Our Story.
Our Purpose.
Our Community.
For more than two decades, Project Joy has been empowering youth and families across the Antelope Valley through programs that inspire, educate, and uplift.
WHO WE ARE
Empowering Youth. Strengthening Families. Building a Brighter Antelope Valley.
Project Joy was founded Valentine’s Day 2014 and inspired by 9-year-old Joy who wanted to help a peer and her family who appeared to be homeless. Our first organized event was a TNT (Teddies N Toiletries) Drive at Joy’s elementary school in partnership with PTA. Over 300 stuffed animals were collected and distributed to area homeless shelters for Valentine’s day parties to spread love to youth.
Project Joy is nationally certified by NCDA as a Certified Career Services Provider; certified domestic violence/sexual assault advocate; member of the FDIC Money Smart alliance for instruction and use of evidence-based curriculum in Financial Literacy for all ages.
OUR IMPACT IN ACTION
Project Joy helped me find my voice and believe in my future. The mentors, programs, and support made all the difference in my life.
– Alondra, Youth Participant
MEET OUR FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Kim Watson
Kim Watson is the Founder and Executive Director of Project Joy, where she has dedicated her career to empowering youth and strengthening families through education, mentorship, and life-changing opportunities. Guided by a deep passion for community impact, Kim is committed to equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, confidence, and resources they need to build fulfilling careers and successful futures.
Through Project Joy, she inspires youth to dream beyond their circumstances, discover their purpose, and pursue their goals with courage and determination. Under her leadership, the organization has become a trusted resource for youth development, offering programs that promote academic achievement, career readiness, financial literacy, leadership development, parenting education, and family support.
Kim believes that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive when given the right encouragement, guidance, and access to resources. Her vision continues to drive Project Joy’s mission of empowering youth and families, creating stronger communities, and helping the next generation realize their full potential.