What does the word JOY mean to you?

 Mercy Palacios, founder and president of The Joy Outreach Community Center Inc. believes happiness depends on happenings and is temporal, but real joy is experienced when you serve others in an unconditional way. 

After the birth of her third son, Matthew, born with spina-bifida, Mercy began this not-for profit, 501 © 3 corporation whose mission is to bring joy to at-risk youth and children with disabilities by providing free academic programs, activities and support services..

Since its commencement in 2005, JOY has helped numerous at risk children obtain promotion and graduation by providing free one-on-one tutoring. JOY has also brought smiles to special needs children by donating Golden Retrievers through their Bundles of Joy program founded by Matthew’s companion dog named JOY. 

Palacios has also been the Town of Miami Lakes’ first advocate for the Boundless Playground ™ project and countless volunteers have worked tirelessly to help fundraise for this barrier free, all inclusive playground for children with disabilities to play alongside their peers.  Constructing this playground is surely a labor of love, and as a supporter, you will leave a legacy for future generations to enjoy.   On behalf of all of God’s children, thank you for giving your time and resources to this boundless cause and may God fill your hearts with JOY like he has filled ours.