Who We Are

We are an international nonprofit organization that facilitates purposeful travel to reach at-risk and orphaned children abroad.

Mission Statement

JOY brings international programs and leadership opportunities to college students. We provide at-risk and orphaned children with a meaningful connection to these students in-country.

Our Vision

By empowering students seeking purpose to engage in JOY,

by partnering universities with underprivileged communities abroad,

we aim to revitalize a spirit of joy and service on campuses across the country.

We envision a place on campus where young people become confident and compassionate leaders.

Together, we can equip college students to serve at-risk and orphaned youth around the world.

The Justification of Youth

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JOY

Because joy isn’t rooted in comfort, but in knowing that true joy is not dependent on your circumstances.
about 2 days ago
JOY

30% of kids in the Dominican Republic will finish primary school. Kids Alive makes sure all their kids are educated, fed, and cared for.
about 5 days ago

Instagram

"I came to the DR ready to pour out. I came ready to serve. Then before I knew it, Jesus was teaching me all about His crazy boundless love for me through a 13 year old named Diego* and the rest of the kids in Santo Domingo. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I won’t lie. Being in the DR was hard. Leaving the DR was hard. Suffering wasn’t a distant relative during the last two weeks, but a close and intimate friend that I got to know well. Leaving kids like Diego* that I love with my whole heart was uncomfortable and painful and all I wanted to do was snatch him up and bring him with me. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The best part is that there is incredible joy in all of it. Because joy isn’t rooted in comfort, but in knowing that true joy is not dependent on your circumstances." -Emily Yates⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ *Name changed for privacy

Santo Domingo is our partner site for JOY at Miami University! From JOY’s first service trip to the Dominican Republic to our past spring break trip in 2017, we have been able to see the site in Santo Domingo expand and grow. From a small house in a neighborhood, to a care center, to being able to help build a new school for SO many kids to be clothed, educated, and fed, we are so thankful for our relationship with Santo Domingo.

Mission & Vision