“Jackson lives for Family Retreat!” Special Needs Families get Refreshed Through Joni and Friends

By Joni and Friends|Published On: April 9, 2024|Categories: Family Retreats|

When Jackson was born with Down syndrome 15 years ago, his mom, Suzannah, knew he was a gift from God. However, as Jackson grew and the unique joys and challenges of his diagnosis became more apparent, Suzannah began to struggle, especially once she became a single mom of five sons. To those on the outside, Jackson is “Mr. Social,” the fun center of attention and giver of the best hugs. Still, his need for 24/7 care, support, and attention can be exhausting for Suzannah.

Finding Rest at Family Retreat

When Suzannah brought her family to Family Retreat for the first time, she felt she could truly exhale for the first time in years, and she experienced complete belonging.

“The fanfare and celebration as we pulled into Family Retreat surprised me. Jackson obviously loved it, but I had no idea how much I would,” says Suzannah.

The whole week was transformational for her as a mom raising a child with disability.

As she says: “I had always known about Joni, but never thought about attending Family Retreat until a friend encouraged us to go. I have a hard time thinking about doing something for myself and acknowledging that I also need care.

My foot is always on the gas, just trying to move forward. I learned that Family Retreat is about more than getting to press the brake for a moment—it’s about getting out of the car and letting someone else drive it.”

Volunteers like Jackson’s one-on-one buddy took the wheel from Suzannah, serving as the hands and feet of Jesus at Family Retreat.

An Environment of Total Acceptance…

Jackson instantly hit it off with his buddy, and Suzannah instantly felt relief from the weight of caregiving on her shoulders. Suzannah didn’t need to worry if Jackson would say the wrong thing or bother the wrong person. She watched in awe as he got to fully be who God created him to be— celebrated in every way.

“Jackson lives for Family Retreat. He makes friends wherever he goes, but is not always accepted. Family Retreat is an environment of total acceptance. Jackson usually flocks to his adult care givers, but at Family Retreat, he builds peer relationships with his teen volunteers and becomes ‘one of the boys.’”

Your prayers and support make Family Retreat and our other Christ-centered programs possible. When you give to Joni and Friends New England, you will bring families like Suzannah and Jackson’s closer to Christ!