What we do:

• Inspire HOPE in families affected by disability
• Give a voice to the individual or family with a disability, telling the story as we bridge the disability and church communities
• Provide opportunities for families to connect with other families in similar situations
• Influence and mentor the next generation of disability ministry leaders, especially people with disabilities
• Train and Equip churches in disability awareness and help them develop their own unique disability ministry focus
• Provide resources to churches, families and community groups to strengthen and empower them in their journey

How we do it:
Family Retreat
Wheels for the World
Special Delivery
Through the Roof
Family Support Activities
Easter Egg Hunt
Mom's Club
Dad's Group
Mentoring Opportunities
Family and Friends Picnic

Meet our Staff:
Jerry and Joan Borton, married since 1995, have first hand experience with the affect of disability. Jerry was born with cerebral palsy. His undergraduate training in Christian education, his soon to be completed Masterís degree in organizational leadership and years of working in disability ministry, along with his advocacy in the disability movement enable him to be a bridge person between the Church and the world of disability. Joan connected with people with disabilities early in life through a neighbor, a friend at church, a cousin and her parentsí volunteer work with people with developmental disabilities. Her education and career path have included a combination of Christian education and working with people with cognitive and physical disabilities. Together Jerry & Joan have over thirty years of professional disability ministry experience, and a heart and passion to reach people affected by disability for Jesus.

Speaking Topics:
Weíd love to speak with your church, Bible Study, small group, or community organization to help further your awareness of Godís heart for people with disabilities and help you develop your disability outreach. The following are some of the topics that Joni and Friends Greater Philadelphia can bring to your church or group. Many of these topics can be delivered in either sermon or workshop style presentation. Contact us to discuss how we can custom design a presentation for your group.

Introduction to Disability Ministry
Our culture teaches us to recognize and celebrate our differences. Sometimes we have been so skilled at this that we use the differences to isolate ourselves, rather than unite us in Godís grace. This session will help to breakdown the misunderstandings that have developed and introduce Christians to some ways they can include people with disabilities in their body life and ministry.

You will learn:

• Ways the Church has responded over the years to people affected by disability
• What the Bible has to say about Godís heart for people affected by disability
• How you can reach out to people affected by disability in your community

Disability Culture and Why It Matters to Christians
The disability rights movement and the church have an uneasy relationship; and for good reason. This seminar provides resources for beginning a conversation between believers and the disability community.

You will learn:

• A brief history of the disability rights movement
• Some philosophical principles of the disability rights movement and their implications for believers
• Resources for beginning a conversation with the disability community

Communicating with People with Disabilities
Every person affected by disability is so unique, and their ability and means of communication may be very different. Sometimes these communication gaps prevent us from reaching out to people with disabilities, or prevent people with disabilities from being a full member of the community.

You will learn:

• Practical tips for communicating with people with different types of disabilities

Disability and Marriage
Disability affects everything and everyone it touches. Nowhere is this truer than in marriage. This workshop introduces the dynamics disability has on the marriage relationship and provides resources on how the church can strengthen the marriage relationship.

You will learn:

• Some of the ways disability in the family affects marriages
• How you and your church can partner with families affected by disability to strengthen their marriages
• Resources available to minister to marriages affected by disability

Seeing the Unseen
Perspective. Each of our life experiences color things in very different ways. Depending on where we fix our focus, there can be great differences in what is seen or unseen.

You will learn:

• To examine your own perspective about people affected by disability
• How God sees people affected by disability
• To see how Godís glory shines through cracked vessels