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Joy room designed and installed by Joy Collaborative

We create life-enriching spaces

for youth with

life-limiting conditions

Because every child deserves a space that brings out their best

Joy Collaborative is a 501©(3) nonprofit organization serving youth in need.  We are based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Young people enjoying the innovative Joy Room created to enrich their lives
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Joy Collaborative was inspired by a desire to champion for kids and youth living with conditions that limit their activity and often keep them isolated.  

 

Harnessing the power of design, we create one-of-a-kind "Joy Rooms" that bring delight, enhance independence, create community and foster well-being.

Corner of fantastical woodland themed Joy Room
Kid-friendly drawing wall of Joy Room
Youth hearing a story in a Joy Room

We are a partnership of impassioned doers and givers.

 

Designers, architects, builders, donors, volunteers and sponsors come together to transform environments from a place kids have to be to a setting where they — and others — want to be

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In addition to helping individual families, Joy Rooms are  accessible to more than 5,000 kids through public spaces and facilities.

Our Impact

20%

of Minnesota's youth under 18 are living
with a disability. 

145,893

of them live in the
7-county Metro Area

5,125

people can currently access Joy Rooms in the Twin Cities

RESULT

  • Bringing kids hope 

  • Enhancing physical and mental health & well-being

  • Combatting social isolation

  • Facilitating daily living

  • Fostering community

Help us grow!
We are experiencing explosive growth
and need your help to continue our work
for kids with life-limiting conditions.  

 

No donation is too small. Every donation helps us provide spaces that can change the trajectory of children's lives.

It truly is JOY.

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Interior view of backyard playhouse Joy Room

Recent News

Backyard playhouse with zip line is wish come true for Minnesota boy with cystic fibrosis

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Just about any kid would be thrilled to be gifted with an outdoor getaway that includes hammocks, a zip-line, a curving slide, a rock climbing wall, a library stocked with more than 300 graphic novels and even a secret door — accessed by pulling a hidden lever — that leads to an escape-hatch ladder. (Heck, even a few adults might think this sounds like a dream come true.)

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Children relaxing in the uniquely designed Joy Room

Get Involved

Help us spread joy.

We couldn't do this critical 

life-impacting work without the generous support from you. There are many ways you can help contribute — from donations to volunteer work.

Meet Mark Ostrom, Founder and Joy Maker

 "Working with Mark was a pleasure! He really listened to us to understand our mission and vision and partnered with us to create a space that fit with our culture and context. Mark sees things from a different and unique perspective; he looks at what a space could be and how to make that come to life."

Kyle Robinson, Eden Prairie Campus Pastor

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