OUR STORY
WHAT'S IN A NAME
The Jericho Foundation, founded by Joanna Shields, is rooted in the timeless principle taught by her parents: "There is always room for one more at the table." Her parents demonstrated this spirit of inclusivity and hospitality by hosting international students from 11 countries, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
In choosing the name for the foundation, Joanna sought to pay homage to her parents while answering a divine calling to support youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina. "Jericho" holds profound significance as the name of a field on the centennial farm where Joanna grew up, symbolizing her heritage spanning over a century.
Additionally, the name "Jericho" invokes the biblical tale of the Good Samaritan, which underscores the importance of loving one's neighbor as oneself. This narrative inspired Joanna to establish the Holistic Scholarship program under the Jericho Foundation. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive support addressing its scholarship recipients' academic, financial, emotional, and mental well-being, reflecting the foundation's commitment to holistic development and care.
The Jericho Foundation aims to uplift and empower individuals, embracing love, inclusivity, and community values. It reflects Joanna Shields' dedication to honoring her heritage, heeding a divine calling, and nurturing a culture of compassion and support for youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia-Herzegovina has not yet recovered economically and politically from the brutal civil war, and families that thrived before the war have not yet been able to regain emotional and financial stability, remaining trapped in a cycle of poverty and post-traumatic stress. Ethnic tensions continue, limiting job opportunities, social interactions, and community involvement that force families to navigate complex ethnic barriers built before them. The resulting high unemployment means families remain trapped in a cycle of poverty and post-traumatic stress, and the only path out is through higher education.
We know education is the answer that will empower the youth of BiH to change these stories. Each person obtaining a degree has opportunities to build a new reality for themselves, their families, their communities, and the entire nation. They have stronger access to necessities such as food, housing, and healthcare, all of which create more robust and more stable home environments for every generation in their families.
However, the path remains challenging with few scholarships or student loan options. This is where Jericho steps in to create opportunities where there are none and impacts the region, one student at a time. We provide scholarships to an ethnically and religiously diverse group, helping build bridges that overcome ethnic barriers. Empowering these marginalized youth provides opportunities to promote unity and diversity.
THE BEGINNING
My sister-in-law and I discussed the news coverage of the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) with an aching heart for the horrible atrocities against women and children. We often ask ourselves, "Why isn't anyone doing something to help?" One day, the conversation shifted; my sister-in-law told me she had decided to travel to BiH and aid those who had been forgotten. In my heart, I knew the country needed help; I didn't know the help would come from someone I cared about.
Collette traveled to BiH and served the country with a gracious heart, but in 1993, everything changed. Collette was inside a building that was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade and became the first American aid worker killed. In an instant, a war halfway across the world suddenly felt like it was in my backyard. Seeking closure, I traveled to Croatia in 1995 with a team to counsel women who had been victims of ethnic cleansing. While visiting a Bosnian refugee camp, I connected with a mother and her 9-year-old daughter, Melisa. With Melisa translating, I was invited into their home (a small room). We talked about our children over a strong cup of Bosnian coffee, and a deep bond began forming. When it was time to say goodbye, I was touched by Melisa's parting request, "Please don't forget me." Those four simple words penetrated my heart and remained in my thoughts daily. As a busy wife and mother, I asked myself how I would make room in my life to never forget this young girl and her family.
For the next four years, Melisa and I exchanged letters. As Melisa learned English, single paragraphs developed into pages of heartfelt stories, building an unforgettable relationship. I shared about my life raising four children, the kids' sports, and going to Lake Michigan, all while praying for Melisa and her family. Melisa shared about the war ending, the refugee camp closing, and finding a small home to live in after discovering the destruction of their village. I was sure that life was good for Melisa and her family. I felt at peace; I had fulfilled my commitment.
In 1999, I had the opportunity to travel to Vukovar, Croatia, which is a short three hours away from Melisa and her family. I was excited to witness what I hoped was the comfortable life they had rebuilt after the war; what I saw changed my life forever. Melisa's village was destroyed; her family had been forced to call the leftover remnants of a post-war structure their new home. I knew I had to do something beyond writing letters; I wanted to help Melisa and her family find hope in what seemed like a hopeless situation. Through refuge sought in prayer, God revealed His answer. Melisa had a strong desire to not only help her family but also contribute to the rebuilding of her country. Education was necessary, but no scholarships and student loans were available to students in the country. In addition, living hours away from a university made her dream seem impossible despite her academic talent. In 2000, the Jericho Foundation was formed to fulfill a little girl's simple request, "please don't forget me."
Today, the Jericho Foundation rallies monthly donors to come alongside the youth and change their legacy. Jericho raises thousands of dollars annually to bring tangible hope to the oppressed people of BiH. Lives are changed through our programs, highlighting holistic care, opportunities, personal relationships, and education. Through these pursuits, Jericho is helping this war-torn country rebuild itself one student at a time.
WHERE WERE AT TODAY
Today, the Jericho Foundation rallies monthly donors to come alongside the youth and change their legacy. Jericho raises thousands of dollars annually to bring tangible hope to the oppressed people of BiH. Lives are changed through our programs, highlighting holistic care, opportunities, personal relationships, and education. Through these pursuits, Jericho is helping this war-torn country rebuild itself one student at a time.