Children and families recovering from burn trauma now have a welcoming and non-clinical space to play while they heal thanks to a partnership between Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union (Affinity Plus) and its member, Joy Collaborative. The two organizations collaborated on a new “Joy Room,” located in the Firefighters for Healing Transitional Healing Center, which opened in January 2023 to support and house burn survivors and their families while receiving treatment from Hennepin County Medical Center. 

“Children in the Transitional Healing Center are often navigating life-altering injuries to either themselves or a direct family member, which is both physically and emotionally stressful and can require treatment that lasts months or years,” said Adam Layne, senior community engagement specialist for Affinity Plus. “This room is a safe, ‘no needle’ space where children can escape from that stress to just play, relax and have fun. We’re so proud to sponsor this room as part of our ongoing support of Firefighters for Healing and Joy Collaborative.” 

The room was designed and built by Joy Collaborative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating comfortable and independent environments for children with life-limiting conditions. Today, there are 13 completed or upcoming Joy Rooms across Minnesota, accessible to over 5,000 children through public spaces and facilities, with a goal to reach 30 by the end of 2025. The Transitional Healing Center Joy Room was designed by Tamatha Miller, designer at Elea Healy, who as a burn survivor herself, could relate to needing a safe, non-medical space to rest and recover.

“Having non-clinical spaces for kids to hang out can really help the emotional healing process,” said Mark Ostrom, founder of Joy Collaborative. “We’re grateful that Affinity Plus saw the value and believed in that vision, and helped us turn this room into a space that promotes comfort and healing.”

The room seamlessly blends firefighter and camp themes, to represent Camp RED, a free summer camp for children impacted by traumatic burns, organized by Firefighters for Healing. Design elements include a vibrant dalmatian mural, playful animal print fabrics and a ceiling that lights up to look like a canopy of treetops. The space also has a practical fold-down desk with coloring books and lots of photographs and memorabilia capturing memories from Camp RED.

“We want kids who have survived traumatic burns to know that they’re not alone. There is a whole community that understands what they’re going through and is ready to support them in their healing journey,” said Jake LaFerriere, founder of Firefighters for Healing. “This room really helps promote that community in a beautiful way.” 

To learn more about Affinity Plus and Joy Collaborative, please visit Affinityplus.org/who-we-are/.