Enriching the lives of children affected by substance abuse.

The Choose Joy Foundation is founded on the premise that every child deserves a happy, healthy childhood.

 

It is estimated that 1 in 8 children in the U.S. live in a household with at least one parent with a substance abuse disorder.

Our mission is to restore, in whatever way we can, normalcy to the lives of children affected by substance abuse.

You can be the change in a child’s life.

Restoration comes in many shapes and sizes, which often take the form of things we all take for granted. Sometimes it's as simple as a pair of shoes, school supplies, or even just a warm meal that can make a lasting impact.

We work closely with social workers, court systems, and educators to identify needs for each individual child. Then get to work organizing initiatives to meet their needs and help restore normalcy to that child’s life.

Help Today

2023 Recovery Home Project

in Partnership with BestCare Treatment Services

Our Origin Story

Choose Joy Foundation began in a courtroom. Founder Joy Christiansen had come as an observer to watch the inner workings of the Deschutes County family drug court and while there, she witnessed children playing on the courtroom floor while their parents went before a judge.

This struck a chord with Joy, who had raised her two children as a single mother after leaving their father due to his substance abuse disorder. Thus began a series of troubling questions.

What would these children do if their parents ended up in jail?

Was there no other safe place for them to go, that they should be here, now?

Why should children of parents with substance abuse disorders lose the chance of having a normal childhood through no fault of their own?

Struck by the unfairness of the question, Joy decided to learn more about the problem. What she learned jarred her to action. The time of year was Fall, so with quick action and utilizing her deep roots in the Bend community, she immediately organized a Christmas drive to give children affected by substance abuse a joyful Christmas while providing them with much-needed basic necessities.

That Holiday season, the Choose Joy Foundation was born. Now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the organization serves children in need year-round in Deschutes County and beyond.

Featured Corporate Sponsor

Kendall Bend

We are thrilled to announce that Choose Joy Foundation is Kendall Bend’s Central Oregon Charity! Thank you, Kendall Bend, for your shared belief in our mission and commitment to bettering the lives of children in Central Oregon.

Learn more about how Kendall Bend is giving back to our community by visiting the Kendall Cares website.

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