Joyful Hearts

Goal: $40,000.00

Specific Need

We have quite a few needs as we are start our third year! We have grown so much which is a beautiful thing but with growth comes costs. In the last 12 months we have had over 350 people be served in our space in some way. From developmental therapies of speech, OT or music therapy to autism evaluations, CPR classes, education on financial and legal preparedness for caring for children with special needs to reading tutoring, play groups, moms work out and visiting time and lastly even some elderly were able to enjoy the space for some light work out times. The building is bustling with activities around the year. All this Joyful Hearts has provided the space and the supplies at no cost to the provider in order to bring in the resources which would otherwise be difficult for the provider to do in this small rural area.

We have a few big expenses we face. First we are still working on switching from Rent to buying the building. When we are not in a lease a few construction items are needed to be done. Our classroom needs a couple windows, our doors need to be switched to glass front doors for better light and safety to see if someone is on the other side when coming and going. We want to build a wall to create a true lobby and split a room to be a waiting area and a better classroom area for pre-K therapy times. We need to put office carpet down through the hall and little offices as the building was converted from a garage and in the hall it is concrete currently.

Lastly, we want to grow our scholarship fund for those that do not have insurance for the therapies they need or who would benefit from a program we offer but can not offered it. Throughout the last 12 months the scholarships we gave out added up to around $6500! We see that number doubling this year.

Please help us keep helping others to thrive by benefitting from the resources we are bringing in!

Thank you!

Mission

In rural Kansas, children with disabilities and their families often struggle to find the resources and support they need—and when services are available, long waitlists can stand in the way of timely care.

Joyful Hearts exists to change that. Our mission is to bring essential resources, services, and support closer to home for children with disabilities, mothers experiencing postpartum challenges, and older adults in need of care.

Our current focus is on children with disabilities and their families, because early access to therapy, education, and family support can make a lifelong difference. By bringing providers, programs, and resources together in one welcoming community, Joyful Hearts strives to ensure that families in our rural area do not have to face these challenges alone.

Profile

Why the name “Joyful Hearts”?

First, our own daughter is named Natalie Joy which means "Birth of Joy". She was born with Down's Syndrome and needed open heart surgery to live. Her heart is so precious and the amount of joy she exudes is unmatched. God puts children in our lives for a reason. When you slow down and engage with a child who has challenges, you see that the more you give to them the more joy they give back to you and the world around them.

Second, children with disabilities are very capable. They just need a bit more aid to achieve the milestones the average child breezes through. These achievements are such a joy to witness! Sometimes families, as loving and caring as they are, cannot provide the support which a child needs to flourish, so they turn to professional help. It is heartbreaking when this professional help is unattainable.

If you are one of those families in need of these services, let's get you signed up. We are here for you! If you are a professional or someone who wishes to get involved in the project, please reach out as well! Check out our new website for more info:

https://www.joyfulhearts.info

THANK YOU, and may God bless you!

Jennifer and Nickolas Peros

and The Joyful Hearts Team