What We do

Our Programs
Joy Enrichment
Source: Joy Research shows between the ages of 3-17 approx
- kids suffer from anxiety
- Behavior Problems
- Problems with Depression
- Suicidal thoughts & Hopelessness
- Mental Health crisis among youth
Through a playful and engaging approach, kids explore movement while fostering self-expression and boosting physical confidence. Our program not only encourages children to embrace the joy of movement but also instills essential life skills, including social skills, creativity, and emotional intelligence, laying the foundation for a well-rounded and joyful future.
A Day of Wellness Retreat

Our dream is to create a retreat to better address mental health challenges, we aim to offer a physical space that supports youth and families in finding joy during difficult times. Our Joy is Everywhere Youth Wellness Retreat, is a cell- phone and ipad free zone that encourages movement and positive vibrations.Our Focus is on helping Black & Brown youth overcome social-media induced anxiety, discover how to be well, and to be present in their lives and community.
- a transformative experience for youth and families facing mental health challenges. Designed for underprivileged communities, our retreat offers a cell-phone and iPad-free environment where young people can disconnect from social media pressures and reconnect with themselves, nature, and each other.
- Focused on building resilience, overcoming anxiety, and promoting mindfulness, the retreat empowers youth to be present in their lives and communities. This is more than just a dream; it’s happening now, and we need your support to make it even bigger. Together, we can create a brighter future for the next generation.
1. Impact of Screen Time on Mental Health
- feeling anxious or depressed, and excessive screen time has been shown to contribute to these mental health challenges (Source: American Psychological Association).
- high levels of mental health issues compared to those who spend less time on devices (Source: Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 2019)
2. Screen Time and Physical Health
- Children aged 8-18 spend an average of 7.5 hours per day in front of screens, which is linked to higher rates of obesity, poor sleep, and decreased physical activity (Source: American Academy of Pediatrics).
- Excessive screen time is associated with a 30% decrease in physical activity levels for children (Source: CDC)
3. Technology and Sleep Disruption
- 1 in 4 children report poor sleep quality, and screen time—especially before bed—has been identified as a major factor in poor sleep among kids (Source: Sleep Health Foundation).
- The blue light emitted from screens disrupts melatonin production, the hormone that regulates sleep, leading to poorer sleep patterns for up to 50% of children (Source: National Sleep Foundation).
4. Benefits of Disconnecting
- Studies show that kids who spend more time outdoors and away from screens report a 50% improvement in mood and stress levels (Source: University of Essex, 2018).
- Nature exposure has been linked to increased emotional well-being, with 55% of children experiencing improved focus and mental clarity after spending time in nature (Source: American Journal of Public Health).
5. Social-Emotional Development
- Children who engage in face-to-face interaction rather than screen-based interaction have better social skills, with 60% of parents reporting that their children’s social skills improve with less screen time (Source: Common Sense Media).

Core Values
Creativity
We value imaginative play as a means to spark minds, generate solutions, and inspire intentional connections.
Mindfulness
We utilize rudimentary methods of a child’s enjoyment and recreation to teach them how to seek inner harmony, stay grounded and maintain focus in the present moment.
Joy
We lead with joy always. We empower children to discover, choose and maintain their joy as a tool in all moments of life.
Compassion
Fun
We are your child’s most fun-loving friends. We exhibit self-love; inspiring kids to feel confident to live life on their own terms, while enjoying the unique treasures of every moment.
PODCAST & TELEVISION SHOW
Our Friend Joy is a weekly kids podcast show that is dedicated to addressing life’s big questions and challenges through the eyes of our warm and wise host Joy McElveen. By engaging with young viewers and their families, the show provides enlightening and heartfelt adventures that answer profound questions, guiding children to understand their world and their emotions better, each episode serves as a stepping stone toward nurturing curiosity, empath, and resilience, while all the while providing the tools they need to navigate their growing experience.
