Joni and Friends New England

We envision a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ.

Stay up to date!

Get event updates, local news, and stories by email.

Joni and Friends New England

We envision a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity and their place in the body of Christ.

Joni and Friends New England is honored to serve Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Northeastern New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and the country of Thailand.

Directions
370 Merrimack Street
Unit 115
Lawrence, MA 01843

Contact Us
(978) 620-0606
[email protected]

Reach

We reach out to families living with disability with Gospel-adorned hope.

Care

We extend Gospel-centered care through Community Support, Respite, Retreats and Getaways, and Crisis Response.

Connect

We connect families with Christ-honoring, disability friendly churches where they find a place of belonging.

Leadership

Maria DeGenova

Area Director

A Massachusetts native, Maria leads the Joni and Friends New England Area Ministry with a passion for cheerfully inviting others to use their time, talent, and treasure to bring hope through hardship to people living with disability. Maria’s career began in software sales and strategic partnerships, then her life changed forever when she volunteered at a Joni and Friends Family Retreat. In 2017 Maria joined the Joni and Friends New England team. She believes relationships are everything and has a heart for seeing all people find authentic communities of belonging in the body of Christ.

Upcoming Events

Do You Need Support?

Local Resources and Information

Joni and Friends volunteers make 98% of our ministry programming happen! Join us to bring hands-on help and Gospel hope to people with disabilities, at home and across the globe.

Volunteer with us!

Prayer and Praise

We invite you to join us in prayer for our ministry activities and outreaches.

Pray with us!

How can we pray for you?

Church Training Resources – The Irresistible Church series, presented by Joni and Friends, is designed to help not only transform the Church, but also provide the practical steps and activities to put flesh around the heart of the Church.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – NAMI envisions a world where all people affected by mental illness live healthy, fulfilling lives supported by a community that cares. They provide advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives. 1-800-950-6264

Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) – a Federal advisory committee that coordinates Federal efforts and provides advice to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on issues related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A broad resource list of organizations and agencies is available on the website.

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) – exists to take the world a better place for people living with ADHD. The National Resource Center on ADHD (NRC), a program of CHADD, was established to be the national clearinghouse for the latest evidence-based information on ADHD. 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – This Disability and Health Promotion website provides direct access to important health and safety topics, scientific articles, data and statistics, and tools and resources.

New England ADA Center – Information, guidance, and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Serving Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

Young Life Capernaum – gives young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the chance to experience fun and adventure, to develop fulfilling friendships and to challenge their limits while building self-esteem through club, camp and other exciting activities.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater New England – works to improve the quality of life for people affected by MS in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont.  They offer many opportunities to connect with people through services, resources, and support.

Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy in New England – fights to end Duchenne. They accelerate research, impact policy, advocate for optimal care for every single family, and strive to ensure access to approved therapies.

A Mother’s Rest – improves the emotional and physical health of caregivers through proactive, affordable, restorative respite opportunities.

You’re With Us – is a registered 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and Department of Developmental Services (DDS) service provider which seeks to create better communities by harnessing the benefits of inclusion for individuals with disabilities.

Equipping Minds – works with children and adults to increase their cognitive abilities and decrease learning, emotional, and social challenges.

Special Touch Ministry, Inc. – serves to ease and enrich the lives of people impacted by disability. Chapters are available in New England. Their “Summer Get Away” Program is designed to provide a camp-style retreat for people with intellectual or physical disabilities to experience God and fellowship with others in a Christian atmosphere.

ILRU – (Independent Living Research Utilization) program is a national center for information, training, research, and technical assistance in independent living. This link connects to their Centers for Independent Living program, offering several locations throughout New England.

United Cerebral Palsy – an indispensable resource for individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, their families, and their communities. Locations in most New England states.

Social Security Administration – federal programs for individuals with disabilities in all New England states.

Easter Seals – locations in every New England state. Offer services and support to individuals and families affected by disability.

Massachusetts

Incompass Human Services – The Brain Injury Community Center is a place that provides support through membership to individuals with Traumatic Brain Injuries.

Lotsa Helping Hands – is a care calendar website and the easiest way to organize meals and other help & support for friends & family in need.

Greater Massachusetts Special Needs Events – This website is a clearinghouse of information about programs and services for caregivers and parents of individuals with disability.

Metrowest Center for Independent Living MA – provides an array of independent living services that enable people with disabilities to live in the community.

Connecticut

Urban Alliance  – is a non-profit organization located in East Hartford, Connecticut. Motivated by the love of Christ, as people of faith and hope, we have a deep desire to respond to the brokenness of our Greater Hartford community together in unity, and to help and serve others, even as all of us are in need of help, hope and love.

Connecticut Disability Services – is committed to serving the needs of Connecticut residents with disabilities through a variety of services.

UCONN Health – UCEED (Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service) provides an extensive directory of disability resources.  This program assures individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of and have access to needed community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity, integration and inclusion in all facets of community life, through culturally competent programs.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services

Community Crossroads NH – Serving individuals with developmental disabilities or acquired brain disorders and their families living in 11 towns in southeastern NH.​ They provide people in need of long term supports, either through age or disability, with the information, guidance, support, and advocacy they need to remain in their chosen homes and live full, independent lives.

ABLE NH – Advocates Building Lasting Equality in NH advocates for the civil and human rights of children and adults with disabilities.

Vermont

State of Vermont – website with links to several disability service providers.

Vermont Family Network – empowers and supports all Vermont children, youth, and families, especially those with disabilities or special health needs.

Maine

Disability Resources website with links to several disability service providers.

Maine Parent Federation –  brings together educational resources and Maine communities to enhance the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. 

We equip our interns to become leaders and advocates for people living with disabilities around the world.

Learn More!

Every manual wheelchair donated is the opportunity for someone to experience the love and hope of Jesus Christ!

Your tax-deductible donation of mobility equipment provides an opportunity for someone to attend school, church, and become part of their community.

Find a drop-off location

Get creative with your own fundraising event!

Learn How

Find your calling through a career at Joni and Friends!

You can help us create a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ…

Current Openings

Local News and Ministry Stories

Stay up to date!

Get event updates, local news, and stories by email.

Ministry Gallery

Do you have a question?

We would love to hear from you!