Our Office

The office of Joni and Friends Chicago is located at 915 Harger Road Suite 210 in Oak Brook, Illinois, 60523, just off the I-88 tollway, north of Cermak (22nd) off of Spring Road. We are minutes away from the Oak Brook Shopping Center. Our phone number is 630.573.2900.

We currently have four individuals on staff to serve your needs:

Sandy Hay, Chicago Area Ministry Director

Peggy Bernthal, Donor Relations

Lindsey Kudwa, Project Coordinator

Rita Houston, Church Relations Coordinator

Our office is wheelchair accessible and we offer a full selection of Joni's books, cards and art. A variety of disability ministry materials are also available for sale and we have a lending library of useful books, CDs and other materials.

Area Ministry Board of Development

Rick Law, Chair
Chip Krueger, Treasurer
Mark Trieglaff, Secretary
Sandy Hay
Susan Ostrum
Wendie Benton

Ministries

Joni and Friends Chicago serves the Chicagoland area by orchestrating several ministry programs. These ministries include:

Family Retreat – summer camps for families and individuals affected by disabilities

Through the Roof – the development of church ministry

Wheels for the World – the collection and delivery of wheelchairs to those in need

International Outreach to Ethiopia – Training church leaders

Special Delivery – sharing Christ’s love through relationships and personalized gifts

Family Retreats

Life with a disability brings unique needs and challenges which heighten the stress and strain on the whole family. Family Retreat provides a dynamic five-day summer program that refreshes and strengthens the entire family affected by disability in a safe and accepting environment. Trained Short-Term Missionary (STM) volunteers extend the love of Christ by serving families in practical ways. Each retreat is an enriching and inspiring week where families and volunteers build lasting relationships, memories and a renewed sense of hope in God.

We sponsor two separate weeks of Family Retreats. Each week approximately 55 families and 150 STM's come together for an unforgettable week of fun, fellowship and refreshment that many tell us is like ìa little slice of heaven.

Meet Tim

While Tim (on left with his buddy, Dan), who has Down Syndrome and Autism, was sporting a smile during the week of Family Retreat, a violent tragedy occurred in his family back home. God foreknew Family Retreat was where Tim, his mom and sister needed to be. Tim's mom Jearline said, "Thanks to all those at camp who supported us in prayer. We need to reach more people so they can feel this love in the midst of lifeís infirmities."

Wheels for the World

The explosive growth of Wheels for the World testifies to the critical need for wheelchair distributions in developing countries, where the cost of a wheelchair can equal a yearís wages. We collect used wheelchairs in the Chicagoland area year-round and ship them to correctional facilities in the United States. Once restored, the wheelchairs are sent overseas where short-term mission teams work diligently to provide the gift of mobility.

Teams of seating specialists, wheelchair mechanics and translators custom-fit wheelchairs to give the gift of mobility to individuals with disability in developing countries. Offered with every wheelchair is a Bible written in their language and the good news that Jesus Christ loves and values each one of us.

Meet Tulio

Since Tulio (in center surrounded by Wheels for the World team) was paralyzed three years ago, he was bedridden and his wife (yellow shirt) attended to his needs full-time. That all changed when Tulio was fitted with a wheelchair specifically suited for his disability at our Wheels for the World Outreach in Peru. The best gift Tulio received was the transforming power of Jesus Christ as he accepted Him as the Lord and Savior of his life. Now he is ready to face each day and eternity with new hope and courage! click here.

To help us collect wheelchairs, call the Chicago Office at 630.573.2900 or contact Chair Corps representatives Fred and Mary Steinbach at 630.530.5968 or marysteinbach@aol.com.

Special Delivery

Special Delivery is a powerful and effective evangelism outreach model for churches. Groups and individuals prepare beautiful packages containing spiritual uplifting materials provided by Joni and Friends Chicago and deliver them to children and adults in homes, hospitals, care facilities or other institutions in their community. Through this ministry, doors are opened to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and relationships of spiritual encouragement and discipleship are built, connecting people with disabilities to the family of God. Each year hundreds of lives, affected by disabilities, are touched with hope and encouragement because of local churches who extend their hearts and hands through Special Delivery.

Meet Travis

Travis (orange shirt), a 18-year-old high school student, was paralyzed while trying to make a tackle in a football game. At a press conference to raise financial support for Travis' family, Special Delivery provided spiritual support. The package included Christ-centered gifts such as the Bible and a book called "Why?" by Anne Graham Lotz. In quiet moments, Travis's mom has begun to engage with God through these books and materials. She is happy to say, "This is helping!"

If you are interested in becoming a Special Delivery Team Member, assisting with actual deliveries to families affected by disability, please call our office at 630-573-2900 or email rhouston@joniandfriends.org for additional information. 

Through The Roof

Just like the men who lowered their paralyzed friend ìthrough the roof to get him closer to Jesus, Through the Roof equips churches to bring people with unique gifts and needs into the life-changing presence and power of Jesus Christ. We provide churches with awareness, training, resources and ongoing support through regional networks, all designed to start or expand disability ministry and outreach in their communities such as:

Breaking Down Barriers

Becoming more accessible and inclusive

Being a Buddy to one who is disabled

Finding and training volunteers

Giving parents a break through respite care