HOLA!
Hello, my name is Jennifer Joseph, although many people know me as “La Madame,” a nickname that was lovingly given to me by fellow leaders. I am 29 years old, originally from Haiti, and I grew up in the Dominican Republic.
I have been serving in Young Life ministry for approximately 12 years, holding different leadership roles, including Club Director and Club Supervisor. Currently, I have the privilege of serving as the Metro Area Director for Santo Domingo West.
In my current role, I work directly with Club Supervisors, supporting them in developing leaders, clubs, and projects that contribute to the growth of the ministry and help reach more young people with the love of Christ.
MY DREAM:
My greatest dream is to establish a community-focused ministry where every person, regardless of age, circumstances, or background, can experience Christ's love in a real and transformative way. My desire is that both young people and adults find in this ministry a place where they are loved, heard, and guided toward a genuine relationship with Jesus.
I dream of a generation of leaders who not only teach the Word of God, but also genuinely love the young people in their communities, walk alongside them in their journeys, and reflect the heart of Christ through their actions. My desire is that our ministry will be a bridge connecting people to Jesus and that, through this encounter, their lives, families, and communities will be transformed for the glory of God.
MY STORY:
My name is Jennifer Joseph. I am 29 years old, born in Haiti and raised in the Dominican Republic. My childhood was difficult. I never knew my father, and the pain he caused my mother deeply strained our relationship. Because of the pain my father caused my mother, our relationship was very difficult for many years. I reminded her of him, and much of her hurt was directed toward me. Although she was physically present, many of my emotional needs were never met. I grew up experiencing rejection, hurtful words, and situations that deeply affected my heart. By age 12, I had to start working to provide for my needs, often working up to 12 hours a day by age 14.
During my teenage years, I made poor choices trying to fill that emptiness. I spent time on the streets, followed the wrong crowd, and began to believe my life had little value. More than once, I considered ending my life to escape the pain. At that time, I did not believe God existed. I wondered how there could be a good God while I was going through so much suffering. My heart was filled with questions, anger, and disappointment. Yet God was already working in my life, even when I could not see Him.
One day, I saw a former classmate fundraising to send youth to a Young Life camp. Interested, I got in touch with the leaders. They came and spoke with my mother and eventually she gave me permission to attend but she made it clear that she would not help pay for the camp. So I began raising money by selling donuts, organizing raffles, and participating in fundraising events. My leader, Ana Iris, played an important role in that process and helped cover part of the cost. Through hard work and the generosity of others, I was able to pay for the rest of the camp. However, the night before camp, my mother suddenly changed her mind and forbade me from going. Having worked so hard to get there, I decided to go anyway.
At camp, everything changed. Through the messages, activities, and love from the leaders, I realized Jesus was not distant—He knew me and loved me. On the final night by the campfire, I accepted Jesus as my Savior. From that moment on, my life was transformed.
Looking back, I see that God was always with me—even sending people to protect me when I tried to end my life. He healed my deep wounds, taught me how to forgive my family, and restored my value. Today, I am a strong and courageous woman—not through my own strength, but by God’s grace. In Jesus, I found the identity I had been searching for all along.
A verse I carry deeply in my heart is Matthew 6:33: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” God added love, purpose, hope, and a new identity to my life. Because of Him, I am who I am today.
MY EDUCATION
DGL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Universidad del Caribe
Bachelors degree in Hotel Management
WHAT IT'S LIKE TO SERVE IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
I have had the privilege of serving with Young Life for many years, and I currently work with students in public schools. Most of the young people we serve are between 13 and 18 — teenagers discovering who they are, searching for identity, acceptance, and purpose.
One of our greatest opportunities is being present in schools, connecting with young people who might never attend a church or Christian event on their own, and building genuine relationships with them. It is also a significant challenge. We work with students from different parts of the community who often don't interact outside of school, and some groups have ongoing conflicts. Many face family problems, lack of parental involvement, low self-esteem, and even teenage pregnancies — circumstances that shape how they relate to others and view their future.
Some communities we serve face deep social challenges, where young people grow up with unmet emotional needs and without the support they need at home. Many seek acceptance elsewhere, trying to become the most respected person in their neighborhood — searching for significance and belonging amid pressure from neighborhood groups, violence, and a lack of positive role models. This makes ministry challenging, but incredibly important.
Not every young person opens up right away — many are reserved or distrustful. One of my greatest challenges is earning the right to be heard: before I can talk to them about Jesus, I need to build a relationship, listen, and show that I genuinely care.
That's where Young Life leaders matter most. Our goal isn't simply to organize activities, but to walk alongside these young people — understanding, loving, supporting, and following up consistently, so they know people believe in them, and to help them discover that their worth comes not from others' opinions, but from who they are in God's eyes.
Another major challenge is taking students to camp. Since some come from communities that conflict with one another, bringing everyone together for several days takes careful planning and supervision, helping them build healthy relationships outside those divisions.
We also face a lack of interest among some students, who tell us it's "a Christian thing" or that they can't afford it. For some, cost is a real obstacle; others simply don't understand the value because they've never experienced something like it. That's why our ministry works hard to raise funds and make camp accessible — giving students the chance to step outside their daily environment, build healthy friendships, hear the message of Jesus, and experience being loved and accepted. Camp has often become the turning point for a young person's transformation.
Despite the challenges, I've seen God transform lives — young people finding hope, making better decisions, and believing in a different future, gradually opening their hearts through genuine relationship and consistent care. That's what motivates me to keep serving: knowing an authentic relationship, combined with the love of Christ, can change the story of a young person and often an entire family. My desire is to keep watching God work in the communities where we serve.
MY FUNDING NEEDS
To cover daily living expenses including housing, food, and transportation, I must raise my salary. Please consider joining my support team so that I can focus on ministry with the teenagers in my neighborhood and expand God's Kingdom in the Dominican Republic.
JOIN MY SUPPORT TEAM
MY INTERESTS
Beyond my involvement with Young Life, I am passionate about cooking and gastronomy. I love experimenting with recipes, exploring culinary traditions, and learning about different cultures through food. Cooking allows me to express creativity, show love, and bring people together.
I also enjoy traveling throughout the Dominican Republic, discovering new places, learning about their history and traditions, and experiencing local food. These experiences broaden my perspective and deepen my appreciation for different cultures.
I genuinely enjoy time alone. Quiet moments allow me to reflect, rest, write, pray, and connect with God. I value this time because it is important to my emotional and spiritual well-being.
I am passionate about personal growth, leadership, and investing in young people. I love hearing people's stories and helping them discover their value and purpose. Seeing someone grow, overcome challenges, and believe in themselves is deeply rewarding.
I value meaningful conversations, genuine relationships, learning, cultural experiences, and sharing meals with people I care about. Honesty, respect, and responsibility are especially important to me.
One of the most meaningful parts of my life has been seeing how God has transformed my story and used my experiences to encourage others. This has taught me that even difficult seasons can become opportunities to bring hope and support to others.
A FAVORITE SCRIPTURE
“On the day I called, You answered me; You increased strength within me.” –Psalm 138:3
This verse is very meaningful to me and especially personal because it reflects how God has sustained and strengthened me during some of the most difficult moments of my life.
When I look back, I can clearly see God’s faithfulness in every step of my journey. My faith is the foundation of who I am and the reason I desire to serve others and share the hope I have found in Christ.
I WOULD LOVE TO TELL YOU MORE ABOUT MY MINISTRY
I would be so grateful for the opportunity to learn more about you and tell you more about my ministry here in the Dominican Republic. Email me or message me so we can connect. You are always welcome to come experience Young Life ministry up close in the DR.
MY STORY
I was born into a Muslim household that followed Allah without any questions until my older sister received Christ and become a Christian. Our parents followed in the faith. Ever since my life has not been the same because Jesus is at the center of it now. I'm an ordained minister of the Gospel in my church. Now a Developing Global Leader, I am combining my gifts and passions and pursuing a degree in graphic design and video editing at Milton Margai Technical University.
My greatest strength is my ability to motivate and help the younger generation by bringing out the best in them. My vision is to remain actively involved in the next generation through Young Life and give counsel and help as they identify their own talents.
MY MINISTRY FOCUS
I work in a community where many teenagers have to work to support their families as street vendors, on farms, or low-paying informal jobs. Teenage pregnancies, early marriages, and the need to support family income often force teens—particularly girls—out of school. Crime, drug abuse, and gangs are a common threat.
That's why Young Life is such an important part of this community. We give kids opportunities for healthy friendships, fun activities, positive role models and, most of all, the chance to hear the gospel and grow in faith.
I currently lead two clubs, one in the city center and the other one that is just starting in a nearby neighborhood. Our focus is on high school kids and we are training leaders to open a Wyldlife club in the next six months.
MY PRAYER REQUESTS
• More volunteer leaders for the Waterloo club. We are expanding and reaching younger kids so we want to start a Wyldlife Club in that community but we do not have enough leaders to do it well.
• Upcoming camp - that we would be able to have dependable transportation there and that many kids hear and respond to the Gospel.
• For God's favor on my family – improved health for my mom. My sister is finishing secondary school and dreams of going to university. We are praying that she will receive a scholarship.
YL MINISTRY IMPACT IN NORWAY
LEARN MORE ABOUT DEVELOPING GLOBAL LEADERS
Through sponsorship, Young Life's Developing Global Leaders (DGL) Program offers Young Life leaders in the world's poorest developing countries a pathway to a future they never thought possible – the opportunity to attend university in their own country and impact their community with the Gospel. $250 per month is all it takes. LEARN MORE