• Kids
• Success
• Contact
• About
• Resources
• Donate

Welcome to Journeys of Joy

See photos from our Holiday Hosting Program and Our Welcome Home Page!

 

Hello Dear Families,

Summer is the most exciting time of year for children: the ocean, beach, fun, sunshine, happy parents, and delicious food at restaurants all contribute to the excitement. Most of us have great memories of summer. Unfortunately, it’s not the case for all children, especially orphans from Ukraine between the ages of 11-14. These are the children to whom Journeys of Joy pays special attention.

Recent research shows that in most cases the lives of orphans who graduate from orphanages, having never been adopted, become increasingly hopeless. 8 out of 10 become drug-addicted, 6 out of every 10 girls are forced into prostitution and human trafficking, 70% of boys turn to crime, and within 2 years of graduation 15% of these children will commit suicide, being convinced that life is not worth living. Only 10% will achieve what most would consider a normal adult life. Every year, more than 20,000 children are “graduated” from their respective orphanages, and forced out onto the streets to join this list of statistics. Despite these high statistics, each and every number is a priceless human life, and rescuing even one is a worthy endeavor.

In this light, we are looking for families with open hearts and homes who might be willing to touch the lives of these precious children from Ukraine. The summer they spend with you as hosts will be remembered all their lives. Even if you may not be able to host a child, would you be willing to help us spread the word about this valuable program?