Joni and Friends, a non-profit organization founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, is teaming up with the Evangelical Council for Abuse Prevention (ECAP) to protect vulnerable adults and persons with disabilities from abuse. This month, they will launch STAND UP, a campaign to support the development of safety standards for churches, Christian ministries and organizations.
“Persons with disabilities are at least three times as likely to be abused as those without a disability,” ECAP Executive Director Jeff Dalrymple said. “We believe these new standards are a wonderful way to build upon our existing programs and resources, empower our member organizations and reflect the heart of Christ as we stand up for those who deserve our compassion and protection.”
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The goal of the STAND UP campaign is to raise $40,000 to develop and publish safety standards that ministries can implement. ECAP will consult with experts such as lawyers, therapists, abuse survivors, ministry leaders and persons with disabilities to ensure that these new standards are thorough and robust to equip churches and non-profit organizations.
“Heading up this new project is an exciting step forward, not just for ECAP but for Christians who want to protect the vulnerable,” said Scott Beard, who is leading the standards development committee. “ECAP has already done an amazing job providing ministries with the resources they need to protect children. Now we’re expanding those resources to protect adults with disabilities, including those with cognitive disabilities and the elderly.”
Joni and Friends provides practical care to people living with disabilities.
“Joni and Friends has partnered with ECAP because we are the leading Christian disability ministry,” said Kimi Archer, senior director of global missions and internships. “For 45 years, Joni and Friends has come alongside individuals with disabilities and their families. We are honored to share our experience, expertise and best practices with ECAP to develop standards that will equip churches and parachurch organizations to protect vulnerable adults.”
Churches, organizations and Christians interested in supporting this project can find more information on ECAP’s website at www.ECAP.net/Stand-Up.
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice