Anxiety, anger, depression, holding grudges, addiction, cutting, and familial dysfunction were all "chains" that The Joy House residents and staff testified to God breaking for them as they shared during the 2023 Joy House Annual Banquet held on Tuesday evening, April 25th at SharpTop Cove. The atmosphere could not have been better for showcasing the beauty of Pickens County and the significant impact of its homegrown non-profit, The Joy House, whose mission is to provide Christ-centered restorative care to teens, families, and individuals from all over northwest Georgia through their Teen Residential Program and Community Counseling Center. Approximately 450 guests attended the "Breaking Chains" themed event, some long-time supporters and others discovering the ministry for the first time. Executive Director, Steve Lowe, shared that April was a historic month for the ministry, as they opened their beautiful newly built third residential home. The banquet showcased a tour video of the new girl's home, and Lowe shared that the ministry plans to hold an open house in the future for community members to explore the home for themselves. Counselor Bill Wattenbarger and the Counseling Center staff shared some practical counseling strategies with attendees reminding them that The Joy House is there if needed for all ages. Statistics from 2022 showed that most Counseling Center clients reside in Pickens County, though many come from neighboring counties such as Cherokee and Gilmer. Lowe interviewed Board Member Tina Mabry, who shared about coordinating activities for the Teen Residential Program that provides an outlet for the residents. Activities included hiking, swimming, pickleball, and baking. Mabry stated it is "a huge blessing to get to know the girls and to form the relationships that [she has] with them." She encouraged supporters to utilize their unique talents and gifts to make a difference in the ministry and speak truth into the lives of the residents. Currently, the ministry needs school tutors, people to share crafts and hobbies with the residents, and groups to come on-site for campus upkeep. Mabry describes her experience serving the ministry as "a joy to come alongside [the residents.]" Lastly, Lowe interviewed two current Joy House residents, Emily and Abby, alongside Abby's father, Hal. Emily and Abby have been in the program since the spring of 2022. Emily shared that the loss of her parents at the age of nine, self-harm, anger, depression, and anxiety led to her "plummeting" into needing the services of The Joy House. Over the past year, Emily has testified to getting into the right relationship with God, being baptized, making excellent grades, getting a job, and now being on track to graduate high school early from The Joy House Academy. She stated, "I'm a new person," and tearfully said, "I can finally say I'm able to make my parents proud, and that's the best thing." Abby described how The Joy House has taught her "how to deal with situations the proper way." Her father, Hal, is very proud of Abby's accomplishments in the program and is "looking forward to her coming home" as Abby is close to finishing the program. Currently, the Joy House Teen Residential Program has a list of girls, boys, and families waiting to enter the program as the girls' homes are full, and they have just recently re-opened the boy's home. With opening the third home and serving more teens comes increased operational costs, so the ministry seeks more partners to join them on their mission. The Joy House does not reject anyone based on financial considerations, with all of their multi-faceted ministries being offered at the ability-to-pay rate of their clients, meaning most of their funding comes from the community's generosity. The Annual Banquet raised over $95,000 in gifts and pledges. You, too, can invest in this ministry online at thejoyhouse.org or by texting "GIVE" to 770.692.3722. Lowe believes wholeheartedly that the ministry supporters "return on investment is changed lives." For more information about The Joy House, visit thejoyhouse.org, call 706-253-7569, or email info@thejoyhouse.org. |
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| Executive Director, Steve Lowe, interviews Joy House residents, Emily, Abby, and Abby's father, Hal, who share their testimony about The Joy House Teen Residential Program to a crowd of 450 guests at The Mill at SharpTop Cove. |
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| Board Member and volunteer, Tina Mabry, being interviewed by Executive Director, Steve Lowe, at The Joy House Annual Banquet. |
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| Missy Rhodes, Oliva Rhodes, Hailey Lee, and Denise Kissee enjoying the scenery at SharpTop Cove, the venue of The Joy House Annual Banquet. |
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| 450 guests attend The Joy House Annual Banquet at The Mill at Sharptop Cove. |
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Trust in God. This is something the Lord has constantly been teaching me during my time at the Joy House. We live in a world of desperate and hurting people and it can be overwhelming at times. We want to help everyone, but the reality is that we cannot. This is when I remember who I serve. I serve a God with very strong arms that can hold all the things that I cannot. In times of desperation, I am reminded of the names that our God has. He is Provider- He knows exactly what each person needs and when they need it. He is Immanuel, meaning “God with us”- He is not a God who abandons us in our suffering, but in every regard understands our suffering and walks through it with us. His Son, Jesus Christ, is our High Priest- Jesus experienced weariness, hunger, thirst, temptations, yearnings, misunderstandings, rejections, hatred, family dysfunction, betrayal, abandonment, loneliness, sorrow, grief, abuse, physical pain, separation, criticism, judgment, brokenness, overwhelming stress, trauma… yet in all this, He did not sin. Jesus is not only a High Priest who is able to sympathize with us in our weaknesses, but He has also overcome all that we experience in every regard. At the Joy House, this is the hope that we get to offer people. The Holy Spirit lives inside of us, and through counsel, we get to welcome people into this same hope and refuge that we ourselves have in Christ Jesus. We are honored when people trust us with their stories, and these people remain in our hearts and in our prayers daily. |
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As a child, my main goal was to get a job and get as far away from Mom and Dad as I could. I believed I had it all under control, all by myself. However, running to class after being given a tardy pass, the world was crumbling under my feet. From juggling band rehearsals to excruciatingly long volleyball practices, I began to think I had lost the will to go on. After attempting suicide, I was sent to what I thought was Hell on Earth. I was a complete wreck, but that didn’t stop my parents or the Joy House staff from doing their absolute best to guide me in the light of the Lord to overcome my depression. I owe my life to these people. Mr. Darren is a great counselor and a wonderful friend. Ms. Robin, or the “hero of the story” as she states, makes everything make sense. Her quirky smiles and crazy good explanations have helped me tremendously in school. Mrs. Jenn and Mr. Seth, my house parents, are the light of my day. They are pretty stinkin’ hilarious and can both cook up a storm. I could go on and on for days about how great these people really are. During my stay, I have grown a stronger relationship with God and have learned that in the end, you really can’t do it by yourself. The Joy House is NOT Hell on Earth and far from it. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to be here because it would open so many eyes. |
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