Building faith spaces where every body and every mind belongs.
The Sanctuary Initiative
What Is The Sanctuary Initiative?
The Sanctuary Initiative is a free, faith-based inclusion program under The Village, created to help churches and spiritual communities become truly accessible, sensory-safe, and neurodivergent-affirming.This program was built from lived experience: a mother searching for a church where her autistic son could be welcomed without shame, judgment, or harm. When that space didn’t exist, she decided to build the framework herself.The Sanctuary Initiative offers:-Free training for churches and faith organizations-A clear certification pathway to become a Certified Sanctuary™-Support with sensory room design and accessibility planning-A public directory where neurodivergent families can find safe spiritual homesEverything is grant-funded and donation-supported so that churches, families, and individuals never have to pay to access the work.
The Sanctuary Inclusion Summit
The Sanctuary Inclusion Summit is a one-day training designed for pastors, faith leaders, and ministry teams who are ready to make their communities safer and more supportive for neurodivergent children, teens, and adults.Across the day, we cover:-Foundations of neurodivergence in faith spaces-Sensory-safe worship environments-Trauma-informed ministry practices-Caregiver support and communication-Volunteer training and role design-The full Certified Sanctuary™ pathway from May to August 2026By the end of the Summit, leaders will leave with a clear, step-by-step roadmap for preparing their congregation for certification.
Who Should Attend?
This Summit is designed for:-Pastors, ministers, rabbis, imams, and elders-Children’s ministry and youth leaders-Disability and special needs ministry leaders-Ushers, volunteers, and support staff-Caregivers and advocates who want to understand how faith spaces can do betterAttendance is free. Donations are welcome but never required.
What You’ll Learn:
By the end of the day, participants will:-Understand the basics of neurodivergence in faith spaces-Recognize sensory triggers and design sensory-safe worship areas-Learn trauma-informed approaches to ministry, correction, and care-Build systems for welcoming and supporting families and caregivers-Develop safer volunteer roles, scripts, and response plans-Receive a clear timeline and checklist for becoming a Certified Sanctuary™ by August 2026All attendees receive printed materials and digital copies for reference and implementation after the event.
Accessibility
Accessibility is a core value of The Sanctuary Initiative.The Summit and the broader program are designed with neurodivergent and disabled participants in mind. Accommodations at the event may include:-Quiet seating area with soft lighting-Sensory tools (fidgets, noise-reduction options, weighted items)-Low-stimulation break spaces-Clear signage and a predictable schedule-Printed materials in large print-Option to receive slides in advance-ASL interpretation by request-Seating near exits for those who need to move or step outIf you require specific accommodations, please share this in your registration form. We will always do everything possible to ensure you can participate fully.
About the Founder:
The Sanctuary Initiative was created by Shirlette Robinson; educator, filmmaker, community-builder, and mother to an autistic son. Her work is rooted in accessible design, trauma-aware practice, and the belief that every family deserves spaces where they are seen and supported without shame.Before launching The Sanctuary Initiative, Shirlette began shaping the early framework for a long-term inclusion ecosystem called The Village. The Village is a developing umbrella project that will eventually house multiple programs focused on neurodivergent safety, community connection, and caregiver support. While The Village is not yet a physical space, the mission behind it is already active: increasing accessibility in places where families live, worship, learn, and work.The Sanctuary Initiative is the first fully launched program under that growing umbrella. It was born from lived experience, years of searching for faith environments that could welcome her autistic son with dignity. After repeatedly seeing how churches lacked the training, structure, and understanding families needed, she decided to build a clear pathway herself.Shirlette’s background as a special education instructional assistant, parent advocate, and creator of community-driven projects shapes every part of this work. Her approach combines real-world classroom experience, caregiver insight, and cultural awareness to help faith leaders create environments that reduce harm and increase belonging.Her mission is simple:Empower communities with the knowledge and tools to welcome neurodivergent families with confidence, warmth, and dignity.The Sanctuary Initiative is the beginning of that commitment.