Johnny and Friends are starting the construction of Johnny's House in Serbia.

Serbia will become the tenth international program for people with disabilities from Joni and Friends on March 5, 2024, at 08:00 ET | Source: Joni and Friends

Agoura Hills, California, March 5, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - For many years, the international ministry serving people with disabilities, Joni and Friends, has provided practical assistance and the hope of the Gospel to individuals with disabilities in Serbia through missionary trips and the Wheels for the World™ mobility distribution events.

On February 29, the leadership of Joni and Friends held a ceremonial foundation-laying event for the permanent international center for people with disabilities, Joni’s House, in Opovo, Serbia, marking the beginning of a new era of service for people with disabilities in the country.

Through Joni's House in Serbia, Joni and Friends will work with local partners to provide medical and mobile support, patient rights advocacy, necessary resources, and spiritual comfort to families with individuals with disabilities.

This faith-based care addresses the physical needs of clients and honors the dignity of each person as children of God. Currently, Joni and Friends operates Joni’s House programs in nine countries. Once completed, Serbia will become the tenth location.

The first home program of Joni's House is scheduled to launch in spring 2024. Joni's House in Serbia is the result of two years of careful preparation, including building strong relationships with local partners.

The project, revolutionary for the region, will include an international center for people with disabilities called Joni’s House, adjacent to a church and a café. The construction of the church will be financially supported by the Harvest Church in Memphis, Tennessee, while the café will be funded by a generous donor in Serbia.

The construction of Joni’s House in Serbia holds special significance because, as a member of the U.S. State Department's Committee on Disability under President George W. Bush, Joni Eareckson Tada, the founder of Joni and Friends, was made aware of reports confirming the lack of proper care for institutionalized children with disabilities in Serbia at that time.

Twenty years later, Joni said she was thrilled that work had begun on establishing an institution that would provide help and hope to the surrounding community.

Jason Holden, Senior Vice President of Operations at Joni and Friends, stated that the ceremonial groundbreaking for Joni's House in Serbia represents a concrete commitment to serve and support the community of people with disabilities in the region.

"My hope is that this project will not only provide a physical space but also become a beacon of hope, inclusivity, and support for those living with disabilities who have been rejected or cast aside," said Holden. "Establishing a permanent presence in Serbia allows us to expand our influence and make a lasting impact on the lives of those who are often overlooked, reflecting the values of compassion and inclusivity that are at the core of our mission at Joni and Friends."

While construction is underway, the ministry remains steadfast in its mission to create a space that will positively impact the lives of people with disabilities, knowing that this will yield benefits for the spiritual and communal well-being of the region.

For more information, visitjoniandfriends.org/jonis-house.

About Joni and Friends

For 45 years, Joni and Friends has been providing the hope of the Gospel and practical assistance to people with disabilities around the world. Their ministry programs include Joni’s House, Wheels for the World, Family Retreats, and training in serving people with disabilities. Joni and Friends also offers inspiring media programs daily through radio and podcasts. To learn more, visitwww.joniandfriends.org.

Construction begins in Opovo

Foundation Preparation The start of construction in Opovo On February 29, the leadership of Joni and Friends held a ceremonial groundbreaking for the permanent Joni Center...

When the project is completed, Serbia will be home to the tenth location of the Joni's House Center.

Contact information

Amy Hurtado Joni and Friends 818-575-1766 [email protected].