Joy of a Child™
Joy of a Child is a collaboration between African and North American leaders who desire to share the love and word of Jesus with some of the poorest children in this world who live in southwestern Uganda. There are three groups of children that benefit from the work of Joy of a Child™. First, there are those who need a home and live full time at Enju Y’Amatsiko (“House of Hope”), which is a home in Mbarara, Uganda. Second, there are underage girls who are currently involved in (or who have recently left) commercial sexually exploitive situations. Our aim is to one day soon provide a permanent home for these girls so that they can permanently rise out of this horrendous situation. Finally, through sports and other activities, Joy of a Child™ works with children at large in the community through its outreach ministry.
The House
The “House of Hope” (Enju Y’Amatsiko) is a home that houses some of the most vulnerable children involved in Joy of a Child. It also serves as the base of operations for all the activities of Joy of a Child™ in Uganda. The children at the home receive loving care, which enables them to attend school, eat nutritious food, and receive adequate medical care. The goal of this long-term care is that each child will realize their full God-given potential in Christ.
The Organization
Joy of a Child™ is incorporated as a non-profit organization in the U.S. in the State of Illinois. It incorporated in 2011, and its 501(c)(3) status is pending with the IRS. The U.S.-based part of the ministry works on communication, strategy, and fundraising to support the Ugandan operations. In Uganda, the ministry is in the process of legally incorporating under the name “Joy of a Child Uganda.” The Ugandan board and staff provide detailed monthly accounting statements and an annual audit to the U.S. board. As well, members of the U.S. board are encouraged to visit Joy of a Child Uganda regularly.