Joy Meadows is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.  As an organization, Joy Meadows is funded through private donations, fundraising events, and grants through private foundations. At this time we do not receive any state or federal funding. We also rely on our monthly donors to provide ongoing support for programming and overhead costs. We are actively seeking donors and/or construction companies to sponsor homes for construction. 

No, the foster parents are not “paid parents” living in the homes.  Foster parents may apply to move to Joy Meadows to be part of a supportive community for children in foster are.  These families must demonstrate they are financially stable independent of any assistance and meet the foster licensing requirements of DCF and their agency of choice.  If selected, they do get to live in the large homes in the community for a minimal rent.  Joy Meadows has an Executive Director and Office Manager which are paid staff, and we rely on over 150 volunteer hours per month to make programming happen.

No it is not. These are individual homes. Each home will look unique, and will be an individual family home just as any other home in the Basehor-Linwood area. Foster families can be licensed through whichever agency they choose, and placement of children will be through each agency. Joy Meadows will simply build and own the foster homes. We want this to look like a cluster of any other homes out in the country, with space for walking, riding, playing outside, gardening, and animals. Foster families may have biological children, as well as foster children, just any other foster family currently does.

(1) You can pray.  We believe that Joy Meadows will be a ministry directed by God to help hurting children and the families who serve them. 

(2) We need financial support.  You can give a donation which will go to the purchase of land and operation of programs for Joy Meadows. 

(3) Help us by sharing with anyone and everyone who will listen about our vision and mission. 

Or do you have a church or organization who would like to hear more? 

Let us know and we would love to come and speak. 

Email info@joymeadows.org.

As programs are developed, there will be volunteer opportunities for things like the garden, grounds, nature trails, foster family events, and mentoring youth.

No.  Joy Meadows is not a group home, shelter, or child-placing agency.  It is simply a non-profit organization that owns the homes within the community that are "rented" by the foster families.  The foster families must independently be licensed for foster care through an agency, such as KVC or Cornerstones of Care, and the state by DCF, and children are placed through those agencies.  The function of Joy Meadows is: (1) own and operate the homes as a landlord/tenant relationship; (2) manage the grounds and multi-purpose building; (3) create, retain and coordinate resources, volunteers, and services for foster children and foster families; and (4) provide support and stability for continuity of care for the child and foster family.  

Yes.  The children are placed in the homes at Joy Meadows and live with their foster families on a full-time basis.  It is a primary goal of Joy Meadows to help the children be an environment that is just like any “normal” home.  The child lives with their foster home until their case worker, child-placing agency and DCF determine it is time for them to be reunited with their biological family, moved to a kinship placement, or are determined to be eligible for adoption.

Foster families must attend the required training of DCF and their selected foster licensing agency, and become a licensed foster home through the State of Kansas.  Parents must have at least 2 years of experience as foster parents in any state.  Foster parents may apply to Joy Meadows by submitting the appropriate forms and going through the application process. The Board of Directors has the final discretion to select the foster families from the applicant pool.

Yes.  There are many ways to volunteer at Joy Meadows from providing specialized lessons such as music or art lessons, to helping organize the clothing closet, to helping with our fundraising events.  There are existing volunteer days in the garden and orchard two days a week. We have a child mentor program where volunteers can help families during the time they are at Joy Meadows for therapy. There are special events and fundraising events where volunteers are needed as well. We need everyone! Go to the Volunteer page for more information and get signed up for an orientation.