Loving Special Needs Families in New England

“Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today.’”

Hebrews 3:13

When Family Retreat was canceled due to COVID-19 regulations, a new and creative way to love families was born. It’s called Family Retreat at Home, and in New England, 43 families from all six New England states joyfully attended.

Jose, Jennifer, and their children from northern Vermont were brand–new to Family Retreat at Home. This week full of fun and fellowship provided friendship and spiritual growth that is proving to have a lasting impact on their family.

Jose and Jennifer’s two children are Donovan, who is 11-years-old and on the autism spectrum, and 8-year-old Elliana, who has Caudal Regression Syndrome and battles chronic kidney disease. Caring for two children with disabilities is a non-stop, exhausting effort. Jennifer often begins her caregiving routine at 4:00 a.m.

Managing daily medical needs, doctor’s appointments, and schoolwork alongside working from home is a daunting reality for Jose and Jennifer. The added isolation from their church family imposed by coronavirus drew Jose and Jennifer to seek respite from Joni and Friends.

This exceptional family was looking forward to Family Retreat at Home and the much-needed renewal it provides.

Jose explained, “We needed quality family time.” 

Jennifer added, “It was just God and Joni and Friends! Worshipping together, just the four of us, hadn’t happened in a very long time.”

And she added, “I could cry when Donovan led singing for one of the evening programs.” As proud parents do, Jose and Jennifer rejoiced to see their children included and celebrated for their abilities at Talent Night.

They were very emotional as they described the transformation found in Family Retreat at Home. Spending time with other parents of children with disabilities was comforting. “We have been gifted with an extended family!” declared Jennifer.

When asked about the best part of Family Retreat at Home, young Elliana reported, “I loved the stories about Moses! I learned that Aaron and Moses were just like Donovan and me. I help my brother with his words, so others understand what he’s trying to say.”

Elliana also shared that God helped her in another way. Not seeing her friends was creating anxiety. “I was worrying that my friends might become sick,” she said, “but now I talk to God and sing worship songs instead. God takes care of me and my friends.”

Jose and Jennifer’s church joined the fun, helping them to experience a real Family Retreat welcome!

Volunteers planned a car parade to welcome Jose and Jennifer’s family to Family Retreat at Home. Elliana and Donovan were overjoyed to see the familiar faces of their friends driving by. Cars were decorated with balloons and friends held hand-made signs that read, “We MISS YOU!” and “Enjoy your week!” A welcome box of supplies needed for the week was delivered to their home.

At the end of the week, Jose and Jennifer fully realized that they – and their children – are indispensable parts of the Body of Christ.