JHS students present donation to Rapha House

JOPLIN, Mo. – Student members of the Joplin High School Philanthropic Society earlier this week presented a check for $15,000 to Rapha International in support of the non-profit organization’s efforts to provide aftercare for survivors of human trafficking, exploitation, and abuse.

JHS Philanthropic Society students worked during the 2022-23 school year on several fundraising projects to reach their goal, including:Powder Puff and Powder Buff games, plus two trivia nights.

The group was formed in conjunction with the Joplin Regional Community Foundation’s Philanthropic Society (The Phil), which encourages local students to begin a lifetime of giving through their student-centered Launch program. The club is student led, and is currently sponsored by JHS principal Dr. Stephen Gilbreth.

For this donation, student members considered local organizations in need of funding assistance before choosing Rapha International.

The group plans to continue their fundraising efforts in the coming school year, as more students join and offer input on how best to serve their community. Joplin High School principal Dr. Stephen Gilbreth noted that student members’ efforts were impressively focused all year long.

“I’m so proud of what these kids have accomplished this year,” Dr. Gilbreth said. “It takes a level of commitment and dedication to oversee so many fundraising opportunities, to plan and execute them, and to do it all for the benefit of others in the community. These students have gone above and beyond, and they really understand the importance of giving back.”

Rapha International is an international nonprofit organization based in Joplin. In addition to aftercare services, the organization also provides family preservation programs in communities that are vulnerable to being targeted for trafficking and sexual exploitation purposes.