Special Needs Families Find Hope and Healing at Family Retreat
“Joni and Friends through Christ helped me restore my hope.”
Denise
Jaisha is 23 years old and has Dandy Walker Malformation, which is a cyst in the back of her brain. The condition has caused hydrocephalus, seizures, and developmental delays. She’s non-verbal, exhibits autistic behaviors, and has needed multiple brain surgeries. Jaisha’s single mom, Denise, cares for Jaisha alone, 24/7.
During the pandemic, Jaisha’s day program shut down. Denise had to figure out how to be a school nurse virtually while providing constant care for Jaisha. During the pandemic Denise’s mother also passed away from cancer.
Denise and Jaisha have come to 6 Joni and Friends Family Retreats. It’s always a highlight of their year, but this year’s retreat meant more than ever. Jaisha, Denise, and her niece Nadia arrived at Family Retreat desperate for healing. They were not disappointed!
“Family Retreat is not just a retreat we attend every year. It’s a network of people praying for us, showing God’s love with kindness, empathy, and compassion. They provide resources and support groups that blossom into friendships.”
Denise
For them and hundreds of other families living with disability, Family Retreat is a haven.
“Families affected by disability experience isolation and carry heavy burdens. But how beautiful it is when God sends people through Joni and Friends to help us carry those burdens. It sure makes the load a bit lighter,” said Denise.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
At Joni and Friends Family Retreat, every member of the family gets support, connection, and acceptance through the love of Christ.
“Many see my daughter Jaisha smiling, but don’t often see the anxiety, depression and behavioral issues she has experienced. At Joni and Friends, she can be herself. She can make sounds, and no one is “shushing” her. She gets to participate in Bible class, make new friends, get on stage for Talent Show Night, attend virtual Worship Nights and connect via Zoom with young adults like her to pray and study the Word of God.”
Denise
As Denise has discovered, the Joni and Friends community thrives at Family Retreat, but it doesn’t stop there.
During the pandemic Denise joined a Joni and Friends Caregivers Group. Every month, she connects with other women serving as caregivers. They provide one another a safe place to share difficulties, and bear one another’s burdens.
Even during the pandemic, Joni and Friends wove Denise and Jaisha into a community of love and care.
“Joni and Friends through Christ helped me restore my hope.”
Denise
Now Denise is ready to give back. If you come to our Joni and Friends Pennsylvania Family Retreat, you might just see her serving, passing the hope she has received on to others.
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:31
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God is doing incredible things in Pennsylvania. Your generous support ensures that more and more families living under the strain of disability can experience the miraculous power of Jesus!
