Joni and Friends

Our Joni's House program in East St. Louis had a special gift for the students and staff at William Bedell Achievement and Resource Center and Wood River Schools. Sixty incredible youth with disabilities received Joni and Friends t-shirts, Phillip’s Love Bears, and treat bags, while 67 devoted educators were celebrated with cookie tins, t-shirts, and heartfelt encouragement cards! An administrator shared, “People gift our children often. No one gifts the staff. Thank you for seeing and remembering us.” Let’s take a moment to recognize the educators who pour love, patience, and dedication into the lives of children and adults with disabilities. Their work transforms lives and strengthens communities. Tag an educator from your community below and thank them for their incredible work. They deserve it! 🙌 #Teachers #SpecialNeeds #Disability

The life we pour into our children in the early stages can make all the difference in both their lives and the lives of others. But what happens when disability touches those early days when parents, caregivers, and the church community are unsure of what is best? We invite you to attend our Global Access Community Event hosted online on February 27th, from 9-11:45 a.m. PST to hear from our keynote speaker, Matthew Mooney, and a panel of experts as they give guidance on navigating the joys and difficulties of disability in the early stages of life. Matthew Mooney and his wife Ginny received a Trisomy 18 diagnosis when they were 30 weeks pregnant with their son, Eliot, who lived for 99 days. Matthew’s journey is one of deep love and learning, and he shared his story in the book A Story Unfinished. Learn more and register today at https://lnkd.in/g4bymFps

Effective leadership is not merely a product of natural abilities; it's grounded in a deep reliance on Jesus Christ. #LeadLikeJesus #JoniAndFriends #JoniEarecksonTada #Leadership #Jesus #ChristianLeader

“It’s not disability ministry until the disabled are ministering.” – Joni Eareckson Tada Matthew, a Shepherds College graduate living with intellectual disabilities, didn’t let challenges like speech and memory delays stop him from answering God’s call to serve! 🙌 He stepped out of his comfort zone to join Joni and Friends as an intern and serve at our International Family Retreat in Brazil. Though he faced homesickness and uncertainty, God gave him courage and strength. From comforting toddlers to sharing Scripture, Matthew’s servant heart left a lasting impact on everyone around him. The next year, he returned as a co-leader and prayer leader, inspiring others with his faith and leadership. Matthew’s story proves that disability does not define people—God does. Given the opportunity, people with disabilities can display his love in powerful ways. As Matthew says: “No matter what, God loves you! He will always be with you in hardship and despair." Take a step to develop your leadership skills and career through our Internship Program. Apply below or share with someone in your network! https://lnkd.in/epg8erNH

Jason Holden, Chief Operating Officer at Joni and Friends and retired Navy Chief Master Chief, joined the Leadership Loading Podcast to discuss his 20 years in the Navy, how his leadership skills have translated to his role at Joni and Friends, and the efforts of the ministry to serve individuals with disabilities globally. This engaging conversation touches on 3 keys for leadership growth: ✅ Embracing continuous learning and adapting to new challenges ✅ Leading with compassion, especially in times of crisis ✅ Leveraging past experiences to lead with purpose Whether you're a military professional, nonprofit leader, or someone looking to grow in their career, this episode is filled with valuable insights for leaders at every stage. Watch the full episode below: https://lnkd.in/eb-2nZ3T

Many people with disabilities have been devastatingly impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires. Some have lost their homes, livelihoods, and crucial mobility or medical equipment. And tragically, others did not have the help they needed to escape. Please join us in praying for those with disabilities impacted by the fires. Your prayers demonstrate that—like us—you mourn with those who mourn, as we’re told to do in Romans 12:15.

At Joni and Friends, our hearts are broken for those with disabilities who didn’t have the help they needed to escape the Los Angeles wildfires. While we’re grateful that Joni and Ken safely evacuated and have returned home, we are deeply saddened for the many families impacted by disability who lost their homes, livelihoods, and crucial mobility or medical equipment. Join us as we pray for the firefighters, first responders, and those who have been affected by the Southern California wildfires. #Wildfires #SouthernCaliforniaWildFires #PalisadesFire #EatonFire #LAFires

In 1981, our founder, Joni Eareckson Tada, was approached by the Ambassador Advertising Agency to consider going on the radio. At first, she couldn't imagine her message reaching anywhere beyond the four walls of her bedroom. But the Ambassador team explained that while many listeners of Christian radio may not be dealing with quadriplegia, they face challenges like discouragement, depression, pain, and loss—challenges much like her own. They saw the potential impact of her authentic voice of encouragement on these listeners. Nearly 45 years later, God continues to enable Joni to share the biblical insights she has gained over decades of living as a quadriplegic. She considers it both a blessing and an honor. At Joni and Friends, we share her deep gratitude for our incredible partnership with Ambassador in radio ministry, helping us spread biblical hope to countless individuals. Congratulations on your 65th anniversary, Ambassador! 🎉

Today, we’re celebrating Sib Charles, our incredible Ministry Relations Manager for Joni and Friends Pennsylvania, who has been a faithful part of our ministry for 25 years! 💙 Since 1986, Sib has been a champion for the disability community and for Joni and Friends, playing a key role in launching our Family Retreat program in 1991! 🎉 She’s attended 77 Family Retreats and 15 Warrior Getaways, sharing God’s love and encouragement with everyone she meets. Sib’s decades of personal experience as a caregiver for her late husband, Jess, have deeply shaped her ministry. The Lord has used her understanding of the challenges and blessings of disability to bless countless lives. Her friend and colleague, Chris Hillesheim, says it best: "When I think of Sib, I think of a passionate woman who loves the Lord and desperately wants to see the church understand that it needs people with disabilities, just as much or more, as the person with the disability needs the church. Sib has a way of telling a story that captures a person's heart and moves them from apathy or indifference to acceptance and appreciation." Sib, we are so thankful for your unwavering dedication to Joni and Friends and the countless lives you’ve impacted along the way! Congratulate Sib in the comments below on her amazing 25-year milestone! #JoniAndFriendsUSA #FamilyRetreat #DisabilityMinistry #ThankYou