Refreshment and Encouragement is Found at Family Retreat

What is it like to come to Family Retreat for the first time? 

When Antony and Irina decided to bring their four-year-old son Jamie to a Joni and Friends Family Retreat for the first time, they felt excited but nervous. Jamie lives with cerebral palsy, so they had questions… 

“Will our family be accepted? Will the staff and volunteers know how to respond to Jamie’s needs as a person with cerebral palsy? Will the retreat site be wheelchair accessible?” 

Their nerves were calmed immediately upon arrival. As Irina says: 

“What was most noticeable right off the bat was the overwhelming hospitality and support and welcome that we felt coming into Family Retreat. Everybody was very gracious—accepting us and accepting our son. Everyone was there for us. They chose to be there for us, and that was an overwhelming feeling in the very best way. It brought us to tears as we were driving in.” 

At Family Retreat, “Everything was a highlight!” 

Antony shared about the many ways that the Family Retreat experience refreshed and encouraged his whole family. As he said: 

“We all loved the daily worship time—especially Jamie, who loves music! The talent show was another thing that we enjoyed as a family. And most of all, we were thrilled that every activity was adapted to Jamie’s needs. He was included in everything! The arts and crafts, the food, the amazing little coffee shop that they had for us… Everything was a highlight! Plus, as a faith-based organization, Joni and Friends supports us spiritually.  

At Family Retreat, we got the respite that we all need. Jamie gets to have fun, and we get to have respite and encouragement from other families that feel that same way. We came home knowing that there are families around who we can see year-round as we wait for the next Family Retreat.” 

You can make a difference for families like Jamie’s. 

Antony shared a word of thanks to all who make Family Retreat possible: 

“We’re just so grateful for you guys and thank you, thank you, we love you and can’t wait to see you again!” 

At Family Retreat, families like Jamie’s find true belonging, respite, and joy. When you support Joni and Friends, you help to realize our God-sized vision: a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ.