The Hali Project
The Hali Project is a project named after one of Southwest’s members – Hali Thompson – that serves individuals with special needs, their families, and people who are trying to serve them. The Project is led by Hali’s parents – Brad & Karen Thompson. As you read about the programs below, if you feel like any of them could help you please contact us. All of these services are provided by Southwest and are free to families.
The Leaders of The HALI Project
Married December 27, 1986, Brad & Karen have spent all of their adult lives working with families. In November 1999, they started The HALI Project—named after their daughter with special needs—to address some of the challenges that these families face. Brad is a Licensed Professional Counselor – Supervisor (LPC-S) and Karen is a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA).
From their personal experience and the experience of working with 1000’s of families and service providers across the country, Brad & Karen have designed programs specifically for adults with disabilities, parents of children with disabilities, and community members who serve them. Our goal is to provide rest, refreshment, and most of all – hope.
Ministries Offered by The Hali Project
Zaccheus’ Place
Karen is the leader of this class and coordinates its activities. In 2003 she saw an unmet need for adults with disabilities to have a space to call their own and gather with their peers once they leave school. At Zaccheus’ Place, she has created a space for them to gather, build and maintain relationships, and just enjoy each other’s company while providing them with a community of faith.
Justin Thompson plans and leads our social night activities. We receive great volunteer help from Mike Gee, Ben Hayes, Jo Carey, Charla Cobb, and Krissie Wilkie. These men and women are tireless servants in this ministry in every way possible.
Meeting Times
Wednesday @ 7 pm – Bible Class
Thursday Social Night – as scheduled
Bible Class
The group meets every Wednesday night at the Southwest Church of Christ at 7 pm in the Hali Project wing. This time is filled with bible lessons, prayer time, and birthday celebrations. If you just follow the noise, you’ll find our class.
This class began in 2003 with two members. As of this writing, we regularly host over 100 adults with special needs along with their helpers, ranging in age from 19 to 77. If you know a person that would benefit from the community and friendship this class can provide, give us a call or come visit us some Wednesday night.
Social Night
Those who attend the class also receive invitations to our social gatherings which occur two Thursday nights each month – one being a pizza and game night and the other being a movie night. The group also participates in a Christmas “potluck” dinner party that is certainly a highlight of the Christmas season.
The schedule for our social nights is published in September (fall events), January (winter/spring events), and May (summer events).