Supporters

The Rochester Area Foundation
The Rochester Area Foundation has been dedicated to community vitality since 1944 and when theopportunity arose to assist in theorganization of JOY (Justice and Opportunity for Youth) the Foundation felt strongly that JOY would indeed contribute to community vitality by engaging at risk youth in positive growth experiences. The first form of support came early in 2010 as an $8,000 grant supporting early intervention programs to prevent gang involvement. The Foundation's support has since continued with business development assistance, board formation, and the application for 501c3 status which was completed December 28 2011.  The Foundation is committed to assisting in the creation and development of sustainable community non-profit organizations such as JOY that support the vitality of the Rochester area.

The United Way
The United Way of Olmsted County began their support of JOY in June, 2010 with an initial grant for a community garden and nutrition program. This was followed by another grant in June 2011 for a series of gang intervention and prevention workshops. In July 2011 the United Way provided the support necessary for a training on Talking and Peacemaking Circles that was conducted for youth and adults by Alice O.Lynch and Gwen Chandlers. Support by the United Way of Olmsted County continues today through the Community Gang Initiative. As a partner in this initiative, JOY youth are involved in a youth employment internship program sponsored by the CGI.

Women's Foundation of MN
In May, 2010, six JOY girls ages 12-15 wrote and submitted a grant for the "girlsBest" grant fund.  These girls traveled to Minneapolis where they were interviewed by a panel of women from the Women's Foundation of Minnesota. Two months later they were notified that their application had been approved and the three year grant was awarded. JOY girls have participated in workshops and regional convenings sponsored by the WFM and are very proud of our affiliation with this outstanding organization that works to promote equality for all women and girls.