Joni & Friends

Joni and Friends is an international ministry committed to reaching and serving people with disabilities with practical help and the saving love of Jesus Christ.  Dedicated to helping people with disabilities find their place in the body of Christ, Joni and Friend provides family retreats, wheelchair ministries around the world, respite events, and support to churches in including people of all abilities.  Founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada — whose diving accident at the age of 17 resulted in her living with quadriplegia — Joni and Friends helps churches identify and remove barriers that affect people with disabilities. 

 

Joni and Friends family retreats focus specifically on families affected by disability.  These retreats offer activities for the whole family in a rich Christ-centered environment that is safe, accepting, and encouraging for every member of the family.  

 

Family retreat locations within driving distance of Baton Rouge include sites in north Alabama and — for the first time this year — central Louisiana!  These camps are staffed by volunteers of all ages.  Joni and Friends welcomes youth groups, individuals, and families as volunteers.  Joni and Friends trains their volunteers for each retreat and carefully matches volunteers with their responsibilities for that particular retreat.