, Marshall said, children play games, make art projects and enjoy the church’s sensory room.

Each special needs child is paired with an adult, and medical personnel are on staff.

Youth, who help out, work together with the adult volunteers.

For those interested in becoming part of rEcess, no previous childcare experience is required, Marshall said.

In years past, Crossway’s rEcess has been able to service about 12 families and has averaged 20 to 25 children including siblings each month, Marshall said.

For more information on rEcess or to become a volunteer, call 601-636-2596.