NRB member Joni and Friends recently opened its latest Wheelchair Restoration Center within the Kingman Correctional & Rehabilitation Facility (KCRF) in Kingman, Ariz., adding to the ten other Joni and Friends restoration centers across the nation.
Launched July 21, 2023, the center is projected to restore around 480 wheelchairs within its first year, with expectations of further expansion. Beyond wheelchair refurbishment, this program offers inmates personal growth opportunities and valuable skill development.
The disability ministry, founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, partnered with The GEO Group, a leading prison management company contracted by the Arizona Department of Corrections, to operate the facility and grow the Wheels for the World program.
By becoming involved in wheelchair restoration, inmates are helping to serve those worldwide who lack access to mobility devices. The program also aids inmates in personal rehabilitation and transformation, instilling hope and self-worth.
“Through this partnership, we are not only providing life-changing mobility but also fostering hope and self-worth in individuals who may have lost sight of their God-given potential. Together, we are breaking down barriers and building bridges toward a more inclusive and compassionate world,” said Jason Holden, Joni and Friends Senior Vice President of Operations. “Joni and Friends and The GEO Group are excited to see the ripple effect of this partnership as it extends beyond prison walls, reaching individuals with disabilities in communities across the globe. This joint effort exemplifies the potential for transformation when organizations with complementary missions collaborate to bring about positive change.”
To learn more about the Joni and Friends Wheels for the World program, visit www.joniandfriends.org.
Photos: Joni and Friends
