Junior Joy Team offers support after workplace shootings

Hough — The Junior Joy Team shared messages of support with the employees affected by two workplace shootings earlier this month. In the days following the back-to-back shootings, the Vancouver nonprofit group delivered 125 packages of cards and candy to Benjamin Moore Paint and the U.S. Veterans Affairs office in Vancouver. The shootings occurred on Feb. 3 and 4, respectively. The cards included messages such as “You are not alone,” “Everything will be OK” and “Believe there is good in the world.” Junior Joy Team founder Michele Larsen said that she emailed parents of the group’s members and told them about the news and her idea to comfort those affected by the tragedies. “Parents could decide if they wanted to have those conversations with their kids,” she said. “It’s nice to have something in the community that helps to raise their spirits when something tragic strikes.” Junior Joy Team board members and a Portland artist also contributed cards. Larsen delivered the packages Feb. 10. The Junior Joy Team and the Hough Elementary Leadership Team also delivered Valentine’s Day “Happy Packets” to postal workers in Vancouver earlier this month.