Connie and Julie Hutchinson

Who are the leaders in disability ministry I most admire? I’d have to include Connie Hutchinson (left in the photo) and her daughter, Julie. It was Connie who helped develop the disability ministry at the Evangelical Free Church of Fullerton – and today, they have a thriving outreach to intellectually disabled adults, special needs classes on Sunday morning, a community respite program, peer groups, and more. It all got started when Julie was born with Down syndrome – in fact, Julie was the inspiration for Connie’s drive and enthusiasm. Now, many years later, this duo takes disability ministry overseas – Julie has even spoken on behalf of intellectually disabled adults in Morocco. Three cheers for this mother/daughter team who have made real waves in churches across the country.