Message From the President

My name is Joshua Williams, and I am an agent of change. 

I founded Joshua’s Heart Foundation (JHF) almost 16 years ago, when I was 4 years old. I had a vision to change the world—by Stomping out Hunger. 

That vision has come to fruition over the years, but also evolved and grew. What started with a vision focused solely on stomping out world hunger has expanded as I have become more aware of the needs for clean water, shelter, and education—all global issues that we must resolve. 

Before I started Joshua’s Heart, I searched for a youth-powered organization to join, but instead found limited options; many organizations require a minimum age of 16 or 18 to become involved. 

So, when I incorporated Joshua’s Heart into a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, I made sure there there were no age restrictions on volunteers! One of our core values is empowering youth to assume leadership roles with Joshua’s Heart; powering the engine that drives the organization. So, as long as you had a desire to change the world, you could join us. 

Joshua’s Heart Foundation counts more than 50,000 youth and 4,000 adults among its volunteers. The development of the Junior Advisory Board (JAB) and its continued success has strengthened youth leadership in the organization, and the future of Joshua’s Heart. The JAB members are charged with developing programs to help fulfill the mission, while being role models for young people in their own communities and beyond. 

In addition to providing items of basic necessity, such as food and other personal items to those in need, Joshua’s Heart volunteers also engage with and educate community members about ways to fight hunger and poverty. 

To date, Joshua’s Heart Foundation has distributed more than 4.8 million pounds of food, served more than 4.9 million meals, raised over $3 million and assisted more than 600,000 individuals—all while teaching many food recipients how to prepare healthier meals. 

Someone once shared this quote by Myles Monroe with me: 

“True leaders don’t invest in buildings. Jesus never built a building. They invest in people. Why? Because success without a successor is failure. So, your legacy should not be in buildings, programs, or projects; your legacy must be in people.” 

Reflecting on JHF’s growth over the past 13 years has helped me to establish a new mission statement for the foundation. This is a statement that maintains the core values of the organization, while promoting the new paths to which we are committed. 

“To inspire and empower youth to tackle global issues and change the world through kindness, teamwork, and determination.” 

I also must thank God for showing me one of my passions. He allowed me to be able to help others and to learn the value of giving. Everything I am and everything I have experienced is because of God’s will and his plan for me. Every day I wake up I’m grateful to be in the position that I am in. 

Thank you,