History

2008
Joy Russell, founder of JoyMarie’s, became a foster parent with the hope of eventually adopting a child through the foster care system. As a foster parent Joy learned that children may arrive with no clothing, clothing that does not fit, or clothing that is soiled. The children transition into a new family, home, bedroom, and school - all at once - and their needs include clothes, shoes, a toothbrush and toiletries, school supplies, diapers, or age-appropriate toys. The out of the pocket expense to meet these basic needs is extensive and foster parents can wait 6-8 weeks before receiving any funding. Friends and family graciously donated items to the Russell family including: crib mattresses, car seats, clothing, and shoes. 

2009
Joy realized the importance of providing nice clothes that fit for kids in need and began her journey to create JoyMarie's.  Her Girl Scout troop helped collect and organize clothing and together they created a small storefront at the Russell’s ranch home in Colorado.  They served numerous families and continued to build the store. 

2010
The end of 2010 was a turning point for JoyMarie's. Just as the adoption was final of the Russell's foster to adopt princess, Samantha, which allowed Joy moves on from foster parenting to focus her efforts on JoyMarie's, a large donation of two warehouses full of clothing and shoes was donated to JoyMarie's. With a full inventory, it was time to take that leap of faith and experience fabulous growth as JoyMarie's became a full-time service for children in foster care in and around Colorado Springs, Colorado.

2011
As an established non-profit JoyMarie's is searching for a permanent, donated, commercial space located in Northern Colorado Spring's.