JoyFest 2007A Special Approach to Learning

June 19, 2007 – Kids attending JoyFest this summer have plenty of opportunities to improve their academic, creative, social and personal health skills, in a safe and loving environment. Children’s activity coordinator Rosetta Turnerhill continues to upgrade her curriculum to make classes even more engaging and fun.

A new health program, Organ Wise Guys, uses proven methods to motivate kids to choose low fat, high fiber foods, and teaches the importance of eating fresh fruits and vegetables and getting regular exercise.

Kids Connection is a support group curriculum that provides at-risk kids with the skills they need to overcome adversity and stay drug-free while gaining a greater understanding of themselves and others. Emphasis is placed on trust and creating a feeling of safety while recognizing and celebrating the different and unique qualities of each child. 

Computer Class, developed by Joshua Roberson, teaches Word Perfect, Excel, Power Point, and Photo Shop, in addition to basic typing skills.

ArtBridge is a time for the kids to discover their creative voices and experience the joy of visual self-expression.

Reading Literature is an important part of the JoyFest program that helps improve both remedial and normal reading skills on a one-to-one level.

Educational Board Games are fun and creative way to learn! The games involve all sorts of skills such as reading, writing, measuring, listening, organizing and analyzing information – skills that help youth succeed in school.

This, our second year of JoyFest, promises more fun and more learning for kids who truly need and deserve it! 

PLEASE SUPPORT the House of Joy Children’s Education and Recreation programs! Send a donation in support of this important children’s ministry.

You can make a difference!
Volunteer and Instructor Aids are still needed. Please contact Children Activity Coordinator, Rosetta Yvettee Turnerhill at 713-466-4785. Or follow the link below to fill out our online Volunteer Form.

About the House of Joy Recreation and Education Center.
Thanks to a generous donation by The Center’s benefactor, The Children’s Fund, Inc., The Mission of Yahweh was able to establish The House of Joy, a Children’s Educational and Recreational Center. The Mission hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for The Center on June 3, 2006.  In attendance were representatives from the Children’s Fund, Inc., as well as various individual and corporate donors and volunteers who collectively made the event an overwhelming success.

The deserving children that reside at the Mission, along with many children of the surrounding Carverdale community, now have their own personal place and are thrilled with the House of Joy’s creation. Alixius, a ten-year-old avid House of Joy visitor, thinks The Center is “fun because there are a lot of fun things to do [and learn] like art, computer stuff, health, and study skills.”

The building itself is a 1440 sq. foot pre-manufactured facility that can serve up to forty children.  The center provides children’s programming throughout the year and serves as a space for indoor activities and group sponsored events.

Our Mission.
The House of Joy strives to create extraordinary learning experiences that have the power to transform the lives of at-risk children and shape them to be joyful, productive members of society. The center follows Biblical principles and provides the children in transition with a healthy balance between mind development and recreation all the while increasing their opportunities for success both inside and outside the shelter and their community.

House of Joy Programs

Summer Outreach 2006

This program reached out to children of up to 12 years of age at The Mission and within surrounding communities.  A wide variety of activities that covered positive mental, physical, and spiritual health helped the participating children improve their academic, emotional, and social skills.

Classes offered included: reading and literacy, social awareness, health, study skills, introduction to art and music, computer skills, and drug prevention and awareness.

Fall After School Programs

Classes are currently taking place in the tutorial room to equip the children with much needed skills for school. Mentors and tutors also use this space to assist children with their homework and research. The children’s coordinator, Rosetta Turnerhill, also provides after-school activities such as weekly field trips to museums.

Needs.

Volunteer Programs

• Year Round Assistance                                   

• Tutoring

• Mentoring

• Life Skills Workshops

• Event Hosting

• Operations

• Field Trip Hosts    

• Summer Programs                              

• Class Instructors

• Program Helpers

• Curriculum Development

• Lunch Sponsors

• Field Trip Hosts

For more information about how you can help, go to the Volunteering section or call The Mission of Yahweh at 713-466-4368.