The mission of Joy's House is "to provide an opportunity for aging adults and those living with physical and mental challenges to participate in a social environment designed to improve quality of life, while also offering temporary relief for their caregiver(s)."

The bright yellow exterior of the residence exudes a ray of sunshine. Located at 2028 East Broad Ripple Avenue (62nd Street), just west of the intersection of 62nd and Keystone, Joy's House offers services to adults who cannot safely stay alone during the day.

"Joy's House was incorporated in 1999 and opened for business as an adult day center in 2000," explained development and marketing coordinator Raena Latina who joined the Joy's House staff in February of 2006. "Broad Ripple has a nice neighborhood feel and when our Guests (clients) come to visit us in our 100-plus-year old farmhouse our goal is to help them feel like they are just visiting friends or neighbors for the day," she explained.

As the need for adult day services has grown, Joy's House has planned an expansion of their current facility to meet that need. "In our 'Spreading Joy' capital campaign, our goal is $1.6 million and $1.3 million has been raised. Construction is scheduled to start in July with a six to ten month build-out," Latina said. "So, by next summer, we plan to have the expansion open for families", she added.

Latina said. The expansion in this tranquil setting will further enhance the essence of Broad Ripple Village.

Some Guests visit Joy's House five days a week, some once a week, some once a month; it is up to the needs of the family. Joy's House currently has more than 80 families on its roster. The average age of the Guests is 71, but Guests have been as young as 20 and one was 102. Some patients may have Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease or autism. "Any diagnosis where a loved one needs care during the day," Latina said.

According to Wake Forest University School of Medicine's National Study on Adult Day Services, "Partners in Caregiving", Marion County and Hendricks County are among the nation's top counties that are under-served with adult day services and contribute to the need for 5,415 new adult day centers nationwide. Joy's House is one of many resources helping adults and their Caregivers.

President and CEO Tina McIntosh became inspired in making an adult day services center possible when she volunteered at a similar center while a freshman at Ball State University. Later, as an event planner, Tina found herself very organized and able to connect with people. Both of these skills were vital to starting Joy's House.

"My favorite thing about coming to work is getting to be a part of an organization making such an impact on families in our community, while getting to be in a position which allows me to be creative, innovative and to have fun on a daily basis!" McIntosh said.

Guests' daily activities include exercises, arts and crafts, listening to audio tape books, reading aloud, sing-alongs and various games. The camaraderie experienced among guests establishes new friendships for each of them.

According to Joy's House annual report / 2008 calendar, they provided nearly 5,000 Guest days of service in 2007, operating at or near capacity each day. The calendar features monthly pictures of Guests and some of their Caregivers. One Guest, Mr. Tom, maintains an adjoining garden where he enjoys utilizing his horticultural skills during the spring and summer months. Mature trees add to the garden's scenic beauty.

Several special events are on the calendar for Joy's House, which include a Spring Flower sale that will support Guest Scholarships for families in need who could not otherwise afford the adult day service. An order form is available at their website www.joyshouse.org that is due by April 18, 2008. Flower pick-ups will be available at one of three locations: at Joy's House, in Fishers or in Greenwood, on Saturday, May 10, 2008 - just in time for Mother's Day.

The Riviera Club is hosting a fashion show luncheon on April 18 with a portion of the proceeds to benefit Joy's House. Reservations are required by April 14, 2008, by calling 255-5471.

Joy's House will host their annual "A Day Away" Caregiver Retreat on August 2, 2008, at Christ the King Church. The event is free and is open to all Caregivers in the community. There will be information, lunch, massages, music, special exhibitions, guest speakers and more. "This is a day where we pamper those who spend so much time and love in caring care for others," Latina noted. "And 'A Day Away' is open to all Caregivers in the community, not just those associated with Joy's House", she said. A list of 10 tips for Caregivers can be found at www.joyshouse.org along with information on Long Distance Caregiving for those not located near their loved ones.

A Black Tie Gala is scheduled for October 10, 2008, at the Mansion at Oak Hill. Dinner, dancing, entertainment with Greta Speaks plus a silent and live auction will be included. Paintings done by Guests at Joy's House were among those featured at last year's auction. More than 230 people attended the 2007 Gala that raised over $50,000 for Joy's House.

There are numerous ways to get involved at Joy's House. Making a financial gift, supporting or sponsoring their fundraising events, contributing to their wish list (found on their website) or by volunteering. Since they are a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization, donations are tax deductible. More information is available by calling 254-0828.

Joy's House provides an enriched social environment for Guests that enhances their quality of life on a shared journey with new friends.