People Living with Disability Find New Hope in Jesus 

Brooke and her son Keegan, who lives with Down syndrome, haven’t always felt accepted in their community. When Keegan was born, Brooke initially found support and encouragement to navigate a new season of life. But when divorce rocked their family and Brooke became a single mom, she struggled to find belonging. 

Receiving “the cold shoulder” in places she used to feel at home, Brooke longed for new connections and community. And God provided exactly what she needed at Family Retreat. 

Discovering Family Retreat 

Before coming to a Joni and Friends Family Retreat, Brooke couldn’t quite imagine what the experience would be like.

Then she and Keegan arrived…“The cheering and dancing was so sweet and touching,” says Brooke. She looked at Kegan and told him, “Look, they’re clapping and yelling for YOU!” 

…And it only got better from there! 

Brooke’s dream was that her son would experience things that other kids get to do, like petting snakes, aiming a fire engine water hose, or dancing like a super-hero. And at Family Retreat, Brooke’s dreams came true. She was thrilled and Keegan thrived. 

“It was truly God’s plan that he orchestrated and ordained,” says Brooke. 

The Blessing of New Friends 

For Brooke and Keegan, the blessing of an extraordinary volunteer named Zack was the icing on the cake.

During worship one morning, Brooke heard Keegan say, “I love you, Zack!” When Zack replied, “I love you, too, Keegan!”  

Brooke marveled, “What teenager gives up a week of his summer to devote to special needs kids…to love on families and make them feel so special? You just don’t see it these days.” 

As for Brooke, the Lord provided a special group of ladies who shared their struggles, listened to hers, and encouraged her to take steps to heal from the hurt of divorce and her painful experiences with church. She also spent time alone reflecting and appreciating the godly, loving people at Family Retreat.  

“We were supposed to be there. It wouldn’t have happened without God’s intervention,” said Brooke. 

You can make a difference for special needs families! 

When you support Joni and Friends Texas, you make it possible for families like Brooke and Keegan—and people living with disability worldwide—to find new hope in Jesus.