Meeting critical needs of families living with disability in greater East St. Louis and surrounding areas.
Joni’s House East St. Louis: Providing Respite and Hope
In East St. Louis, families living with disability face a host of critical unmet needs. With a median income of $26,000 (only 38% of the national average), residents of East St. Louis report rates of disability two times the national average—but their city offers few disability services.
Respite care is identified as a top unmet need for local families, so Joni and Friends created Joni’s House East St. Louis to meet the needs of families who live with disability.
Our Joni’s House East St. Louis respite program is designed to provide short-term, temporary care for children and adults with disabilities, giving caregivers a much-needed break. Through our Christ-centered programs, we create a safe, engaging, and supportive environment where participants can thrive, all while their families enjoy time for rest and rejuvenation.
Providing Essential Care
Spiritual
Spiritual
Answering the call in Luke 14, Joni’s House programs showcase the tangible love of Jesus so that souls will be transformed.
Physical
Physical
As physical needs are met through respite, day programs, and after school programs, hearts are opened to the Gospel.
Social
Social
Breaking barriers of rejection and isolation, families find belonging and discover each person’s value as an image bearer of God.
Economic
Economic
Providing programming and respite care for children and adults with disability allows new economic opportunities for family caregivers.Leadership
CeCe McCoo
Area Director
CeCe McCoo has a deep passion for God’s people, a keen sensitivity to the spirit, and a commitment to walking in excellence. She has ministered in churches, ministries, and correctional facilities across the United States and abroad.
CeCe has served in Uganda, Kenya, Nairobi, Puerto Rico, Amsterdam, Brazil, and Japan. Her ministry experience also includes serving in prison ministry and holding multiple leadership roles within ministry and church leadership. A Marine Veteran, CeCe holds degrees in Christian Ministry and Biblical Counseling. For more than two decades, CeCe has faithfully served as a police chaplain for several St. Louis–area law enforcement agencies.
CeCe is married with one son and two grandsons.
