Dawn and Ben Love Bringing Their Children to Family Retreat

“Joni and Friends allows us to breathe, rest, and find peace. This is a community that provides a sense of belonging and support, which in turn allows us to support and serve others.”   

Dawn

Dawn and Ben love bringing their children, Alexa Anne and Elijah, to Family Retreat. Nine-year-old Elijah has autism. And at Family Retreat, he can often be spotted wrapped in his favorite blanket with his volunteer buddy close by his side.  

To outside observers, it may look like the disability he lives with is preventing Elijah from participating in and receiving all the benefits of Family Retreat. But Elijah’s buddies and parents—along with his bright smile—would tell you otherwise… 

Family Retreat Serves Every Member of the Family 

Elijah thrives within the Joni and Friends community. He treasures the relationships he forms each year at Family Retreat. There is a lot for Elijah to love about Family Retreat: the individualized attention from his buddy, a variety of activities adapted to his needs, the sensory stimulation of being outside, and the host of familiar faces that greet him with big smiles and hearts full of love.  

Like her brother, Alexa Anne loves Family Retreat. The 12-year-old especially enjoys the fellowship she has with other siblings, and she seeks out opportunities to serve in a variety of ways throughout the week. 

Beyond the Week of Family Retreat 

Elijah and his family have truly become part of our Joni and Friends family. In addition to Family Retreat, they shine at the Barnyard Dance, receive special delivery gifts during the Christmas season, attend our various community dinners, and volunteer at the Mississippi Area Ministry office. 

God has also used Elijah and his family to catalyze their own church to better serve and include families living with disability. Elijah now has a buddy who guides him through both the Sunday morning service and Sunday school each week. Dawn and Ben are excellent advocates for their own family and other families living with disability within their congregation. And this year, they’re seeking to recruit more volunteers for Family Retreat from their church. 

You can make a difference too! 

You can be part of realizing the Joni and Friends vision: a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Family Retreat and all of our Christ-centered programs provide special needs families with the rest, fellowship, and biblical encouragement they need to return to daily life and their own church communities refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to shine their light to others.