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Joni & Friends® Provides Wheels for the World
Local church hosts a wheelchair drive
by Angie Kay Dilmore
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 80 million people worldwide (approximately 1% of the population) need a wheelchair, yet only 5% to 35% of these people have access to one, leaving a tragic, largely unmet need, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
International organization Joni & Friends strives to assist people with disabilities across the globe, including wheelchair donations through their Wheels for the World program. First Presbyterian Church Lake Charles has partnered with Joni & Friends for a wheelchair drive on April 11, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., 4590 Corbina Road, Lake Charles. They will accept manual wheelchairs, walkers, canes and crutches. The church will also host a community-wide workshop that day at 10:00 a.m. called From Awareness to Action where pastors and church leaders across Southwest Louisiana can learn how their churches can become more accommodating and welcoming to disabled persons. We caught up with Louisiana’s Joni & Friends Ministry Relations Manager, Rhonda Craig, to learn more.
How did Joni & Friends get started? In 1967, at age 17, Joni Eareckson Tada was in a diving accident that left her a quadriplegic. She suffered years of depression, but her faith in God helped her come to terms with her diagnosis. Learning to paint with her mouth also brought emotional healing. A 1974 appearance on the Today Show garnered national attention and much-needed awareness to the plight of the disabled. Her 1976 autobiography, Joni: An Unforgettable Story, sold over five million copies and was translated into 50 languages. Determined to help others with disabilities, she established Joni & Friends in 1979 to address the needs of families living with disability. President Ronald Reagan appointed her to the National Council on Disability in 1988 and in 1990 the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed. After nearly 60 years in a wheelchair, Joni continues to serve as CEO of Joni & Friends.
Tell us about the upcoming Wheels for the World event in Lake Charles. We’re excited to partner with First Presbyterian to hold our first Wheelchair Drive in Southwest Louisiana. We’ll collect used manual wheelchairs that we’ll send to prison restoration centers to be restored to like-new condition. They are then delivered and custom-fitted to a new owner in a less resourced country. Our collection goal for this event is 50 wheelchairs.
And the workshop held that same day. What can attendees expect? Many churches wish to serve individuals and families living with disability but aren’t sure where to start or what the next steps should be. From Awareness to Action is a practical, conversation-based event for pastors and ministry leaders who want to move from good intentions to meaningful inclusion. Awareness is the beginning, but action is the goal. I hope pastors and ministry leaders will leave with a better understanding of how to support families living with disability and that church leaders will explore next steps in inclusion.
Is there anything else you would like to add about Joni and Friends Louisiana Area Ministry? Our organization also offers respite retreats, marriage getaways and other inclusive events throughout the year. Our office is in Baton Rouge, and we serve the entire state.
For more information on Joni & Friends, the services and events they offer, and opportunities to volunteer, call 225-334-8454, email louisiana@joniandfriends.org or visit joniandfriends.org.
