BUiLDiNg a JOyFUL COmmUNiTy /
Our Vision
Everybody knows that rape, sexual assault and child abuse happen. Society
is willing to look at this reality from time to time, but is just as willing to forget
the horrible truth about how many survivors are walking among us. The Joyful
Heart Foundation is working to build a community that is strong enough not
to push this reality away, a community that acknowledges the dark side of
this issue, but endeavors to turn toward the light of healing, the path to pos-
sibility and the clarity of honest dialogue.
We envision a community that says to a survivor "We hear you. We believe
you. We feel for you. You are not alone.
And your healing is our priority."
Our Impact
Our growing programs are giving a voice to abused children, providing a life-
line for survivors who will share their stories for the first time, and meeting the
needs of survivors who are desperate to heal and reclaim their lives.
Since our founding, more than 2000 survivors in New York, Los Angeles
and Hawaii have participated in our pioneering retreat and wellness programs.
We plan to serve over 2000 this year alone. Thousands more have taken the
first important step of reaching out for help on our website, and our participa-
tion in national educational and media awareness campaigns has planted the
seeds of a changed awareness in the lives of millions.
We measure the effectiveness of our programs using pre- and post-
evaluations, and we are developing longitudinal studies of our impact over
time through our alumnae network.
As I leave behind all the years of beating myself up, I take with me the
awareness of the beauty in this world and the strength we have within us.
"
It was the most beautiful experience of my life up to this point. I would
love to share, as it seems that this was in fact a turning point on my path.
"
I experienced a powerful healing within,
which was felt at all levels, but foremost
in spirit there was joy within myself not
known before.
The fact that we were so unconditionally
accepted and all our needs were anticipated
and met, was tremendously healing for me.
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REUNION