Healing, Hope, and Rest: A Special Needs Family’s Life-Changing Retreat

Tara knew she always wanted to be a mom. When she had the opportunity to adopt four siblings, her dream came true. The children came home with Tara in 2019; today Max (10), Matthew (9), and twins Hailie and Mikey (7) enjoy a loving home, but don’t always find the support and connection they crave from the world outside. 

Always a Blessing, Sometimes a Struggle 

Born with fetal alcohol syndrome, Matthew struggles with difficult emotions, exhibits challenging behaviors, and often doesn’t recognize danger. Even on hard days, Tara will tell you that raising her four children is always a blessing and sometimes a struggle… and sometimes respite can be hard to find. 

During a tough season with Matthew’s behavior issues, Tara found herself needing a break. That’s when a friend told her about a Joni and Friends respite event at a local church. When she found out that children would be in good hands with one-on-one buddies, she decided to sign up. That day, not only did Tara’s children enjoy their time with Joni and Friends while she got a much-needed break; she also learned about Family Retreat… 

Finding Rest, Healing, and Community at Family Retreat 

Tara’s whole family loved their first Family Retreat experience, enjoying the community and building lasting friendships. Tara savored the break from constant meal planning and cooking. And her children had a blast horseback riding, going down the water slide, and playing with other children their age.

As Tara says: 

“The kids wouldn’t be able to experience a camp like this if it was just us. Having the individual buddies gave them each the attention they needed. I’ve made a lot of friends through Joni and Friends and Family Retreat. It helps to have people to talk to that understand what you are going through, and you don’t feel alone. It gives us all the break we need. 

At Family Retreat I was able to focus on the teaching and the women’s group. I was able to open up and be honest about what I was going through as an adoptive mom with a child struggling with a disability. I knew my son and other children were safe and I was able to also focus on what God was doing in my life. It helped relieve my anxiety on how people saw me and my kids.”  

An Encouragement for Special Needs Parents 

Tara has a message for any parent or caregiver of a child with a disability, especially for those who have concerns or hesitations about attending Family Retreat. She says: 

“At Family Retreat your child (or children) will have the chance to explore and try new things you never thought they could. Everything is adapted to their special needs. Meeting other families who understand what you are going through is priceless. You take the friendships home after retreat with a community that supports and loves you. Just experience it one time and your life will also change for the better. I want to thank the Joni and Friends New Mexico staff and all the volunteers for always loving and caring for us.”