Joni and Friends

We were thrilled to once again co-host a sensory-friendly morning at the State Fair of Texas®! These special mornings were designed to make the fair more inclusive and welcoming for individuals with sensory sensitivities, ensuring that everyone could enjoy the excitement of the fair in a comfortable environment. Our team from Joni and Friends was there to provide support, including volunteers to help families navigate the fairgrounds and ensure a positive experience for all. Find out more about sensory-friendly mornings here: https://lnkd.in/ep-FwmGz

We were thrilled to partner with the Texas Homeschool Classic to bring together athletes of all abilities for a disability-friendly day at the Dallas Cowboys training field! 🏈 This event provided an opportunity for players, both with and without disabilities, to come together, share their love for football, and build meaningful connections. It was a powerful reminder of how sports can bring us all together. Thank you to all the participants, volunteers, and coaches who made this day so incredible. Your passion and commitment are what make moments like this possible! #Inclusion #Disability #Volunteering #NFL #Football #DallasCowboys

At Joni and Friends, we believe that building a culture of belonging in the church for people impacted by disability starts with small, intentional actions. As highlighted in this article by Baptist Standard Publishing, Jason Le Shana from the Baylor Collaborative on Faith and Disability challenged churches to make “one next move” toward inclusivity. Le Shana reminds us that when parts of the body of Christ are neglected, the whole body suffers. His message? Inclusion isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a biblical mandate. Daniel Moreno is one of our many Ministry Relations Managers who equip churches to embrace this call through a journey from unawareness to full contribution. We believe that disability ministry is part of the Great Commission, and individuals with disabilities are vital to the life of the church. What is your church's "next move" to foster belonging for people with disabilities? Read more about creating a culture of belonging in your church: https://lnkd.in/gzKZi3a2 #Disability #ChurchCulture #Belonging #Churches #Inclusion #Accessibility 

A heartfelt thank you to our partners in Brazil for honoring Joni with this award. At Joni and Friends, we are committed to fulfilling command from Jesus in Luke 14 to “Go out quickly…and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame…so that my house will be full.” Through ministry programs like Wheels for the World, we work to break the cycle of poverty and disability that affects so many. In Brazil alone, approximately 15% of the population lives with a disability—part of the more than 1 billion people living with disability worldwide who face daily challenges of injustice, rejection, and overwhelming barriers.

Make a meaningful impact by using your God-given gifts! We're looking for passionate students to join next year's trip to Brazil. Megan, a graduate Occupational Therapy student from Messiah University shared how her time with Joni and Friends has fueled her passion for making a difference in the lives of those with disabilities. Earlier this year, she visited Brazil over spring break, and the experience inspired her to return as a volunteer with our Wheels for the World program. Reflecting on her experience, Megan shared: “My internship to Brazil showed me the immense joy and hope for individuals with disabilities across the world despite their hardships, inspiring me to serve with Wheels for the World because I could use my education, training, and gifts to love others in tangible, lasting ways for the kingdom.” If you're interested in learning more about our next global mission, explore our internship and volunteer opportunities below! https://lnkd.in/eKxpyGrE #JoniAndFriends #WheelsfortheWorld #OccupationalTherapy #SpeechLanguagePathology #Internships #Volunteer #Disability #Ministry #CareerGrowth

“The most effective leaders do not rise to power in spite of their weakness; they lead with power because of their weakness.” - Joni Eareckson Tada Since 1979, Joni and Friends has been dedicated to sharing the hope of the Gospel and providing practical support to those living with disability. Through initiatives like distributing over 220,000 wheelchairs and Bibles in low-resource countries, and hosting more than 86,000 individuals and families at Family Retreats, we continue to impact lives across the globe. Our volunteers are the heart of our ministry, making 98% of our programming possible! Join us in bringing hands-on help and Gospel hope to people with disabilities. Find out how you can get involved: https://lnkd.in/ef2vffV #GlobalLeadershipSummit #FaithAndLeadership #DisabilityMinistry #Inspiration #Leadership

We had an incredible time at our recent Family Retreat in Florida, and we were thrilled to have our long-time partner, Moody Radio, join us! They brought their radio knowledge to the retreat by setting up a "studio" where everyone had the chance to record their own radio show segments. Each program was complete with a host, co-host, weatherman, and newscaster! A big thank you to Moody Radio for making this possible and for the ongoing partnership that continues to inspire and uplift families living with disability. #Ministry #Partnership #Radio #FamilyRetreat #Community #MoodyRadio

"God sees you. He sees you on your knees in prayer...He sees you facing one trial after another...and He wants you to remember He is with you through it all. He will remove some of the obstacles in your path, and He’ll ask you to walk through others, but through thick and thin, God is by your side." This is an excerpt from an article written by Shauna Amick, M.Ed., our Director of Direct Response and Radio Marketing, published by Just Between Us Magazine. Shauna’s journey—shaped by the birth of her third child, who was born with Down syndrome and other health challenges—drives her deep passion for recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every life. As a speaker, author, and disability rights advocate, Shauna shares a powerful perspective grounded in faith, encouraging others with her honesty and vulnerability. Continue reading her full article below! #Disability #Faith #Inspiration #DownSyndrome #Equality #Advocacy

"Never meet your heroes" is a common piece of advice, but Joni Eareckson Tada proves to be a remarkable exception. In a recent article for Christianity Today, Krysten Getty chronicles Joni's remarkable journey over the past 57 years since her paralysis. From a touching first encounter at a Belfast event to witnessing the profound impact of the Joni and Friends ministry on individals living with disability, Krysten highlights Joni's steadfast faith and dedication. Read more about Joni Eareckson Tada’s inspiring life and the lessons in faith she imparts. https://lnkd.in/e65Sq8J4

Steve Bundy, our Senior Vice President of International Ministries, has over two decades of leadership experience the nonprofit sector. In his latest post, he offers valuable leadership insights, drawing from a deeply personal experience—caring for his son Caleb, who has autism and muscular dystrophy. His close relationship with disability has profoundly influenced his leadership approach, and below he shared the top 5 leadership traits that have shaped both his personal and professional life. What lessons have had the greatest impact on your leadership? #Leadership #NonprofitLeadership #ServantLeadership #Hope #Compassion #Humility