A Message from Our Executive Director
At Joey’s Journeys, we’ve seen how family volunteering transforms ordinary trips into extraordinary adventures. When families work together to serve others—like during our inclusive beach cleanups or community outreach missions—it strengthens their bond, fosters empathy, and helps advance our mission of barrier-free travel.
Family volunteering doesn’t just support our mission—it amplifies it. It turns vacations into life‑changing experiences for both volunteers and the communities they serve. As one empathy advocate famously said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
Why Volunteering as a Family Matters
Family volunteering is more than a noble act—it’s an opportunity for connection, empathy, and growth across generations.
- Studies from the American Psychological Association show volunteering improves emotional health and reduces stress.
- Research from NCVO reveals that 88% of volunteers report improved wellbeing.
For kids, it builds confidence, teamwork, and gratitude. For parents, it offers meaningful time together. And when families from diverse backgrounds—including those with disabilities—join in service, the impact of inclusive travel is deeply felt.
Where to Begin: Joey’s Journeys Resources
Embark on your family’s volunteer journey with our key resources:
- 🔗 Travel with Purpose — Explore family volunteering trips from local initiatives to international outreach joeysjourneys.org.
- 🔗 Inclusive Travel & Recreation Partners — Meet our trusted partners who make travel accessible to all joeysjourneys.org.
These pages help you take your first step, whether you’re starting nearby or traveling abroad.
Stories from the Field
“My kids still talk about that beach cleanup. We felt like a team doing something important.” — Angela D., volunteer parent
Last year, families at Joey’s Journeys contributed over 3,000 volunteer hours across 12 inclusive travel missions, supporting partner organizations, cleaning natural spaces, and creating connections that uplifted entire communities.
Step‑by‑Step Guide to Family Volunteering
1. Identify your family’s passions
Choose a focus—nature, education, accessibility, or animal care.
2. Start locally or join us abroad
Begin with nearby opportunities or explore one of Joey’s Journeys international missions.
3. Involve kids in planning and reflection
Let them help choose activities, set goals, and reflect afterward.
4. Choose inclusive partners
Use our Inclusive Partners page to connect with organizations committed to accessibility.
Learn more & get involved via our Travel with Purpose page
Share & Connect
Share your volunteer moments with our global community!
- Post photos or videos with these hashtags: #FamilyVolunteering #InclusiveTravel #JoeysJourneys #VolunteerTogether
- Tag Joey’s Journeys on Instagram or TikTok—we love uplifting, authentic stories!
- Check out our Helpful Apps for Special Needs for tools that enhance inclusive volunteering joeysjourneys.org.
Why Your Support Matters
Each volunteering family helps grow a movement of inclusive travel, shared service, and lasting memories.
- Donate now to support accessible volunteering.
- Introduce us to schools, friends, and organizations committed to inclusion.
- Join our community comments through volunteering, partnership, or sharing family stories.
Call to Action
Supporting Joey’s Journeys helps:
- Fund accessible volunteer experiences.
- Expand our network of inclusive families.
- Amplify transformative travel stories.
Please donate, share this post, and join our family of impact‑driven travelers. Together, we make journeys joyful and meaningful—for every body and every mind.
