After a recent visit to the Joni and Friends International Disability Center in Agoura, local Realtor Dianna Dingman of Aviara Real Estate was inspired to help the many needy people whom the worldwide organization supports.

Joni and Friends, founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, provides ministry outreach, support for families facing a disability and free wheelchairs to thousands of needy recipients across the globe. Dingman, a partner at Aviara, recently attended a tour of the Agoura facility, met Eareckson Tada and decided to take action.

As a Realtor serving the Conejo Valley, Moorpark and Simi Valley, Dingman has a long list of past clients whom she contacted to see if anyone she knew had wheelchairs, crutches, or walkers they no longer needed.

Dingman said "When the letters left my office, I wasn't sure if anyone would reply. I just kept my fingers crossed. Luckily, my clients Bob and Donna Lutz of Camarillo forwarded my letter to the Camarillo United Methodist Church. I got a call from Dan Thaxton, their representative, who let me know they had wheelchairs, crutches and walkers for me."

When Dingman arrived, there were 14 wheelchairs, 12 walkers, several sets of crutches and many wheelchair replacement parts. "I was amazed to see all the wheelchairs, and so grateful to be able to help the people who will one day have mobility again" said Dingman.

The used wheelchairs will now be taken to a prison to be reconditioned and then sent all around the world. The walkers and crutches create the necessary parts to recondition the wheelchairs.

"The prison inmates have a complete shop set up where they repair the wheelchairs. They pay their debt to society by helping others," Dingman said.

Acknowledging that the real estate market has been extremely challenging for the past two years, Dingman decided that reaching out to others was a way to focus on something positive.

"I really believe that God just decided to tap me on the shoulder and point me in the direction of Joni and Friends," she said. The invitation for Dingman to tour the International Disability Center came from Dan'l Markham, the organization's managing director, who is a past client of Dingman's.

"All the pieces fell into place and now I'm on board to help them help others. In times like these, you have to count your blessings and find where you can make a difference in someone else's life," said Dingman.

Dianna Dingman can be reached at Aviara Real Estate at (805) 901-3369 for real estate needs, or to donate wheelchairs, walkers or sets of crutches.