Your Joy in Action: Every Dollar, Every Success Story.
Total Contributions to Date: $29,329 (and counting!)
We are proud to be a **100% volunteer-based** organization. This means every dollar raised goes directly to two things: (a) funding impactful youth development programs, or (b) hosting the joyful events that raise more money for the kids.
We believe in full transparency. Here is a clear, human look at how your support is focused entirely on empowering youth through education and opportunity in Brooklyn and NYC.
Building Futures: Scholarships & Mentorship
$10,000 for the 2025 Joyful Futures Scholarship Awards, supporting amazing students **James Walls** and **Jordyn Chambers**.
$3,000 funded The Joyful Fellowship Program, giving **$500 stipends to 6 local high school and college students** who completed our 6-week course.
$2,000 to the Joyful Futures Scholarship Fund, providing two **$1,000 scholarships** to **Jocelyn Salto** and **Karen Kong** for college-related expenses.
$400 helped high school student **Jodi Douglass** cover costs for the 2024 NYC Teen Beauty Pageant, supporting her pursuit of confidence and community leadership.
Essential Support: Kits, Toys, and Direct Relief
$3,234 was used to purchase **360 backpack kits**. **144** went to the **Committee on Special Education 5** (serving Brownsville, East New York, etc.) and **216** went to the **BronxWorks** shelter.
$2,145 worth of toys (**250+ items**) were distributed to **Crown Heights residents**, spreading holiday cheer when it was needed most.
$330 covered the costs for our free **Movie Day event**, where we hosted families for a free screening of Disney’s *Wish* during the holidays.
Opportunity & Skills: Creating Pathways
$3,000 to **The Game Over Hicks Family Foundation**: $1,500 for **3 free coding classes** in 2024, and $1,500 for a week of **free basketball camp** for 3 kids in 2025.
Historical Impact: Community Care & Fighting Hunger
These donations reflect our initial, broad commitment to the community. **As of 2025, Joyful Occasions has strategically shifted its focus entirely to **youth development, scholarships, and educational pathways**.** We no longer conduct food distribution, but we honor the impact made in this area:
$2,870 donated directly to **Neighbors Together**, a vital food bank serving Ocean Hill, Brownsville, and Bedford-Stuyvesant, covering the costs of **over 700 meals**.
$1,050 to **Mercy Bakery**, paying for **300 nutritious meals** that were distributed to New Yorkers in need.
$800 helped **C.H.I.P.S Food Bank**, a vital resource that covered the costs of **228 meals** for their soup kitchen and women's/infant shelter.
$500 supported **Seeds in the Middle**, paying for a pop-up market at PS 142 to provide healthy, affordable food options to the community.
