Joy

Joy

The Joy Program at Joy & Justice creates meaningful opportunities for children and their safe parent who have been impacted by domestic violence to experience connection, play, and moments of joy on their healing journey. Through activities like celebrations, local trips and family outings, the program strengthens the bond between safe parents and their children, helping families create new memories together.

Why Joy Matters

Children who’ve lived through abuse often carry invisible scars. By creating Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), we help them and their safe parent:

  • Rebuild trust and connection

  • Experience joy without fear

  • Create lasting, happy memories

  • Begin to heal from trauma

How It Works

Our partner organizations help to support families with immediate needs, while Joy & Justice comes along to not only help families survive but to start to reclaim joy in their lives. These organizations nominate families for the Joy Program. Each family is supported for one full calendar year, receiving experiences like:

  • Birthday parties at safe, neutral venues

  • Passes for trampoline parks, bowling, mini golf,
    zoos, etc.

  • Overnight stays in fun, kid-focused destinations
    around Colorado

  •  Extracurricular activities that build confidence
    and community

What The Data Shows

Research shows that positive childhood experiences (PCEs)—like strong relationships, safe environments, and joyful activities—help buffer the harmful effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as witnessing or experiencing domestic violence.

Why Positive Childhood Experiences Matter for DV Survivors’ Children:

  • 52–72% lower risk of depression/mental illness for children with strong PCEs—even with ACEs.

  • Poor childhood health drops from 60% → 21% when kids have trusted adults, safe spaces, and skill-building opportunities.

  • Supportive relationships with safe parents, caring adults, and peers are essential for recovery and long-term well-being.
    (Sources: childwellbeingandtrauma.org, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, Foundation ACES Hub, CPTSD resources)

In Short:

  • ACEs—like domestic violence—put children at risk for lasting harm.

  • PCEs—like joy, safety, and connection—actively counteract those harms.’

  • The stronger the positive experiences, the healthier and more resilient a child’s future becomes.


Trauma steals childhood… and joy gives it back.