Happy Birthday, JOY! A Year in the Life of a Nonprofit

Written By Margaret Clark

Happy Birthday, JOY!

This week, Team JOY is celebrating our organization's 2nd birthday and 1st full year as an operational nonprofit. Check out what we've been up to this year! 

 

In its first year, JOY has already laid the foundations for sustainable relationships between universities and schools and orphanages serving at-risk youth -- relationships that support deserving ministries. But, oh the places we'll go! More universities, more student leaders, and more children sponsored. Stay tuned as we expand to new universities, form impactful partnerships between businesses and ministries, and much more! 

We're inviting you to our next birthday party! RSVP by joining in joyful service with us in the coming year:

 
 
SHARE OUR STORIES
Say Yes
Say Yes

I’ve learned that saying no leads to fear and that saying yes leads to joy.

The lowest times in my life have been when I have said no to a lot of things.

No to community, no to forgiveness, and no to taking risks.

This downward spiral led to sadness, isolation, and restlessness.
A Day in the Life of a JOY Student!

It's a sunny day in the Dominican Republic and our JOY students are there to serve the staff and children at Kids Alive schools! A day of JOYful service abroad has a not-so-typical schedule:
JOYful January- Lessons in Friendship

I went to the DR fully ready to see God at work, to be in awe of Him and the work that He is doing in the lives of the kids that JOY has worked with in the past. I honestly didn’t know quite what to expect, other than the fact that I would get to hang out with some pretty awesome kids and make new friends.

Stories of Passion + Purpose in JOY's Spring Newsletter
Stories of Passion + Purpose in JOY's Spring Newsletter

In our spring newsletter, you'll get up-to-date on all things JOY, see our impact, and meet students like Cory Pisano:

"Just two weeks ago my pastor at church said at service that “we all end up somewhere, but not all of us end up somewhere on purpose”. That message hit me hard as I pursue this plan of spending two years back serving the children in the Dominican Republic. This whirlwind started with JOY, and I now want nothing more than for it to end in joy." 

Read it now! 
JOY takes off for Santo Domingo in March. Meet the team!

I knew I wanted to go back to the Dominican Republic the second that I left the children’s home in Jarabacoa. I was still in the country, but God was calling me back to the hearts of the kiddos at the home. In my two short days spent at the children’s home in May 2016, I met my little “broski” Kelvin. We instantly attached to each other when he took me by the hand and showed my how to each raw sugar cane from the plant. He also didn’t care that I couldn’t speak Spanish past “hola,” “como estas,” and “adios.”
JOYful January - Seeing Purpose

It quickly became clear to me that we all want to be living for something bigger than ourselves. It doesn't matter if a person lives in a dirt house with no electricity and survives on some rice and minimal clothing or if someone lives in an excessively nice house with fancy cars and an over abundance of food. The fact of the matter is that you will not be fulfilled until you have found a purpose for your life- something to live for.

5 Ways JOY students are making 2017 the best year yet!
5 Ways JOY students are making 2017 the best year yet!

In January, JOY students spent their winter break dreaming bigger, serving others, and finding out what it means to live joyfully. Here are 5 things we did in JOYful January! 

Happy Birthday, JOY! A Year in the Life of a Nonprofit
Happy Birthday, JOY! A Year in the Life of a Nonprofit

 

Happy birthday, JOY! Check out what we've been up to this year...

Letters from Rome
Letters from Rome

Many people would call it a coincidence, but I personally refer to it as a "divine appointment".

Handletteredjoy: Jordan Fowler
Handletteredjoy: Jordan Fowler

We were all created for a certain purpose and he knows exactly just how he wants to use us. It has been amazing to use my hand lettering as a way to share the gospel with others. With every piece I send out, I hope that it will be a continuous reminder of the love the Lord has for us. As I experienced the negative sides of my depression and anxiety, I also learned the beauty in the unknowns life holds.

Margaret Clark
Previous

5 Ways JOY students are making 2017 the best year yet!

Next

Letters from Rome