Our Origin Story
Nearly a decade ago,
JOY was formed at a university library in an Ohio college town after an all-call on social media. The concept was simple: one young woman saw an opportunity to lead her peers and professors to live a life with purpose through serving at-risk children in the Dominican Republic.
At the time, all her messaging was aspirational and invitational. She called that season “driving through the fog” because there was a clear idea, it just took a lot of collaboration and prayer to discover it.
The model was very simple: use time and opportunities to love a child.
Approaching work from a foundation of love is not novel. In fact, it is ancient and goes back to the beginning — yes, the very beginning — the cool, garden-walking time before apples and serpents.
Love through course work.
Love through spring break.
Love through summer.
Love through university.
Love through everything.
Frankie in Santo Domingo
Science Day in Santo Domingo with Air Liquide
Some of JOY’s work:
Led over 120 university students to serve at-risk children in the Dominican Republic and Peru.
Partnered with a billion-dollar French chemical company to inspire at-risk children in Santo Domingo to pursue STEM careers.
Generated $100k+ in charitable contributions to our partner organization Kids Alive International.
Taught 2 study abroad courses through Miami University.
Decisions to be baptized.
Decisions to be confirmed.
Learning how to pray.
Healings in the name of Jesus.
Lives given to Jesus.
Soli Deo Gloria.
