JOYS began with one founder asking how to make foster kids feel remembered.

My name is Joyce, and I’ve always hoped to share a little more joy wherever I go. 

That simple idea is what inspired me to create Just Offering You Smiles (JOYS).

From a young age, I’ve always loved working with children and finding ways to make them smile. In high school, I organized fundraisers to provide toys for children in hospitals. That experience showed me how even the smallest act of kindness can brighten someone’s day, and it sparked a passion for serving others that has stayed with me ever since. As I continued tutoring students and volunteering in my community, I realized that one of the greatest gifts we can give isn’t just material support—it’s our time, encouragement, and belief in someone else’s potential.

As I learned more about the foster care system, I realized that many foster youth don’t always have access to the same guidance, opportunities, and support that many of us take for granted. I recognized that I had knowledge, resources, and a community willing to help, and I wanted to share those things with children who deserve every opportunity to dream big and believe in themselves. I also realized that foster youth are often an overlooked group, despite facing unique challenges, and I wanted to help create a space where they felt seen, celebrated, and supported.

That’s how Just Offering You Smiles (JOYS) was born. More than care kits or community events, JOYS is about creating moments of belonging. It’s about giving foster youth a place where they can laugh, learn, build confidence, and simply enjoy being kids. My hope is that every child who spends time with JOYS leaves feeling happier than when they arrived—more empowered, more confident, and reminded that they are capable of accomplishing incredible things. Even if we can help them set aside the challenges they’re facing for just one hour, that hour can be filled with laughter, hope, and the reminder that they are deeply valued.

At the heart of JOYS is a simple belief: every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and celebrated. If we can help a child smile today while inspiring them to believe in tomorrow, then we’ve accomplished exactly what JOYS was created to do