Family Retreat Holds A Special Place In Our Hearts!

Too many families impacted by disability are today’s widows and orphans, because when disability enters the family, fathers often leave.

Yet at Joni and Friends, we take God’s word to heart when it says, “Look after orphans and widows in their distress.” James 1:27 

Because while family life impacted by disability is hard for two parents, it’s even more difficult for single parents carrying the caregiving load alone. 

Single mother, Jennifer, and her 19-year-old daughter, Maddie, know the hardships of being on their own all too well. Maddie’s disabilities are numerous and complicated. Cerebral palsy, seizures, and relying on a feeding tube for nourishment are just a few of the challenges that make Maddie so medically fragile. She requires a wheelchair for mobility, and an eye-gaze communication device to make her needs known. And all that is on a good day. 

On top of her day–to–day caregiving demands, Maddie has needed to be hospitalized several times – with one recent hospitalization lasting an entire month. Simply put, life for Jennifer as a single mom is just plain hard.

Both Jennifer and Maddie struggle with discouragement and the very real need for hope.

And hope is exactly what they found when they attended Family Retreat in Arizona! Jennifer, Maddie and her caregivers were all smiles knowing that they were welcomed and loved at Family Retreat – and that COVID-19 safety guidelines were being followed to a T. 

At Family Retreat Maddie got to go fishing, horseback riding, and show off her wheelchair dancing skills – because everything at Family Retreat is fully accessible. She loved painting and meeting the Arizona firefighters who did a presentation for all the families, but a real highlight was when Maddie got a standing ovation at the Talent Show! 

“This is a great reminder and example of how all people should be treated,” shared one of the special needs moms at Family Retreat with Jennifer and Maddie. “At Family Retreat, I grow in my faith and God teaches me distinct lessons. I feel renewed.” 

And while Maddie was very sad to leave Family Retreat, she and Jennifer knew they were part of the Joni and Friends family – and important parts of the body of Christ!

They don’t have to wait for the next Family Retreat for their next dose of encouragement, because we’re serving families impacted by disability 12 months out of the year!

Through our Arizona Halftime Respite events and parent support groups taking place every month, Jennifer and Maddie – and other special needs families like theirs – experience the love of Jesus all year long!