Where Support Becomes Strength — and Strength Builds Community.

We create pathways to stability, self-sufficiency, and Great Joy by walking alongside individuals and families, meeting essential needs, and nurturing emotional, physical, and economic well-being so our communities can truly thrive.

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Who We Are

Our Mission: What Drives Great Joy

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Great Joy Community Development Corporation empowers individuals and families by meeting essential needs and supporting whole-person wellness. We provide access to food, clothing, housing resources, mental health services, educational opportunities, and emotional support — all designed to elevate quality of life and strengthen long-term self-sufficiency. Through intentional connection, compassionate care, and community partnership, we build pathways that help families rise, heal, and thrive.

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Meet the Heart Behind Great Joy CDC

Our Founder & Executive Director, Dr. La'Tesha, shares a warm welcome and introduces the vision that drives our mission to uplift families, build community strength, and bring healing through holistic support.

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Our Vision: The Future We’re Building

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We envision vibrant, interconnected communities where every individual and family has the stability, opportunity, and support needed to flourish. We aspire to nurture dynamic relationships, foster educational and career advancement, and promote holistic wellness — creating healthy, empowered neighborhoods filled with dignity, purpose, and Great Joy.

Our Services to Children, Families, and Communities

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Individual Counseling

Personalized one-on-one support for children, teens, and parents to navigate emotions, stress, trauma, and personal challenges.

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Couples Counseling

Helping parents and caregivers strengthen relationships through communication, connection, and conflict resolution.

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Family Therapy

Guided sessions for families to rebuild trust, improve understanding, and grow stronger together.

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Life Coaching

Goal-focused guidance for youth and adults to build confidence, develop life skills, and create a positive vision for the future.

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Group Therapy

Safe, supportive spaces for kids, teens, and families to connect with others in a guided group setting.

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Nonprofit Consulting

Strategic guidance for nonprofits, including program development, capacity building, and organizational planning.

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School Youth-Based Programs

Engaging, school-partnered programs to support social, emotional, and academic well-being of students.

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Clinical Evaluations & Assessments

Professional evaluations identifying behavioral, emotional, or developmental needs for accurate guidance and support.

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Community Initiatives

Collaborative programs that foster engagement, empower residents, and promote wellness through education and outreach.

The Honest Way
Grief Recovery Group Meeting Info

Grief makes people uncomfortable.

After someone’s loved one passes, their name almost becomes unspoken. The same people who were front and center at the services suddenly disappear. No check-in. No “how are you… really?”

And here’s the thing—people who are grieving know life goes on. We don’t expect 24/7 check-ins or constant care. What we do notice is silence.

What I’ve learned in this season is this: Most people don’t know how to grieve—or how to hold space for those who are. So come the excuses:

  • “I didn’t know what to say.”
  • “I didn’t want to trigger anything.”
  • “You seemed okay… and you have so much support.”

But pause for a moment and ask yourself—How has that person shown up for you? Often, the people we thought would check in the most… check in the least.

That’s why I created the Grief Recovery Group.

This is a free, judgment-free space for anyone who has lost a loved one and feels like their grief hasn’t been fully processed. No timelines. No platitudes. No pressure to grieve the “right” way.

When: Tuesdays, starting February 24

Where: Via Zoom at 7:00 PM

Ready to join us?

To register, please reach out via email or phone:

Jada Simone's Legacy Series

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Jada Simone Legacy Programs

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The Jada Simone Legacy Series honors Jada’s creativity, compassion, and love for movement and animals. These programs uplift youth through healing, expression, and community connection.

1. Creative Writing Lab

A space for youth to process emotions through poetry and storytelling.

2. Stretching & Body Movement Series

Trauma-informed movement, breathwork, and rhythm.

3. Animal Care & Compassion Program

Hands-on learning with local shelters. Launching 2026.

Jada Simone Legacy Program

A compassionate initiative led by Great Joy Community Development Corporation in partnership with The Barnyard Sanctuary

Rescued animals at The Barnyard SanctuarySanctuary caregivers with rescued animalsAnimals receiving care and nourishment

Jada Simone embodied love in action — compassion, creativity, and showing up for those who needed care and healing. Her legacy lives on through the Jada Simone Legacy Program, which uplifts youth and communities through healing-centered programs rooted in creative expression, emotional wellness, mindful movement, and compassion for all living beings.

In that same spirit, this fundraiser is dedicated to supporting 300 rescued animals at The Barnyard Sanctuary in Hope, New Jersey — a safe haven that has operated for over 15 years and rescued more than 3,500 animals.

This campaign is specifically raising funds to provide hay for an entire year — literally life-saving support that ensures animals are fed, warm, healthy, and cared for every single day. Giving in Jada’s name turns compassion into action and sustains lives that depend on this care to survive and thrive.

About the Partnership

The Barnyard Sanctuary provides daily care for more than 300 animals, placing safety, health, and well-being above all else. Located in Hope, New Jersey, the Sanctuary relies on generous donors and partner organizations to sustain its life-saving work.

This campaign supports a collaborative partnership with the Jada Simone Animal Care & Compassion Program — an initiative dedicated to fostering meaningful connections with animal shelters and sanctuaries while expanding advocacy, protection, and compassionate care for animals everywhere.

Donate in Jada’s Name

Your gift provides life-saving nourishment for over 300 rescued animals and turns compassion into action.

Donate Now

Teen Girl Empowerment Group

Teen Girl Empowerment Group

Empowering Girls Ages 13–17

Our Teen Girl Empowerment Group provides a safe and supportive space for young girls to connect, share, and grow. Designed for ages 13–17, this group encourages open conversations and peer support to build confidence and resilience.

  • Positive Self-Esteem & Confidence
  • Building Healthy Friendships
  • Managing Negative Thoughts
  • Coping Skills for Everyday Stress
  • And many more empowering topics

This group promotes connection, confidence, and emotional wellness in a judgment-free environment. Join us in uplifting the next generation of strong, self-aware young women.

For more info or to register, email GreatJoyCDC@gmail.com

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Our Core Values

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Empowerment

Every person deserves stability, dignity, and a path forward — we walk that journey together.

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Community

We nurture positive mental health and well-being, enhancing the quality of life for all.

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Connection

We value enriching relationships that contribute to the prosperity and interconnectedness of our neighborhoods.

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Integrity

We uphold the highest standards of integrity, fostering trust and respect within the communities we serve.

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Holistic Wellness

We prioritize the mental, physical, and emotional health of every individual, recognizing its role in achieving a flourishing society.