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. These are moms and dads who are unable to control their use of drugs or alcohol, and who continue using them even in the face of harmful and often dangerous consequences. In many cases, parents find themselves spending increased time getting, using, and recovering from these substances, rendering them unable to parent.

The cost, for a child, can be access to reliable housing, food, and other basic needs. It can be a lack of privacy, safety, and social support, leading in turn to increased difficulties in school and social settings. For many children of substance abusers, a normal childhood remains just out of reach.

The Choose Joy Foundation was founded on the premise that every child deserves a happy, healthy childhood. Our mission is to restore, in whatever way we can, normalcy to the lives of children affected by substance abuse.

Restoration comes in many shapes and sizes, and often in the form of things many of us take for granted. Sometimes it's a pair of shoes, school supplies, or a warm meal. Sometimes it's a steady, stable connection with a tutor or mentor. Sometimes it's the opportunity to experience Christmas morning for the first time.

The Choose Joy Foundation works with social workers, court systems, and educators to identify needs, and then organizes initiatives to meet them.

Growing up is hard enough without the added weight of bearing other people's choices.

We believe that we can change the lives of children in our community, and in communities across America, by bringing normalcy, stability, and consistency into their lives.

Partner Programs

To find the families that need our support, we work with:

• DHS (Department of Human Services)

• Family Recovery Homes / Best Care Treatment Services

• CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)

• Foster Families

• Furnish Hope