Joni and Friends hosts Tennessee First Lady Maria Lee at Family Retreat

By Joni and Friends|Published On: August 14, 2025|Categories: Press Release|

Maria Lee standing with staff and participants at a Joni and Friends event, smiling and posing for a group photo.

NASHVILLE, Tennessee, August 13, 2025—The international disability ministry Joni and Friends was honored to host First Lady of Tennessee Maria Lee at our Family Retreat in Moscow this summer as part of her Tennessee Serves initiative.

Tennessee is the Volunteer State and each month, Maria Lee highlights volunteer opportunities across the state, each with a different focus. In July, Tennessee Serves featured organizations serving those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. During her visit to our Family Retreat, Maria Lee’s office generously sponsored a petting zoo for our families.

Maria Lee smiling with a participant and a staff member as they look at an animal at the Joni and Friends Family Retreat.

Joni and Friends is grateful to Maria Lee for honoring the amazing work done by our devoted volunteers at Family Retreat. Family Retreat offers a haven for families living with disability. In a fully accessible, camp-like environment, families are cared for, rejuvenated, and encouraged in their faith. 

“The day was filled with fun and meaningful moments shared with individuals with disabilities and their families,” Maria Lee said. “We are grateful for the incredible work Joni and Friends is doing across Tennessee to support and uplift our communities.”

At Family Retreat, volunteers create a fun, Christ-centered environment that is safe and accepting for each member of the family. Volunteers also provide respite so families can build lasting memories and find renewed hope through Bible study, accessible activities, and opportunities to connect with other families who face similar challenges.  

Caregiving for a loved one living with disability can be a 24-7 job, and the need for meaningful rest is real. That’s why faith-based Retreats & Getaways are essential to restore and refresh families living with disability.

Staff members assisting a participant who is riding a horse at the Joni and Friends Family Retreat.

In addition to Family Retreat, Joni and Friends also offers local respite events, Marriage Getaways, Warrior Getaways, and Single Parent Getaways for caregivers. More than 80,000 individuals with disabilities and their families have been blessed by our Retreats & Getaways. Scholarships are available for families who qualify.

Joni and Friends offers a variety of volunteer opportunities that uplift people with disabilities at all of our 19 domestic locations, as well as our headquarters in Southern California.

Large group photo of Maria Lee with staff and participants at the Joni and Friends Family Retreat, all smiling and gathered outdoors.

About Joni and Friends: For more than 40 years, Joni and Friends has provided the hope of the Gospel and practical care to people living with disability around the globe. Ministry programs include Joni’s House, Wheels for the World™, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training. Joni and Friends also delivers daily inspirational media through radio programs and podcasts.