CAMPO LARGO, Brazil, August 19, 2024 — Exactly one year after breaking ground on a new state-of-the-art disability center in Campo Largo, the international ministry Joni and Friends celebrated the grand opening of Joni’s House Brazil on August 2.

Located in the state of Paraná, which is home to roughly 2.2 million people living with disability, Joni’s House Brazil is the newest location for the ministry’s Joni’s House programs. Joni’s House is raising the standard of care for people with disabilities as the program meets the critical needs of the local community. The center in Brazil offers spiritual counseling, medical care, job training, and more.

Joni’s House Brazil provides disability services in partnership with First Baptist Church of Curitiba, a prominent local church, and nearby Hospital do Rocio, which performs approximately 90% of care for patients within Brazil’s nationalized healthcare system. Joni and Friends is also partnering with the local government social organization Associação Batista de Ação Social de Curitiba. Through these strategic partnerships, the new disability center is estimated to serve 800 individuals in 2025.  

The campus houses a building dedicated to programs and services, a wheelchair storage repository, and a residential space for families seeking care at Hospital do Rocio who cannot afford hotel rooms. Joni’s House Brazil will also serve as a hub for advocacy and awareness campaigns, aiming to break down barriers and promote understanding within the community. 

In a display of local support, the mayor of Campo Largo and Paraná’s Secretary of Health joined Joni and Friends executives at the ceremony.  

Joni and Friends Chief Operating Officer Jason Holden said Campo Largo is a vibrant community and Joni’s House Brazil will help care for its most vulnerable members.  

“As we open its doors, my heart swells with excitement for the future, envisioning a place where people can access vital resources, form meaningful connections, and experience the transformative power of the Gospel,” said Holden. “This is not just a building but a testament to the power of community and faith, marking the beginning of a journey that will positively impact lives for generations.” 

The grand opening culminated with the commissioning of the new director of Joni’s House Brazil, Teilor Paixao. 

Joni and Friends is honored to work alongside the local community of Campo Largo, providing life-giving care to people living with disability in Brazil.  

About Joni and Friends: For more than 40 years, Joni and Friends has provided the hope of the Gospel and practical care to people living with disability around the globe. Ministry programs include Joni’s House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training. Joni and Friends also delivers daily inspirational media through radio programs and podcasts.

Media Contact:
pr@joniandfriends.org

Joni’s House International Programs

Joni and Friends identifies and meets the needs of people living with disabilities through local, Christ-centered support. At international locations across the globe, Joni’s House is raising the standard of care for people with disabilities, offering physical, economic, spiritual, and social support, all in the name of Jesus.

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