Casa Misionera Students, Our Partners in the Dominican Republic, Celebrate their Program Completion

Since 2021, Casa Misionera has been Thrive in Joy’s MVP (most valued partner) in service in the Dominican Republic (DR). These young adults have worked alongside us on each of our past eight mission trips. Nelson Paulino, Director of Casa Misionera, launched this program in 2020, with a dream of developing the future Christian leaders of the DR. Over the past four years, these amazing young people have become our friends as we've watched them grow in their faith, discover their passions, pursue their careers, and commit to a life of being of service to God and others. On December 14th, these young adults, celebrated the completion of a transformative three-year program. We're proud to be a small part of the incredible impact these young leaders will continue to make as they go on in life, and we're excited to meet the next cohort with whom we’ll partner on our trips this coming March, June, and October. A special congratulations goes out to Crisbel Jimenez, a member of this inaugural cohort, who now serves as Thrive in Joy's C11 Program Advisor at the high school in her local community of Nagua.

Meaningful Connections at Retail Orphan Initiative's SuperSaturday

Thrive in Joy will kick off the new year by participating in Retail Orphan Initiative’s (RetailROI) SuperSaturday in New York City on January 11th. This dynamic event, focused on providing opportunities for underserved youth in the U.S. and internationally, is primarily sponsored by technology companies serving the retail industry. This year, with the addition of a Youth Summit, Thrive in Joy’s C11 Strength of Character Workshop will be presented by Amy Godinez and Mary Fagnano, and moderated by April Sabral, CEO of April Sabral Leadership. We'll be joined at the event by our newly-named Board Chair, Elizabeth Rojas, who is stepping into the role held for the past four years by Joe LaBrie who will continue as a Board Member. RetailROI was instrumental in bringing Mary and Jay to the Dominican Republic on their first trip in 2014. Today, RetailROI is Thrive in Joy’s key partner and a grant provider for the expansion of our C11 Program to schools around the world—including South Africa’s Global Leadership Academy and, on the horizon, schools in India and South America. 

Reflections

From Mary Fagnano, Nick's mom, Thrive in Joy Co-Founder and Executive Director

Joy often emerges from accomplishment, like the moment captured in this photo—after I put away the last of the supplies and closed the door of the storage locker following our fourth holiday event across four high school campuses serving students from low-income communities in L.A. Along with the relief of knowing each event was a success there was the joy that came from experiencing the shared sense of purpose with our Club Thrive in Joy student leads and advisors, who brought the spirit of the season to over 500 of their fellow students.



It's the time of year when we're encouraged to shift our focus from daily pressures to deepen connections with family, friends, and traditions. Regardless of our beliefs, we have a shared sense there’s something profoundly good about pausing to reflect on the light that shines through our shared humanity. This year, as Christmas and the first day of Hanukkah align, we’re reminded of miracles and the enduring hope they inspire.

Joy itself can be miraculous, especially amidst loss, illness, or hardship. We see this in the story of a young couple’s uncertain journey— a girl who is nine months pregnant—traveling 90 miles to comply with a ruling government’s decree, facing rejection, hardship, and scarcity—a journey which culminates in the miracle that brings joy to Christians worldwide.

This Christmas, my prayer is that whenever we might experience difficulty on our own journeys, we'll encounter miracles of joy to guide our way and that each of us can be that light of joy for someone else's journey. Thank you for the joy you have brought into Jay’s and my life on our journey...this year and every year. May you find those miracles that allow you and your loved ones to thrive in 2025!

CONTACT:

Mary Fagnano, Executive Director

Email: mary@thriveinjoy.org | Phone: 213.220.4686

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