The Joyful Heart Foundation is dedicated to helping survivors of sexual assault heal mind, body and spirit. Our programs are designed to nurture and enable the creative healing process for survivors and their communities. We support the larger anti-violence movement by raising awareness on programs with similar missions.

JHF has three major missions and long term visions:

1. JHF Retreat Programs

Our retreat programs give survivors the opportunity to explore alternative and empowering healing techniques. Participants sample and experience comprehensive treatments placed together for a therapeutically sound program. (See retreats for specific therapies used). Retreats are held in groups to foster healthy communities and collaboration along the healing journey, helping individuals discover the combination of strategies that work for them. We ensure that the experience is a well-rounded and meaningful one that will stay with participants along their healing journey.

Our model for healing is focused on integrating the recovery of trauma in the mind and body. Our programs are set in inspiring and sacred spaces to ensure connection to the spirit. We create safe environments designed to hold and promote possibility and healing.

JHF retreat programs have taken place in NYC, LA and Kona, Hawaii. We look forward to expanding the retreat program to other locations as well as creating specifically themed programs such as "Healing the Healers".

Designed to be restorative, all our retreat programs focus on the healing that emerges from our ability to reclaim connection and joy.

2. Teen Empowerment and Education

JHF aims to encourage young women to trust their instincts and make good decisions for themselves. In conjunction with www.mariska.com, we provide resources on how to reduce the risk of harm and create a support system that works. Supplying information that helps teens live healthy, safe lives where they see the power of their own potential and believe in their possibility.

Our goal is to impart teens with prevention education, crisis intervention and how to get involved and be proactive in their communities - Joyful Heart style. JHF is in the process of developing partnerships and programs with several organizations that will focus on this demographic that is often overlooked and talked down to.

JHF has established a partnership with the Girl Scouts of Greater New York in the Fall of 2006. We have since created a model based on inspiring, educating and creating for young women 12-17 years old that is being used for several programs within the Girl Scouts including the Scholar's Program, Camp Kaufmann Empowerment Program and Creative Living Urban Basics Program.

3. Resources and Coalition Building

Resources: Joyful Heart is a conduit for survivors to find the help and resources they need to heal. Our resource section is a tool that connects survivors to an extensive network of crisis centers and mental health facilities locally and nationally. We also provide information on alternative therapies and explore ways to help heal on a more immediate and daily basis.

Coalition Building: We link organizations that provide assistance to those in need and act as a coalition building organization to help programs nationwide connect and learn from each other. We continue to foster partnerships with appropriate crisis centers and other non-profits to run retreats and outreach programs for survivors and teen empowerment. We bridge alternative healing centers and individual healers to survivors and community-based programs. Our efforts to build these connections are to increase the dialogue on collaboratively ending violence.

The Joyful Heart Foundation continues to create ground breaking programs and partnerships that pursue our mission and vision of helping survivors of sexual assault heal and live their best lives.