Joni and Friends

At Joni and Friends, we deeply value including individuals of all abilities. In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we encourage you to improve access and create opportunities for people with disabilities in your workplace. Disability is often surrounded by misconceptions. It’s essential to recognize people with disabilities as complete and capable individuals, rather than fixating on their limitations. This month and beyond, let’s celebrate and amplify the voices of individuals with disabilities. For Tracey, who lives with spinal muscular atrophy, working at Joni and Friends is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to share the Gospel! “The most important thing is to treat all people as individuals created in the image of God with unique giftings and abilities. So, honor God by seeing people’s abilities and helping to develop them.” See how Tracey is making a difference—read her story below. #DEI #Disability #Employment #Accessibility #EqualOpportunity #NDEAM https://lnkd.in/eStvU5k7

Earlier this year we had the joy of welcoming Christopher Sue to Joni and Friends as Chief Financial Officer and what a blessing he has been! Christopher brings such a wealth of expertise, care, and wisdom to the team with over 16 years of financial leadership with Gospel-focused nonprofits like Children's Hunger Fund, Union Rescue Mission - Los Angeles, and nearly 40 years experience in accounting across diverse industries. Christopher and his wife, Stephanie, have raised their two sons, Chris and Kendall, who lives with autism, in the San Fernando Valley here in California. As a special needs father, Christopher has the joy of connecting with and encouraging other families navigating disability. He has also served as an Elder and worship team member at New Life Church in Woodland Hills and loves spending time with his two grandkids, Oliver John and Eleanor Ann. #Leadership #CSuite #NonprofitLeadership #Finance #Stewardship

"There are more important gifts in life than walking, being healed of cancer, or finding the perfect spouse. In God’s matrix, good lasts for eternity, so 'we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal' (2 Corinthians 4:18). The Holy Spirit is constantly trying to get us to look at life this way, for we are but a fading vapor here on earth." - Joni Eareckson Tada When life takes an unexpected turn and shakes our faith, we often wonder how God will piece the chaos together for our good. But what does "good" truly mean? In a recent article for Desiring God, our founder, Joni Eareckson Tada, tells the story of her friend Vicky, who became a quadriplegic, and invites us to reflect on how our own struggles fit into a bigger picture. Her powerful message reminds us that, no matter the challenges we face, there’s always hope and a higher purpose. https://lnkd.in/gZf8aRBk

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month! 💼 ✨ People with disabilities want the same thing as everyone else—a chance to contribute through meaningful work. This month is a reminder to open our workplaces to diverse talent and create inclusive opportunities. Take Joanna’s story, for example. Every Thursday, she proudly wears her Pizza Supreme uniform and assembles boxes at a local pizzeria. With the support of her team and inclusive employers, she’s not just working—she’s thriving! When people with disabilities are empowered to contribute, everyone benefits. Let’s celebrate the value of inclusive employment this October and beyond! Discover more on this topic from author and writer, Dave Deuel. 👇 https://lnkd.in/ed2v2k6r #DEI #Disability #Employment #Accessibility #EqualOpportunity #NDEAM

This month our Vice President of Marketing and Engagement, Amy Hurtado, celebrates 16 incredible years with Joni and Friends! 🎉 Reflecting on her career, Amy shared some of the most valuable lessons she’s learned: Gratitude: “Working at a nonprofit, we all regularly have our plates full. We’re serving people and the need is so big.... Run with that. We are doing work that is at the heart of God. Look at who you’re serving and choose to show up each day with gratitude.” Own Your Experience: “Be solution oriented and change will happen. You can create the experience you want. Own it. Be curious. We all have spheres of influence so be the leader you want to see.” Inspiration from Joni Eareckson Tada: “I've learned so much about God’s sovereignty in suffering from Joni. Everyone is suffering and Joni is that model, truly, of what joy looks like through any challenge. My advice to new employees: Don’t miss your moments with Joni.” Amy, thank you for modeling Christ-centered, servant leadership for everyone around you! #Leadership #CareerAdvice #Inspiration #Ministry #NonprofitWork 

Today marks a significant milestone as we honor the 75th birthday of our Founder, Joni Eareckson Tada! Her life and ministry is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness and Joni's unwavering commitment to sharing hope through hardship. As a quadriplegic, Joni understands that every year is a gift. Which is why she dedicates her time and energy to providing hope and support to individuals facing the challenges of disability and isolation. Take a moment to wish Joni a Happy Birthday in the comments below and recognize the remarkable legacy she has built, along with the ongoing impact she continues to make in the lives of millions around the world! 🥳 #JoniEarecksonTada #Faithfulness #BirthdayCelebration #Inspiration #DisabilityAdvocacy

In a recent conversation with WiLD Leaders, Inc., our president, Laura Gardner, shared her personal journey in servant leadership, the growth of Joni and Friends, and how trust plays a crucial role in building a thriving organizational culture. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into how a mission-driven approach can inspire teams and transform communities. 💡 Watch the full conversation here: https://lnkd.in/e6xhkrYc #ServantLeadership #Leadership #Ministry #Disability #Inclusion 

At Joni and Friends, Lead Like Jesus is more than just a training method—it’s the cornerstone of our culture. Every new team member undergoes this training, and we continually reaffirm our dedication to it. It influences our policies, programs, and practices, nurturing exceptional teamwork and unity! Kait, our Social Media Specialist, shares her experience with the two-day leadership development workshop: "The multi-day Lead Like Jesus Encounter was both challenging and inspiring. The training and workbook encouraged me to reflect deeply on my leadership style and how I can better serve those around me. What made the experience even more impactful was the opportunity to go through it alongside my peers. The practical tools and insights I gained from this course have already begun to shape the way I approach my role at Joni and Friends. I am so excited to continue applying these lessons and to grow as a leader who reflects the heart of Jesus in all I do." At Joni and Friends, we're not just learning—we're living out our commitment to lead with purpose and compassion. “New employees come on board and they are stunned. They’re amazed that we offer something like Lead Like Jesus. It’s so unique for any place of business. In every situation, we want our employees to exalt God only, and I think Lead Like Jesus has really helped infuse that in our culture.” - Joni Eareckson Tada #Leadership #CareerDevelopment #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamBuilding #LeadLikeJesus #Ministry

🎉 We’re excited to celebrate Marilyn Sappington’s 3-year work anniversary at Joni and Friends! Marilyn, your dedication to our mission of bringing the hope of Christ to individuals impacted by disability has made a profound difference. Your commitment to our "Lead Like Jesus" work culture shines through in everything you do—from your compassionate interactions to your passion for service. We are blessed to have you on our team and look forward to many more years of serving together, making an impact, and witnessing lives transformed. Thank you, Marilyn, for being such a wonderful example of loving and caring for people well. Here’s to continued growth, service, and God’s blessings on this journey! 🙌 #WorkAnniversary #LeadLikeJesus #Gratitude #DisabilityMinistry #JoniandFriends #Impact

After overseeing two years of strong growth and globally expanding ministry among individuals living with disability, President Laura Gardner has announced she will be stepping down from her role at Joni and Friends. She’s made the decision to step away so she can dedicate more time to her family, which will require relocating to Florida. Laura will remain involved with the ministry in a less intensive capacity. Laura joined Joni and Friends in 2011 as volunteer coordinator before serving in a variety of roles including executive vice president and chief financial officer before being appointed president in 2022. “It has been my great privilege to serve Joni and Friends for these past 13 years and as president for the past two years,” she said. “I will always support this ministry. Joni and Friends will always have my heart.” During Laura’s tenure as president, Joni and Friends received the Ukrainian White Cross Award for providing aid during the Ukraine war, celebrated the grand opening of a state-of-the-art Joni’s House disability center in Brazil, and commemorated 45 years in ministry, including more than 230,000 wheelchairs distributed around the globe. Read more about Laura's role change and thoughtful plans for transition. 👇 https://lnkd.in/eVtcEZU9