Peer Connect

Small-Group Connection and Learning

CherishAbility has seen a growing desire from families to connect their loved ones with other Christian Science peers, and to help them navigate social situations. Many Christian Scientists enjoy meaningful social interactions through church, summer camps, and other programs. These avenues are often not easily accessible to Christian Scientists with developmental special needs, and they miss out on these social opportunities.

Peer Connect matches participants from the wider Christian Science community with similar interests in small groups to engage in fun, social hangouts, while providing opportunities to learn and grow social skills.

Registration for 2025 Peer Connect hangouts is open—click here!

  • Peer Connect groups hang out for one hour, once per week, for four consecutive weeks.

    Dates and times are flexible and dependent on what works best for each group. For example, Mondays from 7 – 8 pm, for four consecutive weeks.

  • Registration for 2025 Peer Connect hangouts is open—click here!

  • Christian Scientists with developmental special needs who are seeking individualized connection and a learning opportunity are eligible for Peer Connect.

  • 2025 Rates

    • $130/participant (includes all four hangouts in a session)

    Thanks to our generous donors, financial assistance is available through our online application.

  • Hangouts:

    • CherishAbility’s skilled and loving facilitators ensure activities are tailored to interests, participation styles, and means of communication of participants.

    • Emphasis is on fun and connection, while having a social-skill focus. For example, getting to know a new person, taking turns, following directions, listening, expressing a like or dislike in a graceful manner, etc.

    Duration: 60 minutes/week for four consecutive weeks

    Format: Zoom video conference

Questions? Please contact the CherishAbility Program Director by email or call 480.875.6958.

NEW IN 2025: Themes

Zoom meeting of a peer hangout showing happy faces and a quote about gratitude.

“I'm so grateful for the opportunity to have been a facilitator with this group. There was so much kindness and acceptance. The group of participants could not have been a better fit. I felt like the group was able to be authentically themselves and provide so much positive energy.”

— Peer Connect facilitator