Jesus Cares Ministries Names Elli Bonack as New Friends Coordinator
BELLE PLAINE, MINN., December 9, 2014 – Jesus Cares Ministries (JCM), a ministry of The Lutheran Home Association, announced today that Elli Bonack has joined as its New Friends Coordinator. Elli recognizes the importance of educating others about special needs within our congregations, and throughout the community. She is part of a medical outreach team, whose purpose is to better educate medical professionals about Down Syndrome.
Elli began attending New Friends in Manitowoc with the encouragement of her daughter, who is a student at Manitowoc Lutheran High School and involved in their New Friends group.
“It’s heart-warming to see these students offering their friendship without judgment, and opening their hearts to those who might not feel as well-received by others. It’s a beautiful friendship to have, and to witness.”
Elli is excited to assist in developing more New Friends groups throughout WELS High Schools and Colleges. She feels New Friends is an important outreach with a life-changing purpose.
“I pray New Friends will continue to flourish with the encouragement of God’s Word, combined with the inspiration and support of all the amazing kids and families who are a part of it!”
The daughter of Pastor William and Patricia Bernhardt, Elli grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She attended Northwestern Prep, and continued college courses at Wisconsin Lutheran College and Martin Luther College.
She worked as a photographer prior to staying home with her children. When her son was born with Down Syndrome, it was important that she devote her time to her family. She currently resides in Kohler, Wisconsin, along with her husband and three children.
Elli can be reached by email eabonack@tlha.org or by phone (262) 424-0508.
About Jesus Cares Ministries
Jesus Cares Ministries (JCM) is a ministry of The Lutheran Home Association (TLHA). TLHA is a not-for-profit ministry dedicated to providing for the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of people in our care. We offer a wide variety of health care, housing and spiritual outreach services with campuses in several states and congregational programs serving seniors and individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities nationwide. Services and programs include senior living, skilled nursing care, memory care, disability services, rehabilitative therapies, chaplaincy, Bible classes, worship services and property management services. Learn more at www.tlha.org, follow @TLHAword on Twitter and “Like” The Lutheran Home Association on Facebook.
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