Families With Disabilities Experience Jesus’s Love at Family Retreat

By Joni and Friends|Published On: February 23, 2026|Categories: Family Retreats, News, News & Stories|

Jennifer stands on the grass with her two daughters, Maddie and Yan. All three are wearing their Joni and Friends T-shirts.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
John 1:5

Every family carries their own unique story of hardship and hope, and it’s in this convergence that the heart of Jesus shines brightly. Let us share one family’s story with you.

Jennifer is a single mother raising two beautiful daughters: Maddie, who has autism, and Yan, who has Down syndrome. Life at home is demanding, and like so many families struggling with disability, Jennifer carries a weight very few fully understand.

On her way to Family Retreat this year, Jennifer wasn’t sure what to expect. Would this be a good fit for her girls? Would she be able to find rest in the midst of her responsibilities? Would she feel seen and supported?

All of Jennifer’s fears were calmed once she arrived and realized that for the first time in a long time, she could breathe.

Maddie and her buddy sharing a quiet moment together in prayer.

“Family Retreat is just what I needed! My girls were well cared for and loved, and I was able to rest. And being around others who deal with some of the same issues was refreshing.”
Jennifer

Jennifer’s daughters found love, and Jenifer found a place of belonging for her whole family. They all felt the tangible love of Jesus.

Yan enjoying her time riding a horse, accompanied by a guide walking beside the horse.

Family Retreat is a place of holy ground where families living with disability experience what it means to be fully embraced, fully loved, and fully known. Parents find rest. Children find joy. Entire families discover a community that understands their struggles and reminds them of God’s steadfast love.

At Family Retreat Jesus gently calls, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). This is hope through hardship.

Here’s the reality: for every Jennifer, there are many more families waiting for that same hope. Families right in our own communities. Families seeking a safe place where their children are celebrated, where their faith can be strengthened, and where they can simply breathe.

That’s why we’re writing to you. When you give to Joni and Friends® Nashville, you are not just supporting a program—you are sharing Gospel hope with those who are all too often forgotten.

Would you consider giving your most generous gift today?

Every dollar you give stays right here in Tennessee, serving families struggling with disability in our state. Your partnership makes it possible to reach more families, train more churches, and shine the light of Jesus into places of darkness and despair.

A group photo of the Joni and Friends families who attended Family Retreat, together with the volunteers, including Jennifer and her daughters, Maddie and Yan.

On behalf of every family who will experience the love of Christ through your support in the year to come, thank you. May the Lord bless you and your family always!