Mission
To equip believers of all ages to share the love and joy of Jesus with nursing home residents, glorifying Him as every nursing home is filled with His joy.
Vision
Every nursing home overflowing with the love, hope, and joy of Jesus.
A Letter from Our Founder
It was the summer of 1995 that I decided to try something a little different with my children. As I thought of those in Care Facilities, I thought this is what Jesus was speaking of when He said, “So now I am giving you a new commandment; Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.”
We decided to put on a play for our local Care Facility and asked neighborhood friends and family to join us. God blessed it! Each year we were met with many requests from the Care Facilities and children to “do it again!” This became a tradition in the summer.
After the plays my children soon went off to college, and I thought that chapter was over. However, I thought often about the joy we experienced. The seeds of joy had been deeply planted in my heart and left me hungering for more. In 2007, we decided to do the plays again. We gathered together some kids from our church and went to several Care Facilities. It happened just as it did before; the joy was amazing and contagious!
Something special between the young and older generations was happening. This experience has helped my faith grow, and I have witnessed the faith in younger ones soar to heights that amazed me. I have seen the elder generations' burdens lifted, smiles brighten their days, and voices lifted up in singing. Only God.
The decision to follow God and show up has turned out to be one of the best decisions I have made. Spreading Contagious Joy has been life changing for my family and me, and also for so many churches, families, and children who have taken part in the Contagious Joy program.
We decided to put on a play for our local Care Facility and asked neighborhood friends and family to join us. God blessed it! Each year we were met with many requests from the Care Facilities and children to “do it again!” This became a tradition in the summer.
After the plays my children soon went off to college, and I thought that chapter was over. However, I thought often about the joy we experienced. The seeds of joy had been deeply planted in my heart and left me hungering for more. In 2007, we decided to do the plays again. We gathered together some kids from our church and went to several Care Facilities. It happened just as it did before; the joy was amazing and contagious!
Something special between the young and older generations was happening. This experience has helped my faith grow, and I have witnessed the faith in younger ones soar to heights that amazed me. I have seen the elder generations' burdens lifted, smiles brighten their days, and voices lifted up in singing. Only God.
The decision to follow God and show up has turned out to be one of the best decisions I have made. Spreading Contagious Joy has been life changing for my family and me, and also for so many churches, families, and children who have taken part in the Contagious Joy program.
Many Blessings, Leica Nissen, Founder of Contagious Joy
Our Journey
1995
First play at a local Care Facility
1997
Care Facilities request return visits
2001
Summer tradition grows with neighborhood children
2008
Ministry revival — plays resume with church youth
2010
Expanding reach to multiple Care Facilities
2012
Growing community of young performers
2016
Contagious Joy expands across the region
2019
New church partnerships and outreach
2021
Adapting ministry through COVID-19
2022
Returning to in-person Care Facility visits
2023
New generation joins the mission
2024
Celebrating nearly 30 years of connecting generations
Testimonials
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Contagious Joy is all about doing something so special to help someone, while making them smile. It is something so simple, but it can change the world. Watching God connect these two generations with warmth and laughter while accomplishing His purposes was truly a joy!
B.C. Blemaster Contagious Joy Board Member
“
Being part of Contagious Joy was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. During rehearsals, we read Scripture and grew closer to God — and it was through this ministry that I received Jesus as my Savior. Having fun, growing closer to friends in faith, and bringing smiles and joy to residents was incredibly meaningful. Contagious Joy truly shares the love of Jesus while brightening lives.
Vince Amato Neighbor
“
Contagious Joy = trust in God and find happiness in your faith. It all started when my Aunt was in an assisted living home where she was not happy. Contagious Joy came in and did a play then everything changed. Her outlook became brighter, and her spirits were lifted. It was as if Contagious Joy had sparked her faith.
Jeanmarie Stiles Margie's Niece
Join the Joy
Whether you're a family, church group, individual or nursing home there's a place for you in the Contagious Joy community. Come discover the blessing of connecting generations through the love of Jesus.