Joieful Connections; LLC

04/30/2026

You're Invited to Joieful Connections 4th Annual Prom: Starlight Glow Prom!

Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with connection, inclusivity, and glowing memories under the stars.

Saturday, May 9th
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
685 Court St NE, Salem, OR

We can’t wait to celebrate together in a joieful, welcoming space designed for everyone to shine!

Please RSVP by May 1st at 5:00 PM to secure your spot:
https://forms.gle/wFBW3kRnNzcy3SA19
Please share this event with anyone who would be interested in attending (ages 14 and older)!

Let’s make it a night to remember—see you there!

04/14/2026

You're Invited to Joieful Connections 4th Annual Prom: Starlight Glow Prom!

Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with connection, inclusivity, and glowing memories under the stars.

Saturday, May 9th
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
685 Court St NE, Salem, OR

We can’t wait to celebrate together in a joieful, welcoming space designed for everyone to shine!

Please RSVP byMay 1st at 5:00 PM to secure your spot:
https://forms.gle/wFBW3kRnNzcy3SA19
Please share this event with anyone who would be interested in attending (ages 14 and older)!

Let’s make it a night to remember—see you there!

04/04/2026

Our last 2025 $5000 Scholarship winner is going to make a big impact in this world and we are so grateful to be able to help even just a little bit. Here's what he had to say.
Hello Joieful Connections,

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for selecting me as a recipient of the Joieful Connections Scholarship. It means so much to me to be recognized by an organization that believes so deeply in the potential of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Receiving this scholarship significantly eases my financial concerns as I take my next steps toward higher education. Your support allows me to focus my energy on my studies and ambitions, rather than on financial limitations.

From being expelled from preschool to serving on advisory boards, competing in mathematics, interning in engineering, and maintaining a strong academic record, my journey has been one of overcoming expectations that others tried to set for me. Education has empowered me to create my own path.

As a person with Autism, I have long been inspired by Temple Grandin who leveraged her visual thinking to redesign livestock handling systems. I would love to follow her example and utilize my unique gifts as an agricultural robotics engineer to help farmers apply technology to increase yields and continue to feed the growing population.

This scholarship is another step in my journey. Your dedication to creating opportunities for students of all abilities is both inspiring and uplifting. The belief you have in students like me drives us to push boundaries and reach new heights.

I’m truly grateful for your generosity and encouragement. I look forward to the future with hope and determination, and I hope to one day support others as you have supported me.

Thank you,
Roy

04/03/2026

Once again I want to celebrat our 4th 2025 Joieful Connections $5000 scholarship winner. Here is what he had to say about winning the $5000 scholarship.
Hello Joieful Connections,

I'm truly grateful to be chosen as a recipient of the Joieful Connections Scholarship. It means so much to me to be recognized and supported by an organization that believes so strongly in the potential of students of all abilities. Your support goes a long way for students like me, helping to remove barriers and making my dream of attending college a real possibility.

As a Jamaican-American student who is Deaf and hard of hearing, I've faced challenges, but I've always strived to excel in both academics and athletics. Running track—especially the 300 meter hurdles and 4x4 relay—has taught me perseverance and resilience. Maintaining a strong GPA while balancing my love for sports has shown me what I'm capable of, and this scholarship is another affirmation that my efforts are worthwhile.

Your commitment to helping high school seniors with intellectual and developmental disabilities pursue higher education is truly inspiring. Knowing that organizations like Joieful Connections are invested in students' futures motivates me to keep pushing forward, not just for myself but for others who look up to me.

Thank you for believing in my potential and for making it possible for me to take the next step in my education. I hope one day to help open doors for others just as you have done for me.

Thank you,
Stephen

04/02/2026

Let's celebrate the 3rd winner of the 2025 $5000 scholarships. Here's what Brynley had to say about winning!
Hello Joieful Connections,

I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for being selected as a recipient of the Joieful Connections Scholarship. Being chosen for this award fills me with gratitude and pride, as it represents a meaningful step forward in my academic journey.

Your support lifts a significant weight from my shoulders, making it possible for me to continue my education and focus on my coursework as I transition from high school to college. This opportunity allows me to fully engage in my studies and pursue my passion for neuroscience without the added worry of financial constraints.

As a 16-year-old high school senior and IB Diploma candidate, I am deeply invested in supporting the neurodiverse community. Through my work as an Autistic Mentor at Children’s Hospital Colorado, I strive to empower other autistic children and spread awareness about neurodevelopmental disabilities. My ultimate goal is to contribute to research that improves understanding and support for autistic individuals everywhere. This scholarship brings me one step closer to making that vision a reality.

Knowing that Joieful Connections is committed to ensuring equitable access to higher education for students of all abilities truly inspires me. Your dedication to uplifting those with intellectual and developmental disabilities gives me hope and motivates me to keep giving back to my community.

I am sincerely grateful for your generosity and belief in my potential, and I look forward to making the most of this incredible opportunity.

Thank you,
Brynley

03/23/2026

Today I'd like to celebrate the 2nd winner of the 2025 $5000 scholarship. Let's read this note from Winner.

Dear Joieful Connections,

I'm truly grateful for being selected as a recipient of the Joieful Connections Scholarship. Receiving this award means so much to me and my family, not only does it provide crucial support as I start my college journey, but it also reaffirms that I will work very hard due to your support.

Because of your generosity, I can focus on my studies in law and government without the heavy worry of financial barriers. This support will help me build the analytical and ethical skills I need to succeed and ultimately use my education to advocate for others. My own experiences navigating medical challenges have shaped my desire to become a disability rights lawyer, standing up for people whose abilities are often misunderstood or overlooked. I also hope to serve our country in the FBI, investigating those who threaten safety and justice in our communities. This scholarship is a vital step toward making these ambitions a reality.

Your belief that every individual deserves access to higher education, regardless of ability, is truly inspiring. Knowing that organizations like Joieful Connections are working to open doors for students like me motivates me even more to give back and support others on their journeys.

Thank you sincerely for your kindness and the opportunities you’ve made possible for me. I’m excited to work hard, make a difference, and one day help empower others in the same way.

Thank you,
Beau Epperly

03/21/2026

In the last 3 years Joieful Connections has given more than $70,000 in scholarships to high school seniors who want to pursue higher education. These scholarships are open to individuals of all abilities throughout the United States.

Students submit an essay telling us what they want to pursue in higher education and how they will make an impact in their community. This year we have once again awarded 5 students with $5000 scholarships each.

Over the next week we will share their responses to being awarded the Joieful Connections Scholarship.

Let's start with our first winner right here from Oregon! Javi we absolutely believe you will create inclusion and accessibility to people of all abilities by bring ASL to your community! Congratulations!!

03/20/2026

Joieful is sending not one but TWO Mission Makers on Trips to Las Vegas!!! We want to say congratulations to all of our 2025 Mission Makers. Thank you for making our mission come to life through your hard work, dedication, and support. A special congrats to our winners.

2025 Mission Maker Trip Winners!!

OneDay - 2025 Mission Maker Trip Winners!! - Video by Jill Chuculate Welch

03/19/2026

Joieful Connections was nominated for Best of the Willamette Valley!! Vote Daily for us in the Health & Beauty Category: Home Care AND in the Services Category: Women-owned business!