Joni and Friends Opens First International Wheelchair Restoration Center
AGOURA HILLS, CA – Oct. 26, 2022:
Joni and Friends, the international disability ministry founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, recently celebrated the grand opening of its first International Restoration Center (IRC) in El Salvador.
The brand-new wheelchair restoration center located near Joni’s House El Salvador is the first to be opened outside of the United States. This center will supply mobility devices restored to like-new condition for Joni and Friends Wheels for the World™ outreaches in El Salvador.
In partnership with Joni’s House El Salvador, the IRC employs people living with disabilities and their families through a work training program. Applicants considered for the program receive skills training for various IRC positions, allowing each person to have greater opportunities for future employment.
“Not only are we restoring wheelchairs to give people the gift of mobility but we’re also employing people with disabilities so that they learn a skill set and can provide for their entire families,” said Joni and Friends President Laura Gardner during the ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Joni and Friends Executive leadership and local Joni’s House and IRC personnel. “We’re hoping that this restoration center will be the first of many, not only serving the people of El Salvador but also the countries around it.”
To launch the program, Joni and Friends sent 520 unrestored wheelchairs, parts, and supplies from one of its twelve restoration centers in the United States.
Through a network of volunteers, the Wheels for the World program collects used wheelchairs that are restored to like-new condition within prison-based programs to provide life-changing mobility along with the hope of the Gospel to people impacted by disability around the world.
About Joni and Friends: For more than 40 years, Joni and Friends has provided the hope of the Gospel and practical care to people living with disability around the globe. Ministry programs include Joni’s House, Wheels for the World™, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training. Joni and Friends also delivers daily inspirational media through radio programs and podcasts.
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Support Joni and Friends Wheels for the World
Wheels for the World provides life-changing mobility along with the hope of the Gospel to people impacted by disability around the world. You can get involved by donating a wheelchair, serving on an international outreach, or giving so that wheelchairs can be restored and sent to someone in need.
