By: Anne DeVries
In the heart of Tarrytown, a special ministry called Capernaum is serving the city of Austin. Its focus is on reaching teenagers and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Capernaum provides a supportive environment for attendees to experience fun, adventure, and most importantly, build meaningful relationships, self-esteem, and spiritual growth. The outreach draws participants from across the city and is hosted at Tarrytown Christian Church every Tuesday night during the school year.
The Capernaum program is led by Julie Avent, who has served as the main staff coordinator for nearly five years. Her husband Mark, a full-time Young Life staff member, founded the Austin chapter 15 years ago. Together, they have profoundly impacted the special needs community in the area and, through their involvement, enhanced their own lives.
“Capernaum has changed me from the inside out”, Avant shared. “It has caused me to slow down and be present with the people I am with. It has encouraged me to pause and see people for who they are.”
The program is further supported by a team comprised of Capernaum staff, high school volunteers called “buddies,” and members of the University of Texas Young Life program who serve as “Capernaum leaders”.
Attendees to Capernaum are referred to as “friends”, highlighting their importance to the lives of the staff, leaders, and buddies in the program. Enlisting as a buddy is often done via word of mouth as high school students share their experience being a part of Capernaum with others. The growth of involvement is organic and provides a genuine connection for all involved. The large group atmosphere provides a touchstone that can only be found in a community that breeds the feeling of belonging.
Emma Bandera, a University of Texas senior, serves as an assistant staff member for Capernaum. Drawn to the ministry due to her older sister attending Capernaum, she values the weekly connection time with her sister, Carolina.
“Being a part of Capernaum has meant the world to me. It is my favorite night of the week.” She shared. “Friends give as much to me as I give to them.” Her involvement as a leader and now staff member requires attending weekly planning meetings with other leaders and Avent. She plans to continue her participation in the program after graduation.
In addition to Capernaum’s weekly meetings, which are structured to feature inclusive activities like games, worship, and socialization, the program offers five to six events during the summer months. Swim parties and outings help Caperuanum friends stay connected with their buddies and leaders all year long. Buddies and leaders also engage in “contact work,” joining participants for lunches, dinners, or extracurricular activities.
The Capernaum program extends beyond the friendships and focused environment of a community united in spiritual growth and centered on Jesus. The parents of participants hold the opportunity for their children to build their own identity as a priceless addition to their lives.
Shannon James, whose son Isaac participates, stated, “In high school, Isaac loved participating in his youth group at church, but when he graduated, he no longer had a group that met his social and spiritual needs. We were thrilled to learn about Capernaum, which helped fill that void in his life.”
Parent Claire Milam shared, “Central Austin Young Life (through Capernaum) has meant the world to our family. It’s been a steady presence for my son throughout high school, through his 18+ years, and now as he graduates.”
Specialised summer and winter camp programs are also identified for attendees, and participation is orchestrated for families with the help of the Capernaum staff. Tuition assistance is dependent on the support of community donations and Young Life National.
The community is invited to attend the Capernaum Carnival on September 28th at Tarrytown Christian Church, 2614 Exposition Blvd, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. The event will feature family fun, including games, activities, and food, with the purchase of a wristband. Proceeds will support winter camp tuition for Capernaum friends. For those unable to attend, donations can be made to Austin Capernaum.
To learn more about Capernaum, visit the Young Life Capernaum website (https://capernaum.younglife.org/) or email the team at Tarrytown Christian Church at julieanneavent@gmail.com. With the help of the surrounding community, Capernaum can continue to empower young adults to live their best lives.
