We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Meg Ward a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Meg, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Launching JoyKC was extremely vulnerable.

Katie Howard and I both previously worked for a ministry that hosted similar respite nights for folks with disabilities. Through many factors, that ministry uprooted and moved to a different State. At that time, the world was shut down in COVID. It was such an uncertain time, and yet, I undeniably felt the green light from Jesus to continue gathering through a new expression (now JoyKC). HA. Not the ideal time to start a non-profit.

I was working full-time and planned to continue doing so. We had to start-over and step into territory that was completely new. We had large needs (i.e. 501c3 status, insurance coverage, venue, church partnership, money to support our programs) and little experience with starting or sustaining a non-profit. The only thing we really had in abundance was this burning desire to see the heart of God on display for those that the world can so often leave behind.

I am someone who gives my entire self to things. I’m the 110% girl. I remember when I first began to share about JoyKC with friends and family and how incredibly scary that was. Asking for their help. Needing their prayers. The real possibility of failure. This question of, “Will people care about this in the way that my heart burns for it?” The cost of obedience that demanded my time, my faith, my resources.

And yet, before we hosted our first JoyKC event in January 2020, we had secured a church partnership, 501c3 status, and had received enough donations to match our projected cost for the entire year.

We have never once lacked in this journey. Jesus keeps opening door after door, and He keeps revealing more and more of His heart over this community. I am convinced that nothing will stand against Jesus and the dreams of His heart. We are a breathing testimony of that.

Meg, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My older sister Kait has autism, so I was very much born into this world of loving and advocating for people with disabilities. At a young age, I saw the challenges my sister faced regarding inclusion and social opportunity. Probably similar to other siblings out there, I also felt the weighty reality of future guardianship. I made a commitment to myself that I would joyfully embrace this role and would do it the very best I could. It is only Jesus who could take this dream of loving my sister well and multiply it into a much larger dream of caring for community members with disabilities through JoyKC.

JoyKC is a non-profit that provides free, faith-based programs for teens (ages 15+) and adults with disabilities in the Kansas City area. We currently host events 2x a month with various themes (i.e. Sweetheart Dance, Talent Show, Minute to Win It). We heavily rely on our amazing volunteers to serve as ‘buddies’ at our events for those who may request and/ or benefit from extra support. Through our programming, we want folks to have FUN and to engage in new, meaningful experiences. A typical event will include various activities, crafts, and games as well as a message about Jesus.

The need for social and emotional connection far extends across the life span. But the reality for so many individuals with disabilities is that social opportunities can seriously decline once they exit the high school system. We are seeking to address this gap. The heartbeat of what we do is simple: relationship. We want JoyKC to represent a space of belonging and authentic friendship for individuals with disabilities.

JoyKC also hosts a regular Parent Connection Group. This group is facilitated by my parents, which is so fun. We want to actively come alongside the parents and caregivers of our participants, providing a space of safety and community.

I am so proud and humbled by who JoyKC is. Jesus has formed this incredible family of men and women, volunteers, parents, caregivers, and staff. Jesus continues to open doors, to lead in us in His creativity, and to pour out His goodness over the work we are doing. This journey over the last 2 years has been a beautiful ride of faith and obedience. We are so excited to keep stepping into more.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

As people who know me well can attest, I have a “go big or go home” personality. Everything excites me. I want to do everything this second. When we first launched JoyKC in 2020, I had a lot of big dreams that I wanted to see happen. Against my natural tendencies (which are not always a strong suit), I actually felt the Lord’s guidance to “go small and sustainable.”

Interestingly enough due to COVID, we couldn’t even meet in-person for the first four months of JoyKC. We literally packed activity kits, delivered them to our participant’s houses, and facilitated our events virtually. It was definitely not the way that I thought we would start!

In our first year, we hosted events once a month. Now in our second year, we host events 2x a month. As we look into our third year of ministry, we will expand our current services to include 3 new additional programs. We will add a ‘Community Outings’ Program where folks can join us for trips to the Zoo, Royals Games, and more. We will add ‘Empowerment Workshops’ to help equip our folks to step into meaningful adult outcomes through communication, job skills, and leadership trainings. We will also be putting on a theatrical performance of The Lion King which will include singing, dancing, and acting.

We also just hired a third staff member for JoyKC!

I’ve seen so many non-profits with beautiful missions fail because they don’t have strong foundations. JoyKC’s expansion is a testimony of our obedience to the “small and sustainable.” Jesus is a kind leader. It is with such giddy hearts that we look to 2023 and all that He is making a way for.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

My girl Katie Howard has been with me since day 1 of JoyKC. We actually lived together several years ago in a house of girls before she got married. We essentially met when we were moving in, but immediately hit it off with a shared passion for people with disabilities. We later worked together at a similar ministry for three years before starting JoyKC.

In so many ways, Katie is my rock. I literally sent her a 6 minute voice memo the other day, processing through new ideas. I rely on her organization and honesty. Katie has extensive education, experience, and a heart that bleeds on behalf of the community we are serving. Katie brings a high standard of excellence and integrity to everything she does.

It is extremely fitting that JoyKC’s mission of “relationship” started with two friends praying and dreaming together.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.joykc.org
• Instagram: @joykc_official
• Facebook: JoyKC