BE the 1: Be a part of Christmas Magic: We all need a little JOY in our lives

"We all need a little JOY in our lives." That's a quote directly derived from my Facebook wall post this week when I shared a link about JOY. I thought it was fitting.

[Editor note: A week ago I received a forwarded email from a mutual friend about the program called JOY (Justice & Opportunity for Youth). As I read the email authored by a Karen Edmonds, I sensed a clear feeling of urgency…but also….the email was infused with deep love and care for the kids involved in JOY. I had tears streaming down my face by the time I got to the end. Not only did I HAVE to interview Karen about JOY for the Be the 1 blog…..but it couldn't stop there. We had to use whatever platform we could to communicate the needs to support the JOY program and people like Karen that make such a huge positive impact on our community. I sent a note to Karen asking if I could interview her. I was delighted to get a response back that she would! We met this last Tuesday. Here's what happened.]

As you read this blog post, I'm not going to be asking for just help. I'm going to be asking for the extraordinary. Because once you're done reading…you're not going to be able to look away either. (At least I hope not)

When Karen walked through the door, we both instantly went to each other and hugged. I felt such a kindred spirit emanate from her….a calm breeze of strength and genuine passion for JOY and the kids involved in JOY. We sat at our table and instantly started discussing JOY and what it does (in fact, she barely ate her food while she talked and I listened. Sorry Karen! I owe you lunch!)

JOY (Justice & Opportunity for Youth) exists to serve the very high risk youth in the Rochester area. The objective is to move these youth from lives engaged in, or on the fringe of, gang activity toward lives that will be productive and fulfilled. Intensive outreach is the key to engaging these youth and getting them into a program where they learn that their circumstances can't control them if they work to control the circumstances in which they find themselves.

JOYS Mission: Every young person counts, every child matters and every child can change. JOY will be relentless in getting help to and for disengaged and disenfranchised young people in order for them to move out of violence and poverty into meaningful engaged lives as adults.

JOY Youth Yoga

Karen started a yoga group that involved 3 teen girls in October of 2008 and had planned to do it for 6 weeks. Those 6 weeks turned into 3 years and what we know today as JOY.

Currently, there are 125 kids in contact that need support.
There are 70 kids, ages range from 4-22 years old that have ongoing intense mentoring, advocacy needs and are getting support.
Kids involved in the program are either referred by other JOY kids, referred by a probation office or a public defender. Most of the kids come because they heard about JOY from their friends. JOY has a 100% retention rate.

JOY Youth at a Sports Banquet

Karen shared that many people don't understand what she sees every day. In fact, most would say that the focus and work should be on the younger kids (prevention) instead of the older kids (intervention). Karen disagrees. "I believe as long as a person is breathing, they're capable of change." She also said "These kids have no reason to stop what they're doing because it's helped them to survive." However, JOY creates opportunities that show another life and different choices; one of them being involvement sports. Many of the kids have no transportation to get to practice, or when the bus drops them off after an away game – there's nobody there to pick them up. That's where JOY comes in.

[A teenager once shared this with Karen] "Can I tell you something. I don't know why, but every time I'm around you, I just feel safe. I hardly even know you, but I just want to be next to you and be alone so we can talk. Because my head keeps jumping from thing to thing all the time and with you, I feel like I can just sit and be calm." Karen shared that she hears this all the time from these teenagers.

JOY is a critical program in Rochester to reduce gang involvement, activity and development. (<--Did you read that? Just checking. I think it's pretty important)

Many of the volunteers reach into their own pockets and financially support the youth themselves. They need haircuts, clothes, sports fees, membership fees to the Y (estimated at $1728 for 31-40 kids), gas money for the volunteers transporting kids to sports games, lunch, dinner,…..the list goes on.

Every young person counts, every child matters and every child can change.

I'm asking every person that's reading this blog, tweet, facebook to share this story and consider making JOY apart of some Christmas magic. Let's gather as a community and show these kids the extraordinary.

Here's how you can help: Be the 1 and support JOY, a very much needed program in Rochester.

There's an immediate financial need. Would you consider donating whatever you can towards JOY? (can you sacrifice one gift and instead donate the money towards JOY, what about gathering some money from fellow friends, coworkers and donating it? ) The funds will be used to pay for clothes, gas and food and other necessities.
Any businesses out there willing to make a hefty contribution before the end of the year?!?!? Maybe a car dealership willing to donate a brand new van?!??! How cool would THAT be?!??! Huh?
Volunteers are always needed. And not for the faint of heart. The commitment is great, but the rewards even greater. Interested in helping? Please contact Karen Edmonds.
Share this story with your Facebook, LinkedIN, twitter friends. Everybody.

All donations can be sent or dropped off at:

JOY Programc/o Rochester Area Foundation

400 S. Broadway Suite #300
Rochester, MN 55904

JOY

PO Box 432
Rochester, MN 55903

**JOY is working on setting up a way to accept online donations, but until then - please send to either addresses.

Look for a future blog post on the ongoing sustainable need to keep JOY operating at full speed (if you could only see Karen operate, you'd understand this visual!).

Karen, I know I have said this before, but I meant it. I've never seen someone so selfless and willing to sacrifice so much. Thank you for what you do. I am truly humbled and I hope our readers are just as inspired by you, as I am! In fact, I know they are.

Lets make it rain, folks. Dig in your pockets. Dig into your hearts. Give what you can. In any way you can.

May it be a JOYful Christmas this year for the JOY Progam! Please.

I leave you with 2 letters from JOY Youth. The words speak for itself.