The 2022 Jammin for Joy was an enormous success in every way!! On August 12-13th we welcomed 184 players to The Courts at Bent Tree for two days of fun and great competitive pickleball. In developing Jammin for Joy we’ve sought to build a unique experience for our pickleball playing friends with the hope they mark their calendar each year that this is the one tourney they won’t miss.
Each registered player received a player pack loaded with goodies, and the opportunity to win great door prizes for each event they participated in. We held raffles throughout each day with some high quality paddles and other great prizes. These were a huge hit with people checking their tickets all day. In addition to all of this we provided a first class lunch each day led by Jasper’s own Hans Rueffert, a fellow pickler, and great snacks, drinks and hospitality provided by so many of our Bent Tree friends.
Jammin for Joy included Women’s and Men’s Doubles played on Friday and Mixed Doubles on Saturday. We had medals awarded for 16 different divisions divided up by skill & age. The competition was fierce throughout both days.
While we were having all this FUN!! Over $18,000 was raised to make a difference in the lives of those we serve at The Joy House.
Key to building this incredible experience for our players was our 20+ sponsors. I’d like to especially recognize our seven high-level sponsors: Presenting Sponsor – Kiker Wealth, Shirt Sponsor – Coldwell Banker – High Country Realty – Tina Mabry, Shirt Sponsor – 1-800-Packouts, Cooler Sponsor – Woodstock Church – Jasper, Towel Sponsor – Barranco Enterprises, Food Sponsor – Talona Ridge RV Resort, and Medal Stand Sponsor – Southland. In addition to all of these we had 18 Court Sponsors. I also want to give special recognition to general manager Tom Fowler and Bent Tree for hosting our event. They were a pleasure to work with.
We actually turned players away this year because we didn’t have space for them. We’re already thinking and dreaming about next year and how we can continue building on the success of these first two years to make this a premier pickleball tournament. What we know already is that Jammin for Joy 2023 will be a 3-day event back at The Courts of Bent Tree on August 11-13, 2023. We’re grateful to God and all the players, volunteers, and sponsors who have partnered with us to make this such a successful fundraising event for The Joy House!!! |
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We are so excited to share with you a graduation story. One of our residents had her graduation ceremony this past week. Family and friends from all over came to be a part of this wonderful event. We got to hear some fantastic stories all about Jodi, how kind her heart is and how her sense of humor brings joy to so many. To be able to be a part of someones journey is such a blessing that everyone on staff never takes for granted. Here are some quotes from her teachers, counselor and house parents describing Jodi for you, so you can get a glimpse of the amazing girl we got to know.
"She has a gift to look at chaos and make order"
"You have it within you to do great things and I am confident you will"
"Jodi is artistic, hilarious, an inventor, problem solver, intelligent, a hard worker and great at communicating."
"Jodi is always willing to try something new, is such an adventurous person, loves nature and has a loving heart."
"Jodi has a special love and understanding for the word of God. Her input is amazing and well beyond her years."
We are proud of Jodi, her growth and the incredible journey that has brought her to this moment in time. We are praying for her future and look forward to see what God does in her life. |
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You have heard this all before but our community counseling center continues to grow. Kathryn has been receiving several new calls each week with people ready to start their counseling journey. Ready to begin doing the work towards healing and health. These are brave and courageous people and it is an honor to walk alongside them.
As we continue to receive more and more new calls, that means we will also need more counselors to accommodate those needs. Over the summer we have made some new staffing decisions that I am excited to share with you. Heather McGinty began working with us June of 2021 in a part time role. This summer, to our delight, she decided to transition into a full-time counseling role at The Joy House. Heather is a gifted counselor that offers joy, hope, and strong support to those she meets with. We are truly thrilled to have her with us full-time!
As many of you know, we have also been in search of and in prayer for additional male counselors for quite some time. It is my pleasure to share with you that we have hired a new male counselor. Eric Justice began working at our counseling center in June of this year. He holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology and is a certified Biblical counselor through the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors, ACBC for short. Eric’s confidence in counseling is not in himself, but rather in God’s Word and the Holy Spirit. God has given us all things pertaining to life and godliness, which is found in His Word. Jesus said, "I have said these things to you, that in me [Jesus] you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I [Jesus] have overcome the world.” Eric can’t wait to share hope in the midst of life’s difficulties. Because of Eric’s involvement in many different aspects of the community, his availability for counseling is limited (for now, we hope!) but we are so pleased to have him as an addition to our team.
As I share these updates I am reminded that no matter how many times we witness a need for this ministry, or come alongside someone in their journey to healing one thing remains the same; God Is Here. And for that we REJOICE! |
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| We are excited to share that we have a date for our 2022 Golf Tournament. We have partnered with Bent Tree Golf again this year for this fantastic event. The Tournament will be on Tuesday, October 25th. We will have more information about this event in the coming months. |
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| We are currently seeking a married couple for a full-time house-parenting position in our boy’s home. With the building project getting closer to completion we are excited to take this next step. No prior experience is needed, as training will be provided. Must be a mature Christian couple that has a strong desire to share Christ’s love with the teens and their families. Applicants must be married at least 3 years with no more than 2 children of their own. While modeling a Christian family, we ask the house-parents to provide care, nurturing, and structure for up to seven teen boys. They are supported by a five-person treatment team all focused on helping one another serve the teen and family in need. |
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