JOYOPOLIS’ GIVE BACK PROGRAM

Once upon a time, there was a mighty storm that washed-ashore thousands of starfish to the beach.  A young woman started throwing them back into the ocean, one by one. A passerby pointed out that it wasn’t going to make a difference with all the starfish still left dying on the beach.  “Why bother” he asked?  As the girl picked up another and threw it back into the ocean, she said, “it made a difference to that one.” 

I would like to make a difference to “that one” or hopefully even more than just one.

When I was 8 years old, my family took a 3-month trip to an orphanage in the Philippines. It was a life-changing event for me, as I witnessed people working together—not always perfect, but nevertheless working toward—helping enhance the lives of Filipino orphans. My brother, Checker, met and later married a Filipina, Gloria, there.  Now, they spend their time in Asia; half of the year in the Philippines. 

Checker has told me accounts of the poor who live in the lower land where their homes are flooded every time a typhoon hits. They lose things over and over again and don’t have the means to move to higher ground.  We at Joyopolis would like to create a safe and joyful environment by purchasing a large lot of land and build homes.  Since my brother spends so much time there, and knows so many, he would personally invite those who are hard workers, or are most in need, to join them in the city of Joyopolis in the Philippines!  We would ask them to pay a very small percentage of the cost of building materials, (so they have ownership in their home) but we hope to supply the rest.

This is one of the aspects of Joyopolis that I’m most excited about!  A large aspect of knowing (or growing) joy is being grateful for what you have and giving back—sharing what you have with others.  If you would like to make a difference in someone’s life, and participate in this project, please click here.  Our American dollars go very far in the Philippines!  Even a small amount helps.

Below the Barkers’ bio are six pictures of Philippine land we are considering for Joyopolis!

Laurie

This short video will give you a good idea of the housing space in which many Filipino families live. Your support could help many families improve their homes and better their lives.

Checker and Gloria Barker were married in 1981 and have 2 grown children.  Both have enjoyed fulfilling careers for the past 35 years:  Gloria as a registered nurse and Checker as a teacher.  They worked in NY and FL before moving to Asia—specifically the Philippines and China, where they worked in international schools and started businesses with local and minority people.  Now, still living in Asia and not ready to retire, they look forward to a new chapter in their lives by their involvement with Joyopolis’ Generous Joy project.  Through Joyopolis donations, they plan to purchase property in the Philippines, with the purpose of building a living, breathing Filippino Joyopolis neighborhood, providing a safe home for those in need.

Below are a few photos of land in the Philippines that are being considered for this community.
(Click photos to enlarge)