Joni and Friends

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

In 2023 only 22.5% of people with a disability were employed. For National Disability Employment Awareness Month, let’s highlight the significant role that employment plays for individuals with disabilities. Employment not only provides financial stability, purpose, and healthcare but also fosters a sense of belonging and community. Organizations that value diversity often discover dedicated and skilled team members with unique abilities. At Joni and Friends, we encourage enhancing access and opportunities for individuals with disabilities in your workplace. Here’s why hiring people with disabilities benefits your organization:  •  It demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusion and community engagement.  •  Employees with disabilities frequently excel as team players, boosting overall productivity.  •  A diverse workforce that attracts a wider range of customers and clients.  •  People with disabilities often stay longer with a company and deliver high performance.  •  They are usually open to creative solutions for accommodations, making workplace adjustments smoother.  •  Including them in your team helps raise awareness and sensitivity, benefiting everyone. Is your workplace leveraging the unique talents and perspectives of people with disabilities? Discover more on this topic from author and writer, Dave Deuel. 👇 https://lnkd.in/e89Kmc_9. #DEI #Disability #Employment #Accessibility #EqualOpportunity #NDEAM

Our North Carolina office recently received over 50 wheelchairs that will be refurbished to like-new condition and distributed to people around the globe through our Wheels for the World program. This program is dedicated to restoring donated mobility equipment, including manual wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and canes, and delivering them internationally to people with disabilities who have little to no access to the mobility devices they desperately need. Each recipient receives a custom-fitted wheelchair, a Bible in their native language, and the message of Gospel hope. You can help make a meaningful impact in the lives of people living with disability. Learn how! 👇 https://lnkd.in/g9MtS454 #WheelsForTheWorld #JoniAndFriends #Disability #Volunteers #Ministry

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