Family Retreat Brings New Experiences for Families Living with Disability
Meet 22-year-old Jaycee, who lives with cerebral palsy, and her parents, Deborah and Russ. In their rural community, set among the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California, Jaycee and her mom are active in the disability community. Jaycee enjoys mentoring others who, like her, use augmentative assistive technology to communicate.
For Deborah and Russ, because they provide for all Jaycee’s needs, the question of long-term care for their daughter sparks worry as they age. Alongside Jaycee, Deborah and Russ shine a light on issues that affect families living with disability—like housing and caregiving needs for adults with disabilities, and the need for daily support services.
Jaycee’s (Neon!) Family Retreat Highlight
For Jaycee and her family, the Christ-centered community at Family Retreat brings respite and joy. It provides them with a treasured opportunity to spend time with families who understand life with disability. And, more importantly, they enjoy the company of fellow believers who know that every person is a masterpiece created in God’s image.
Jaycee especially loves to get dressed up and dance. So, naturally, the neon dance party is a bright highlight for her. In fact, Family Retreat is on-whole a highlight for Jaycee—so much that when Deborah didn’t think it would be possible to attend for a second year (because Russ had a schedule conflict with work), Jaycee wouldn’t hear of missing it! She was so insistent that Russ changed his work schedule to make it possible for the family to attend together.
Meaningful Fellowship for Parents
When Russ came to Family Retreat, he had heard his wife and daughter describe the Joni and Friends community as a place to feel welcomed and supported. But God had more in store than he imagined.
Russ particularly appreciated the opportunity to connect with other dads and talk about the unique challenges that come with disability—the financial impact of specialized vehicles and equipment; the rigors of daily caregiving; and the things parents miss out on doing with a child who has a disability… For Russ, this was hiking.
New Possibilities—and New Views!
When Russ learned that Joni and Friends partners (“Luke5Adventures”) were prepared—specialized equipment and all—to facilitate his family going on a substantial hike, he was delighted. While he often takes Jaycee out on flat trails that are accessible with her wheelchair, he never expected the kind of adventure they enjoyed at Family Retreat. As Jaycee says:
“My family goes on flat paths to the river, but Luke5 took me to where we never could go. They took me all the way up to the boulders. It was awesome!”
Russ choked up expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to hike with Jaycee in a way he had thought would never be possible—to take in the views of God’s beautiful creation, from the boulders atop Lake Tahoe.
As Russ finished sharing his appreciation for the amazing opportunity to hike with Jaycee, he added that he also really appreciated the opportunity to spend time alone with Deborah, adding, “it was nice to have a date night.”
And, as Jaycee will tell you, the treasures of Family Retreat aren’t only in the fun and adventure. When asked for her absolute favorite part of Family Retreat, Jaycee said with a smile:
“Hanging out with friends in the adult program. It gave me a break from my parents, and it gave them a break from caring for me.”
Support Joni and Friends Central California
Your gift will provide belonging, joy, and Gospel hope to families living with disability! Learn more about Joni and Friends Central California.
